Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Detail Work, Rigging, Fittings, Figures Etc. => Topic started by: Paul R on August 10, 2007, 10:37:26 pm

Title: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: Paul R on August 10, 2007, 10:37:26 pm
Does anyone have details of the best place to get model boat flags from, I'm looking for the Malasian national flag.

Regards

Paul R
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: DickyD on August 10, 2007, 10:58:01 pm
Reade Models do BECC flags

http://www.reademodels.com/page15.html
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: Bunkerbarge on August 11, 2007, 07:33:57 am
http://www.modelflags.com/

The guys above are brilliant and offer a superb service.  They once sent me a wrong size flag, which I hadn't even noticed when I recieved it, they contacted me and sent off the new flag even before I sent the wrong one back.  Great guys, highly recommended.
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: malcolmfrary on August 11, 2007, 10:17:47 pm
Anybody know the way to work out the appropriate size of flag for a particular model?  I read that the in the days of wooden walls, the main flag at the stern had to have a length equal to half the max beam.  Is there something similar today?  I ask because it just struck me that a 1/25 flag for a 1/25 launch would vanish on a 1/25 tanker.
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: RickF on August 11, 2007, 11:12:49 pm
I don't know if there is a formula, but just reading Mowll's book on building HMS Warrior and he says that the ship's red ensign (red squadron flag) was 30ft x 15 ft. Warrior had a beam of 58 ft, so thats about half.

With modern ships, what looks right for an ensign probably is right! About one third and not more than one half the height of the staff would be my best guess.

Just realised  I have this tucked away in "Favourites" http://www.fotw.net/flags/gb-nav.html#his  - Must be something in there.

Rick
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: Colin Bishop on August 11, 2007, 11:16:47 pm
This is Warrior's present flag - as of last weekend.
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: RickF on August 12, 2007, 12:42:40 am
Ah, thats the baby one for flying at anchor. What Mowll (and Malcolm, I think) meant was the one flown at the gaff when under way.

Rick
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: malcolmfrary on August 12, 2007, 10:11:21 pm
The thinking was that there isn't any particular scale for a flag, as the actual size of the flag depends on the size of the vessel that is going to fly it.
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: DickyD on August 12, 2007, 10:19:07 pm
The thinking was that there isn't any particular scale for a flag, as the actual size of the flag depends on the size of the vessel that is going to fly it.

Reade Models give a chart of sizes as a rough guide.

http://www.reademodels.com/page15.html
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: malcolmfrary on August 12, 2007, 10:25:26 pm
Another secret handed out. ;D
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: Ghost in the shell on October 10, 2007, 11:46:31 pm
malc, I have found that the scale for flags is a bit of an odd subject, as a flag that is true to scale with a model may actually look wrong. The flag on my yacht is as far as I am aware at least, the right size, however it looks a little bit on the large size. maybe a yachter can give some light to that.

the flag on Gemini, (modeled as HO scale - using HO figures) has a flag that is about 5ft high.
Title: Re: 1/25th Scale flags?
Post by: Reade Models on August 19, 2008, 08:40:02 pm

Ghost is absolutely correct, a true scale flag flown on a model can look pretty insignificant, whereas a slightly oversize flag makes a better show - and catches the breeze better.

We always suggest to purchasers that if they are in any doubt about which flag to buy, that they rather opt for the larger one.  We NEVER get any back for exchange (as far as I can remember, anyway)?

It also has to be remembered that often flags of various sizes are 'worn' on different occasions, depending upon the type of vessel, circumstances etc.  Hopefully, some of our sea-going Mayhemer's can offer a little more insight here?

Malc