Sunday, 29th December, 2024

Although I stopped building model ships quite a few months ago because of advancing age, I decided to sell two models from my permanent stock – one completed in 1988 and the other in 2021. Both were without carrying cases, and I deceided to make them before they were collected.

Just going to the timber merchant for base wood and thin plywood was a trial. Difficult to find parking, then when I got inside, everything was changed, and I was told that they were under new ownership, and a lot of stock had been discontinued, but I finally found what I needed, but was so weary and breathless at the end of it, that I had to ask an assistant to put it in the car, which he did willingly.

That was yesterday, and today, I found that cutting the two baseboards on the bandsaw left me worn out. Then the search for hinges, handles, screws and catches for them among my own stock left me exhausted.

The cutting and assembling of the sides should not be as bad, because it is thin plywood that I can cut with a knife and steel ruler. Fitting the cases out with metal and woodwork should not be too difficult, but I will be glad when it is done.

I have not missed building model ships at all, as the pressure that was put on me to keep everyone happy was rather too much for me.

I have now topped 80 years, and ageing at a greater rate than ever before. Drawing is about the only thing that I can do without any great effort, as all that is needed is white card, pens and a set of curves.

I am even having problems on the internet trying to cope with the obsession of light grey lettering on a white background. I can maintain my model ship group on Facebook, because they have the provision to make it negative – white lettering on a black background.

I have not been to North West Model Shipwrights for several months now, since they dropped the word “shipwrights” from the title, and aircraft models seem to be dominating it these days.

So that would appear to be that, but I thought I would let you all know.