Absolutely right, of course. Any boat, doesn't matter. As a one-time subscriber to the superb periodical Wooden Boat, I once read an editorial entitled "A pulling boat down at the town quay". It was on just that subject of having something you could just jump on and enjoy, instead of always working on the big restoration project. Everybody needs a pulling boat (rowing boat/dinghy) down at the town quay.
The two little boat masters I am doing for N-Drive Productions as the first of a range of scenic accessories in both 4 and 7mm scales are coming along nicely.
One is the little wooden high-prow cruiser I showed in an earlier post and the other is a fairly typical lobster boat based on Charlotte of Eyemouth, photographed recently on a visit up to Border country to see my son and grandchildren.
They are both in Ureol (Renshape/Chemiwood). Bandsawed out from rough drawings and then chiselled, filed and sanded to shape. The roof of the cruiser is a separate piece, glued on top with the clerestory a piece glued on to that. Leaving the bottom open, being a waterline model, means it can be cast in one piece. This one will be suitable for any scene, from harbour to canal cruiser.
The wheelhouse of the lobster boat is done in styrene and will be an open topped piece of cast resin with a separate roof. Then separate floors are cast to pop in underneath on both boats.
Various detailing parts will then be done in white metal and photo-etched portholes will finish them off nicely.
The 50p piece gives some scale, especially to the 6 spoke ship's wheel in brass. This will possibly be cast integral with the resin casting as it's too fine to put a spigot on, without it all falling apart. A p/e ring of brass or n/s will be on the fret to finish it off.
The hulls will now be detailed with rubbing strakes, stem posts, etc., which will stop them looking so toylike.
Nev will have these in painted master form at a show on 13th September.
No pulling boats here, would a pair of kayaks and a canoe count? I paddled one of the 'yaks in Wells harbour last week shadowing my wife who was enjoying a stiff swim against the tide.
ReplyDeleteThose boat masters look the business, especially the lobster boat which looks to be the ideal size for layout use.
Have you visited 'Rescue Wooden Boats' in Stiffley? We went last Wednesday and were rather impressed with the Lucy Lavers restoration progress.
Exactly, Paul, canoes, coracles, gun punts, anything you can mess about in is fine.
ReplyDeleteBoth boats are to 4mm scale. The lobster boat is 25ft, the cruiser is 21 ft-6.
I'm not aware of Rescue Wooden Boats. I'll have to get up there again sometime. I don't live that far away. We spent a day in Wells just before our honeymoon, 24 years ago!
Those masters look excellent. If I ever need a boat on my layout I'll certainly be tempted given to buy one from N-Drive Productions as no only do they look great, but buying from a distant relative beats buying from a faceless corporation.
ReplyDeleteMark, I'm sure Nev will be delighted to hear that. These are a brave punt on his part, to be followed by narrow boats, bigger fishing boats and a paddle steamer.
ReplyDelete“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog, thank you.
Tim