Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: birlinn on January 26, 2019, 04:43:08 pm

Title: Scale model Birlinn
Post by: birlinn on January 26, 2019, 04:43:08 pm

Just received a commission to build a model of my 'nom de web', the Birlinn, or West Highland Galley.
Got a few books of use, and Iain Oughtred is promising to send drawings and photos of his models of the Sinclair and Galgael birlinns, so a fair idea of where I am going.
Has anyone else built a model? Pics welcome!
Phil
Curator, Tobermory Museum

Title: Re: Scale model Birlinn
Post by: Geerenal on May 20, 2022, 03:40:31 am

Dear Birlinn ... and I am sorry, but I am not quite sure of your name ... ? also John

I have been building models all my life but one eludes me ... a 'Somerled' birlinn.
I don't want to just make up my own modifications to a Viking ship if it is possible to find some actual birlinn plans.
I saw your discussion from 2019 and some of the great photos with it.

Do you have plans? Or, can you point me in the right direction to get hold of some?
I am very happy to remunerate if need be.
With kind regards
John AgarLorne, Victoria, AustraliaNB: known in the family as 'The Old Codger'!

Title: Re: Scale model Birlinn
Post by: birlinn on May 20, 2022, 08:36:17 am

Hi John;
Iain Oughtred sent me a drawing of a birlinn that never got built, but apart from the general appearance I didn't use it. I did some very rough sketches, which I cut up to make temporary bulkheads for planking the shell, built inverted.; the ribs were inserted later. So no real drawings I am afraid- you will not be far off if you crib a Viking hull and add a stern rudder.
I think I posted quite a few pics of my build sequence; most of the details came from Google searches.
Dennis Rixon's book "The West Highland Galley" has no drawings, only photos of grave slabs and other early depictions, although the dust cover has a pic of the modern replica Aileach. That replica is not very accurate; best ignored!
All the best, and good luck modelling,


Phil Siddall

Title: Re: Scale model Birlinn
Post by: Geerenal on May 20, 2022, 09:03:01 am

Dear Phil


Thanks so much for your reply.


I will be creative with [1] a reduced Viking shape and [2] a rear-ruddered stern, while [3] using your photos [if I may] for inspiration.


Here’s hoping ….


John