Greenwich Hospital barge of 1832 by druxey - FINISHED - 1:48 scale

[druxey]

Free floating at an appropriate level, E&T.  As the sweeps will overhang the base by some distance, there will be sub-base as well.

 

Thanks for the other comments above. I've decided to paint dolphins on the blades. Why not? The oars are now crimson and look a little unfinished yet. More later.

[druxey]

The first of twelve dolphins has been painted. It is based on an actual example in the RMG collection. By the way, the oar blade is ⅛" wide. Eleven more to go! (Click on the image to see the complete sweep)

Edited May 3, 2016 by druxey

[Chuck]

That looks wonderful.   They will look great on the model presentation.

 

Chuck

[mitbok]

Here is some more "oars out" displays for inspiration

 

[Mirabell61]

The first of twelve dolphins has been painted. It is based on an actual example in the RMG collection. By the way, the oar blade is ⅛" wide. Eleven more to go! (Click on the image to see the complete sweep)

 

 

Very nice decoration on the sweeps Druxey,

 

the dolphin looks painted 3D, well done !

 

Nils

[paulsutcliffe]

now i am impressed, how on earth did you paint the dolphin that size and so perfectly wow!!!!!!!!!!

 

ps you never told us how you curved the ends of the sweeps??

Edited May 3, 2016 by paulsutcliffe

[amateur]

Don't forget to mirror the dolphin on the last six oars.....

It's unbelievable what you do atthis size.....

 

 

Jan

[druxey]

Thanks for the pictures and comments, everyone. 

 

How do I curve the blades? They are carved that way. I thought of steam bending, but they would never be entirely consistent.

 

The dolphin paint job is done with high-grade watercolour sable brushes in 0 and 1 sizes, using acrylic paints.

[druxey]

Well, a dozen dolphins done! I've secured the model permanently on the base and pedestals and set up a trial placement for the sweeps on one side. Comments, anyone?

[jbshan]

   Preparing for the salute for the launching.

[dvm27]

Magnificent!

[michael mott]

I would think that the sweeps would be set on the other axis given that the section at the thole pins are restricting the rotation of them. Other than that they look quite extraordinary.

 

michael

[druxey]

Thanks, Michael. In actual use, I agree that the blades would be more vertical, but I was using the City of London barge model as my example. Perhaps I need to try orienting them that way.... Oh, the indecision!

 

Joel: not quite yet launch time: there are still two standards to make, hoist and fly.

Edited May 3, 2016 by druxey

[druxey]

Well, any advantage to showing the sweeps in a more operational orientation? Opinions welcomed.

 

The standards have been started. Some SilkSpan has been stretched (like watercolour paper) and the designs laid down using graphite paper. One is the Union Jack, the other is the Greenwich Hospital coat of arms.

[Jim Lad]

A difficult choice with the sweeps, Druxey, but I think showing them 'at rest' with the blades parallel to the water would show them to best advantage.

 

The hospital coat of arms flag looks like it will be fun!

 

John

[BANYAN]

Hi Druxey, exquisite work!

 

WRT suggestions on Operational display of oars - if there are no crew then not operational?  A feathered display might be more realistic?  just an opinion - and how else would a viewer appreciate the full detail of those miniature masterpieces?

 

cheers

 

Pat

Edited May 3, 2016 by BANYAN

[mtaylor]

I have had to go back several times for the dolphins.  They look carved and the detail is incredible.   

[Ryland Craze]

Art in its best form.  I am really enjoying this build.

[mrjimmy]

 

Fantastic........

 

Jim

[cog]

Splendid detail, Druxey!! I've seen the dolphins on the real size sweeps, and when I see yours, at their size ... they are spot on ...

 

Reading Jan's (Amateur) remark I had a better look. Those on the port side seem to swimming upside-down, is that correct? Is there a difference between port and starboard side sweeps when painted ...

 

Cheers

[jbshan]

I'm curious about the proportions of the flags.  Would they or would they not be the same shape?  My reading has left the impression that Navy ensigns and standards were to the same (changeable) proportions, and since the Jack derives from the ensign would the proportions change?

I'm glad to see that the St. Patrick's Cross you have rotated to the left to signify its third place in the hierarchy.  A small but significant detail.

[EdT]

Beautiful work, Druxey.  My vote would be for the blades to be vertical, but this does not show off the lovely blade decoration as well as the horizontal arrangement.

 

I am always puzzled by the length of these sweeps because the mechanical advantage for the rower is really minimized - requiring much more force on each stroke - to say nothing of traffic problems.  Of course shorter oars would require more strokes.  Was there a reason?

 

Ed

[Mahuna]

Hi Druxey

 

The sweeps look great - your painting of the dolphins is outstanding.  I like the second option - vertical - best, but either looks really good.

[druxey]

Thanks for participating in the straw poll! I'm still dithering, but tending toward vertical orientation.

 

Meanwhile, work on the ensigns continues. The first sides are painted. As these will be hanging naturally in folds, the coat of arms is more impressionistic than realistic. The 'white' is actually more a cream color.

[AON]

Ed

from my hands on experience with sweeps... the length is required to reach the water without the oarsman sitting on a highchair

Alan

[jbshan]

I didn't find anything definitive on the proportions of the flags, but did find the same emblem you have on your coat of arms flag.  It is also on a round shield on the gates of the Greenwich Hospital.

[Louie da fly]

Beautiful work, Druxey; both the sweeps and the standards For what it's worth I prefer the sweeps with the blades horizontal. I agree the dolphins are displayed to greater advantage, and if they're not in use there's no reason for them not to be feathered.

 

Steven

[druxey]

Well, decision time for the sweeps! While 'feathered' is an attractive and perhaps obvious choice, I think I'll place the oars with blades vertical. Why? The dolphins draw the eye away from the boat too much and, by placing the blades vertically, one can see the transition from body to blade on the other side clearly. The viewer will only 'discover' the dolphins as his or her point of view changes.

 

I really appreciate the time and trouble those of you took to give me input on this issue. It certainly helped clarifying my own thinking. Pictures later!

[Mirabell61]

Druxey,

 

those flags look super !

 

Nils

[geoff]

Absolutely brilliant Druxey, a gold medal(at least) from me!