forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Modelers Lounge => Time to relax => Topic started by: Suffolk Lad on March 28, 2016, 08:06:32 AM
-
Hi guys - As I have alluded to on the French GB build I have another non plastic modelling project I need to spend some time on. I thought that perhaps you might like to see what it is that is pulling me away from such a pleasurable build as that little Nieuport.
I began to build a model steam launch around September 2013. It's entirely scratch built and has had many hours dedicated to it. Last year I hit a bit of a brick wall in trying to get it finished for launching and decided to put it to one side and take a break and build the Starfighter - then the Camel took over then the Nieup and before I knew it nine months had gone by.
I need to rebuild the engine and make the pumps and finish off the engine/boiler installation and had earmarked the end of March latest for doing so. As of tomorrow then I shall make a start on it. It's going to take me away from my plastic bench for a while but not forever - I have those WNW kits in the stash to be absent for too long not to mention completing the Nieuport.
I don't know if anyone else is plagued with other hobbies and subsequently conflict of interests but I find the only way I can deal with them now (at my age) is to deal with one at a time for a concentrated period of time - long gone are those days of ball juggling with several in the air at one time ::)
Anyway here's the reason for my malaise - as you can see it's called Wide a Wake (perhaps that's apt) - the boat itself is more or less finished just mainly the engine to sort out. The boiler, finished and ready to fit is sitting on the shelf (out of sight) when this was taken.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3jUXoMrBKBk/VXc-5rjCXJI/AAAAAAAANGI/yum7VnUINmYavoYynKDUoSwljWGC198cQCCo/s800-Ic42/DSCF6995.JPG)
Should you be of a mind there's a full build log on the Model Engine Maker forum here http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2851.0.html?PHPSESSID=5738323b74f7279747eef511e6cfdf77 (http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2851.0.html?PHPSESSID=5738323b74f7279747eef511e6cfdf77) but be warned it's lengthy with lots of pics. BTW there are more than one 'Tug Wilsons' in the model engineering world hence using my given name on there.
I do intend to keep up with the latest posts but do tend to get a bit preoccupied so forgive me if I'm absent for periods.
Good luck with all your modelling projects whatever they may be
Regards - Tug
-
What a wonderful project you have taken on Tug, you have done a superb job with the boat. Good luck with the finishing touches to the engine, it should look beautiful when fully finished, please give us updated photos as you progress.
Des.
PS. What scale is this boat?
-
Wow, Tug, that is mighty impressive. Apart from the normal family things, my main conflict of intetest at the moment lies in learning to play the electric bass.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
Hi guys,
Nigel - modelling 'conflict' has always been something I've lived with over the years as I have had several interests but these days I do find it a problem - only way I've found I can deal with it now is to give one thing at a time some dedicated time on it's own.
Des - the scale is 2" to the foot. It's 52" long and 15" beam. The beam is a little wider than intended as that's the way it came off the moulds. Though I purposefully didn't I'm told by someone content to do so that there are over 1200 rivets in it. As anyone reading the log on MEM will see, I was inspired to build it as long ago as 1972 - just took me forty odd years to get round to it ::). I confess I don't have quite the enthusiasm for it as I once did but it's so close to finishing now it would be a shame not to try to see it on the water. Much as I'd like to continue with the Nieuport I really don't think I can leave it any longer if it's to be launched this year.
I will be continuing posting pics of the remaining build on MEM as above but will pop the odd pic on here as you suggest.
I cleaned the bench down today and tidied everything away - tomorrow I'll be machining but I'm missing the Nieuport build already :(
Regards - Tug
-
Bleeding hell! I thought it was full sized.nice one!
-
Bleeding hell! I thought it was full sized.nice one!
Same here! She's absolutely ravishing, Tug!
- as you can see it's called Wide a Wake (perhaps that's apt) -
Good thing, since "Boaty McBoatface" is already taken.
Cheers,
Bud
-
That is a beautiful way to
waste spend your time, especially the "rebuild the engine" part of it.
Stefan
-
Hi Tug :)
Well at least your "other" hobby has a prop attached to it so I reckon that's acceptable ;)
Please try not to be absent too long.
Regards and happy boating.
-
That is a lovely looking launch...there's nothing quite like a wooden boat, no matter the scale. I also like the name - much better than Boaty McBoatface! ;)
-
I had a look at the build log and I must say, you are a very talented man Tug, the build log is very informative.
Des.
-
Guy's thanks for your kind comments - yes Bud thank goodness 'its' been taken :D. I can't quite get it out of my head - launching ceremony, posh accent " Eeh Neame this vessel 'B Mc bloody BF' - mey gord bless 'er end orl who seil in 'er. Doesn't quite have the same ring as Titanic eh
I made a start on the engine today - black hands from the cast iron already, won't be picking anything plastic up for a few days yet Boggie but I will be back ;)
Des - I've loved making things virtually all my life and I've had varied interests along the way for most part. My big love though was for control line model aircraft which lasted off and on, mostly on, throughout until 2006.
Regards - Tug
-
Hi Guys - well that six to seven weeks has disappeared in a flash :o but pleased to tell I've finished on my distraction from the Nieuport so will be picking up on that again as from tomorrow :)
Des, you did say to pop a pic or two of progress up so here is the engine as started on....
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7asWQo5zcSQ/Vvro1Q5vBkI/AAAAAAAAOU0/LK6adBiwA7ATbqM4TKUE3EJZpLcLVmp7wCCo/s800/DSCF8797.JPG)
It's a Stuart Turner 'Double Ten' built by somebody else pre 1972. That's when I obtained it, sight unseen, in exchange for a new 10cc model boat engine. Though well made it was dreadfully painted in a luminous green. My input at that stage was to strip it and repaint it. It's been like this ever since.
As it stands there is nothing wrong with it , it's in good working order but the boat really requires it to have reversing valve gear so that has been made along with new con-rods and new pistons made from the originals etc etc. I felt I'd like to personalise it by making a new one piece cylinder head as opposed to the two separate heads of the original and it now looks like this
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26BCasenoI8/V0NggM9PlWI/AAAAAAAAOlo/iSFfi42WBHUB3AyS9Fv6d2KTAsnNwSpSACCo/s800/DSCF9166.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBTq-fxXWR4/V0NgiwpVqLI/AAAAAAAAOlo/ijALe-qCakECMBQlfBM47dGwbv5ZN_l7gCCo/s800/DSCF9174.JPG)
It runs very well on air and is more or less ready to fit to the boat. I will need to take some more time out at some stage to make the two water pumps but for now it's full speed ahead on the Nieuport until finished.
As before, for those interested, there are more pics of the rebuild on Model Engine Maker forum here http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2851.msg117544.html#msg117544 (http://www.modelenginemaker.com/index.php/topic,2851.msg117544.html#msg117544)
Well I know that's completely different from the mainstream here but I hope that's of interest - it (model engineering) was once a true passion but after so many years machining metal I'm afraid the fire has diminished considerably - I have to say I have really struggled to stay focussed on this so am truly looking forwards to tomorrow :)
Regards - Tug
-
What a superb looking engine Tug, the modifications you performed are excellent, the work of a true craftsman. Looking forward to seeing this gem of an engine fitted inside the hull and all coupled up ready to go.
Des.
-
Awesome work on the power plant, Tug! If it runs as well as it looks, it'll do everything you want it to and then some!
Cheers,
Bud
-
Hi Guys -
I thought some of you might be interested to see another small update. The engine and boiler plant is now finished and ready to fit. There's still quite a few small things left to do inside the boat once it's installed but it's getting very close to launch day now :)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MWifKvSOVjc/V5E0BxeJ7zI/AAAAAAAAO5A/aYXy4_4PUXwsVS9-CVo-m29LsNTKnoOZgCCo/s800/DSCF9440.JPG)
and Bud and those of you with a bent for such here's a very short vid of it running ;)
https://youtu.be/EZGZ1uONCaw (https://youtu.be/EZGZ1uONCaw)
Won't be long now before I can get back to the plastic without (this) distraction at least :)
Regards - Tug
-
A superb looking boiler/engine combination Tug, first class workmanship.
Des.
-
Tug,
This just blows me away my old friend.You're truly a very gifted Master Modeler. Absolutely stunning skills and craftsmanship are clearly evident in this project. Thank you very much for sharing the video of the engine run up. It was AWESOME ! Well Done Tug.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
PS: Just wondering if you ever considered building a steam powered David type torpedoboat from the American Civil War?
-
Hi guys - glad you found it of interest :)
Gregory, no, I haven't. Indeed I have never been aware of them in any detail as such until your post. Having just Googled it and spent some time on some very interesting reading it would make an interesting subject for sure (and different to the mainstream too) but alas I have far to many other projects to think about let alone do ::) - A new plastic WWI project for one ;)
Kind Regards - Tug
-
Hi Guys
I thought some might like to know that this project saw it's finishing touches today :) It's been a long haul - three years overall (though I set out to make it in 1972 :o ) Saturday see's it's launch but having built it, the original desire of doing so to steam it regularly has diminished with time to the point of little desire at all. After Saturday it will live in the hallway on display and I can get back to the real interest ;)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vvx0qCwmm1U6VDpiFSgQLjewdHwrooDw3SrG6ODfOBcZHZrOOv1OJQG1el_d4DgciV6oKBZTQ7BYm7lbvE-2AfYxSUuFkEDeykZ1u--FQEhn9sx2qeNLlZuQs0BVwAEKLps4Wru1EvblNFx2p86BIuBTbNaSkHKdCrWGnWdO7P6aCWS8gMRbj6ONL6OfPVnfzCji7g34nKAJsf-Z1BpWFSPAi69vToVjCV80eunZsWCHyPXX7mG_vwgQ1P_XxTXDtZez6IdmoLKXz3l7AF0Qa2HJEY8fq2K9TkQixmw4EYPCVebfI6PZBfMIwm3nh-N8LJ82x067tDOGqE9omfCNuG9-tXGfOYjNuSR_qRNfatWI6_UPm011-_rdj_2ALuYqd1GnDRbKFc3qh7Eb6W0r0vd8EYxHHylEk7D-wo_3waXqlmtF1VwD0nudOcZWgWXbbD6xD68wvLR4rgJfolgfccSRmgt0SE3E5bsc0dXyM7YA4Jmv6zt3SxrB7d8tvkIpl6JJtZ6xmDvkCdLsg0Fz6rbNCdHCDaqt0MZYUMihxTEiLCwukQBhCVjIqNywVD0lsbGmuSXVqluVXCbMJugHhrbc9yX8Cmenocx5ejAzqNZMqB6=w1231-h923-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/rHwdxr96J7kFfwzD_sNn-2sgP9g9gxq9BJspsPvmqvCNpr94NyCbKEmLs3pBFL2-ee7qxeWMtc2E5RBnBQ6U42uwa676n-f9nNXZuiSsI9XznyXrzoP4CyHjgYjevQtYpYuMueIqUn79n0Z0lVFNgEwzCl9esnEuKdx8y9XGEFPxKIPuep2VdCjC_pdjZHaMw_c5nshH7LZ7ZHx2Pbshh-3_tAgkxGXB_Csc89hfpT0KDl0-3V2EX-Q9QEJ2Qib0zHMkuarjzHHL9fmrgAkYZPqLkt1NHW6M7-1EPhEDjUeRTW_h2CWR5N8W7G6yn3loI7kEbpua7JitIzFH8VlQVDB8wdnEBr-dg8bVcMCsnrrYhqfU9ST71Zx-rd_t_H6yBpIxcAgUhRwJITZyiNxvgwlRk1ZHsjR3A2FCR6rGV6SBx7sz41OytyvIflSSWH_44LZ7XccJCEI85EyJwHEMDxlWV3vCpwCbbstGGhVjq-YwVkSOtg9lLOxzFczbAuBaLV7vns5O3T2tsDF_a2574pgYnBN9qM9cjkPU6NiMKB5ZwbsHfiJ_XlGhavoD8gLG-0pzu5p8dfJth97fMjySVpwHxFjRB_knyNk9EUVScTrn2hQA=w1231-h923-no)
Though you may find it surprising to hear that and wonder why I spent the time on it, it was just something I wanted to do after all these years thinking about it. I'm pleased I've made it and very pleased with the outcome but the great thing is that now it's done I can shortly get back to the workbench and get to grips with a kit :)
Kind Regards - Tug
-
Absolutely superb Tug, it is as close to the real thing as anyone could possibly get. It may have taken three years but in my eye it was three years very well spent, you have created a true masterpiece and something to be extremely proud of.
Des.
-
This is truly magnificent, Tug! It looks 1/1! Perfect!
Cheers,
Bud
-
An absolutely beautiful reproduction Tug, the workmanship is very impressive. Three years well spent I'd say, the quality of this piece just jumps out at the viewer, you've done a real quality job on this!
Cheers,
Lance
-
Gosh, what a beautiful piece of work, Tug. You must feel very proud of it.
Best wishes
Nigel
-
An absolutely beautiful reproduction Tug, the workmanship is very impressive. Three years well spent I'd say, the quality of this piece just jumps out at the viewer, you've done a real quality job on this!
Cheers,
Lance
I completely agree with Lance - could not have phrased it better. It does seem a shame though that you only intend to sail it once - I do hope that perhaps you may change for mind, if only that others can have a chance to admire your supreme craftsmanship.
Stephen.
-
Des, 'RB', Bud, Lance, Nigel and Stephen - my thanks for your kind and appreciative comments :)
Three years overall does seem a long time but I did have breaks in between as you know - Starfighter, Camel, Nieuport etc. The intention to do this began so long ago but unlike most ideas this one stuck - I guess you could say it was an itch that just had to be scratched.
Yes Stephen I guess it does seem strange to sail it 'only the once' but the thought of the amount of preparation for each steaming and the necessary cleaning down afterwards no longer provides the attraction it once did. I am very pleased I kept at it though and very pleased to have it finished too but I'm afraid it's probably going to be more an ornament than a regular working model.
As basically a lifelong 'working model' modeller I am surprised just how great the appeal of plastic modelling has become over the last few years. I would never have believed it not that long ago but now find I much prefer the cleaner environment surrounded by books, paints and kits etc and the quiet pleasure of what we do than to standing in front of a lathe or milling machine.
I have a couple of small distractions in the coming weeks not least my wifes retirement this week but it's my intention to get to grips with a new model as speedily as possible ;)
Thanks again guys - much appreciated
Regards - Tug
-
Wow, Tug,
this is just unbelievable! I can't say anything more, just perfect. It will look good in hallway I guess.
Chapeau,
Manni
-
Thanks Manni - I hope so but Sue gets the job of dusting it ;)
Tug
-
Hi Tug, I am in Awe of your superb model... it is a wonderful inspiration of how models should really be... faithful replicas down to the working parts and "innards"... Just Great Work! But I can sense your attraction to static modelling too, it's a great hobby I have been involved most of my life... And as we mature, our interests wander... It's about the journey!
Thanks for posting and I hope your wife really enjoys retirement!
Regards,
Marc
-
Thanks Marc - you are so right - it is the journey which becomes ever more important as those years tick by. I was only saying to my wife tonight that it didn't seem that 'long ago' she had just over four years to do and here we are and tomorrow is her last day :) Four years gone in a flash - you really do have to make the most of each day. Ah, and especially so, with so many models in the stash ;D
Regards - Tug
-
Hi guys
This will be my last post on this subject but I thought that perhaps one or two of you would like to see that she did not sink ;D
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nJXTlkGwmonguaLVHINFtcHbt5ADQH5hLu_A74RyMwTnm10UT2z3Si1usLskJ_Pw4z3Ae1SKrK3TMCUzCPNgZ2jTpwlKEs7ZfIzKAZi81hyc9IpHdTpH3frG06jr1hFXjMgS5wiuyS78yFheph6es4tA5knMoB2-NQQ1t5IdOSy6yfumQmMx2vVfz2Iw_o5n_6V6n5Ar_CoxKDrLtce4V2mCi2epTTmnHjmjkAPbTy6WYJ_W9B27_JIrnnpVfhuhfJI9nbxmRXG4FMf1LwWG-kI5QGwN-owPfQaASYNASG8WsJ-cNm0FfRtR94wPV_kNibU9OSWSM8qFJfWzSqjxb2IGun6tnj01os-mTKVVH_WV9sdFBWyIodXdPEdL9fHSyUUmLTWQOnS664Vu8hnRHGLhMBcUm1uTn7lHUurLgT5zcxcHcJdyaFw2P3jJ3TsEFeF7-ZWuASDhXfjP4VUXo3Rsw7XUd5O6Mw05uGTHmGMRlRp5uaUJjy4EWhM5g_MBzGe8bs48KaHf_zF_hZz4M-xtCEFiZLvuUFmojiBQsZbcYpElv3s6I02RgkIx4RjYA2h7RgZu7xg0kR5PtFmPTLzZIUprMt819O9z1je2IJ0PJh4_=w1224-h918-no)
We had a great launching with some bubbly and cucumber sandwiches (ah! what else would you expect :D) but now it's safely in its stand in the hall and I can get back to more serious matters ;) (Pics as before on the MEM site)
I have a couple of workshop mods to do and Sue has ideas about decorating ::) but I should be able to get back on a new build within a couple of weeks - it will be nice to have something far more topical to post about.
For those who had the interest - thanks for looking in
Regards - Tug