simond
Western Thunderer
I defer to both of you, you’ve both got far more experience in this domain than I, but…
And I do get the concerns about a “front of stage” model being vulnerable, and I definitely understand the issue of cost for a brass version. I’m less convinced about the mixed media argument, given a bit of “design for the extremes to which it will be subject”. I doubt -40 will be an issue in Essex in the next century or two…
If were modelling the barge laden or semi-laden, I think my approach would be to shape a piece of wood, say 10mm or so thick, to form an internal base, into which I would cut the chamfers for the swims, and slots for the ribs. This forms a rigid and solid foundation, onto which I would mount laser cut the ribs, decks, coamings, etc, from nice card, and glue it all together with PVA. I suspect I’d use thin card or paper overlays over a thick paper skin, to represent the panels, it would be easier to emboss rivets on them, then stick them on. The real thing was built from a material that sagged and stretched. Card strip for bulwark edges etc. I love the “hungry horse” look, with the ribs showing through, that you got in the mock up.
I guess a coating of sanding sealer or shellac, or even diluted PVA, would then protect it from the elements?
Gratuitous pic of my puffer, Olive, named after my late, lamented MiL. All card, including the windlass, though the mast & boom were knitting needles. I built it some 12 years back, and it’s still waiting for the engine room ventilators, guy ropes for the funnel, binnacle, wheel & Nav lights.
I did improve on the dinghy, however. (And that, too, is card)
Atb
Simon
And I do get the concerns about a “front of stage” model being vulnerable, and I definitely understand the issue of cost for a brass version. I’m less convinced about the mixed media argument, given a bit of “design for the extremes to which it will be subject”. I doubt -40 will be an issue in Essex in the next century or two…
If were modelling the barge laden or semi-laden, I think my approach would be to shape a piece of wood, say 10mm or so thick, to form an internal base, into which I would cut the chamfers for the swims, and slots for the ribs. This forms a rigid and solid foundation, onto which I would mount laser cut the ribs, decks, coamings, etc, from nice card, and glue it all together with PVA. I suspect I’d use thin card or paper overlays over a thick paper skin, to represent the panels, it would be easier to emboss rivets on them, then stick them on. The real thing was built from a material that sagged and stretched. Card strip for bulwark edges etc. I love the “hungry horse” look, with the ribs showing through, that you got in the mock up.
I guess a coating of sanding sealer or shellac, or even diluted PVA, would then protect it from the elements?
Gratuitous pic of my puffer, Olive, named after my late, lamented MiL. All card, including the windlass, though the mast & boom were knitting needles. I built it some 12 years back, and it’s still waiting for the engine room ventilators, guy ropes for the funnel, binnacle, wheel & Nav lights.
I did improve on the dinghy, however. (And that, too, is card)
Atb
Simon