Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Bryan Young on March 09, 2007, 06:15:38 pm

Title: S.S."HUNAN"
Post by: Bryan Young on March 09, 2007, 06:15:38 pm
"Hunan" built by John Brown in 1933 for China Steam Nav.
The model was again inspired by Pottingers plan in Model Shipwright, but as I wished to build at 1:48 I needed more detailed drawings. Glasgow university again to the rescue. They are great! Fast, efficient and friendly (and don't break the bank). I got a full set of builders plans including the "shell expansion" and details of the "anti-piracy" gear she had. At 1:48 the model would be 72" long and weigh in the region of 100lb. As usual, the entire deck lifts off for access. She was one of a pretty standard type of ship for her period (although I think the counter stern was getting a bit old-fashioned). The type was often referred to as "West Hartlepool Tramps" because of their distinctive 3 island structure.
These pictures were taken before I went "digital" and may not be of a highish standard.
Unfortunately, this model was also stolen at the same time as "Bayflower" along with all my tools, lathe, radios etc.
Pretty traumatic.
Title: Re: S.S."HUNAN"
Post by: Colin Bishop on March 09, 2007, 06:31:56 pm
Traumatic doesn't even begin to describe the loss of a model like that. You must have been heartbroken. It just makes you wonder how the thieves would dispose of her. The market must be fairly limited and they wouldn't have put it through Christies or one of the other auction houses for fear of it being noticed. I hope it comes to light one day and you can reclaim it. Was it stolen from your home or elsewhere?
Title: Re: S.S."HUNAN"
Post by: Bryan Young on March 09, 2007, 06:56:59 pm
Traumatic doesn't even begin to describe the loss of a model like that. You must have been heartbroken. It just makes you wonder how the thieves would dispose of her. The market must be fairly limited and they wouldn't have put it through Christies or one of the other auction houses for fear of it being noticed. I hope it comes to light one day and you can reclaim it. Was it stolen from your home or elsewhere?
At 2.45 am a couple of weeks after a Harrowgate show. (year 2000? can't remember...probably put it out of my mind). Stolen from a pretty secure workshop but it must have been someone who knew the layout. I know the time because an elderly lady down the road heard a "big" diesel reversing down the cul-de sac at that time. There must have been at least 3 intruders because of the weight and quantity (not to mention size) of the items stolen. The theft was discovered by a neighbour at 0700 (walking a dog) and the police were informed immediately. It took 8 hours before a "community" police person arrived. Much shrugging of shoulders and a cursory investigation....and then zilch. The CID guy "almost" accused me of being the culprit! Where do they get these guys from?
But life goes on. Bryan Young.
Title: Re: S.S."HUNAN"
Post by: japottinger on August 01, 2007, 05:08:37 pm
As the designer of Huna and Bayflower I was also mortified to hear of the loss of models and equipment. A small consolation but the high standard of construction of Hunan going by photos posted will make a valuable addition to anyone's collection. By the way Hunan was built not by John Brown but by Scotts Shipbuilding & Engineering Company Ltd Greenock, where I served my marine engineering apprenticeship.