Thanks for replies. I really have to get rid of them because since I left the sea in late 1992, I have made over 250 of them. From 1992 until I took my pension, I made them full time and most of them went to the twice-yearly maritime auctions at Christie's London, but they discontinued maritme sales several years ago. There is another maritime auctioneer in London, but since they introduced a "marketing" charge of £50 per lot, I have not sent any more, as that plus transport, insurance costs and commission comes to about £150 per model! That left very little profit and the income tax took 20 per cent of what was left as well. When I took my pension a few years ago, I did stop building them, but found that I missed it so much I started again. Since then, I have taken the odd private commission if the subject appealed to me, but the Amarna that will be completed today is my final private commission - no more - it is too much like work! From now on, it will be a pleasurable hobby again, building only what I feel like!
Lots of modellers just decide that they could never build a miniature and there the matter ends. I can assure you that it is infinitely easier than building large ones as I went from 8'=1" to 32'=1" myself literally overnight in the early 1970s. It is easier because I don't have to bother with knots, especially when fitting ratlines. A whole set of lower shrouds can be made within 15 minutes.
Presently, I will be showing you all some of the "tricks of the trade!"
Once upon a time, I could build big ones myself, but not now, I simply do not have the patience or energy any more!
Bob