michael mott

I was recently commissioned to restore to "Original Condition" A 1:100 model of the steamship Albertic. The model was knocked over and sustained considerable damage to the port side lifeboat deck Funnels and railings along with vents and all sorts of lines and wire stays. I have made extensive photographs of the condition as I received it, and have begun recording the removal of the damaged parts that were still attached, A few surprises that were not evident when I viewed it at the clients premises have come to light. I cobbled together a quick trolley so that I can move the model around, I will make a lightweight dust cover to keep the dust off the model. I will no doubt be calling on the expertise of the membership for advice as I move forward. As tragic as the damage is I am hoping that this will be a good experience and that I rise to the occasion with a smile as things become repaired. here are a few pictures to show the extent of my task. Builders Name plate Port side sustained the most damage Starboard side suffered mostly inertial damage The funnels took a beating because they are heavy and brass A lot of loose parts were piled on the deck in front of the bridge The stern end of the port lifeboat deck is badly bent and twisted The stairs didn't fair too well either Below the port lifeboat deck is the most damage on the hull I am really hoping that this area can be reworked without having to repaint the entire side, we will see? A box of the loose pieces now lifted off the ship Ouch This will keep me busy over the next couple of three months. As I was removing all the big loose parts I was noticing how much of the fine lines and wire cables have also been damaged. many of the parts were attached with micro brass pins, all the lifeboat davits for instance. Michael

Very nice work Aviaamator, the precision of your treenails is admirable. Nice also to see your son helping, such a great experience for him. I hope your health is improving well. Michael

Keith very nice work indeed the hull is looking superb. Michael

Thanks for you quick answer Chuck. OK I looked up Albion tubes Are these the tubes you are referring to? and that of course leads to the next question what type are the ones you have used because your results speak for themselves. Michael

Hi glen that makes sense, It also occurred to me that you can also thin the inside edge before rolling so that the entire length of the seam looks thinner as if you had used a thinner material for the tube, while maintaining the serviceability of the thicker material. Michael

Hi Chuck, Very nice work on the bowsprit rigging. Regarding your method of making the thimbles, did you use the tube straight from the raw stock, or did you anneal the brass sections before you used the punch to shape them? I am assuming that you did not anneal them from the colour but just looking for a confirmation. It occurred to me that one can shape the punch so that it acts as a self regulating one by varying the length of the tip so that you cannot over do it, just musing about the possibilities of making consistent multiples of various sized thimbles, triggered by looking at those you made. Michael

Hi Glenn I have been off line a while myself and am also in catch up mode, Nice work on the chimney, ouch on the situation of having to do the rework on the paddle wheel. I am curious about the thickness of the chimney though, It seems to be a little thick would the actual chimney have been 1/4 inch thick? or did you choose that thickness for a different reason? Michael

Hi Jond, an enjoyable journey. I am glad to see that i am not the only one who works in odd fits and starts. It is also encouraging to see how you were able to persevere and get to the place you are now at with the Bluenose. There is a great satisfaction working at a large model for the reason you mention about getting your fingers into the work. It also require a different mindset because you can't hide anything. I will be following along. Michael

Nice work Mark, you must be looking forward to getting her out of that straight jacket. Michael

Hi Denis just catching up a bit, nice progress on the ship, curious about the gears in the one pic, what is your source for them? Michael

Hi Druxey, yes the owners insurance will cover the cost of repair work, it will also give me the opportunity to make a couple of modifications to the area where the mast and coaming go over the fore-deck. It just was not something I was planning for the early spring. The boat is now cocooned for the winter under tarps. Michael

Doing a little catching up Ed. As always it is such a good thing to visit your build. A nice touch on the milled cleats, and also the pins in the tiny shackles. The thing that always gets me is how clean you manage to keep everything looking. Wonderful workmanship. Michael

Lovely work Nils. The focus and attention you put into your work is enviable. Michael

Hi Don, I struggled getting info about the engine, This website Has some useful info, it took a little digging but there is a lot there. Regarding the builders of the era you mention, again I had spent a great deal of time searching The wooden boat forum was a good resource. Lawrence, thanks for your compliments, I'm down with a flu like cold right now and managed to get my big boat out last Sunday, after a San Juan 28 mast crashed onto the fore-deck punching a hole and smashing the mahogany Coaming....my sailing season ended with a bang as they say. It looks like we will be here for another winter, so I hope to get some time in the shop again soon, I have a project coming up that involves a restoration, it will give me a little pocket money and I will start a log of it when I pick it up next week. Now back to bed. Michael

Daves thank you for your comments, I wonder if a simple chart that could be pinned at the top of this section would be a good thing. with your experience it might save many of us a lot of time. michael

Ya know y' just can't go buildin' 'em that quick! There was not enough time to savour the steps over a few weeks. Lovely boat and equally lovely model. Michael

Keith a beautiful job on the foot. I also liked the clear step by step sequence of photographs of your construction method. I was surprised that such a large piece of bronze or brass was used on the original. Michael

I will be following along as you get the wood together. Michael

Sam the brass pieces are part of the cylinder head that form the section that the spark plug threads into this cross section shows the brass insert the comment that the spark plug is integrated is wrong. The steel plug threads into the brass one which is part of the head. Druxey yes the Corian is an insulator I have tested the plug using a Piezoelectric current it sparks very well across the core to the case at the business end of the plug. Moxis there is a comprehensive description of the engine here Michael

I used some Corian for the spark plugs on the engine for Skipjack I found that it turned well enough, Perhaps small cannons could be shaped after a hole is bored first then a steel or brass rod inserted to aid in supporting before shaping the external profile. michael

The mahogany does look rather spiffy on the hull keith, and interesting solution for the tapering of the planks. Michael

Great progress since I last checked in Glenn. It just occurred to me that this is basically a three dimensional history text, following the adage "that a picture is worth a thousand words" There must be a great deal of satisfaction in piecing together a story about the detail of vessel from a few remains. Michael

Hi Bob and Lawrence, Thanks for your thoughts and concern. With so many different avenues of interest I sometimes feel a little divided, Almost like a lack of focus. I can focus intensely for a period on one project, then get sidetracked and follow its course before remembering something on the original project, and so go back to it and the cycles repeat, and so it goes. If only there were 48 hours in each day.... Then there is house maintenance, and visiting, the afternoon nap... you understand. Michael

Russ, Albert, Patrick, and Kees thanks for your kind words, i have been busy this summer sailing my yawl on the lake, working on some watercolours and other summer related activities. I will be back on the model soon enough. Michael

Congratulations on the book Druxey a fine compliment to the exquisite model which was not only a joy to watch develop but educational as well. Michael