shipman
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Mini Lathe recommendations?
shipman replied to jfinan's topic in Modeling tools and Workshop Equipment
Of course, I hadn't completely forgotten what I had. Simply, I hadn't a job to put them to use until now. I'm one of those inveterate collector and hoarder of all that has future potential. It's a cross I'm happy to bear, as is the derision from those I know who will never ever understand. My biggest problem is knowing I have something but not entirely sure of its whereabouts! By the way, what do these split cartridge collet holders look like? I wouldn't be surprised my heap of 'bits' includes one or two. -
40 years ago I was fortunate to have a brief but enjoyable period being a general dogsbody in a UK museum with access to all areas. Having an intelligent (?) and curious disposition, I found the staff welcoming and generously happy to share their work. The museum had a vast collection of disparate objects, nearly all of which required attention of some sort or other. As always, the staff were thin on the ground, with limited budgets. So, their policy was to assess what needed the most urgent PRESERVATION. Often it was decided that to arrest terminal decline, some intervention was needed. So long ago, they were of the general opinion that such work would be done sympathetically but in a way that the work they did would be clearly obvious to future conservators, who may have the resources to do the job to the standards of their day. The important mission was to PRESERVE an object and make it available for future research. A happy time.
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Mini Lathe recommendations?
shipman replied to jfinan's topic in Modeling tools and Workshop Equipment
WOW! Quick responses or what? Much appreciated guys. I just pulled out the roll out set of (ex bank) drawers, which has been hidden under my worktop for 25-30 years. My-my, what a find. Indeed I have an SL and a Unimat 3. And HEAPS of associated bits and bobs, which will probably take a full day to rummage through. The big 'find' is an original manual for the '3' and a copy of 'The Book of the Unimat' by D. J. Laaidlaw-Dickson. I'm gob-smacked; I knew it would all come in useful one day, LOL. So things are looking up for a change. The nice feature of the SL is the adjustable 'head' for cutting tapers. I'll have to look into a bit of basic servicing. The SL is fitted with a home made tool holder but the '3' has a complete tool holder. Do you know if I can put or adapt that for the SL? Thanks for your encouragement; it would seem I've now got a little winter project to have fun with. -
Mini Lathe recommendations?
shipman replied to jfinan's topic in Modeling tools and Workshop Equipment
Hmpf! I've had two Unimat lathes for years, an SL and a later white enamel square shaped thing. I understand these are capable of tackling clock/watch work, so I would imagine 8mm brass belay pins would be possible. The trouble is, I've never used a lathe, so haven't a clue where to start. Speeds? Cutting tools? For such a 'simple' job I am in danger of over complicating what needs to be done. I've been toying with using an electric drill and files (which should be possible), then I remembered I have these lathes tucked away. Any advice please? -
Has anyone actually bought one? And............
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Cutty Sark by Cuda1949
shipman replied to Cuda1949's topic in - Build logs for subjects built 1851 - 1900
Just blown the dust off my copy of the Longridge book, now there you go, that seems to be a comprehensive definitive thesis on the rigging of his famous rendition. The model used to be in London's Science Museum; shame it's gone. I think you can count the photo's of it online on one finger! -
Just found this build. Words fail me. Seeing is believing. Amalio, your work is unreal. If I had 10 lifetimes, it wouldn't be long enough. I weep at your feet.
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And you think that restoration went bad. Here's another.
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Got rid of a bad case of dandruff !
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Before someone jumps down my throat after my last post, all my comments, plus much more, is well documented and can be found if the trouble is taken to find it. I don't wish to spoil anyone's party by being Mr Miserable, on these issues. I regret that I've never had the resources to visit 'Victory' in person, but still wouldn't hesitate given the chance.
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I understand (from well known books on the subject) that a high percentage of Victory's external fabric is actually younger than me! Not so long ago, during another of these multi-million re-furbs, large areas of outer hull planking was replaced; suitable timber was both too expensive and hard to get, so a super-duper 'laminate' was used (effectively massive 'ply-wood') at equally high expense. It turns out that needs replacing already! Much of the cordage is of modern synthetic material, supposedly proof against u-v light damage. Anchor cables and shrouds couldn't be found in correct dimensions, so that's all undersized. The mounted anchors and guns are fibre-glass in attempts to relieve the burden on the hull. The lower masts are in fact iron from a much later ship. The list is almost endless. Unfortunately, this constant replacement of structure allows the ship to distort and indeed 'wilt', even though a lot of work to minimise this is undertaken. Ultimately it's a lot like grandfathers hammer; 'the shaft has been replaced three times and a new head fitted'. We still have a magnificent spectacle of an 'icon'. What could we replace it with? A new one?
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Ah yes, the evocative aroma of Humbrol enamels. Revel had their own in suspiciously similar ''tinlets.'' Recently I was talking to someone in the trade, to be told they shared the same manufacturer! Fortunately I still have (unopened) most of the range of colours. No doubt they'll be little collectors items in their own right, even though the contents will probably be solid now.
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I for one hasn't been to either museum since ... or the Cutty Sark.
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Yes. Its a national scandal that the NMM and the Science Museum have removed such fine collections from public view. Don't know what excuses they have, but from the grape vine, the SM hit a point where the dedicated ship staff came up for retirement and weren't replaced. Longridge must be turning in his grave.
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Ship lettering
shipman replied to rlundy90's topic in Painting, finishing and weathering products and techniques
''Nobody expects it to last longer than what it does''. Forgive me Bob, I just cracked up at the irony there. I do agree with your philosophy. -
Ship lettering
shipman replied to rlundy90's topic in Painting, finishing and weathering products and techniques
Bob, I have a few plastic model kits built up to 30 years ago. Apart from my catastrophic dropping of a few, they look as if they were built yesterday. Gregory, I'd say that paintwork is untouched, other than years of dust and smoke being removed. Once I was lucky to get a look at paintings in the National Portrait Gallery, London, where cleaned areas were next to un-cleaned areas, with no other 'restoration'. The results were truly astonishing. -
Here you go: a few photo's which show just some of the deterioration of the 'Longridge' model. Notice the hull planking parting and splitting under and where the chain-plates anchor to the hull. The distortion of rope coils on deck, indicating possible changes in humidity at some point? Apologies to whoever put these fine images online for us to enjoy.
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Longridge had to suspend work on his 'Victory' during WW2. In his book he tells how the only place of safety he had available was an unattended, damp cellar in Portsmouth or Plymouth. When I was able to take my last look at his model, I felt that the overall tension of the rigging over time and the inevitable expansion and contraction of the entire structure combined to a point where something had to give. Observing cannon balls scattered around the case, it seemed to me that whatever was happening was a series sudden events that went ping. Result....balls everywhere. I downloaded photo's to illustrate what I mean, so I'll try and find some to share. Unfortunately I won't be able to attribute them. Watch this space.
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Ship lettering
shipman replied to rlundy90's topic in Painting, finishing and weathering products and techniques
I agree, Bob. Ultimately, everything degrades. It's the properties of physics (entropy) I guess. I think it's important to not loose sight of the fact that many of us enjoy the process of 'doing', hopefully to a level we find satisfying. As often happens, once we shed this mortal coil, the things we personally value now will be in tomorrows dumpster. It doesn't mean we can't enjoy what pleasure we can while we are here. The model-makers in the 17th century, I'm sure, would be amazed and delighted that we can appreciate their work today. But oh! How much has been lost? Sometimes I get a chill when I think what would be destroyed if just one of the major collections was lost through fire or some other disaster. There aren't that many. It's like most of these 'eggs' are in a few scattered baskets. We are fortunate and lucky to have what there is. It's our love and enthusiasm which is the best preservative of all. -
Looks like you're the Guru, Bob. Good to hear your input.
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Acrylics! The very best I've found are the 'Citadel' paints from Games Workshop. They dry quickly and set rock hard. I've never found any paint so pigment dense. They are 'brush on' and all the ones I've tried need only one coat! Down side is they are expensive and come in small jars. But one jar covers a big area. The American 'One Shot' paints which auto pinstripe and lettering artists use appear to be very similar; I don't think they are acrylic. I've never seen them in the UK and only seen youtube demo's. They do seem to do what it says on the tin. Again, expensive. If they work, then the price shouldn't put you off trying the odd pot of either brand.
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Remembered where I found it.....Donald McNarry.
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Planking Model Ships
shipman replied to alpayed's topic in Planking Techniques's Planking Downloads and Tutorials and Videos
Allan, your planking pdf is a welcome and generous contribution. Much appreciated, thank you. -
Well, well, Keith, you've solved a problem I've been pondering for a while. I'm struck with your bulwark struts and scuttles/clearing ports solutions and the similarity of these features on the Cutty Sark! So I'll be stealing this idea if you don't mind. I can go to bed with a smile on my face, thanks.
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