Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: mfv1132 on November 20, 2007, 07:19:21 am

Title: Scales
Post by: mfv1132 on November 20, 2007, 07:19:21 am
There may be a simple answer to this question but i cannot fathom it out !Is it possible to work out the scale of an old model i have aquired if the length/breath and depth are known eg. L=36       INCHES,,,B=9INCHES;;;;;AND D=5INCHES .Appreciate any help.
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: wingertaz on November 20, 2007, 08:00:41 am
Hi,
   What's it a scale model of ? If you know the size of its full size counterpart the scale can be worked out.  O0

Regards Gary
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: tigertiger on November 20, 2007, 08:05:26 am
It will be possible if you know any of those dimensions of the original full size ship.

Length of model divided by length of original (both lengths must be in the same unit of measurement)

For example, if the original was 360 ft long and your model is 36" (3ft)

                                  3ft/360ft = 1/120th scale.

But remember if you see the length of the vessel in a book note if this is length overall, or the length along the waterline.
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: dreadnought72 on November 20, 2007, 09:40:01 am
...Or the length "PP" - that is, the length between perpendiculars.

I always thought this was the distance from the waterline forward to the axis of the rudders aft. That seems to work for WWI naval vessels, at any rate. But Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P/p) says it isn't.

Andy
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 20, 2007, 09:45:19 am
Looking at the Wikpedia entry, I'd say that the text is right and the diagram wrong.
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: meechingman on November 20, 2007, 01:21:38 pm
A usual, Wiki is only as good as the info it gets. Garbage in, garbage out.  :(
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: mfv1132 on November 20, 2007, 04:29:47 pm
Thank you for the replies and interesting comments. The problem is i dont have any info. on  the original ship. I understand it was built at random with no actual ship in mind.The boat is a tug. Can anyone say what size of  fittings ie.cranes,lifeboat. winch, etc. might suit a model of this size? I don't want to fit any part that would look out of place.
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 20, 2007, 04:47:53 pm
Rather depends what shape it is! Can you post a picture?
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: cos918 on November 20, 2007, 06:44:24 pm
Thank you for the replies and interesting comments. The problem is i dont have any info. on  the original ship. I understand it was built at random with no actual ship in mind.The boat is a tug. Can anyone say what size of  fittings ie.cranes,lifeboat. winch, etc. might suit a model of this size? I don't want to fit any part that would look out of place.
hi the boat you say is built at random. You can still work out the scale. If the model has a door way ,wheel house etc ,drawn on a piece of paper a man. Adjust his hight until he is in propration to the boat .cut him  out of the paper and try him in door ways etc. Once you are happy he doesn't look out of place. You know have a guide roughly. IE paper man is about 6foot tall from that you can work out the length of the real vessel. Then from that you can work out the scale. I know this is crude but it gives you a rough idea. Rember if it not a museum standerd model you wont notice that much on some fitting being slightly bigger or smaller. john
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: mfv1132 on November 21, 2007, 12:03:42 pm
SORRY COS NO WHEELHOUSE/DOORS .CANNOT FOLLOW YOUR SUGGESTED PROCEDURE .THANKS FOR YOUR INTREST.

COLIN  THANKYOU ALSO . PHOTOS AS REQUESTED ATTACHED.
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: mfv1132 on November 21, 2007, 12:06:15 pm
TWO MORE PHOTOS COLIN
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 21, 2007, 08:00:41 pm
You do have one key dimension and that is the height of the bulwarks. My guess is that they would be somewhere between 40 and 48 inches high, 100 to 120cms, although somebody may be able to give you a more accurate figure. This should enable you to work out the scale. Looks from the pictures that the boat needs a bit of TLC!
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: Bryan Young on November 21, 2007, 10:42:26 pm
You do have one key dimension and that is the height of the bulwarks. My guess is that they would be somewhere between 40 and 48 inches high, 100 to 120cms, although somebody may be able to give you a more accurate figure. This should enable you to work out the scale. Looks from the pictures that the boat needs a bit of TLC!
If it is an MFV then the bulwark height could well be closer to 36"..must be low as so many late night "passengers" took an involuntary dive over them!
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: Ghost in the shell on November 22, 2007, 12:27:00 am
My Nord Icelandia was originaly a 1 to wotsit scale, windows around 1:72nd, bulwarks nearer 1:60, so its been totally re-done, bulwarks on the bow kept as they were, however her superstructure has been totally remodelled, and fittings will be 1:96, that will make getting bits easier, just gotta look at places that do warships etc
Title: Re: Scales
Post by: mfv1132 on November 23, 2007, 03:09:52 pm
Thank you all for your very helpful  comments  and advice .I think i have enough info.  to make a start on reconstruction. This is a great site and i have received a lot of help and advice since i became a member.