Working Models |
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Dragon class keelboat. (detail)910 viewsThis model was based on a GRP hull, then lavishly fitted out with fine varnished timber, and rigged using the best model sailing yacht fittings. Control is by a simple two channel radio control outfit.
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Dragon class keelboat.1053 viewsThe International Dragon racing keelboat was designed in Scandinavia in the 1930s. Scandinavian vessels are a byword for grace and beauty of line. The lines of the Dragon are absolutely classic. In my opinion, they cannot be improved on.
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Sir Galahad.890 viewsMy father spent the war in minesweeping trawlers. I built this model of the "Sir Galahad" for him in 1985. It was the first model boat I ever built.
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Tug Furie.919 viewsThis working model of a steam tugboat is twenty-seven inches long. She is small enough to be easy to store and display, easy to transport to the water, but big enough to carry a convincing level of detail. She has a good presence on the water.
She is a complete pleasure to sail. At the end of a demanding day's work, take a little ship like this to the water. Put her afloat. As she gathers way, spinning her delicate web of illusion, looking every inch a little ship in great waters, you can feel the day's cares wash away. Model boats can be very therapeutic.
She is based on the famous Dutch steam tug "Furie", now preserved. Tugs are an important part of the Dutch maritime heritage. The Dutch are the world's marine salvage specialists, and many of the world's largest and most powerful tugs sail under their flag. "Furie", exemplifying a vessel from an earlier age, is something of a national monument.
This model is now in the famous Childe Beale collection.
(model by John Davies)
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Fishguard lifeboat.925 viewsThe present Fishguard lifeboat, "Blue Peter VII", was the first offshore lifeboat to be paid for by the famous television programme. Their previous endowments to the RNLI had been inshore boats.
This model is based on the well-known Model Slipway kit. She was an elaborate and time-consuming model to build, taking over four hundred hours. Since every lifeboat is slightly different, we carried out a research visit to Fishguard to check what minor changes had been made to their boat, in order to ensure the accuracy of the model. The kit is extremely detailed, down to the rivets on the frames on the flying-bridge windscreens, and the keyboard on the computer-operated radar in the wheelhouse. She makes a magnificent model, which has a lively and convincing performance on the water.
The Model Slipway, who manufacture the kit on which this model is based, paid me a very pretty compliment on its appearance, and stated that they are happy to refer any requests they receive for completed versions of their range of kits to me.
(model by John Davies)
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Small fishing boat. (detail)872 views
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Small fishing boat.867 viewsNot all working models have to be big and expensive. This little motor fishing vessel shows that quite a small boat can incorporate a delightful range of detail. We have a particular fondness for this type of model. It will sit on a bookshelf and add a touch of colour and interest to your room, but you don't have to rearrange the whole room to make space for it. It is easy to transport to the water, and if the pond is some distance from the carpark, you can carry it easily in one hand. She looks good on the water, and her seaworthy lines assure her of a good performance.
(model by Frank Hasted)
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Honeybee818 viewsThe deck is laid with individual planks, with caulking faithfully represented between each plank. This modification alone effects a huge improvement over the printed plywood deck supplied. Remember, as we usually look down on our models, the appearance of the deck is very important. A good quality ship's boat is added, stowed in the correct place. A few of the more prominent fittings are re-arranged, following old photographs taken in the port of St Monance. The main hatch was subtly modified for a more authentic appearance. A carefully chosen colour scheme was based on paint, stain, and satin varnish.
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Honeybee863 viewsThis little model of a Scottish fifie motor fishing boat really is a beauty. She is is one of my favorite projects. Like many of our models, she is based on a well-known commercial kit. This keeps construction time, and thus cost, within limits. However, she is considerably embellished.
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Sir Galahad.851 viewsReaders of Traplet's "Introdution to Marine Modelling", which I co-authored with Chris Jackson, will recognise the model from that book, in which it is prominently featured.
(model by John Davies)
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Sir Galahad.865 viewsIt incorporates a couple of mistakes I certainly wouldn't make today, but I am still not ashamed of it. It has led an adventurous life, being sailed in many different parts of the U.K. On one outing before the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it was run down by a huge model of H.M.S. "Hood". Damage was quite superficial, and was quickly repaired. A properly made scale model is extremely durable, and will go on to give many years pleasure.
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Peggy (detail)1005 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)
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