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[Little Rascal]

Looking for some clear definitions!

How do you describe the scale of your model?
Freelance, semiscale, standoff scale?

Looking for some clarity on how these terms are used!
If I have a boat that looks like a lugger but not based on a real prototype, what scale type would you call it?
It's designed by me to look like the real thing at around 1:50 but it's not a replica of an existing fullsize boat. It's also been drawn to give maximum displacement so it couldn't even be scaled up to fullsize. But on the water it will look, feel and sail like a lugger!

For example most of the models here:
http://www.model-dockyard.com/acatalog/Easy_Build_Designs.html
..are described as 'semi/scale' and one or two are 'freelance'. Is that refering to the level of scale detail or it's scale fidelity to a real full size prototype?

[Colin Bishop]

I would describe your model as semi scale. Standoff implies a lack of fine detail but otherwise is a replica of the prototype. Freelance is more a case where the model has been designed to be scale in appearance but does not represent a particular prototype. However, all these terms tend to blur into each other to some extent and it only matters if you are entering a competition in which case the rules of that particular competition will apply.

The MPBA rules on scale classes can be viewed here: http://www.mpba.org.uk/Section_pages/scale.html

Colin

[colin-d]

i would say your vessel is a cross between a Freelance and Semi Scale

it will look, feel and sail like a lugger

= Semi Scale

not a replica of an existing fullsize boat

= Freelance

the World Organisation describes them like this Scale classes

my description;
True to Scale = exact replica of an original, in a scale of your choice
Semi Scale = a replica of an original, in a scale of your choice, but with compromises (eg displacement changed)
Standoff = from a distance it looks like a boat/ship/vessel
Freelance = a boat/ship/vessel that probably does not exist in original form

but as my fellow "Colin" has said this would only really apply if your entering competitions.

[derekwarner]

Little Rascal ...time will only tell......but how many builders on completion say....if only>>>>>>> 

If you have the ability + time  + understanding....  try & understand where you want your vessel to be after completion & what aspect of true scale you desire....

Only you know the answer.....  ....Derek

[Little Rascal]

Thanks guys.

That seems to mesh with how I understood it.

It gets complicated because there is more than one thing being assessed.
As I understand it:

1. Scale - how near to a replica of a real ship it is.
2. Realism - how accurate is the detail, i.e. how realistic it looks
3. Build type - was it scratch-built or a kit. (i.e. effort involved in the build)

I see the three as a kind of spectrum of 'ethics'.
The very 'best' possible would be a scratch-built, highly detailed true scale replica of a real ship.
The 'least' would be a kit-built (or RTR!), low detailed 'freelance' design, not based on an actual type.
That's not to say that each type doesn't have their place.

It gets complicated when a model does 'well' in one area but not another.
e.g. a stand-off scale model of a real ship...
or a highly detailed, realistic 'freelance' model.

My model will hopefully look very realistic and is a 'scatch-build' (I'm drawing the lines plan!) but as it's not a replica or even a example of a specific type (looe lugger, macerel driver, fifie) then it's not actually a 'scale' model at all!

 

[Colin Bishop]

I don't think it's a matter of 'best' or 'least'. If you are happy with it then that's all that matters. If you do choose to enter a competition then you will be bound by whatever the rules of that particular competition are and will have no say in the matter whether it's a full blown NAVIGA C Class scrutiny or merely the local Mayoress saying which boat she likes the best. (Usually the launch with the teddy bear holding the tiller!) No two sets of competition rules are the same.

This subject has been discussed at length on Mayhem in the past and it is clear that there are no definitive universally accepted rules, just as there is no agreement on what constitutes a scratch built model or, even more controversially, what mixture of lubricant to stuff up your prop tube.....

Colin

[Little Rascal]

I don't think it's a matter of 'best' or 'least'. If you are happy with it then that's all that matters.

Agree completely. That wasn't meant to be a judgement of value or desirability.

I'm just interested as to where my design would fit in on the 'spectrum' - how it would be percieved.
It's partly because I'm interested in publishing the plan if it's successful - it then becomes a bit more important how I describe it.

Thanks for your comments.
Jon