Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: raflaunches on December 24, 2014, 10:42:13 am
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Hello
When my Dad finishes his latest project of the submarine cruiser HMS X1 he has already chosen his next model to build and would like to share it with everyone. Keeping with strange and oddities of the Royal Navy he was skimming through my book of 'A Shipyard at War' a story of John Brown's famous yard on the Clyde, where he saw a stunning picture of this vessel (not the picture from the book by the way!)
(http://i62.tinypic.com/a2bplk.jpg)
Built in 1917, Train Ferry Number 3 was built for the war effort to transport trains, wagons and anything else required to France. There were three built and after the war they were all sold off to train lines like LNER to operate from Richborough, Harwich, and Margate to Zeebrugge, Calais, etc.
The decision is to build her to 1/72 (1/76 or OO/HO Gauge) to allow convenient scaled railway stuff to be used. I've already got him a WW1 era train of the famous Ambulance Train No 40 and I'm going to get him some wagons. Interestingly I've found some images online of one transporting cars and trucks and one paid a visit to Russia with some Mk IV tanks!
Here are some pictures I've won off fleabay.
(http://i62.tinypic.com/qn4uio.jpg)
(http://i58.tinypic.com/2mcuuo.jpg)
We intend to build her as seen in these pictures with the dazzle finish- and yes before anyone points it out they are of her sister ship TF No 2!
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Interesting model :-))
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Well the pair of you seem to select some very unusual ships to model
Best of luck with the new project
Geoff
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good luck to you on the project. I did have a chat with my dad this morning, and he has a whole folder of information on these boats and their history, (about 3/4" thick) including some British Rail photos marked as not for publication, showing the decks.
Also there is (he tells me) a model at the ramsgate maritime museum of one of these boats.
another interesting fact was that train ferry 3 was made at a different manufacturer than 1 and 2, TF3 was sunk in 1941, but there is some discrepancies in the records (engine numbers etc ) that indicate the numbering may have changed.
if you need copies / more details let me know and I will try and get a copy for you.
Grendel
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the strange stuff is just that much more fun!!!! then again I was given a T-shirt for Christmas reading " I'm not sick, I'm twisted, sick makes you think there's a cure!!!"
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look
http://www.tynebuiltships.co.uk/T-Ships/trainferryno11917.html
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Hi everyone
Hope you all got what you wanted for Christmas, must say that I did- I got to be at home!
Thanks to everyone for the links, its really amazing what is hidden on the internet, and I thought I had done a thorough search. :}
Grendel, I, and my Dad would be most grateful of any help from you and your Dad- I always had an inkling that someone might have some info on them since it crosses two modelling areas, boats and trains. Annoyingly we visited Ramsgate in October as part of our holiday to Kent, we were staying just outside Canterbury in a small village called Westbere and stayed opposite a lovely old pub called the Yew Tree, it was a really lovely holiday but the museum at Ramsgate was closed until next year which was a shame because we always enjoy looking around it. If your Dad would like to share some of his info we will try our best to build a lovely model of TF3.
I bought a book by the World Ship Society called Short Water Long War about ferries and landing craft vessels and it mentioned the Train Ferry No 1, 2 and 3 but only in WW2.
We've been in contact with the NMM in Greenwich for plans and there are only three in the entire collection, two drawn to 1/192 and one at 1/96, and they are of them as built in 1917 so I'm saving up my pennies to buy a set in the New Year.
Anyway... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all :-))
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my dad also has contact with someone who did a talk about the port at richborough, unfortunately he didnt know much about the ships so passed and ship questions at the end to my dad to answer.
my dads speciality is the British rail and sealink ferries, so much so that he is contributing to 2 books on sealink at present, with around 3000 of his photos out with the books authors, Some of the photos he has of the 3 train ferries clearly show the rear decks and arrangement of tracks on board the ship, plus he has details of tonnage transported during the first world war through the port. it may be a week or two until I visit again, but hopefully he has most of the information electronically.
Grendel
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Nick,
According to the clyde database the train ferry No3 was not built at John Browns, but Fairfields.
The good news the glasgow City archives (Mitchell library) have pictures of it being built :-))
http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/overview.aspx?st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=Train+ferry&ko=a&r=&ro=s&df=&dt=&di=y (http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/overview.aspx?st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=Train+ferry&ko=a&r=&ro=s&df=&dt=&di=y)
They are a series of pictures taken every 2 weeks thought out its build in 1917
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Gingyer, thats correct Fairfields built No.3, the other two were built at armstrong whitworth I believe (now you say the name I can remember thats what my dad said) he also told me about the 13 women that dissasembled crashed planes for spare parts, and the raf shipbuilders that built high speed launches and high speed towing barges to allow planes to land, as well as be towed across the channel for launching from the beaches (to gain an extra 20 miles range) the barges would be towed and the planes fly up behind and land on them.
(once I asked my dad I was given an hours lecture on the boats, history of the port and related topics)
These were built next to the loading ramp for the ferry.
Grendel
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Hi Guys
Sorry for the late reply to your posts but an un-expected death in the family stopped me being my usual happy self. <:(
Anyway looking on the brighter side, thank you all for the excellent links and information being passed my way, I'll be definitely be applying for the build pictures of TF3 and look forward to hearing from Grendal and his dad.
I was looking through the book again and it states that the picture was taken by the John Brown Shipyard photographer as he liked to take pictures of all vessels that were moving up and down the Clyde at the time, it does say in the book that she was built at Fairfields-sorry for the confusion! One thing that does confuse me in the picture (and I'll try to upload it) it claims that the TF3 is being towed out just after completion but quite clearly she is already carrying a train!
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My sympathies for you loss Nick.
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Sorry for your loss Nick
The reason it may of been carrying a train would be a simple thing.......
How else do you check the tracks can carry a train upon completion?
It's one thing checking with a tape measure but best to try the real thing
bearing in mind in Glasgow, was churning out trains as well as ship :-))
So if the admiralty had bought a few trains send them down to the shipyard to test the
New boat and then deliver together.......
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Also if doing sea trials, they would want to ascertain the stability of the cargo under test conditions, as well as the performance of the vessel with a load.
Grendel
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Thanks for re-assuring comments,
Back to TF3 I didn't think of that and it makes so much sense!
Managed to scan the picture from Seaforth Publishings book 'A Shipyard at War' by Ian Johnston, on a side note its an excellent book to see HMS Barham, HMS Hood and HMS Repulse being built- absolutely amazing quality pictures.
(http://i57.tinypic.com/2jai62d.jpg)
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I do look forward to seeing her done up in the Razzle dazzle scheme, and now you have the contacts to the archives via your topic on HMS Kent in the Warships R&D to find the colours and pattern.
The ultimate tie in would be to have a ground level layout that the ferry can load and unload trains from at the lakeside :-))
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One of the plans is to display her with a loading ramp and a little railway scene and I had to include a dazzle scheme didn't I!
I've had a good read on the subject and like the idea of doing an early one partially because the latter version (rebuild) is a lot more complicated and access is a lot more restricting. Looking at a lot of railway wagons and carriages to see whats commercially available and what needs to be scratch-built. Don't think we're going to be sort of figures! :-))
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Certainly not Nick!
I can reccomend WD Models for figures. I designed much of the Narrow gauge stuff and lorries, but the figures are sculpted by a true genius.
www.wdmodels.com/
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Thanks Ian
They look fantastic, really like the look of the truck, might be adding a few to the ferry. %)
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A few Dennises or AECs would look the part.
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Dad's decided to have a mixed load, a train with three carriages, some wagons, and three or four trucks on flatbed wagons. He is going to get me to make the trucks and small models as he finds small scales difficult to build.
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I am sure the team effort will be impressive Nick.
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Well after missing visiting my Dad last weekend as I had Flu, I went over this morning. after taking him shopping for the heavy shop at the supermarket, we came back and I plugged my trusty hard drive into his laptop. unfortunately this particular folder was one of his older compilations, and while he had the photos on the laptop, the rest of the documents had been hand typed. not wanting to be thwarted we set to scanning the typewritten pages, and he also dug out some of his rarer publications that mentioned the ferries and we scanned in some relevant pages from those too.
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and some more pictures, with a couple of word documents
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and the scanned typewritten pages
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and the remaining scans.
Grendel
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sorry, that last scanned page should be the first page of the scanned documents.
Grendel
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the photo of the WRAFs was the women who ran the RAF Salvage yard at the port, recovering useable parts from wrecked aircraft.
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Simply WOW!
I'd like to pass on my thanks to you and your Dad, that's the kind of information and photos that makes a model brilliant. A big thank for your time in scanning and uploading them for us, I am simply in awe at the quantity and quality of them all. If I can ever be of any help to your projects I'd be most willing to help because what you and your Dad have done for us is stunning. :-))
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my dads hobby is ferries, he spends a lot of time corresponding with authors, and has photos in most books concerning uk ferries. he was ports manager for sealink, so had access to a lot of material that was not in the public domain. a few months back he was visited by 2 authors on their way to a cross channel trip. 5 hours later they left, having missed their ferry trip, but overjoyed with what they had seen, and a lot of extra material for their book.
we figured that getting this material out there into internet land saves it for posterity.
Grendel
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Those are wonderful images and are excellent reference materials not only to build the ship, but also to see what they carried. I think you will spend more time on the tank shaped blobs and lorries than on the vessel herself!
The last image suggestes that whoever marked out the dazzle scheme was a bit pedantic as wouldn't you dodge the rivets when demarcating borders? The framing with all those lightening holes will be very interesting detail.
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The fact that the tanks are sheeted in tarpaulins must only make modelling them easier, as no fine detail is needed.
Grendel
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It's all in the creases! Sadly I know no manufacturers who make MkVII tanks in 4mm but I am sure the first tanks came over by ferry like this so the Airfix or Master box ones would do.
The side frames of WW1 Warflats are pressed steel rather than welded fabrications which would make for an interesting change.
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ah good old Warflats, loaded/unloaded of the them a few times (not the WW1 versions before anyone cracks that one lol)
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:}
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Thank you for showing us these pictures. Very interesting. :-))
ken
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Hi everyone
Dad got bored recently and decided to start on the Train Ferry. The piece of flat wood is not the keel or the hull bottom- it's the main train/car deck! Yes, you've got it! We building her upside down!
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The drawings we are using...
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Recently today...
The first few bulkheads are being made and the box centre section has been added. The aft keel is being slotted into place and everything is being given is location, i.e prop shafts, motors, rudders.
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Your Dad looks like a proper chippy Nick. He just lacks the pencil behind the ear! Great progress, keep up the good work.
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Dont be silly - he is wearing glasses, thus the pencil is held in his mouth :-)
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He he Steve gave me a look of Spock raising his eyebrows when I mentioned your replies. {-)
A bit more work done to the stern, keel added and some more bulkheads.
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I do like your train ferry! A great subject to model. I enjoyed building a 1/72 scale version of a Danish train ferry, MV Freia. I look forward to seeing the progress of your dad's model!
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Hi Edmund
Glad you like her, I've been following your build too with great interest. May be one day they could join up on a lake together.
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A great idea but a long way from Dundee to Kettering?? but train ferries are a rare breed and yet a really interesting subject to model - partly because of the cross over between hobbies and the amount of equipment that can populate the decks - especially with the one you are modelling with tanks, lorries, trains and soldiers to choose from. Keep up the good work!
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I have fancied the lake biakal train ferry, it only ran in the summer as every winter they laid the tracks across the ice for the trains- up to the point they circumnavigated the lake with the track.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Baikal
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Those four funnels are rather splendid. And an icebreaker as well - just the thing for a winter lake!
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This week's update of the hull build so far...
The right way up, look at the mass of deck area to be covered in railway tracks!!!
(http://i67.tinypic.com/vijy3a.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/9iu3gp.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/r74nsn.jpg)
And the other way up, note there isn't a hull bottom yet as he is putting on a primer coat of paint inside before its sealed up forever!!!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2vimvt0.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/9zp0l3.jpg)
And finally, the beginnings of the rudder tiller support. On these vessels the rudder tube or pivot was visible on the deck, not sure why but keeping with tradition of getting things to work the way they should Steve has made his too.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/301qa0g.jpg)
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Wow that's some really nice wood work! :-) :-)) :-)
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Even the real thing looks to have had a very shallow hull, so the tiller flat may not have had room for an internal mechanism.
And, it is a military vehicle, not one expected to carry lots of Edwardian 'Ladees' and their children, so no one except the stupid are going to get their feets mangled in the steering gear!
The hull is a lovely shape.
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Thanks Ian, she is certainly a beautiful hulled vessel, and your theory would explain the steering system.
You say about Edwardian ladies, I've just been looking through all the pictures we have of the ferries and would believe it, standing on one of the flying bridges is a young lady wearing a fur coat! :o
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Excellent idea for a build gentlemen.
She's taking shape well and the way it's going, she'll be robust to say the least.
Precious little freeboard though, should be very cramped down below.
Do keep posting.
Sandy.
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Could the lady be a nurse returning to Blighty on leave? I wonder if there is a suitable preiser figure wearing a fur coat? That would add a conversation starter to your father's model (as if being a shallow hulled ship full of railway lines and trains isn't enough to start the conflabbery:O)
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It's odd but we think the photo is of the ferry being completed!? Not sure what she is doing on the aft flying bridge, I'll see if I can upload the picture tomorrow.
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We've found four photos with the mysterious lady suggesting that they were taken within 1 hour as each picture shows more and more wagons being loaded. You can even see the wagon numbers match in each photo giving proof that they were taken very quickly from different locations on the ship.
Dad is having 'fun' planking the stern and now sections with 1/16" plywood strips, twice!
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Cor, some of those planks have been put through the ringer! Lovely work and very well executed given those curves just mentioned. I think you need a the mystery lady aboard :}
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Let's just say he was stuck to the hull on more than one occasion! There was blood at one point! %)
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Oh dear:O( Still, your father is a veteran modeller and will just wipe off the 'claret' and continue fighting with strip and glue.
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Latest update from the nutter back home!
A hull with bits stuck on!!! {-)
The hull initial sheeting is complete, the bits of wood stuck on the deck are locations of the internals of the side superstructure. Dad intends to extend the hull plating up and create the sides and then create all the internal boxes that can be seen in the photos that make up galleys, companion-ways and ammo hoists, etc.
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That is becoming a beautiful build. It was a good sized vessel gauging it against your father and thinking of how big Pre- Dreadnoughts and cruisers were.
Pass on my compliments to your father for his excellent work so far Nick.
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Thanks Ian, I already have, but don't want his head getting too big! {-)
A bit of a delayed update as these are the pictures from last weekend and I'm uploading these as I wait for Photostream to upload yesterdays batch.
The superstructure internal sides are being made first to allow access behind them, you should be able to see that some of the recess areas are fully open whilst others have structures inside them with access all around. Some of them are ammo hoists for the 4 inch guns kept on the upper decks.
I did ask him if he wanted some 1/72 scale resin watertight doors for these areas but as he pointed out a piece of ply cut to shape would suffice due to seeing them in the darkened areas would be a waste of materials.
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more pictures...
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Lovely wood work Steve/Nick :-)) I have seen smaller marshalling yards on model railway layouts!
What mark of 4inch gun did they carry?
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Coming along very nicely indeed! Can I ask were the rails inset or raised above the deck? Great to see some trains aboard!
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Hi Edmund
They are inset, it's been a few years since I last 'played' with trains and we were surprised at the different types of track available. We're going to try some variations before committing with glue!
Hi Ian
Yes, we were shocked at the area taken up by the railway tracks, it's 4ft long by 9 inches so a huge area to fill, going to have three variations of load, normal stock, train ambulance, and my favourite, a mix of trucks and tanks.
Not sure what variant the 4 inch guns are, all pictures of them show them covered over with canvas just leaving the barrel exposed.
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Hm, I would go with that idea as it will save lots of work and be accurate. perhaps they were covered as ordered by a very tidy consious captain:O)
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Nick,
herewith a description of the guns carried by the WWI Train Ferries:
"................Port For’d and Stab’d Aft guns
Vickers 3” 12pdr 12 cwt QF HA Mk Vlll
Stab’d for’d and Port Aft guns
Vickers 3” 12 Pdr 12 cwt QF Pl*
Though all four guns were the same, the difference was in the mounts, the Mk Vlll being for anti-aircraft work and the Pl* for surface work, the difference being in the angle of elevation, the Mk Vlll mount weighing 2.10 tons had an angle of elevation from -10° to +90°and the Pl* mount, weighting 1.233 tons, from -10° to + 30°.
The guns were first designed by Armstrongs in 1893 and put into service in 1894. They went through many modifications and were still in use during the WW2 on minor war vessels, minesweepers and trawlers.
Gun Weight: 0.6 tons
Gun Length: 123.6 ins
Bore Length: 120.0 ins
Rate of Fire: 15 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity: 2235 ft/sec
Range @ 40° elevation: 11,750 yards with 12.9 lb High Explosive shell
AA Range @ 70° elevation: 19,000 feet
Elevation: Manually operated by wheel
Train: Manually operated by gun layer's body weight against a training bar in the case of the Mk.Vlll but the * against the PI mount, may indicate it was trained by wheel.
I don't think they were ever used in anger, and were only on board until the armistice when the three ships became Merchant Ships practically overnight!"
The above detailed description comes from an ex Merchant Seaman who has studied these vessels for many years and has a profound knowledge of them. He also plied the Harwich to Zeebrugge Ferry route from where he retrieved his library of information.
I was very fortunate to meet his acquaintance via my own build blog of Train Ferry No3, and it was just by chance that he looked-in. ;)
He (Tony) has granted permission for me to publish this information on your web page and is available to give advice should you need it.
He also enclosed two images of the UNCOVERED guns, which I will attempt to upload later.
Isn't it a massive coincidence that TWO builds are concurrent of TF3, and both in 1:72 scale as well. Our build was originally going to be HMS DAFFODIL in 1944, but the WWI version was less fragile looking at the loading ramp area ............... %)
Kind regards,
Sandy. (Yarpie).
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Coincidence is a funny beast. It would be interesting to see images of your build Sandy.
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Coincidence is a funny beast. It would be interesting to see images of your build Sandy.
Thanks for that Ian.
I would post images but feel that images of other vessels on somebody else's thread (particularly of the same project) are a little presumptuous. :embarrassed: I would prefer to wait until invited by the thread originator.
"Ballast tanks Ian"; is that a Royal Naval term for "double bottoms", or does it signify other ballasting??
Just curious as I spent much time as DB party on three Aircraft Carriers. ;)
Sandy.
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Attempt (without safety net) at uploading two images of "undressed" guns carried aboard the three Train Ferries. ok2
Sandy.
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Hi to you both
I'll try to post again, my internet decided to go AWOL! So I'm relying on old fashioned methods of Internet.
Sandy, you would be more than welcome to post your work on this thread, the more the better :-))
Thanks for the pictures of the guns, and the information about them too, I didn't realise that they were two different mounts fitted diagonally across the ferry. I'm waiting for the Internet to speed up so I can upload last week's update.
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Internets back! Pictures from last weekend.
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[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/50pshu.jpg)
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I think your internet's upside down {-) {-) only joking %% a most interesting build that I'm quietly following. :-))
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Must be the Oz version {-)
Had to switch off the auto rotate on my phone to view them .
Coming along very nicely Nick. :-))
Ned
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Technology eh! {-)
Dad phoned me the other day to tell me that he had completed the forecastle area. I'll have to teach him to photograph his work and send them to me. He might be able to take them the right way up!
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Is he using an Ipad? Apple photos will always be the right way up on an Apple device but other systems will show them as they were actually taken. A lot of Ipad users hold it upside down but don't know. It's a known design 'feature'.
Clear? It's a bit difficult to explain.
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When he started constructing the hull it was purposely built upside down. That is why some of the latest detail views still reflect this orientation.
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Solution:
Right click on image ......... Select "Open image in new tab" ......... open image from tool bar ........ and hey presto!, image is automatically turned through 180 degrees. (For steam PC's only I presume). :embarrassed:
Great "chippying" skills evident, a masterpiece in the making.
Love the anchor hawse pipe. Is it a continuous tube through the ships side to the foc's'le deck?
Sandy.
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And now; with permission; a quick mention of our (myself and Robbie Robertson's) TF3 build.
We were lucky to have an almost dimensionally perfect hull in fibreglass with which to start. Scale 1:72 and ideal for H-00. This had been moulded by Robbie some twenty years ago for building a pyrotechnic merchant fleet to be used in WWII pyro displays by the Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team.
Pictured is the hull prior to starting.
Sandy (and Robbie).
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I thought he had a crick in his neck with stooping over so much and wanted to work so he was looking up, so nailed the base to the ceiling.
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Hi Sandy
I can see why you chose the TF3, that hull is amazingly close, just some minor modifications and it matches perfectly, love to see some more pictures.
Dads been thinking about the flying bridge supports and has decided to use aluminium sheet to represent them. Since all eight supports are identical he will make them all together using our new pillar drill to make the lightening holes.
I took the pictures with my iPhone, I shall have to remember which way is up!
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That hull has loads of potential for doing a train ferry Sandy. Re my Usertname, I am knoiwn as 'Diddytanksian'on a wargames forum as I design 1:300th scale AFVs and other equipment that are naturally diddy, and so the name was coined. Logically keeping to the theme I chose Ballastanksian here, and if I ever join an RC Lorry/Transport forum, I would choose 'Dieseltanksian'.
Ta da:O) Anyhow, back to all things exciting and Trainferryist; Your father's prgress is interesting Nick. I agree that the hawse pipes look top.
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Thanks guys, not a bad hull shape.
Image taken pre-Christmas showing how the hull suits the project.
Sandy and Robbie.
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Crikey, a whole fleet of train ferries are on the slips.
Looking good.
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That looks fantastic! :-))
Just spoken to Dad and he is making the rudders from brass at the moment. He has plated in one side of the hull and wants a rest from continuous plating so the rudders were the next logical move. He has measured up the length of the prop shafts so he can ordered a set from SHG.
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Crikey, a whole fleet of train ferries are on the slips.
Looking good.
Ian and Nick,
I have it on good authority that ANOTHER WWI Train Ferry has been built recently on the South Coast.
Robbie and I are having a mini celebration as we've just fitted the funnels and associated braces and transverse gantry. This really makes the model readily identifiable as a train ferry, as it is one of the many defining features.
Image tomorrow if you will permit. :}
Looking forward to seeing Dad's hull plating. If his previous work is anything to go by, then it's going to be excellent.
Regards and have a great holiday weekend.
Sandy.
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Lots of piccies chaps. They are interesting vessels and very specialist with it.
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By way of an Easter present Nick and Co., some images of the Portsmouth area TF3 as she is today, Good Friday 2016.
Sandy and Robbie.
PS. Images were not good enough. Have removed and will post again with greater definition.
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Second attempt:
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Ooh, that's an attractive model Sandy. What is the model behind her covered in cellophane?
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HMS RODNEY Ian, remote controlled in 1:72 scale and measuring almost 10'.
Just like Nick's Dad, build 'em big. :-))
Sandy.
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Good point, how is your Dad doing with his Nick????
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Good point, how is your Dad doing with his Nick????
Hiya just been a little busy sorting out club matters and the mayhem show! :-))
Pictures are coming tomorrow of the hull plating, deck plating, cowl venting, and ruddering! A lot of 'ings'!
It's looking quite good but don't tell Dad that, he'll never get his head through the door!
All I can say Sandy and Robbie is- WOW, she really looks the part, are all your builds 1/72 scale? You've both done amazing things with your hull. Look forward to some more pictures when you're ready.
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Thanks Nick, for your kind comment. Robbie and I mainly build in 1:72 scale, in Robbie's case, for some thirty odd years now, and for me, comparatively a beginner, for ten years or so. Age onset; poor eyesight and wobbly hands, requires us to build bigger. :embarrassed:
Really looking forward to seeing Dad's progress on the "ings", as you amusingly describe them. Plating the hull is a skill in itself and we would appreciate seeing these skills.
It's really good to see this vessel recreated in triplicate just prior to the centenary anniversary of her launch in 1917.
One of the members of our website (World Naval Ships Forums) is currently building Royal Navy Ambulance Train N04 and coincidentally lives in Ramsgate, not far from the WWI emergency port of Richborough, where the train ferries plied their trade.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Hi everyone
The pictures of the 'ings' so far.
I admire yours and Robbie's work, the only other model I'm building in 1/72 is HMS Protector circa 1967.
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Nick, I'm in awe of another "ing" on your model. :embarrassed: This time it's the chippy-"ing" skills; straight lines on all of the joins and all parallel. Give your Dad a BRAVO ZULU (RN parlance for WELL DONE). :-)) He certainly has an eye for detail and a pretty evident confidence as well.
TWO rudders eh? We had to suffice with ONE centreline rudder due to the construction of the hull that we used. There really wasn't enough headroom to fit two because of the rake of the stern counter. Servo's and steering rods just wouldn't fit in such a cramped space. So we were forced to sacrifice that detail and wonder how she will handle when under way.
I knew HMS PROTECTOR well in my time in the RN; 1957 - 1982. I think she was originally a fast net layer and remained in ships side grey through her transformation, as opposed to her successor the "Red Plum". She is a superb hull shape and will make a fine model.
Thanks for the images Nick, it's surprising the different approaches used in building the same model.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Thanks Sandy, message passed on :-))
It's one of the few advantages to scratch building a hull that you can put in whatever you need however as I'm sure you know the other side (not going to call it disadvantages) is the time taken.
Today Steve has been detailing the area beneath the forecastle with railway buffers, capstans and supporting poles. With that bit finished he has restarted the plating on the hull.
The Protector was indeed originally a fast net layer but she was torpedoed in WW2 and limped back to India where she remained waiting for replacement turbines. After the war she returned home and converted in to the vessel you knew. The hull is a challenge but I've just got some plating to do before I can go mad with the details!
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What will really bring her detail quality out is the things like ballast and the grot that must have accumulated amongst the tracks. The carpentary is first class.
Lovely work Steve, like a good television series, I await the next episode with glee.
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.............Lovely work Steve, like a good television series, I await the next episode with glee.
Hear hear from here. :D ;)
Sandy and Robbie.
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Just in case it helps, there was a company doing OO drawings , I think the name was "Skinley" and they did an OO drawing of the WW1 trainferry. I know because I bought a copy back in the 1970's. It worked out about 5 feet long, and no I never got it built and sadly the drawing is long gone.
Good luck
Jim W
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Episode 6: the photos of the build continue whilst I'm away! :-))
Dad is making all the flying bridge and superstructure supports- the new pillar drill is making short work of the lightening holes. It has taken him over 5 hours to make the rear structure and still need to detail it with the mast base and planking. He did consider making each one from either brass or aluminium sheet but the soldering and gluing would have been very difficult to sort out and make look scale. Plus he did attempt to make one from aluminium but it took so long to get the shape (and to be strong enough) that he resorted to a material that is easier to work with- 1/16th marine ply.
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BTW. Sandy, I realised where I had seen your work before on your TF3- love the work as Bodgit and Bodgit!
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Your Dad's build is really coming on superbly. Love all the support beam details.
It is so refreshing to see something so unusual being modelled. I am sure similar skills may also go into the plethora of tugs that over 50% love building, but at least you will end up with a truly unique vessel and be unlikely to see masses of the same on the water.
Can't wait for the next instalment !!!!
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I had been looking at the frames with all those holes considering the fun Steve would have doing them but it looks like he has made short work of the job.
Very neat, she's really starting to look like the real thing now.
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I'm truly amazed too when he showed me over Facetime- I think the word to describe his face was 'proud'. He definitely has improved his smaller scale modelling considering he has only really built at the larger scales of 1/12th and 1/24th until recently. He went to the Coalville show to collect his prop shafts from SHG. He will be contacting Simon of Prop Shop to get his props.
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Excellent progress on TF3 Nick. :-))
I notice that your Dad has paid attention to the support girders on the Docking platform (aft), the forward of the two is broader across the beam than t'other. Steve is obviously a man who knows what he's doing.
We look forward to all of your progress reports and wish you (and Dad) continued success on what looks to be an excellent build.
Sandy and Robbie.
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Just spoke to Steve over FaceTime and he was dead chuffed with your responses, he admitted that he did have four attempts to get the rear one correct! About fours hours of work he estimates.
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I can see why given that the arches either side have to match up and be identical.
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Nick, I have only just noticed your kind comment below the final image on previous page. :embarrassed: I was so engaged with the latest images that I failed to notice.
So you're now familiar with the lunacy that is Bodgitt and Bodgitt. %) Being two old ex Stokers, each in our mid-seventies, we have a wealth of experience in things Naval (and navel) totalling 37 years, and all in the bilges or thereabouts. Upper deck fittings etc are not in our line of expertise, but we bimble along, learning as we go. TF3 has taught us a lot during our build and hope that it has been as enlightening for you and Dad.
So glad that Dad appreciates our occasional comments, he is deserving of the highest praise for what he is achieving. All too often a similar and current build of the same vessel turns into a bit of a competition. Not so in this case, you have our full support should you ever need it. Although a different approach to the same goal, Dad's efforts inspire us and we look forward eagerly to the regular updates.
Kind regards,
Bodgitt jnr. ok2
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Hi everyone
Sorry it's been so long since the last update but Dad hasn't been sitting around, he has done so much that I've sprayed the initial paint into the side bays and forward section, and hull ready for its first dunking this weekend.
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Wonderful stuff Steve and Nick!!
Two rudders .......... there's posh innit. Poor old Bodgitt and Bodgitt could only manage one. :embarrassed:
Lovely view under the Boat/Bridge deck, great piece of workmanship there Steve. :-))
So good to view the latest progress too, the thread's been quiet of late, but the newest images certainly make up for the absence.
Bravo Zulu guys.
Sandy.
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Yeah sorry about that Sandy, work got in the way as usual!
Dads promised me he will send me pictures of the build as he progresses so I can upload them whilst I'm away again!
She's going for a ballasting trials this weekend during the Wicksteed at War weekend, so it'll be interesting to see how his calculations work out.
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Gorgeous work chaps. I wish you well with ballasting and water keeping out proceedures Steve!
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Whilst I'm away Dad ballasted the ferry at the Wicksteed at War Weekend
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Excellent job guys ....... just excellent. 8)
Very healthy freeboard which complements watertight integrity.
The "Hampshire TF3" hasn't even got her bum wet yet and is nearing completion %) . Talk about living dangerously!!
She looks well on the water and must have drawn many an admiring glance, as well as enquiries as to her origin from many spectators.
keep up the grand work and photographic updates.
Kind regards,
Sandy.
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As long as she wasn't identified as 'Bismark, 'Titanic', or a speedboat then all should have been well. She sits well on the water Steve. You must be pleased at how well balanced she is.
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As long as she wasn't identified as 'Bismark, 'Titanic', or a speedboat then all should have been well. She sits well on the water Steve. You must be pleased at how well balanced she is.
Never mind that! How fast will it go mister?
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Steve is dead chuffed but forgot how much lead ballast was in the front and rear compartments- he knew the overall weight- just not in which compartment so he carried out a second ballast trial to remind him! %) it was either that or he wanted to see his boat in the water again! :}
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Never mind that! How fast will it go mister?
Twelve knots flat-out is the answer.
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Spoke to Steve yesterday over the dodgy wifi and he managed to lift the ferry into the house to let me see her, he has glued ramin wood in thin strips to create the rubbing strips which are quite prominent down the sides of the hull, and he has finished the deck plating. he is getting ready for the all important rail tracks! Can't wait... :-))
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Neither can I Nick! I look forward to seeing some piccies soon.
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Updates sent from home!!!
From the pictures I can see scratch built doors, ammo lockers and skylights. Track has been purchased and will be cut and covered with walk way covers, chains and other collective railway equipment!
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Nick......from the image posted in January 2015, with the full size vessel, there appears to be a near endless number of chains to dog down the wagons prior to a water voyage
Will these be added in scale to the wagons on board?
Derek
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Hi Derek
Chain has already purchased ready for adding once painting has finished
I
Must measure it when I get back, might have a sweep stake to see how long the overall length is!
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That is looking even more delicious. Please convey my congratulations. Such an unusual ship too :-))
I can't imagine how much chain he will need, from the photo the spaces between the tracks are filled with it.
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There is so much chain in the photo that I thought it was ballast originally. Delicious is a good word to describe this very interesting and attractive build.
Seeing this sort of project makes me glad I joined the forum. I look forward to seeing the chain fitted. Is it worth Steve pre patinating the chain to make his job a bit easier? What metal is the chain made from? There is a tank track patinating kit available for white metal track links and this might work on other metals.
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Well, what can we (Robbie and Sandy) say except "extremely well done Steve".
Now that the tracks are laid it's full steam ahead.
Everything about her is shipshape and Fairfield fashion and is a credit to you guys.
The Hampshire effort nears completion (still without getting her bottom wet) and we propose to float test her during this month, weather permitting.
If we may be so bold, can we post images of the Hampshire effort here, as of last weekend?? I know that you have already given dispensation on this Nick, but would still request permission, just courtesy.
Meantime, keep up the great work and we fully expect you to be "under way" by the end of the season.
Kind regards,
Bodgitt and Bodgitt.
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Nick...the original chains would have been forged steel link with an oiled finish....they wouldn't be as rusty as anchor chains that were immersed in the old salty
So if the model chains are brass, copper or raw steel, Steve could consider immersing them in Black Patina fluid for 30 minutes......it will give them gray/black/bluish oiled finish
Derek
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Hi Derek
Many thanks for the advice, I think we have some black patina in the garage we could use.
Hi Robbie and Sandy
You're more than welcome to post your build on this thread, I look forward to seeing your progress and wish you the best with the floating tests
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Hi Nick and Steve, many thanks for the permission.
The Hampshire TF3 nears completion without float/ballast trials and is looking the part now, or at least so we believe. %)
Here she is as of last Friday, ready to have her aft stubby bulwarks fitted.
A representative few items of rolling stock are placed on the tracks (strategically placed to hide blemishes!) and some lumber and chains have been glued in position trackside. Bollards have been placed between the tracks to secure the holding-down chains in place, but most of this will be obscured when all of the rolling stock is in place.
However, and we all know this, the "anoraks" out there will have their mobile 'phone searchlights on looking for evidence of detail when she is displayed. O0
Up to now we have figured out the colour scheme for the STARBOARD side, and, although I have a photo downloaded from the French site of what PURPORTS to be TF3's PORT side, it is clearly TF2's camouflage pattern, slightly "doctored".
Do you, by any chance have an image of TF3's port side camouflage scheme that you could post on here please. It doesn't really have to be in glorious colour as I can read monochrome into colour.
Many thanks for submitting your Dad's build of TF3 on this website, it really is an interesting build, attention to detail is absolute and the job, as they say, is a good 'un.
We wish you both continued success with the build and will be following each stage closely.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Lovely work chaps. It would be great to see both ferries on the pond at Wicksteed next year perhaps recreating a ro ro service demonstration.
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Hi Sandy and Robby
Beautiful work, can't wait to see her on the water
Hmmm I don't think we have one either, I'll ask Steve but I think that most pictures we have are of TF2. I'll have a look just incase.
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Many thanks Nick. ;)
By the way, the black patina will not be necessary on the project. The holding-down chains did rust because the freeboard of these vessels was only 4 feet above the waterline!! The car deck was constantly awash during any proper sea state (even the English Channel) and the evidence of it is the six automatic scuppers positioned just above the lower fender each side of the vessel.
Also, these vessels were constantly employed with as little as 20 minutes for turn around (Disembarking and Embarking). In fact, the team which secured the rolling stock would proceed to sea with the ferry for expedience sake, and when job done, would be picked up mid voyage by tug or suchlike in order to get them back to base (not "port" as the three ferries were manned mainly by Royal Engineers and Merchant Seamen) who were drafted in to the ships and generally dressed as soldiers. Some crew members actually came from inland railways as well, Chatham being one.
There are figures relating to the amount of crossings and transport of war materiel tonnage from inception to end, and it certainly gives no time for ship husbandry or general cleaning-up at all.
Well worked ships were never "tiddley", the bullsh1t was reserved for Capital Ships.
On which point, we may have to loosely base TF3's port camouflage pattern on TF2's, which is eminently detailed in various images. :D
Kind regards,
Sandy.
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Hi Sandy
Definitely only have images of TF2 from the sides required. Will do a similar thing with the camouflage as you'll do as it can't be too different.
Some more pictures coming tomorrow as they upload to my cloud account, these are of the scupper detail and the big door on the hull side presumably for crew and passenger to walk through when not boarding via a train.
Can't wait to see it for real when I get back home in 7 weeks time.
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Hi Nick,
great thinking on the TF2 camouflage scheme. If we both do the same "trick" port side, who is going to argue that it's not right. (Apart from many members who follow these Train Ferry build blogs on two differing websites of course). :embarrassed: %) Anyway, there's safety in numbers eh?
Looking forward to seeing more pictures of your build soon. You mention being away, would that be in Penguin Land again? My son had a "cruise" down there in 1982 aboard HMS FEARLESS. Bit hairy at times but was the making of him. O0
Wish Steve all the best please.
Sandy.
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Hi Sandy
Thoroughly agree, nitpickers will find it difficult to find fault if there is two of us with the same scheme!
Unfortunately I'm not in the Falklands, although I wish I was- it's much cooler there-, I am on a hot and sticky island but not in the Atlantic , can't say more than that but I think you could probably work it out! I had a brilliant time in the Falklands, I managed to get an exchange with a AET on HMS Edinburgh for a day, got to give some serious respect to anyone who sails in the Royal Navy living in such close company.
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At last Ive found the decent wifi signal to upload the pictures again!
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Steve will be filing down the hinges because he couldn't get the correct sized ones into position with the tweezers, so he made over-sized items to glue into position and will then sand them down to the correct thickness.
Only six weeks until I can come home again!!! :-))
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Look after yourself in the meantime and thanks for putting the progress shots up of Steve's work. She is coming along really fine.
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Thanks Nick for the photo-update.
Great to see the progress on this vessel and we're in love with the auto-scupper hinges, even as they are at present.
She's taking shape well and your Dad is a wizard with wood mate! It seems that he can cut a straight edge with microscopic bits of wood as well as large lumps. A great skill to possess.
Keep up the good work.
Kind regards,
Sandy.
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I agree, very tidy woodwork there. Puts me in mind of an Edwardian railway station!
Both very interesting builds, I look forward to seeing at least one of them before the end of the year, if not both. keep up the good work.
Were these the vessels re-tasked as Landing Craft Transports in the early part of WWII?
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I think that Nick put up a potted history further back in the topic. They had a busy life:O)
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Were these the vessels re-tasked as Landing Craft Transports in the early part of WWII?
I would venture to say yes UBN, she carried quite a few of them and I believe the rail layout was changed back aft to facilitate this. Later on in WWII she was further refitted to become purely a locomotive transport with her integral link-span.
Robbie and I have gained permission to test float the Hampshire effort at Heath Lake, Petersfield in the near future. You can be assured of a personal invite to the float/non-float test UBN, purely because of your underwater skills. :embarrassed:
Sandy.
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You're quite correct
Can't remember which one as there were three TF's but one was definitely modified at the stern to slide landing craft off the back and stayed looking like a standard TF, and TF3 was heavily modified in WW2 being closed in and a single central funnel being erected, she was named HMS Daffodil and sank in 1945 off Dieppe by a mine.
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Hi everyone
Thought I'd share the next batch of pictures whilst I'm re-cooperating from either a badly sprained foot or a 'cracked bone in my foot'- don't know which until later on!!!
Steve has been busy over the last weekend showing off his brass skills making the funnel rings and hawsers. He has laid the track and started to fill up the gaps with wood to represent the masses of walkways around the tracks. He has even practiced spraying paint and has done quite a decent job for a newbie.
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Hey Nick! :-))
Ouch!
Will you using stainless steel rail?
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Fabulous chaps. And get well soon Nick.
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Thanks Guys
Swelling has gone down but foot still rather tender to stand on. Get some funny looks when I do the see-off and see-in servicings from the aircrew and my liney's!
Dad is using brass for the rails because they were the new type of flexible track and he is going to paint them so it shouldn't corrode.
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Nick.......brass narrow gauge train track is 99.?% brass...it will oxidise and blacken naturally....however will never rust......
SOur colleagues at Illawarra Live steamers have recently installed 150m of Gauge 1 brass track and left it to the elements via mother nature
The natural oxidation creates its own blackish patina.......painting will not enhance the track in any way >>:-(
Derek
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Nick.......brass narrow gauge train track is 99.?% brass...it will oxidise and blacken naturally....however will never rust......
SOur colleagues at Illawarra Live steamers have recently installed 150m of Gauge 1 brass track and left it to the elements via mother nature
The natural oxidation creates its own blackish patina.......painting will not enhance the track in any way >>:-(
Derek
Is that 45mm gauge Derek? For a minute I envisaged a larger gauge with the inherrant huge cost in non ferrous metal!!!
Re, rusty tracks, I would paint them in Rail match 'Frame Dirt' and then wipe the track top down to a shiny finish to recreate the regular use they are getting. I use the colour for all my model tank tracks with various weathering techniques. Its a multi talented colour.
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Yes Ian...I understand Gauge 1 was originally an American imperial 1.75" gauge nomination or now a 45mm gauge soft conversion for European/Chinese engines and rolling stock...........
All of the pneumatically operated points & crossovers were imported from USA, although I am not sure of the actual origin of manufacture ......
Some rail from Asia is electro brass plated steel.....so it would be capable of antique style rusting with a light polish with 1200 W&D to remove the 3 Um thickness plating......Derek
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Ta Derek.
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Hi Guys
Shown some video footage of the ferry via FaceTime and it looks very good too. The track walkway boards have been stuck down and some paint applied very professionally by Dad. Hopefully some pictures soon.
On another note my foot luckily isn't broken but very badly sprained caused by the heavy landing after I left the aircraft steps in a rather urgent hurry! The bruises are quite spectacular as they develop!!!
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Hi everyone
Pictures as promised...
(http://i.imgbox.com/yfH8gDCg.jpg) (http://imgbox.com/yfH8gDCg)
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This really is looking a wonderful model!!!!
Excellent workmanship and a great subject to depict - I am enjoying reading about this. O0 O0 O0
Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh one day!!
Carl
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With fingers crossed she should be at Ron's open day on the 10th September for all to see :-))
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Great. I will be there, and be able to take a close look at all the work done since I saw it last at Wickstead
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Hi Nick what scale are the railway tracks?
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Hi dodes
They are OO gauge the closest to 1/72 scale. They fit the Ambulance Train we have that we know that the TF carried in WW1.
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Hi Nick, thanks for the quick reply, I will have to research now if there are any locos you can use, though just thought the British Army Railway guns could have gone over on these vessels. Very nice finish in the details there Nick hope to see it next year.
David.
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Hi everyone
An update so far...
All portholes in the hull have been drilled and brass 4mm dia versions have been glued into place.
The main cowl vents have been filed, fettled, and washers added to the bases to create the winding gears. Dad has started to make the aft big winches and in between he is filing and sanding the hull in preparation for the paint coming this weekend, yay at last!!!
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Nick, it may be of interest to you, but one of these vessels was used in the last war as a salvage vessel on the East Coast in the Nore Command. Though your model seems to coming on nice to your usual high standards, looking forward to seeing it at Wicksteed.
David
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Glad to see you about again Nick. I wish you a speedy recovery with your Foot.
You are doing a fabulous job Steve. I can't wait to see the weathering and final detailing. Roll on the paint arriving!
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our barry chapman has built this model here is a couple of photos i took of it at southern model show
(https://nbpwjg.bn1301.livefilestore.com/y3muXslY2XJFTh9PiFGUKDkYOeoMpSU2L_rc1siNm5VUkWGYantOgW5uIn0jAZEA-h9ysKWlfPqKtI7_nVtEgfH_t-Hj8mb0ZJZUn6FmUReCR3ATdDXCPtXU3bOKVCle-PcZBtDojxvdQY5rBo8xw2RKL7tm2fC44tvjy6Em8YdALM?width=1200&height=675&cropmode=none)
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(https://lrmtvw.bn1301.livefilestore.com/y3mmOnPuTnxvblr7fiVWj8CkNmfLljeaKeQl-GnOsz_aAbqDG-o6zxI62o0r9nmLkKh1T8CGkrmPQN6wzvPSWKSe_qg7ugfgoxG7PbEDdsU9JAhzw_azqpKJOTRmYV95c08djd5-ErhUjfqqPS83wAMrls9E6ALJg29N6Ones07xnU?width=1000&height=563&cropmode=none)
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Nick......we see volumes of space below the main deck.....I understand engine rooms and boiler spaces, however was the design simply to be the platform for the deck cargo?
Was there a substantial ballast system employed to unsure the deck level maintained a pre planned +/- height above water level & the ballast system used to maintain this from light ship to fully loaded?
Derek
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Hi guys
Thanks for the comments and pictures, all very helpful especially the colours.
Derek,
The ferry was designed primarily for trains or vehicles or carriages, there are no below deck cargo storage other than the ship's fuel bunkers.
As far as I can see from the admiralty plans most of the space below is engines, boilers, coal bunkers and split accommodation for officers and ratings, nothing mentioned for ballast or a system to keep the deck at a certain height. Many videos show a very wet deck at the aft section, and Sandy (Yarpie) confirmed this with his pictures too.
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Well now .........well now, excellent job so far Nick and Steve. :-))
T'other builders of TF3 in Portsmouth have nowt but admiration for you guys in a job well crafted, and the attention to detail is; to say the least, brilliant. O0
Scale, scale, scale is absolutely spot-on and patience on this remarkable build is certainly a virtue.
Keep up the good work Steve and Nick, we've now got three WD Train Ferries on the go.
Kindest regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Brilliant job Nick, if you build a dock to go with it, can I be the engine driver shunting in the yard?
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I meant to ask Nick, what have you in mind when this project is complete???
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Just gone on holiday but don't worry the paint has started to be applied- the red bottom, the initial grey sides, and now the black splotches and green stripes! Just the other colours to go, blue and white!
Brilliant job Nick, if you build a dock to go with it, can I be the engine driver shunting in the yard?
Course you can Dodes!
I meant to ask Nick, what have you in mind when this project is complete???
Finish off a couple of projects before moving on HMS Basilisk the 1889 gun sloop, but I have an eye on a couple of WW1 projects. One is HMS Glasgow and the other is RFA Palmol.
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Both are interesting craft to build look forward with anticipation Nick.
David.
(I have my grand dads engine drivers jacket and watch all I need is a hat).
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'Grease tops'are still available. Several members of the Chichester Model engineer club have them.
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Thanks for the info, when a small kid, I put a garden fork through my grand dads when playing in the garden, had no idea what is was at the time, things we do when young and live to regret later.
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Yup!
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Hi everyone
I've been having fun masking and painting the dazzling paint work on the hull. Not quite finished yet but here are some pictures of the progress so far. Sorry for the individual links but my usual image uploader is currently down.
https://s21.postimg.org/angtk2mmv/IMG_1598.jpg
https://s13.postimg.org/q9rv4p00n/IMG_1600.jpg
https://s16.postimg.org/is4nariit/IMG_1601.jpg
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This is a fascinating build project and I am enjoying it very much.
Thank you for sharing it with us all.
Jim.
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Looking really nice Nick. Some tricky painting there. :-))
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It is so good to see a model in Razzle Dazzle Nick! The use of greens is interesting but it is a shame there was not more of the light green.
Excellent job both of you!
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Don't worry there is some light green still to go on, a stripe of green goes across the bridge and there is some light blue to paint in a square on both hull sides too. We are debating whether to paint the green strips around the funnels on one side but it's hard to tell if that was applied to TF2 only.
Glad everyone likes it so far, must admit that the large amounts of dark green gave an initial reaction of 'oh my God what have I done!' but we've got used to it now! :D
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That's a great paint job guys - it's bringing a nostalgic model to life - well done so far. :-))
Regards,
Ray.
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Question Nick: Is that dazzle brush painted, or masked and sprayed. Looks some highly awkward transitions and corners to work around.
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I think I'm considered to be masochistic as I masked and sprayed it all! Took two and a half weeks to get this far! %%
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This is a fascinating build project and I am enjoying it very much.
Thank you for sharing it with us all.Jim.
HEAR-HEAR! :-))
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Nick and Steve, as requested, progress on the Hampshire build of War Department Train Ferry No3.
Yesterday, for the very first time, we test-floated her on a calm Gosport Lake.
All went well and, as you will note, she does bear a striking resemblance to your Northampton build. Great minds do really think alike. And both port side camouflage patterns are identical. Almost as good as TF2 if we didn't know any better ...................!! :}
So, very well done on your build and your progress in a much shorter time. :embarrassed:
Hope that one day these two scale models will meet.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Wow! Many congratulations on your maiden voyage, she looks the very essence of a train ferry. :-))
We've still got some work to do to catch up but the model under construction will be on show at Warwick this weekend with the Ambulance Train Number 40 and some WD Traction Engines sitting on the tracks.
Fingers crossed that we eventually meet with both ferries one day. :-)
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Your model ooozes with character chaps. I do hope to see them both at Wicksteed in the future:O)
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Any photographs of TF3 at Warwick, Nick or Steve??
Would appreciate seeing some O0 .
Sandy and Robbie.
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Hi Sandy and Robbie
Happy to oblige
(https://s17.postimg.org/udfyuqcvf/PB121637.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/udfyuqcvf/)
(https://s11.postimg.org/4y4o0oian/DSCF8484.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4y4o0oian/)
(https://s17.postimg.org/g9xdkbga3/DSCF8487.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/g9xdkbga3/)
(https://s17.postimg.org/r3lxdj9fv/DSCF8459.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/r3lxdj9fv/)
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Great stuff Nick and Steve! Thanks for posting the images. We reckon that, between us with our TF3's, we've got enough logistics to end WWI in a trice!!
Always good to see "model work in progress" displayed for those who are tempted to take up the hobby.
To see what can be achieved from scratch is also important; nothing is insurmountable to the ambitious modeller.
You should be justly proud of progress to date and we look forward to further updates.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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I thought you might be interested in a rather different train ferry. Forgive me if you're familiar with this one already!
This one is on the what I believe to be the finest model railway in the world - 'Burntisland 1883'. This 4mm scale (about 1/76) layout depicts the scene at Burntisland at the north end of the Tay Bridge several years after the disaster of 1879, when ferry services had been re-instated while the new bridge was under construction. The year 1883 is a pun on the track gauge - true scale for 4mm is 18.83mm!
The model has a working capstan system for loading and unloading stock over the lifting span. This very poor picture was taken at last year's Warley model railway show. Unfortunately I don't think it's exhibiting this year. The ferry doesn't actually sail although I wouldn't put that past the amazing team who have built this scenic wonder.
The layout even has a model of 'The Diver' - the North British 4-4-0 locomotive which fell with the bridge into the river and was subsequently salvaged and put back into service.
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Always thought Burntisland was in Fife on the North
shore of the Forth.
Ned
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Hi Victorian
I didn't know about that particular train ferry, but it's interesting to see that the general layout of the vessel didn't change in forty years, the funnel locations give the TF3 its ancestry back to the 1883 ferry. A stunning quality model too, I might add too! Many thanks for sharing the picture.
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Always thought Burntisland was in Fife on the North
shore of the Forth.
if its not then I have installed some bug electrical transformers in the wrong place %) %) %)
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Apologies gentlemen, my geography is not what it should be! This link http://www.burntisland.net/Burntisland-1883/Thumbnails.html (http://www.burntisland.net/Burntisland-1883/Thumbnails.html) explains where it is and has some better pictures of the ferry. Should have gone to....
David
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Apologies gentlemen, my geography is not what it should be! ................. David
Notwithstanding that David, thank you for a very informative link.
Great modelling there!
Sandy.
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Hi everyone
Just another update from the shipyard furthest away from the sea (or close to it!). At Warwick Dad bought some white metal fittings from Sitek (a small shop part of the Traplet company) which were two different sizes of bollard. The cowl vents are from Dean's Marine fittings range. The mushroom vents were going to be bought too but none could be found that small so Dad has started to make them himself from three different sized pieces of metal tube, he has to make 16- not too bad but he has many more fittings to make soon. He is in the process of making the ship's anchor winch from a Mobile Marine Model winch kit modified to his needs.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2428vv7.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2vv9nau.jpg)
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Thanks for the update Nick, your model of TF3 is coming along fine and certainly has a professional "crispness" about it.
Well done to you both and, in time, your model will be officially launched in 2017, one hundred years after the real thing. But please don't wait until September to do it, she should be ready before that!
Well done and keep up the great work.
Sandy and Robbie.
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Hi Sandy
She will definitely be ready for 2017, she is coming on nicely now and getting quite busy on deck! Some more pictures of his progress so far...
(https://s29.postimg.org/ji1zqf51v/IMG_1653.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ji1zqf51v/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/ttecj2wr7/IMG_1654.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ttecj2wr7/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/ka4npm98z/IMG_1655.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ka4npm98z/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/y52y833o3/IMG_1656.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/y52y833o3/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/w1sj0f3v7/IMG_1657.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/w1sj0f3v7/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/4sh5lx2s3/IMG_1658.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4sh5lx2s3/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/b7g6il9hv/IMG_1659.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/b7g6il9hv/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/xknx5eafn/IMG_1660.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/xknx5eafn/)
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Well worth clicking each mini-image to see the superb close up detail. Even with much of the deck taken up with tracks and planked boarding there is an amazing amount of micro detail elsewhere. O0
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Well worth clicking each mini-image to see the superb close up detail. Even with much of the deck taken up with tracks and planked boarding there is an amazing amount of micro detail elsewhere. O0
Yes there is, sorry about the small pictures, tiny pic-my usual photo uploader- is messing around again :((
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Well worth clicking each mini-image to see the superb close up detail. Even with much of the deck taken up with tracks and planked boarding there is an amazing amount of micro detail elsewhere. O0
Fully agree with Bob K there Nick, the finer detail on a model usually demonstrates the builder(s) abilities.
Thanks for the images, the work is truly impressive, and I'm still gobsmacked with Steve's expert wood-butchering and how he manages to get those "oh-so-straight-edges".
Delighted that your model is coming along so well and that both the Portsmouth 'Yard and the Kettering 'Yard have learned so much about these pretty obscure vessels.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Yes, very attractive models of a very interesting class of ship.
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I love this model.......... I would have squirrelled it away at Warwick if it wasn't so closely watched by Nick every time I came sniffing around :P
Beautiful detail and wonderful workmanship - will she be sailing at Wicksteed weekend Nick?
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Hi Carl, Sandy and Ian
Every time I come home I see something different has been made, and even I'm genuinely impressed with every fitting Steve makes he is getting better and better with his skills in the smaller scales. We are actually going to have a sail in the next three weeks once the speed controllers arrive. I can't wait to see her under her own power! Watch this thread for the pictures... :-))
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Hi everyone
Some more pictures from the works this afternoon. Water tanks have been made (or backsides of elephants as we have nicknamed them!)
anchor winch painted, and most of the tie-down points for all the rigging.
The prop shafts, props, and rudders are now permanently in position, and the motors are attached with home made mounting brackets.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2lcu4y9.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/243i9aq.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/anyphu.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2vwvbpg.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/23varsi.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2h2fvhd.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2v34rk3.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/126e07t.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/n1wabq.jpg)
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Grand job Nick and Steve.
What size are your propellers? T'other TF3 is running on 50mm dia propellers (via 6 Volt system) and runs well in that configuration.
However, as a poor cousin, t'other TF3 only sports ONE rudder so consequently steerageway is sluggish but functional. :embarrassed:
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to keep us up to date with your build, all credit to you both.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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What they said, keep up the good work :-))
But...I see Vision 600 type motors. Now not everyone ( ;D ) on the forum are fans of these motors. However, if you keep to about 6v, they should be fine. 12v they get proper aggressive and may bite back! Usually pulling many amps and with your double couplings, could be quite noisy. Just a bit of friendly advice.
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Hi unbuiltnautilus
Many thanks for the advice - I learnt that mistake on my Dreadnought being powered by 12v running these motors and my God, what a vicious little buggers they were ripping the motors from the mounts!
Steve had some common sense deciding early on to use 6v SLA and has stuck to this plan.
Speed controllers should be here by Friday ready for sea trials hopefully this weekend ok2
Hi Sandy
I'll get the measuring stick out later and measure them but I think they are either 35 or 40mm diameter.
I'm sure your beauty is realistic enough as I can't imagine that the TF's were particularly fast or brilliantly manoeuvrable.
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..... ready for sea trials hopefully this weekend.
Could that possibly be in the general area of Peterborough ?
If so I look forward seeing all the new detail work. Superb stuff :-))
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It might be... :-)) %)
Hopefully the ESC's turn up today or tomorrow.
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Fingers crossed they will! I was worried about the moped like noise of the motors running in the destroyer but this was only whilst bench testing. Once in the water the noise was minimal, but then we are not talking 600s, which sound lethal!
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Speed controllers still on their way but hopefully first voyage will be Thursday!!! ;)
More and more cowl vents are being added every time I turn around from my build- occasionally I hear a few words of displeasure that I won't repeat on the forum but the amount of them really changes the appearance of the ferry. Once he has finished adding them (and swearing) I'll upload the pictures of everything together!
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Speed controllers still on their way but hopefully first voyage will be Thursday!!! ;)
More and more cowl vents are being added every time I turn around from my build- occasionally I hear a few words of displeasure that I won't repeat on the forum but the amount of them really changes the appearance of the ferry. Once he has finished adding them (and swearing) I'll upload the pictures of everything together!
In excess of 45 of the blighters Nick! O0
Sandy.
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They're here and now she's alive. Table top trials complete ready for maiden voyage tomorrow morning! ;)
Almost everything painted so Steve can start planking and setting up hand rails next week.
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Good luck for tomorrow's trials Nick and Steve.
Hope you have calm waters because that freeboard is alarmingly shallow. :o And no going astern at 20 knots mind or you'll ship tons of 'oggin!.
Kind regards,
Sandy and Robbie (been there and got the soggy "T" shirt). O0
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Here's fingers crossed :-))
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:-))
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Breaking News!
Some where at sea-possibly in the English Channel...
At 1000am GMT with the Wicksteed Park MBC Dockyard Build Supervisor looking on, a strange looking craft took to the water under her own power for the first time. Train Ferry Number 3, or TF3 as she is known, entered the less than favourable water conditions with a Northernly wind blowing making the sea state rather rough but not entirely un-useable. On con was an experienced helmsman under guidance from the Builder engaged the engines and turned the ship to starboard before completing a full 180 degree return to port. The rudder manoeuvrability was surprisingly good and reversing was very acceptable. She managed to ship some water but not where expected- the anchor chain hausers managed to dump some 'oggin' on to the fore deck but not much. As was feared, the motors were rather noisy past 50% power in both forward and reverse selections but all is good. Apart from some re-adjustment of ballast from fore to aft compartments the engine choice will be the only items to change.
Enjoy...
(http://i67.tinypic.com/24buf0j.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/j61het.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/vsg7zl.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/25hnvw4.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/5l1doz.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2m76ihx.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2jfx8nm.jpg)
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Great to see TF3 :-))
Afloat on the great lakes
of Wicksteed :-))
Wicky has a Northerly Wind
while the rest of the country
have Southwesterly gales.
Must be the reason Gazebos
fly :D
Great model looks good wherever
the wind blows Nick.
Ned
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Ugly...Congratulations :-))
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Update...
TF3 is in dry dock under going an engine replacement as we speak. The agricultural sounding 600's are being replaced with some smooth running MFA Torpedo 500's. Forecastle superstructure has received its last bit of paint work ready to be glued into its final position.
Thanks for the comments so far, we had some fun for about 30minutes before Storm Barbara hit the lake!
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Looks even nicer on the water than it did at Dean's last week. Ships should be seen in their natural environment IMO. Good luck with the changer of motors. O0
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Well done to you both, we're delighted for you. Must have felt like Christmas has come early eh?
She's looking great on her natural environment too.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Thanks Bob, Sandy & Robbie
Paint work is looking good and looks like it works for real on the water- at times it was really difficult to see her and which direction she was traveling.
Dad is pleased as punch and has tried one MFA Torpedo 500 motor in place of the 600 and it's amazing how quiet it runs in comparison. He changed the angle of the motor mount too. He might be starting the funnel girder work next week!
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He might be starting the funnel girder work next week!
Now that I will be looking forward to, as I mentioned to you both last week.
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I must admit that I'm looking forward to it too, he has even bought a new soldering iron especially for this task. How many attempts do we all think it'll take him to get right? %)
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......... Dad is pleased as punch and has tried one MFA Torpedo 500 motor in place of the 600 and it's amazing how quiet it runs in comparison. He changed the angle of the motor mount too. He might be starting the funnel girder work next week!
Dare I say it Nick, but changing the angle of the motor mount is an excellent idea.
It is always preferential to keep the propeller shaft, couplings and motor shafts as much "inline" as possible, thereby reducing "throw" and consequently ....... noise.
I agree, it's not always possible.
Kind regards,
Sandy.
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I must admit that I'm looking forward to it too, he has even bought a new soldering iron especially for this task. How many attempts do we all think it'll take him to get right? %)
Quite simply ... ONE. :-))
Sandy and Robbie.
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We shall see- however you're probably right- he is getting rather good as his first attempts ;)
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If the preparation is good then I expect a better than average chance at getting it right first time. Cleanliness is next to godliness as they say:O)
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Well pictures are coming but a lot of work has happened in the last few days. All except the aft flying bridge, funnels, and walkways around the funnels have been stuck permanently in place. Steve has started to stick hand rails in position and he has got me to do some planking for him- said something about that I needed the practice! :o
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Pictures...
(https://s24.postimg.org/d6jx7h029/IMG_1708.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/d6jx7h029/)
(https://s24.postimg.org/5f378wvwx/IMG_1709.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5f378wvwx/)
(https://s24.postimg.org/huzx2np8x/IMG_1710.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/huzx2np8x/)
(https://s24.postimg.org/ty58q80b5/IMG_1711.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ty58q80b5/)
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I say that man :o :} How many acres of the stuff did Dreadnought and Prince George have between them and in 1:96th scale as well!!!!
Lovely bit of planking you have done there Mr Nick :-)) Did you find the short sections easier to fit?
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Thanks Ian
Strangely enough it took longer and I think it was due to the shorter lengths- since they're only 3mm wider it took me all evening to do that little bit but in the same amount of time I managed to plank the Prince George's quarter deck! (Yes I've restarted her!!!)
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Yay! I shall keep an eye out for posts on that topic.
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Hi everyone
Last weekend Dad and I intended to give the train ferry a second voyage with the new MFA Torpedo 500 motors but this was the scene we saw!
(http://i63.tinypic.com/15cngn6.jpg)
So we went back to the workshed and continued with the build...
Hand stanchions by their hundred have been fitted- 210 so far only another 200 to go! Each railing is threaded with 0.33mm nickel silver rod. My addition has been the rigging of the mast supports using 0.5mm cord. And then Steve has had to paint the railings with the light grey- something he started to enjoy (ahem!). {-)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2a63411.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/11ceccl.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/34q8qxl.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/30kby88.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/315nymf.jpg)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/rqvxx3.jpg)
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So to bring everything up to date...
The delayed second voyage took place this morning at a now defrosted lake.The new motors are so much quieter and give a better battery life- we sailed for 1 1/2 hours and she kept going has if we had put in fresh batteries all the time and the motors were not even warm! So happy little bunnies we are! :-)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/karzic.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/maeyl1.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/1jx2m8.jpg)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/qo87l1.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/9776vq.jpg)
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Good Gawd Nick and Steve, there used to be a time, not so long ago, when model 100 year-old Train Ferries were never seen on the water at lakes.
Now it's getting pretty commonplace and they appear to be breeding. :o
Your TF3 is looking great in it's natural element and must be a huge source of pride to you both. The inclusion of rigging etc is making her look quite businesslike and she looks proportionate to the "n"th degree.
T'other TF3 (dahn saarf) is nearly completed now. All materiels of war are now in situ on the car deck and we await the fitting of the ensign and crew members to make her complete and ready for the first (static) display in February 2017.
This display is at The Grange, Midhurst, West Sussex in February and she will be displayed among the Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team entries. i haven't got the date yet, but Robbie knows and he's just a 'phone call away.
During the course of the build we have collected a few images of WWI Train ferry models and reckon that two are fully representative of their originals. With permission I will post the images for you after clearing with suppliers.
Gold Medal to you guys therefore!!
All the very best for the New Year, and very well done.
Sandy and Robbie.
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Thanks Sandy and Robbie
I'm sure we'll all enjoy seeing the images, hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.
Can't wait to see your first static display pictures. I'm in the process of ordering some more railing material as Steve has managed to use all six 1m lengths we bought just before Christmas!
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What did Steve do with it all Nick? I bet he hid some behind a cupboard but you noticed and have ordered more railings!
She does look amazing chaps. Are you going to filth her deck up? Railmatch do a colour called 'Frame Dirt' which is a good browny-black and recreates brake dust well. I use it for tank tracks and priming smaller models as it is enamel and quite resilient.
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Hi Ian
Yes he's very good at hiding bits but economising with the bits he hasn't!
She will get a bit of weathering so she doesn't look too pristine but not too much that she becomes a rust bucket. Some of the hull paint has started to pick up some grime from the lake and when you compare the model to the photos they're very close in wear and tear and filth marks. I'll keep an eye open for 'frame dirt' as I like the sound of it to also put on my tanks tracks too.
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Glad to hear the new motors are working so well, and quietly.
Aghast at the number of stanchions going in, but looking through the lovely photos I note that they are all turned ball type stanchions. I hate to think of what the cost for all those must have been.
All building up for the pièce de résistance - the inter-funnel lattice iron work. That will really top off a most superb model. Well done :-))
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Hi Bob
Yes, let's just say that its several Birthday and Christmas presents rolled in to one! %%
We're really pleased with the new motors, she sails lovely both forward and in reverse and quietly.
Steve has been measuring up the funnel lattice work and needs some more smaller sized brass for the intercostals otherwise it'll look over scale when compared to other structures in the photos.
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Looks great! :-))
What were the old motors? New?
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Hi Martin and thanks,
They were new items bought on ebay and roughly identified as 600 types but they are very very revvy and not suitable for this type of vessel. Probably more ideal for fast motor boats from the 1/24 scale to 1/12 scale range.
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I love this model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick - Please pass on to your dad my appreciation of his (and your!!) work.....this model really is a credit to the both of you. Can wait to see it again at Wicksteed.
Carl :-))
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Hi Carl
Glad you like her, I'll pass on your kind comments to Steve. She is definitely coming on nicely now :-))
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Thanks Sandy and Robbie
I'm sure we'll all enjoy seeing the images, hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.
Can't wait to see your first static display pictures. I'm in the process of ordering some more railing material as Steve has managed to use all six 1m lengths we bought just before Christmas!
Quite agree there, if followed to the letter when building, then cowl vents and guardrail stanchions (as well as portholes) come in large quantities. (We HAVE counted ours, and the cost has been quite prohibitive).
However, always the professionals, you and Steve are not stinting in these areas. It really is worth the time and effort.
Sandy and Robbie.
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Quite agree with you both, when you compare how much it cost to build the hull (surprisingly very little in materials) to the fittings available. Luckily we have Ron Dean not far away for the cowl vents and hand rails but we found some lovely 3D printed 1/72 scale guns but were rather put off the price for four- over $80!!!
You certainly have to think what you can afford to spend on buying items which would be rather difficult to scratch build in quantity and quality to what you can make.
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Can't wait to see your first static display pictures. I'm in the process of ordering some more railing material as Steve has managed to use all six 1m lengths we bought just before Christmas!
Absolutely Nick, and just to satisfy myself (and without being called a "rivet counter"), I counted our stanchions, and TF3 requires 200 stanchions for her guardrails.
200 x 35p each, not to be sneezed at, but necessary to complete a good job................... as you guys are doing!
Sandy.
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As promised, some images of other WWI Train Ferry models:
The first is the French model of TF3 erroneously named as HMS DAFFODIL. A very nice build and well presented. Unfortunately the model builder, whilst scouring the web for dimensions, chose the wrong website to copy the length of the vessel which was actually 100 feet shorter than the real length. But he persevered with the shorter length and had to condense the superstructure as shown in the images.
Nevertheless, a nice clean representation of TF3.
Sandy.
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The dock is neat! You need to be a good helmsman to sail her into there.
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The next pictures are from Ramsgate Museum in Kent, almost adjacent to where the Train Ferries operated from the Secret Port of Richborough.
The images were very kindly taken by Jack Warner of WNSF and were taken through a perspex covering.
The huge gun on a well-wagon was actually transported by one of the Train Ferries to France.
This is a very nice local waterline model. It clearly shows the link-span tower with which to to compensate for tidal movement and illustrates the docking arrangements for these "ground-breaking"? Ro-Ro ferries..
Sandy.
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Next the beautiful waterline setup, post WWI, in Antwerp museum.
Images supplied by Tony, ("MerchantOldSalt" from WNSF).
By this time some of the Train Ferries were dispersed to civilian shipping companies and this diorama possibly shows a Train Ferry in Great Western Train Ferries Ltd livery circa 1923.
These three images certainly serve to illustrate the organisation of the embarkation and disembarkation of the rail cargo back 100 years ago. Note that the seaboard jetty is funnelled inward to guide the ferry to dock centrally.
Sandy.
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And finally, courtesy of "MerchantOldSalt" again, Meccano's in-between-the-wars attempt at one of the Train Ferries.
Thankfully not rigged for radio control and probably, just probably, unseaworthy! O0
Sandy.
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Wow, fantastic pictures Sandy. :-)) Thanks for sharing them.
I've seen the model from the Netherlands/Belgium on the internet and wondered why she didn't quite look right. That explains why she looked a bit 'squat' in the photos but still a lovely model.
The last time I visited Ramsgate I wanted to go in the museum but it was shut which really annoyed me because we had an inkling that there were some models or information in there about the TF's.
Steve and I are tempted to make the working ramp and dock but it would probably take longer to build than the ferry! We can only dream at the moment as he works to complete her. I've got some planking to do this weekend so he can continue to apply the remaining 190 stanchions!
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hardly ro-ro, the basis for that was in at the back - out at the front (and vice versa on the return) no reversing required.
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hardly ro-ro, the basis for that was in at the back - out at the front (and vice versa on the return) no reversing required.
Thank you for the correction Grendel.
To this old Stoker, they still rolled-on, and rolled-off again. ok2
Sandy.
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I was looking at something completely different and found this. You've probably seen it before but it's such a good pic!
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I reckon it was taken late war as those look to be Tank MkV which were Rhomboids with modified interior including one man driving and rear mounted engine etc, all making it a much more pleasant experience for the crew. They were used from July 1918, so assuming a delay between delivery and deployment for training on the new machine, they could be making the trip to France in March?
Thats an excellent clear shot!
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First MkV arrived in France May 1918
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Ta Rob :-))
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Hi everyone
Steve and I haven't been lazy since our last post, I was waiting for some wood strip to arrive and Dad to finish some hand railing!
I've been practicing my planking and I can't technically finish the planking process on the ferry because first we had to do some temporary rigging (we had to have access to the attachment points), the hand rails around the funnels had to be started next and then the gantry and to be added...but...the surrounding planking had to be glued first so Dad could drill the positions of the stanchions. So you see we had to plan our movements so we didn't end up not being able to do one of the items previously mentioned! A mass of rigging has been attached then removed from the funnels so a) we knew they were long enough
b) they were in the right position when we glued the superstructure attachment points
The planking is all 3mm wide 0.5mm thick lime wood strip with graphite pencil rubbed on both sides and ends. Surprisingly when I glued everything into position I didn't have to end up cutting a thinner plank-thankfully! :o
(http://i67.tinypic.com/n20r42.jpg)
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The way the funnel stays cross is quite attractive. Keep up the good work.
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Again, delighted with your progress guys. Very impressive.
The Portsmouth TF3 went on show for the first time today at Midhurst Model Engineering show and was received warmly by both ship modellers and railway modellers alike.
Unbuiltnautilus kindly took some photographs (with a proper camera) and I suggested he post some images on this thread provided you don't mind.
So, great progress Steve and Nick, your train ferry is looking absolutely gorgeous. A real credit to you both.
Kind regards,
Sandy.
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Thanks guys
It's coming together nicely, so much so Dad has even been looking at his next project, HMS Adamant 1911.
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Okay, as promised, some photos of TF3 at the Midhurst Modellers Show last Sunday. This was the first time that I have seen the model in the flesh, it's big, and it is a feast of detail for the eyes. Complements to the shipyard of Sandy and Robbie :-))
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The cargo boat Blackheath behind TF3, shows what the donor hull looked like before the extensive modifications the model had before the superdetailing. I liked the period accurate cargo load, which must have taken some serious tracking down to fully populate the cargo deck.
Our Mark 1 may be just that bit too big to fit on the deck though %)
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Thanks unbuiltnautilus
Stunning pictures and brilliant work from yourselves Sandy and Robbie. :-))
I like your ferry's war load-it's very effective at showing the wide variety of equipment they transported.
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Very many thanks unbuiltnautilus for supplying the images as promised; it's amazing what a good camera can portray. O0
With the Kettering TF3 soon to come on stream, and with her Hospital Train on her tracks, together these two models will show the varied rolling stock that they carried in their shortish, but highly significant WWI working life.
It is also incredible that three versions of TF3 have been on the stocks recently, just like buses, none to be seen and three turn up out of the blue and almost at once.
Keep up the good work Steve and Nick, I'm sure that all of us who log in to your blog look forward to seeing the end result.
Onwards and upwards guys.
Kindest regards,
Sandy and Robbie.
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Midhusrt is a good show. I used to attend it with the Bognor Model club and always popped down to see what the Model boats clubs had on show.
She looks great chaps.
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Good see the Portsmouth TF in all her glory :-))
Both gantries are now slowing drying in position ready for me to finish the planking tomorrow morning so Steve can finish the stanchions. More pictures to come tomorrow. ;)
https://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/BL5t
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Steve's railings are very neat. Top job sirs.
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Update time again...
Whilst I'm fiddling around with the final planking on the bridge/boat deck Steve has decided to make the girder that holds the funnels together... or is it apart!!! :}
The original idea was to make it from brass tube or rod but after some failed experiments involving drilling holes into a 1mm square tube which fell apart too easily, he decided to try plastic strut. After looking at Dave Wooley's build of Skirmisher using jigs Steve made his own from wood and as you can see he has got the hang of using plastic and Reveal Contacta glue.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/23jo6m9.jpg)
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I have been looking forward to seeing how this girder was going to be constructed. Thanks for showing the detail of the methodology. As it will be one of the most visually prominent features I am glad to see so much care being taken in its conception and construction. :-))
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Hi Bob
Thanks for the encouragement- I'll pass it on to Steve :-))
Its certainly one of the more challenging items Steve is having to make. We found a fantastic pre-made plastic girder with half of the sections but it was found to be too big for the scale which was a shame. Whilst the plastic strut we are using maybe slightly over scale but its more believable than the pre-made version!
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Well done Steve, attention to detail and peresverance as usual.
In reply to a comment earlier on in your thread, I submit this link:
http://www.open-sandwich.co.uk/town_history/richborough_port.htm
Sandy.
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Dad is trying to get as much of the work that requires my help done in the next two weeks before I disappear for two months! So he is trying to get the bridge sorted out so I can plank it for him! %) And to rig the funnels!!!
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That girder is very tidily constructed. I cannot see gaps an the spacing is half milimetre perfect :-))
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Hi everyone
Another update from the Kettering Train Ferry building yard!
The girder is being completed as we speak (drying) and my planking is almost complete- just the upper bridge wings and conning tower.
The ship's boat is a 16ft dingy from Quaycraft's 1/72 scale range and Dad has made the boat's chocks from 1/32" ply. And almost done is the wiring of the railings, just the bridge ones to go!!!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2eltst3.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/15goyg7.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/fw86f.jpg)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/zstjyt.jpg)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/33z7e6s.jpg)
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Superb choice of 16' dinghy by Quaycraft. Probably the best supplier of ship's boats out there Nick.
The span girder is a work of art and again demonstrates Steve's patience and skill at woodworking.
Also, your attention to detail is revealed by your loose planking on the longitudinal platforms that pass by each funnel. That planking was purposely fitted as such to facilitate drainage (to the poor unfortunates who happened to be directly below on the car deck). %) Your bridge/boat deck planking is also a work of art. Do take the weekend off guys. O0
Keep up the excellent progress guys, I'm constantly in awe of your skills.
Sandy.
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I too, must add my admiration of how you guys are working - cooperation being the key, I guess - and the jig for holding the girder work looks like a winner. :-)
Regards,
Ray.
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Well we've learnt a lot over the years, especially from mayhem's excellent source of modellers, I've just sprayed the bridge and girder the nice light Admiralty grey that is so popular for the era.
The planking took a bit of effort to get right, as Sandy says, the longitudinal platforms couldn't match up with the deck planks and thats when I remembered that they didn't have to!
Unfortunately I can't take the weekend off as its my penultimate weekend before I deploy back to that sunny island in the Med and Steve needs me to finish off the bits I make so he can continue with the rest of the build.
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Well at least stop for a bit to enjoy a well earned drink. You and Steve deserve it seeing the girder and all that planking.
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I have just seen this stunning build for the first time today and read through every page and...Wow!!...what superb craftsmanship and such a fascinating subject, I'd not heard of these particular Train Ferry's before... every day is a school day eh.. Keep up the great work guys :-))
Dale.
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Hi Dale
Glad you have enjoyed a our build so far, we've enjoyed building her and we hope to have her complete in the next few months so keep tuned for the final jobs of boats and details. :-))
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Hi everyone
Busy weekend with graphite, glue, splinters and cord found stuck to my fingers at one point over the two days!
The girder is complete and stuck with the funnels in their final positions. The planking is complete (yes!!!) and 90% of the ship's rigging is probably complete too. Steve is finishing off the stanchions tomorrow so he can concentrate on sticking the remaining ship's boats together.
Enjoy... :-))
(http://i66.tinypic.com/161km60.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/v770oj.jpg)
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So much progress ! I guess it helps with two working together. The ship looks so much more advanced since I last saw her just before Christmas. Masses of stanchions. The planking looks really net. Seeing the inter-funnel girder finally in place is the cherry on the cake.
Well done to both of you. I bet you will still be seeing parts of this in your sleep when you transfer to Med'.
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Thanks Bob, she has become the eat, sleep, build model process I'm sure we've all done at some time! {-)
Steve will finish her whilst I'm away hopefully keeping me in the loop with pictures so I can upload them when I can. He's not going to rush but the next project is underway with drawing up the hull sections- she's going to be HMS X-1's tender, HMS Adamant which served from 1911 to 1936.
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Steve has had that in the pipeline for a few years now patiently waiting in the wings for the green light. I recall the research topic you started backawhile. I remember an image of a cluttered quarter deck.
I wish you both a good stint at getting her done and quite right, don't rush it at this late stage.
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Have a good break in the Mediterranean Nick.
TF3 really is in expert hands whilst you enjoy the Mediterranean Spring etc etc.
Looking forward to your photo updates as well, you are now almost duty-bound to supply them to your ardent followers. ;)
Sandy and Robbie.
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Hi everyone
Wet weather over the weekend prevented TF3 from getting her bottom wet for a third time so some time was spent finishing off the hand rails, signal halyard rigging, and the boat chocks.
Enjoy and I'll see everyone when I get back, I can still use the Mayhem forum so feel free to continue to talk to me for the next two months. :-))
(https://s29.postimg.org/hhn2wzso3/IMG_0351.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/hhn2wzso3/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/wevjy05wj/IMG_0352.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wevjy05wj/)
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(https://s29.postimg.org/k6mh0rnj7/IMG_0357.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/k6mh0rnj7/)
(https://s29.postimg.org/nevjrjz6r/IMG_0358.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/nevjrjz6r/)
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Have a good tour 'over yonder' Nick. TF3 looks as brilliant as ever, especially in the sunshine.
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Yay!!! The Wifi has improved since my last tour of duty to sunny Akrotiri!
Hello everyone and I'm over a quarter way through the detachment and I can upload the pictures of the work done whilst I've been deployed-amazing! :o
Steve has been busy whilst I'm losing weight, hair going grey and general ageing that occurs when you do 12 hour shifts with only one day off in 14!
Any how, Deck lockers, galley funnels, and ship's boats...
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2weflns.jpg)
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ag2mw6.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/oibujl.jpg)
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Looking better and better :-))
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Yup. She's starting to look like a busy ferry.
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I'm with Bob and Ian, certainly looking the business :-))
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that is an incredibly complicated and very interesting and unusual ship.
looks absolutely superb.
Jim.
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Thanks everyone for the encouraging comments I'll ensure that they are passed on to my Dad next time I ring home. :-))
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Hi Nick, looks like another of your splendid builds, what I want to know will it be at Wicksteed , if so which day.
David,
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I hope at least one will! Sandy and yarpie have one built as well but cannot recall if they were bringing theirs as well.
A quick question Nick, what grey did you paint the hull in? Primer or a modellers paint like Humbrol or an acrylic??
I had a look through but could not see a reference to colours used.
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Hi Dodes
She will be thee all weekend both sailing and on display in the Wicksteed gazebo.
Hi Ian
The hull is primed with Halfords grey primer then sprayed with Humbrol Matt64 acrylic paint. Then each colour is masked and sprayed with Matt 33, Matt 30 and Matt 34. Which are black, green and white. I just need to find the correct colour blue to finish off the paint scheme.
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Thankyou Nick.
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Nick, what port in UK did she sail from.
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Hi Dodes
Richborough, Harwich, Ramsgate and Dover were the main ports sailing to Zeebrugge, Calais and I think Dieppe.
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Hi Nick, I was after the WW1 port they operated from. Just I have noticed there are some locos now available in the colours of pre Southern days available now, with the appropriate stock.
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during the war they ran from the secret port at richborough - I believe the remains of the ramp is still there at the mouth of the stour.
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I think the remains are visible just near the baypoint club, a line of posts heading into the river
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Hi everyone
To remember Sandy aka Yarpie we will now continue to finish off our version of Train Ferry Number 3.
Yesterday we visited the Doncaster Model Boat Show and bought some finishing touches for the ferry. These included two searchlights, 24 double blocks, 2 single blocks, and 10 life rings. And about 12m of small link chain!
I have used the Dave Wooley method of creating canvas screens but substituted masking tape for 18mm Tamiya tape as I have tried masking tape on my Dreadnought and found it difficult to work with and keep in position whilst Tamiya tape tends to stay where its put!
Steve started to make the bridge awning supports whilst I was away but it takes a little while to get into the right frame of mind to finish it off!
And finally for today... I made the docking bridge voice pipe from 0.5mm brass rod and after studying the pictures ensured it went through the correct holes.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/jZJ67a/IMG_1951.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZJ67a) (https://thumb.ibb.co/fYnNfv/IMG_1952.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fYnNfv) (https://thumb.ibb.co/hA5KSa/IMG_1953.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hA5KSa)(https://thumb.ibb.co/iY6LYF/IMG_1954.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iY6LYF) (https://thumb.ibb.co/k5wb7a/IMG_1955.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k5wb7a) (https://thumb.ibb.co/jTtOna/IMG_1956.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTtOna) (https://thumb.ibb.co/bFq3na/IMG_1957.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bFq3na) (https://thumb.ibb.co/bOd67a/IMG_1958.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bOd67a) (https://thumb.ibb.co/jiDHDF/IMG_1959.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jiDHDF)
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I saw the sister ship at Robbies place on Wednesday evening, with her full cargo load, she makes a fine sight.
I am sure Sandy is watching proceedings from afar, taking notes and preparing his insightful and often humorous responses, which we will just have to imagine from now on. So, good luck with the final leg of the build, and to quote Sandy one more time..
Bravo Zulu :-))
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A beautiful model and a fitting tribute.
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Hi everyone
Starting the final details of the TF, Steve finished off the bridge awning support structure and I managed to fit it through the spiderweb of rigging! The rope reels have been added and we've added a crew for sense of scale...and finally the binnacles, signal discs, and semaphore.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/htjqek/IMG_2025.jpg) (https://ibb.co/htjqek) (https://thumb.ibb.co/eY4Cs5/IMG_2026.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eY4Cs5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/hyCXs5/IMG_2027.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hyCXs5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/eQRss5/IMG_2036.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eQRss5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/eTkkC5/IMG_2037.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eTkkC5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/hJMLek/IMG_2038.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hJMLek) (https://thumb.ibb.co/jtGmKk/IMG_2039.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jtGmKk) (https://thumb.ibb.co/myGmKk/IMG_2040.jpg) (https://ibb.co/myGmKk) (https://thumb.ibb.co/k7QrkQ/IMG_2041.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k7QrkQ) (https://thumb.ibb.co/dFbLek/IMG_2042.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dFbLek) (https://thumb.ibb.co/iYHhs5/IMG_2043.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iYHhs5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/gnTcQQ/IMG_2044.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gnTcQQ)
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1. Cripes, that awning structure is a superb piece of construction and soldering in brass.
2. The crew is a nice mixture of daily business and duties. Are they from Deans? Or are they Railway layout miniatures?
3. Will the binaccles and Pelorus have their globes painted greena dn red, or is that a peacetime luxury?
Gorgeous chaps!
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Hi Ian and thanks
I can see why Steve took a mid make break from soldering the awning, he has done a good job putting her together.
The crew is a set of railway staff from Bachman and have had some subtle modifications to suit the era and model.
I'm not sure about the binnacles/pelorus globes but I'd like a bit of colour to break up the grey upper works. I've got to paint the signal discs white, and the semaphore black and white.
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Thanks for the indirect question answering Nick. I was considering the colour of the Semaphore for the Destroyer.
I suppose a well trained crew wouldknow their Port from their Starboard (hopefully!) but the globes would add a dash of colour to a world of Admiralty and Military drabs.
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At 1202hours local time a May Day was received...
Message reads...
TF3 has struck a concrete edge of the Wicksteed Harbour and taking on water!
A bit of a dramatic read I know but we didn't discover the damage until we returned back home and found water dripping from the hull and water inside the battery bay. We think that she struck the edge of the concrete side and cracked the two layers of hull plating at its weakest point. After a week of drying out and cutting out of the damage a repair plate with filler has been created to seal up the crack. She'll be repainted next weekend.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/cZm0Kv/IMG_2060.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cZm0Kv) (https://thumb.ibb.co/bT6BRa/IMG_2061.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bT6BRa) (https://thumb.ibb.co/kSXwsF/IMG_2062.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kSXwsF)
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Sorry to hear about the damage . Wickstead has a lovely pond but that concrete is a kill to boats paint work .
John
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Praise be that she didn't sink fully.
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Nick....did the May Day call warrant a Naval Board of Enquiry to review the structural integrity of the hull by the Battery Compartment, or simply to demote the Master and sack the Chart Reader at the time?
Either way...just adds realism and reminds us of the fragility of scale to the non scale concrete wall >>:-(.......
Derek
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Nick saw a pic of your old girl at the end of the war, returning back to uk, Her decks where totally filled up with Lorries apart for a couple of railway coaches. If I find the pic again I will copy it over to you.
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Cheers David :-))
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Hi Nick, found the pic in one of my books, have scanned the pic and emailed it to you. This site will not allow it as it is to big.
Regards
David.
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Bless you dodes. You all ways seem to be helping people out. I still have all the pictures that you sent me.
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That's okay Spooks, I like to help if I can, while we are here, did you ever build that boat.
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Hi Dodes
Many thanks for the pictures, I received them the other day. :-))
TF3 went for an evening sail at WPMBC's monthly night/evening sail with her newly repaired bottom and some new additions to the paint work. I have been watching the Bachmann website for their new releases due in Dec/Jan for three different types of Warflat and some 14t Tank Wagons. They are also releasing some OO9 gauge narrow gauge railway which the TF's would have transported across the Channel.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/cgR4U5/P8252073.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cgR4U5) (https://thumb.ibb.co/m00yp5/P8252074.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m00yp5)
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Superb! Do pass my compliments to Steve for a quick and neat repair. Damage? What damage??
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That's okay Nick, marvellous model. Look forward to seeing it.
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Back after 3.5 weeks in Sardinia trying to fix Tornado's in a climate they weren't designed to fly in!
Yesterday I made the two engine room telegraphs for the docking bridge and for those who couldn't get the Dean's Marine open weekend I have included the latest cargo item: three war office 14t wagons suitably weathered by Bachmann. I'm looking forward to Nov/Dec for Bachmann's next release: WW1 warflats, and OO9 gauge narrow gauge railway equipment.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/cSBDgG/IMG_2212.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cSBDgG) (https://thumb.ibb.co/juXx8w/IMG_2213.jpg) (https://ibb.co/juXx8w)
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A model railway range owner once commissioned me to build him an O gauge warflat and despite a then lack of information, he said that the WW1 type had frames made from forged steel sides while those built in WW2 were rivetted.
It will be nerdy and interesting to see how Bachman have done theirs.
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Nick...this appears to be taken on the elevated aft steering flat [walkway]...so this a voice pipe mentioned [5th June]
If so, is it to the bridge or engine room control flat?...........
This would suggest the vessel could have been fully controlled [both engines & rudders......[when mooring aft] from this steering position
Your imgbb photo software enables a full screen view with great resolution
Derek
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Hi Derek
The aft bridge is called the docking bridge so I believe it has a duplicate set of wheels, telegraphs, and compasses for just this purpose.
The ship's drawings are actually incorrect and show the telegraphs situated one either side but the contemporary era photos show as we've modelled them.
I must admit I'm surprised at the image quality too!
Hi Ian
I'm too interested in how far Bachmann will go, hopefully not too expensive either!
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Do roll your eyes and tut if I have mentioned this before, but if you are looking at a good colour fo fill in her railbeds up with, I can reccomend Railmatch's 'Frame Dirt'. It is a brownish colour that recreates the brake dust seen around platforms and rail beds at stations, or in your case on train ferries etc.
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Don’t worry Ian, I’d never roll my eyes at any suggestion :-)
Whilst on holiday before the unwellness happened Steve and I visited an antique shop (well a sort of junk shop) we found some nice locomotives from 1902 and 1920 respectively that I think were part of a magazine collection from a few years back. They sit perfectly on the deck and at £9.50 each a lot cheaper than risking a £150 Bachmann locomotive on the water.
(https://thumb.ibb.co/kr1ebR/3491_C583_BB64_40_D4_A745_62248_D135_C1_F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kr1ebR) (https://thumb.ibb.co/b8wO36/DCAC7289_1_DA8_4066_9549_F2_EA818_DB548.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b8wO36) (https://thumb.ibb.co/dmFa0m/0_C22_ABC0_25_DA_4_C44_817_D_669_EC551_DE97.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dmFa0m) (https://thumb.ibb.co/crmtmR/2_CF21085_6774_40_C7_B437_11_D6_D1_C6_AE97.jpg) (https://ibb.co/crmtmR)
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Nick, sorry but L.N.E.R. did not come into being until the last amalgamation about 1928 also I think the L.M.S also was of a similar time. Upto 1927 there were about 95 railway companies in this country and Parliament said that was too many to be efficient, the first amalgamation took them down to about 12, then the last took them down to 4 and then the L.N.E.R. had to have government subsidies to build their A4 pacifies, the only company to come through unscathed was the G.W.R.
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Ah sorry Dodes
I failed to mention that just the train is accurate not the markings on it! We’re repainting the LNER train with more appropriate markings. Sorry about that. The loco with the LNER markings is from 1920 and the red coloured loco is from 1902. That’s my slightly fevered mind at time of writing my last post that caused me not to mention it! :embarrassed:
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Hi Nick, sorry to have sounded so rivet counting, had my 6year old grandson around me all day and evening spent a lot of time and money building him a trainset on a board and had all the teething problems with it, I really do not see the problem with your engines, so long ago not many people would know and at the end of the day its your model and I think it all looks great , fantastic, well done.
David.
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Two years ago my Dad and I took the TF3 to Warwick and Jack of the Spithead Review liked what he saw and took many pictures of her with the intention of adding one to his collection of 1/1200 scale ships.
Well today Jack came up to the Wicksteed stand and presented his latest addition to us.
Can’t believe the detail he has included including some Mk I tanks and a field gun! This is baby TF3 sitting on the fore superstructure deck of the 1/72 mother!
(https://thumb.ibb.co/jTmL3V/0-E4-ED834-8-F56-4-BFA-A207-84-F8-B564-E62-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jTmL3V) (https://thumb.ibb.co/eAsGcq/A8-A8-AA33-B36-B-4-E67-A908-7-B37658204-BF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/eAsGcq) (https://thumb.ibb.co/hENhHq/AFDCF8-D8-990-D-42-F5-AE8-C-064-FEEA7989-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hENhHq)
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I do like the smaller scale ships for a number of reasons :}
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There was a 4mm to the foot drawing of this ship in the SKINLEY range of railway drawings, I had a copy back in the 1970s.
It might be worth a query on a railway web site. I don't know what happened to the Skinley rangw, Hope this helps
Jim
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Been a bit of while since the last update on TF3! ;)
A new book came out last week from a fantastic chap called Kevin Hogget. The entire history of the first Train Ferries are explained with some rather annoyingly good and helpful photos of one under construction. One thing I found out that the White Ensign is incorrect and in fact should be a Royal Engineers Ensign. I’ve asked Mike Allsop to make me one during the three week restriction. Another item I added to the cargo load is Bosche Buster- a 14-inch railway gun- which was carried by TF1. I’m doing a generic load to represent the loads of all three TF’s.
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I like that rail gun Nick, make yourself or can you get it of the shelf, always fancied one myself, but the only ones I have seen are German ones!! While we are on the subject of the work these did, came across a model of HS28 on line, apparently she worked from Richborough to Calais towing barges loaded with heavy goods for the Army, so if you are getting some Army transport ensigns made let me know where to get one.
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Hi David
I’m good but not that good! It’s a model by a company called Oxford Rail. I bought it from a model shop that’s still operating online at the moment called The Model Centre in Whitby. Not too bad priced for the detail and size!
I’m getting the flags made by ‘Flag Man’ aka Mike Allsop (his trade email address is scaleflags@outlook.com). He is fantastic painter and makes all his flags on silk and to almost any design you require. There are certain limitations on how small he can paint but all my models have his flags on now.
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Hi Nick thanks for the reply, I will have a go for the gun. But will wait until I see your flag.
Regards David.
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Upgrades to the Train Ferry. New correct Royal Engineers Ensign has been raised (kindly made by Mike Allsop of Scale Flags and Ensigns). The ROD train purchased and added to the 14” railway guns. :-))
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That is just amazing - in the close up photos it actually looks real!
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Thanks Mark
We are really pleased how it’s turned out. A new book was recently published about the Train Ferry and we wish we had seen some of the pictures when it was being built. The author of the book told us about the correct ensign.
I’m working on some new rolling stock for the ferry so we have mixed types from the correct area just to add a bit of interest on the rail deck.
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Lovey guns Nick :-))
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Bit of an update on the Train Ferry. With help from Bunkerbarge I have been shown what extras were needed to accompany the railway guns. So I was looking through eBay and found some wagons and rolling stock made by a railway modeller using Lima chassis and wheels. The MDF laser cut ammo wagon are from elsewhere as the Shapeways examples were hideously priced and weren’t very well detailed for the money. So we are now building (hopefully) a historically accurate load for the ferry.
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Impressive stuff! :-))
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Now that is a model and a half! Super looking guns and also fine examples of Traction Engines.
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Hi Martin and Ian
It certainly makes the cargo jump out being of the correct era for the model. I’ve got some more bits and pieces recommended by Sir Klunk of Luton that can be fitted too- a rather nice converted London Type B Bus, some Vauxhall Type D staff car, and some FWD trucks.
The ammo wagons are weird as the roof overlaps the ends a lot and is semi-circular in shape. I’ve got a couple more small wagons to fill up some of the excess space on the rail deck and then she’ll be ready for sailing with a load.
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I wonder why the roofs were like that? These projects seem to keep dredging up new questions don't they!
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Certain rail car variants designed for heavy lift cargo were open-topped with spreader supports, then covered with tarpaulins O0 .. Derek
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Really excellent, one of your best models (so far!) as so much to catch the eye with the load!
Cheers
Geoff
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Hi Nick, just retrieved my book on " Branches and Byways" , I see the line at Richborough at the time came under the auspice of the East Kent light Railways. The line was built on spec to operate to the Kent Colliery's, and the War department moved in to the area in 1916, they used an assortment of locos and old rolling stock bought from various railways. But I should imagine the Ferry traffic would come in and go with L.S.W.R. and S.E&C.R locos and stock.
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This photo popped up on Facebook Nick...
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFfR66dj/365261808-6542356959144144-7349671843953279649-n.jpg)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=6542356965810810&set=gm.6462260970525209&idorvanity=1614960195255335