Working Models |
 |
| TITLE |
+ |
- |
| FILE NAME |
+ |
- |
| DATE |
+ |
- |
| POSITION |
+ |
- |
|
|
Ryhope1016 viewsThis little tug was built for the same client for whom I built "Peggy", the large steam drifter model. She is an example of our "part completion" service. He had already made a competent job of the hull, but had got stuck on the superstructure, which is a good deal more complicated and difficult than it looks.
|
|
Pond yacht restored deck detail912 viewsI quite deliberately did not restore her to the best finish that would have been possible. She was a competent amateur built model, so that was the standard I endeavoured to reproduce. Her owners got her back in a condition very like she would have been when she was brand new, and yes, she can be sailed again.
(Model by family builder, restored by John Davies)
|
|
Pond yacht restored912 viewsThis large pond yacht model, a family heirloom, came into my workshop in a pretty dreadful condition, with a nasty crackle-finish paint over much of the hull, (there was enough left to ascertain her original colour scheme, but it was in a horrible state) crude holes hacked in the decks over the mast step and rudder head, no hatch, no chain plates for the shrouds, no rudder and no keel (I cast a 35 lb lead keel for her and faired it in fore and aft), damage to the deck planking, especially over the counter, and no rigging parts whatsoever.
(Model by family builder, restored by John Davies)
|
|
Peggy (detail)1002 viewsA professional commission for a model of this nature is usually a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. I have had some extremely satisfied clients for models of this size. It will bring you the most enormous pleasure, and it will continue to do so for many years.
Eagle-eyed readers may recognise one of the photos from "Model Boats" magazine, in which it has featured.
(model by John Davies)
|
|
Peggy961 viewsThis model is over four feet long, and weighs over twenty pounds. She is thus fairly demanding of display space. Every expedition to the water demands careful planning, to get her in and out of the car without damage, and to transport her safely from the car-park to the water. But what a magnificent picture she makes! Models of this kind carry a level of detail, and acheieve a presence on the water, which their smaller sisters simply cannot match. She has a full range of working features, including navigation lights which work in two modes; steaming, or lying to her nets.
|
|
Peggy966 viewsThey were built to pursue "the silver harvest, free to all", the herring which once swarmed in the North sea in huge, seemingly inexhaustible shoals. Now, due to a combination of overfishing and pollution, herring stocks have collapsed to the point where no more can be landed from the North Sea. We are learning, slowly and late, that the natural world is not an inexhaustible storehouse of resources to be plundered at will.
|
|
Peggy992 viewsThis fine model of a North Sea Herring Drifter represents a vanished era. They were built in their thousands, but now only one remains in preservation. They evoke not only a vanished industry, but a major change in our attitudes to the natural world.
|
|
Blue narrowboat981 viewsWe built two narrowboats, for a gentleman whose garden is given over to a large and splendid live-steam narrow-gauge system.
Visitors on open days say they make a marvellous sight, gliding silently along the cut, while the little trains chuff along the quays, and passing the two without mishap is as interesting as in a real canal.
Check: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgTcQzjB1K8
|
|
Red narrowboat977 viewsWe built two narrowboats, for a gentleman whose garden is given over to a large and splendid live-steam narrow-gauge system.
Visitors on open days say they make a marvellous sight, gliding silently along the cut, while the little trains chuff along the quays, and passing the two without mishap is as interesting as in a real canal.
Check: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgTcQzjB1K8
|
|
Marie Felling.870 viewsNow the fun started. Like “Imara”, the “Marie Felling” is produced in two versions; twin-screw, which is authentic, and single-screw, which is not. This one, like most of the “Marie Fellings” I’ve seen, was single screw. So I filled in the propellor aperture in the deadwood, added plating and rivet detail to match the GRP moulding, and fitted two shafts with A frames and big brass props. You’d have to look very closely to see that was not as originally moulded. Two powerful motors and a sophisticated control system completed the package, she ran a successful trial voyage, and she went off to her delighted new owner who will now have many happy months spare-time work fitting her out.
(Model commenced by unknown builder, modified by John Davies)
|
|
Marie Felling805 viewsWe don’t just do full builds. We tailor what we do to what you want. This is a case in point. The Caldercraft “Marie Felling” is, with “Imara”, one of their two big tugs. Personally, I think “Marie Felling” has more character. We bought this one in at an early stage of construction. Before I completed it, I got a phone call from one of our long-term clients (we do seem to get a lot of repeat trade, loyal clients who keep coming back!) Could I find him a big tug kit he could build, and could I put the mechanism in for him?
(Model commenced by unknown builder, modified by John Davies)
|
|
Juliana 3813 viewsHere she is running in calmer water through the gathering dusk, making a very atmospheric picture with her navigation lights lit.
(Model by family builder, restored by John Davies)
|
|
|
|
Login