Following on from my query regarding information on the steam trawler "Nerine'; can somebody point me to where I can obtain details of typical rigging, gallows set-up and associated gear for an early to mid- 20th century steam trawler. I'm particularly interested in what appears to be some sort of shock absorber mechanism attached to fore- and aft masts, and cable leads from gallows to winch.

My internet searches bring up loads of trawler pics but no deck details pics and none of my few books on ships and ship modelling have much to say about trawlers with the exception of modern stern trawlers.

Thanks in anticipation ……

Robin

Me back again! All the helpful advice and pics (above) have gone a long way to educating me on what's what on old steam trawlers.

There is one thing that 'bugs' me, and being a hard nut when it comes to exact scale models, is the positioning and layout of the steering chain from wheelhouse to quadrant. I notice on other Aberdeen-built trawlers the chain goes through a trunking that runs along the deckhouse and straight through to the rudder quadrant. Sadly there are no details like this on the Hall Russell drawings

Regards,

Robin

Colin,

Many, many thanks – again. Bingo! Now I know what to look for I have found a not too clear pic which does show the chain duct running vertically down from the wheelhouse, around a pulley and along the deckhouse running aft and, presumably, straight through to the quadrant.

Just goes to show – when in doubt ask the expert. Many thanks again,

Robin

Many thanks Neil,

Quite a complex set-up. From what little I can make out from the fuzzy pic I have, it would appear that one cannot see the chain-to-bar nor bar-to-chain links as they are hidden within the trunking.which appears to be cylindrical (pipe) in section.

Much appreciated.

Robin

Hi Larry,

Many thanks for the interesting pics. I too am not a rivet counter – one can sometimes go too far with absoluite scale. Although I am a perfectionist in that I like to show every piece and to true scale dimensions I draw the line at trying to show plating lines, rivets and every nut and boolt.

Thanks too for your comment on my models. Yes, in my book a working boat needs to look like a working boat – not like 'Daddy's new plastic toy straight from the Southampton Boat Show'! That doesn't imply I apply sloppy paint work – I airbrush to a good finish and then 'muddy the water'.

Your mention of the Hull model group sent me searching and I found an Aberdeen group and am hoping that somebody there might have more information on Hall Russel trawlers.

Regards,

Robin