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[Yarpie]

And finally, courtesy of "MerchantOldSalt" again, Meccano's in-between-the-wars attempt at one of the Train Ferries.

Thankfully not rigged for radio control and probably, just probably, unseaworthy!

Sandy.

[raflaunches]

Wow, fantastic pictures Sandy. Thanks for sharing them.


I've seen the model from the Netherlands/Belgium on the internet and wondered why she didn't quite look right. That explains why she looked a bit 'squat' in the photos but still a lovely model.
The last time I visited Ramsgate I wanted to go in the museum but it was shut which really annoyed me because we had an inkling that there were some models or information in there about the TF's.


Steve and I are tempted to make the working ramp and dock but it would probably take longer to build than the ferry! We can only dream at the moment as he works to complete her. I've got some planking to do this weekend so he can continue to apply the remaining 190 stanchions!

[grendel]

hardly ro-ro, the basis for that was in at the back - out at the front (and vice versa on the return) no reversing required.

[Yarpie]

hardly ro-ro, the basis for that was in at the back - out at the front (and vice versa on the return) no reversing required.

Thank you for the correction Grendel.

To this old Stoker, they still rolled-on, and rolled-off again.

Sandy.

[TailUK]

I was looking at something completely different and found this.  You've probably seen it before but it's such a good pic!

[ballastanksian]

I reckon it was taken late war as those look to be Tank MkV which were Rhomboids with modified interior including one man driving and rear mounted engine etc, all making it a much more pleasant experience for the crew. They were used from July 1918, so assuming a delay between delivery and deployment for training on the new machine, they could be making the trip to France in March?

Thats an excellent clear shot!

[Rob47]

First MkV arrived in France May 1918

[ballastanksian]

Ta Rob 

[raflaunches]

Hi everyone


Steve and I haven't been lazy since our last post, I was waiting for some wood strip to arrive and Dad to finish some hand railing!
I've been practicing my planking and I can't technically finish the planking process on the ferry because first we had to do some temporary rigging (we had to have access to the attachment points), the hand rails around the funnels had to be started next and then the gantry and to be added...but...the surrounding planking had to be glued first so Dad could drill the positions of the stanchions. So you see we had to plan our movements so we didn't end up not being able to do one of the items previously mentioned! A mass of rigging has been attached then removed from the funnels so a) we knew they were long enough
                                                  b) they were in the right position when we glued the superstructure attachment points
The planking is all 3mm wide 0.5mm thick lime wood strip with graphite pencil rubbed on both sides and ends. Surprisingly when I glued everything into position I didn't have to end up cutting a thinner plank-thankfully!

[ballastanksian]

The way the funnel stays cross is quite attractive. Keep up the good work.

[Yarpie]

Again, delighted with your progress guys. Very impressive.

The Portsmouth TF3 went on show for the first time today at Midhurst Model Engineering show and was received warmly by both ship modellers and railway modellers alike.

Unbuiltnautilus kindly took some photographs (with a proper camera) and I suggested he post some images on this thread provided you don't mind.

So, great progress Steve and Nick, your train ferry is looking absolutely gorgeous. A real credit to you both.

Kind regards,

Sandy.

[raflaunches]

Thanks guys


It's coming together nicely, so much so Dad has even been looking at his next project, HMS Adamant 1911.

[unbuiltnautilus]

Okay, as promised, some photos of TF3 at the Midhurst Modellers Show last Sunday. This was the first time that I have seen the model in the flesh, it's big, and it is a feast of detail for the eyes. Complements to the shipyard of Sandy and Robbie

[unbuiltnautilus]

The cargo boat Blackheath behind TF3, shows what the donor hull looked like before the extensive modifications the model had before the superdetailing. I liked the period accurate cargo load, which must have taken some serious tracking down to fully populate the cargo deck.
Our Mark 1 may be just that bit too big to fit on the deck though

[raflaunches]

Thanks unbuiltnautilus
Stunning pictures and brilliant work from yourselves Sandy and Robbie.
I like your ferry's war load-it's very effective at showing the wide variety of equipment they transported.

[Yarpie]

Very many thanks unbuiltnautilus for supplying the images as promised; it's amazing what a good camera can portray.


With the Kettering TF3 soon to come on stream, and with her Hospital Train on her tracks, together these two models will show the varied rolling stock that they carried in their shortish, but highly significant WWI working life.


It is also incredible that three versions of TF3 have been on the stocks recently, just like buses, none to be seen and three turn up out of the blue and almost at once.


Keep up the good work Steve and Nick, I'm sure that all of us who log in to your blog look forward to seeing the end result.


Onwards and upwards guys.


Kindest regards,


Sandy and Robbie.

[ballastanksian]

Midhusrt is a good show. I used to attend it with the Bognor Model club and always popped down to see what the Model boats clubs had on show.

She looks great chaps.

[raflaunches]

Good see the Portsmouth TF in all her glory


Both gantries are now slowing drying in position ready for me to finish the planking tomorrow morning so Steve can finish the stanchions. More pictures to come tomorrow.



https://www.imageupload.co.uk/image/BL5t

[ballastanksian]

Steve's railings are very neat. Top job sirs.

[raflaunches]

Update time again...


Whilst I'm fiddling around with the final planking on the bridge/boat deck Steve has decided to make the girder that holds the funnels together... or is it apart!!!


The original idea was to make it from brass tube or rod but after some failed experiments involving drilling holes into a 1mm square tube which fell apart too easily, he decided to try plastic strut. After looking at Dave Wooley's build of Skirmisher using jigs Steve made his own from wood and as you can see he has got the hang of using plastic and Reveal Contacta glue.

[Bob K]

I have been looking forward to seeing how this girder was going to be constructed.  Thanks for showing the detail of the methodology.  As it will be one of the most visually prominent features I am glad to see so much care being taken in its conception and construction.   

[raflaunches]

Hi Bob
Thanks for the encouragement- I'll pass it on to Steve
Its certainly one of the more challenging items Steve is having to make. We found a fantastic pre-made plastic girder with half of the sections but it was found to be too big for the scale which was a shame. Whilst the plastic strut we are using maybe slightly over scale but its more believable than the pre-made version!

[Yarpie]

Well done Steve, attention to detail and peresverance as usual.

In reply to a comment earlier on in your thread, I submit this link:

http://www.open-sandwich.co.uk/town_history/richborough_port.htm

Sandy.

[raflaunches]

Dad is trying to get as much of the work that requires my help done in the next two weeks before I disappear for two months! So he is trying to get the bridge sorted out so I can plank it for him!   And to rig the funnels!!!

[ballastanksian]

That girder is very tidily constructed. I cannot see gaps an the spacing is half milimetre perfect