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[Bob K]

Four Boats arrived.  Be careful what you say

For some time I have been strictly instructed not to bring home any more model boats.  The Dockyard is getting rather full and storage space is diminishing fast.

It started with a tea towel my wife pulled from the drawer that happened to have all the principal Wedding Anniversaries on it.  Naturally she made a point of showing me that the 50th is Gold, which I assumed was the start of a two and a half year campaign to keep reminding me every few months.  We are “only” on 47 at the moment, but I have noticed that as time goes by the gifts specified steadily escalate from “Paper” to very pricy gems.  I have already bought her some nice Sapphire and Ruby items.

Chancing my luck I said that not all the Anniversaries were shown on the towel.  “Like what?” she says.  I responded that surely the 48th Anniversary was when we gave each other model boats.  Well, it’s always worth a try.  Tee Hee !

Perhaps I should not have spoken, for that very evening she came home from work with the following four boats in the back of her car.  Apparently the father of a work colleague had passed on, leaving these very uncompleted projects.

So.  What on earth do I do?  Which ones are worth completing and which ones do I try to pass on or sell as completion costs for most are going to be fairly challenging, especially motors, batteries, etc etc.

Advice needed please !!!

None of the following have any electrics with them

Billings Will Everard

Looks 100% complete, unstarted.  1/67 scale.  58cm.  Plank on frame static build.  Laser cut parts.  Nice fittings.  Retails around £79.



Thames (?) Sailing Barge

Nearly complete. 60% built, although many parts loose inside.  Around 32 inch GRP hull.



Thames Tug

Not very complete.  Obviously quite basic.  Vac formed hull.  Deck part fitted.  Removable ply superstructure box.



Graupner ‘Glasgow’ Paddle Steamer

Looks like most of the essentials are there, including Graupner feathering paddle blades and quite a lot of fittings.  39 inch GRP hull.  Will probably need a specialist motor to drive paddles at around 60 rpm via toothed belt and cogs?




I really need your advice on these please.  No idea where I will even store even some of them . . .

[BFSMP]

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.


Accept these gifts graciously from your wife and definitely build the Glasgow. Have wanted one of those myself for years but could never afford one.


If you are shown not to be thankful t your wife, next time you ask for one, she might just tell you where to go.


Jim.

[nemesis]

They should go under the bed until you decide what to do, nemesis

[Guy Bagley]

nice one bob !!!

[Shipmate60]

Bob,
Build all 4 and when you "directed" to do something you don't really want to do just tell her you are going to work on one of "her" models.


Bob

[Stavros]

The London Tug looks an interesting model Bob


Dave

[Capt Podge]

The Will Everard is described as a static model, you could, therefore, use that one as a "fill-in" model while you're waiting for things on your current project i.e. Glues going off, paint drying, filler hardening off, that sort of thing. The other consideration is that, should you keep the Everard as a static build, there will be very little expense involved vis running gear. Most of the stuff you need, glues etc. you will probably already have in the workshop.

As for the other 3 - store away safely until funds (and time) become available.

OR....sell 1 or 2 to fund the remainder. Bear in mind though, the feelings of the bereaved daughter - get SWMBO to ascertain the score
i.e. would the lady wish to see the results or is it a case of just "getting rid" by giving to someone (yourself) who has the ability to enjoy the models. Tough call really.

Hope this helps in some small way Bob.

Regards,

Ray.

[Bob K]

Good advice.  Many thanks.  Looks like the sensitivities are outweighing the practicalities 

[tigertiger]

A nice early Christmas present.


My thoughts?
As they are free, if there is a type you have not built before, think of doing that for the experience.

The Thames tug is the least complete, could cost most to complete, but might be hardest to sell because it is not complete.


Will Everard is a lovely model. Even if you cannot keep it, you may wish to gift it back to the daughter as a completed model, in memorial of her father.


Thames Barge, if you have yet to cross over to the dark side (sail), the electrics for sail are quite simple and so low cost. It could be a nice way to get your feet wet with sail.


Glasgow Steamer, another nice one. Maybe a geared motor or using a worm drive, will go slow enough, without too much cost.


Whatever you choose you have cleared two main hurdles already. SWMBO's approval, and the cost of kit purchase.

[Stavros]

Bob if you ever decide to sell the Thames tug could I please have 1st refusal on it




Dave

[Bob K]

Thanks for all your kind comments on this 'sensitive' subject.

TigerTiger:  A super suggestion about the Will Everard. I will consult the wife. Although I have nowhere to keep it I could enjoy building it then gift it back to her as a memorial.  Nice Idea.
As you say the sailing barge would not involve great cost to make sails and fit a sail winch.  Never done a sailing ship before so could be challenging.

Stavros:  If you like the tug you are more than welcome, providing you can supply me a photo of her in a much more complete condition.  I could bring it to a show?

I do think I will have a go at the paddle steamer.  Technical challenges, maybe a fair cost involved, but could be interesting as something I have never tried before.

Thank you all 

[Stavros]

Oh Brill SPOT ON ...are you coming to Coalville




Dave

[Bob K]

Oh Brill SPOT ON ...are you coming to Coalville

Dave

Not sure Dave.  One way or another we can meet up.  I know you will give it TLC as you appear to have a special affinity with tugs.

Bob K