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shipman

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Everything posted by shipman

  1. shipman
    Bruce, now we are getting the dubious benefits that Brexit rewards us with. I gather any and all imports are being slammed with arbitrary customs and handling charges.
  2. shipman
    Out of curiosity.......was there a standard width of thwarts?
  3. shipman
    see point 62: "Masts and Spars white last coat zinc". 'Zinc white. A bright, white pigment composed of Zinc oxide. Zinc white is permanent, opaque, and nontoxic. It was known as a white compound since the Middle Ages but was rarely used as a pigment until 1834' That goes with the Willis philosophy of specifying nothing but the best. Zinc white would have been 'state of the art' for him.
  4. shipman
    I reckon a lot of this hobby is a form of therapy. Sharing our thoughts and accomplishments is group therapy. It's ok to be kind to ones self and to others. Mostly 🤪
  5. shipman
    Cirdan, taking the Willis spec literally would imply everything (masts and spars) was intended to be white. Well spotted. However, there are several elements in the spec which give the builders some leeway as to what was possible and or available. I can't imagine there was a shortage of white paint? Marco, I must compliment your recent photography of your excellent progress, which to me is a revelation. One observation.....your build is becoming so refined, it highlights your choice to proceed with the kits rail stanchions and string. I understand your motives, but imagine the difference wire and brass stanchions would have made. Re the chain....I was refering to the 1:700 anchor chain highlighted in my post #79. Looking at the chain around the bows......it looks the business !
  6. shipman
    Just took delivery of Vol 2 of the Longridge tome and am happy to say it also includes the separate plates from VOL 1 😀 Hunting for Vol 2 I got the distinct impression it is relatively scarce. First edition was 1933 and a 'limited re-issue' in 1949. (I have both) The 'combined' volume was issued in 1975. The above plates are bound into the book at much reduced size. The 'Underhill' library is curated by Dave Stevens. I contacted him to see if Underhill's research survives. The library has nothing relating to the Cutty Sark; Dave assumes the drawings were a private commission and all material went to the customer (whoever that was). For many years I think David MacGregor supplied the plans. They are now sold by:- https://www.modelerscentral.com/plans/underhill-ship-plans/ship-model-plans-cutty-sark-uh/ I wonder if they inherited the Underhill research material? One of the details I gleaned from the Willis specs was the 'monkey poop' was originally called the 'Liverpool Deck'. When did the monkey arrive? Marco, if you go to the extravagance of that tiny chain I highlighted, please let us know what the link count is.
  7. shipman
    Worth a read if you haven't seen it before? https://www.johnsankey.ca/willis.html
  8. shipman
    Splendid job, well done.
  9. shipman
    I'm not entirely comfortable with the received wisdom that Campbell and his drawings and his sources are the last word. SHOCK. HORROR!
  10. shipman
    Apologies, Cirdan. Your post #33 points this out already. A shame there are not more photo's of the Denny model, though what there are show the 'black' boats originally specified. The Denny shipyard completed building of Cutty Sark, so one would suppose they knew what was what? Apologies also for appearing to muscle in on Bruma's log.
  11. shipman
    A correction. After a little digging, the Longridge and Hume models are of similar dates. The MAAS Museum states the Hume model was finished in 1932 and purchased by them in 1933. There are several good photo's of the Hume 'Thermopylae', but only one or two of the Cutty Sark. Perhaps there was some antagonism between the model makers?
  12. shipman
    As Bounty was a naval vessel, I would suggest the decks were scrubbed on a regular basis.
  13. shipman
    Hi Cirdan. Yes, that's the illustration I mentioned. I'm convinced it is of the Cutty Sark (it's dated 1970). Don't think there's a connection to the Longridge model, as that was based on a solid hull. Yet certain internal details are depicted. Indeed, a curious omission in the short bibliography is any mention of the Longridge book (the C/S 'bible' of the time). In vol.1, it is mentioned that the first appearance at the Science Museum of the Longridge model was 1933 (many years before his model of 'Victory'). Plate 2, vol1, is a general arrangement elevation, drawn by Underhill. This does include the big deck winch, where it is today. The forecastle comes further back, to the heads, with the straight beam, central ladder and 3 pin rail either on side. The windlass (fig.70) is indeed there, under the forecastle. I maintain my opinion, this was the primary anchor windlass; the cable locker being directly below. In addition, vol.2 has several clear photo's of these areas (figs.6,37,46,67) taken at Falmouth. The large deck winch isn't there (fig.37). Figs 46 and 67 couldn't be any clearer of the forecastle/ladder arrangement at that time. The rails at the rear of the forecastle are solid wooden items similar to the one at the break of the poop-deck. Fig.6 also shows two boats on separate skid beams either side and above the fore-deck house. Another seldom mentioned issue with the Revel kit is the wheel is too close to the rear of the 'monkey poop'; perhaps an unfortunate term. It's sad no good photo's of Longridge and Hume's models are on the 'net. Surely these are seminal works, yet a generation apart. Longridge took his notes when the ship was still afloat at Falmouth. Hume did his research at Greenwich (after the 'first' renovation).
  14. shipman
    Hi, me again. Just found a copy of the book by Cyril L. Hume which justifies a little backtrack to around #39. Near the back of the book is a graphic illustration of the layout of deck features. Interesting highlight is the forecastle, which comes directly to the front of the 'heads' with a straight cross beam. The ladder is central and the three items of rigging on the bulwarks to either beam. The main mast has one Fife Rail (forward). The fore mast has Fife Rails fore and aft. Of particular interest to me in this area is a total absence of the contentious large deck winch! My previous comments, here and elsewhere, highlight my past incredulity relating to its position and use. This illustration goes a long way to persuade me that the existing deck winch is spurious and in all probability was never fitted. Think about it.......where was the original chain/cable locker located? If it was below where the winch is now fitted it would have taken valuable cargo stowage space. I contend that the cable locker was directly below the forecastle. Makes a lot of sense to my lubberly eye.
  15. shipman
    I so envy you, Chris. I spent several weeks of research at the beginning of this winter, making plans to build an 11' dinghy. Bought a heap of books, watched loads of video's, until my confidence reached a peak of enthusiasm. Before I went any further a lightbulb came on in my head.....perhaps I should look into the regulations governing watercraft use here in the UK. YIKES! Basically, even a basic plank and paddle is governed by formidable rules, regulations, and license restrictions. Just to comply with the basics would cost as much as a small car to run each year! My intended use would have been for occasional recreational purposes. Frankly, the costs of red tape compliance shot a big hole in my dreams. End of project....still born! Oh hum. Good luck, Chris.
  16. shipman
    'Surely, you jest!' I'm 65 now. As a 12 year old I was taught the basics about tools at school. Last year I came across a box of tool/drill steel assortments. Not one to throw stuff away if it has the remotest useful potential, I remembered the old shop talks and exercises and made a bunch of 1/8, 3/16 chisels and gouges, hardened and tempered them and they worked just fine. Not only do they cut wood, they are up to decorating aluminium and copper too. Making a tool is just as satisfying as using it. Bob's correct, kids today aren't shown these kind of things these days. But all of these kids know what youtube is; and some of these kids will get their learning that way. If they manage to survive the inevitable blood letting.
  17. shipman
    Chris, I can't imagine why Amati didn't go for your saws, considering their MD nearly lost a limb. Management are used to making cuts 🤓
  18. shipman
    I ordered the Airwaves saws (off ebay - cheaper than Hannants) before you posted the video above. The guy didn't mention prices; I imagine the Tamiya product is the dearest choice. From what I could see, the flexibility of the Tamiya blade made me wonder how long it would last before it folded and removed a finger. The choice I made should deal with any reasonable job I could throw it at
  19. shipman
    The items needing a black finish are usually small. Black paint is the best colour to get a one coat finish. As with any surface treatment, good prep and application is essential. I've never felt paint was a handicap. From what I've seen in innumerable posts about chemical blackening has given me zero confidence in the stuff. Life is too short. Each to their own. I did buy some liver of sulphate once; by the time I got round to trying it, it had gone off. My drawers are full of enamels and acrylics, many of which may be 20 or 30 years old. But properly sealed and stored, I rarely find one that is useless.
  20. shipman
    Hi guys, thought you may find this interesting..... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Model-Ship-Anchor-Chain-30cm-Link-Brass-1-700-Scale-Spare-Parts-Black-Accessory-/163432602129 It doesn't state a link count, but based on the 1:700 model pictured it is tiny. And it's already black. Worth a look? There should be other vendors.
  21. shipman
    Ha Ha. If I removed my wig and false beard, wefalk and I could be twins.🤣
  22. shipman
    kirill4, hi again. 16 lpcm = 40 lpinch. Without a visual comparison or an accurate link count, it's difficult to make a decision. Marco, do you have a link count for that small chain you found? Very much impressed with your progress. You put your finger on the first golden rule.....enjoy what you do. If everything was perfect in this world we wouldn't understand how bad things can get!
  23. shipman
    Is there better than this?
  24. shipman
    Bob, what a splendid effort, your longboat looks triff. I'm getting a bit jaded with the same old longboats, but I'm impressed with yours. The helmsman figure gives scale to the whole thing and leaving him white is a good way of emphasising the idea of scale without detracting from the model. Not that I know how to sail a boat, but I imagine the rig you have chosen would be too much for one man. Two similar ship mates wouldn't be over doing things.
  25. shipman
    Kirill4, hi! The language is an issue, but the 3 suppliers you list seem to have chain bigger than what Marco needs. The tiny chain I did get was also BLACK! Shame I can't find a new supplier. It's small enough for anchor chain on 1:700 ships.

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