Bardic Ferry, special thanks to Tony Hadley

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Almost exactly a year ago Tony very kindly forwarded me the discontinued plans for Vic Smeeds Bardic Ferry. It was one of those models I never quite got around to building but had always wanted to make. At last I got it on the water today for first test and ballasting.

I had better say from the start I don't call myself a scale modeler, and no way is this a true scale model, it's close but the windows, crane etc etc are different. Why? because failing eyesight, arthritis in the hands and a complete lack of willpower to go the extra mile are beyond me.

I set out to make a rugged fun to sail model so details like stantions are just soldered up brass wire. Not accurate but very strong, The same is true with most of the fittings, made to stand up to my clumsyness.

I've also broken the rules by fitting steerable kort rudders and a bow thruster made from a car washer pump. They aren't on the original but I wanted them.

Anyway today was the first time out, it all worked and it was a joy to sail, the pump will spin the model on the spot surprisingly quickly, and the korts make it very manouverable. Two 385 motors on 7.2 volts can make it go well above scale speed, but that's what the throttle stick is for.

I'm looking forward to taking it to the club lake soon for a proper day out.

Thanks again Tony, I wouldn't have done this without your help.

Chas

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Charles,

You have made a grand job of the Bardic Ferry, a classic design from Vic Sneed I'm sure he would approve 😀

How about joining the Cossack build group 😀 for your next ship? Another one of his.

Regards Ray

[redpmgParticipant @redpmg]

That is a very nice looking model – no one except the total purists would have anything else to say – and modelling is meant to be a pleasure time occupation – the changes are insignificant in the scheme of things.

.Congratulations for persevering despite difficulties and producing such a fine example of the modellers art.

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Nice to see this attractive ship, I made one back in the early 70s but it only had single channel radio.

Shown here under construction

Colin

[Charles OatesParticipant @charlesoates31738]

Thanks all, it was a very enjoyable build. Ray, I'm very tempted by the Cossack build, I've been following the thread with interest and the hull method is nearly identical to Bardic. Vic Smeeds trademark methods I expect, where would model making be without his legacy.

Anyway, whilst the paint was drying on Bardic, I made a decent start on one of Gar Woods boats ( the many times water speed record holder) so that will keep me busy for a while.

I might join in anyway, making 2 at once will give a bit of relief from 100 plus planks of mahogany, but probably to the original size, I've too many large models.

Chas

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