New Member restoring my father’s Captain E. Armitage McCann model of the Brig Malek Adhel

[Django]

I am happy to be here.  I have no experience regarding ship models.  My father and I did build a full size Marblehead Trainer sailing dinghy when I was 12.  He was a bit of a perfectionist and a hard act to follow.  

 

My father built the Malek Adhel after returning from the CCC.  It took him 2,500 hours over a period of two years, (1938-1940).  During his time in the war, the model was damaged and he restored it when he got back home.  Under my brother’s care, it got damaged again, but by then, my father was unable to repair it, so it has remained damaged until now.  You can follow it as a build log on this forum.  I hope to do the model and my father proud.  Anyway, it’s nice to be here and I am enjoying the encouragement and being able to admire the fine models here.

Edited January 3, 2023 by Django

[Knocklouder]

[Dave_E]

Welcome to the forum! Now is a good time to start getting experience and restore that beautiful ship! 👍😀

[Baker]

[Keith Black]

 DJ, welcome to MSW. I like your dad's model. You've undertaken a noble cause, if I can assist in anyway please ask. Glad to have you aboard.

[TBlack]

It looks like a question of repairing the rigging. The rest of the model looks intact?

Tom

[Keith Black]

2 hours ago, TBlack said:

The rest of the model looks intact?

 Tom, it looks like the aft hatch cover might be missing? 

 

 Hatch is not missing. Thank you, Gregory. 

Edited January 3, 2023 by Keith Black

[druxey]

Welcome aboard. Nice that you're keeping the model in the family. There is friendly help here as a when you might  need it.

[Django]

Thank you all for the kind welcome.  

[GrandpaPhil]

Welcome!

[Gregory]

1 hour ago, Keith Black said:

 Tom, it looks like the aft hatch cover might be missing? 

I think it may be seen in the first image at the rear of the base.

[CPDDET]

Welcome. I'm sure, with help from this community,  you will be successful.  You may want to seek out advice on the best order of steps to follow.

Dave

[Ryland Craze]

Welcome to Model Ship World DJ.  With the help and support from the members on MSW, you will do great in restoring your father's model.  This is a family heirloom that you and future generations will cherish forever.

[mtaylor]

[Jaager]

Of late, there has been some interest in the history of the first ship model kits.  Yours may be from a kit or scratch from McCann's plans, but it is probably one of the first  sizable generation (or close to it) of ship models built by someone not a professional model maker or an actual ship builder or a seaman.   It probably has value as an historical example.  It looks well done in any instance.  When it is back to its prime condition, if you do not have one already, it will want to live in a protective case. 

Edited January 4, 2023 by Jaager

[Jim Lad]

Hello Django, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[Django]

I am not sure where or how to post this.  I have decided not to go forward with the restoration of the rigging.  I had hoped to preserve as much of the rigging as possible, but most of it is too fragile and really needs to be replaced.  

 

My relationship with my father was not good, and I hate to say that I am not willing to put the time into the boat.  It is a finely built and historical model and it should beproperly restored, but I can’t do it with my father’s ghost hanging over my shoulder. The model is approximately 33” LOA and 23” tall on the base.  If anyone is interested in re-rigging this historic model, they are welcome to have it along with the originalplane and Popular Science magazines that featured it.  I live in Claremont NH and would be willing to deliver it within a day’s drive or meet someone part way.  The pictures below are as it is presently.

[mtaylor]

Go ahead and post this also in your build log or let one moderators or admins know and we can delete your log.

 

i hope someone in your area will be able to help.  I do understand your feelings and issues with this model.   If you decide to try ship modelling for yourself, feel free to open a log.

[Django]

I posted this in my build log as well:

 

Please ignore the post above.  After an attitude adjustment I have decided that I will continue with and complete the restoration.  It’s a beautiful model and I can’t allow 2500 hours of my father’s life to be wasted.  Sorry for the pity party.  There is a lot of emotion that comes back when working on something of my father’s.  He was a POW at Stalag Luft IV and his PTSD was never treated, (through no fault of his own).  That aside, he was a fine craftsman and I am amazed that he build this at such a young age.

Edited January 23, 2023 by Django

[Keith Black]

 DJ, this is grand news and I applaud your decision. I hope any mental anguish is minimal, concentrate on the good times no matter how few. We're here to help you and provide any assistance and advise that we can. 

 

 Keith

[mtaylor]

6 hours ago, Django said:

I posted this in my build log as well:

 

Please ignore the post above.  After an attitude adjustment I have decided that I will continue with and complete the restoration.  It’s a beautiful model and I can’t allow 2500 hours of my father’s life to be wasted.  Sorry for the pity party.  There is a lot of emotion that comes back when working on something of my father’s.  He was a POW at Stalag Luft IV and his PTSD was never treated, (through no fault of his own).  That aside, he was a fine craftsman and I am amazed that he build this at such a young age.

Good for you.  I some similar family issues and memories but I've worked hard to ignore them and move my comfort zone. I will say, it's a never ending battle though.