Richard Simmons UK Model Ship Builder

[richardjjs]

HI
Been building model ships for about 50 years.
After the disappointed builds of REvel THermopolae and a plastic Victory Read Anatomy of Nelson's Ships by LOngridge and sore I would build a scratch Victory
Started with a Bulling kit Not Impressed until I was introduced to the incredible Panart Victory by Euromodels.
Was so impressed I ended up as their Agent for the MOst of the UK (Excluding South and WEst)

Spent 3 1/2 yaers building my Victory - Valued by National Maritime museum at about 6k (35 years ago)

Build a Panart Ships Boat and then started my San Felipe - shown here.

DEcided to treat myself to the Caldercraft Victory which I am building now - Some of the detail on this kit is amazing but very disappointing in other.
The Channels and Chain are incredible - with each chain being assembled separately - BUT why is the ship's wheel metal etch

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[Peglegreg]

G'day Richard
Beautifullllllll workmanship in that model. I havta agree with you when you said some parts are great while other parts are disappointing in that kit.
That is what I found years ago when I did mine.
I'm working on a Chinese kit by ZHL atm, and I must say there are no bad bits, only bits that are better and better. Everything is there for you, including workable door hinges as an example.
Hava look at all the Chinese kits in this forum and you will be blown away at the quality and what's included. It light years ahead, of the European kits etc.
Havagooday
Greg

 

[lauckstreet]

That is one huge, beautiful Victory model. I've often thought of building that version but its cost and the fact that I've built the Victory 6 other times in my lifetime make it a no-go for me. I just don't think I could get through one more build of that particular ship.

As for the photoetched ship's wheel, depending on it's size, it's possible to create a 3D drawing that can then be 3D printed. Here's a ship's wheel I created a drawing for and had 3D printed by a company called Shapeways.



I've had one smaller than this one printed as well. This one is in 3/8" scale but I've successfully scaled it down to 1/4" scale. That one is .931" in diameter from the tips of the spoke handles. If that's anywhere close to the size of your ship's wheel, I can make it available to you to purchase in my online store at shapeways.com. Just let me know.

I'm not sure I can scale it down any smaller because there are limits in 3D printing as to how thick a given part must be to be successfully printed.

Take care,

Bob