Cargo Liner, 1947

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I haven't built any major ship model projects for many months now. I have finally got down to building a 1947 cargo steamer at 32'=1". Hull length 15.9 inches. I have no idea how long it will take. I recently came to the decision to abandon my other hobby (vintage radio) that I have indulged in for over 60 years. I was prompted to resume model shipbuilding because of the fantastic response to my latest model shipbuilding book. At the moment, I am having to push myself to "get on with it," but hope that my old enthusiasm may soon re-kindle.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hello Bob

In 1947 or there abouts, we used to look through the well worn Hobbies Catalogue and look at their Cargo Steamer and fancied building one…..Alas, it was too expensive at 3/6d

When the day came, where we could afford one…..It came in a brown paper parcel

How disappointing?

Your next build looks very familiar

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Yes, I remember the 3/6d kits. After building one or two in the early 1950s, I was told that they were too expensive, and I couldn't have any more. I was then given a small wooden toolbox containing a number of hand tools, plane, saw, chisels etc. and a box of wood offcuts. We already had a large vice, and I am still using it 60 years on!

I then abandoned all interest in kits as soon as I realised that I could build whatever I wanted. In the early years, I didn't bother with plans at all, just building from photographs. But eventually, I found plenty of plans in books, so always work to them.

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Which ship is it Bob, looks like a Glen Line vessel?

Colin

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Not Glen Line, but similar. It is Cunard's Arabia. I wondered if anyone would ask which one it was

Sister ship to Asia and Assyria.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I have now shaped and smoothed the hull. This one has has generated a lot of interest so far.

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

A full hull model this time then?

Colin

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Yes, thought I would have a change as the last few have all been waterline!

Bob

[PaintpotpeteParticipant @paintpotpete]

Hi Bob, good to see you building a full hulled model again. Will be watching progress avidly. I,m getting on with the 'Glenmoor', but making much slower progress than yourself. I ought to show it on this site ,what do you think, Peter.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Hi Peter,

Yes, good idea, it would be great to see some more of this style here. I have watched your Glenmoor progress on your website, and it is looking really good. It is satisfying to know that my practicums can be understood so well.

The few people I know who have actually started this type have all been successful and all have been surprised that it is not as difficult as it seems.

The reason I started building miniatures years ago was the size. Not really convenient to build big ones when away at sea!

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

The hull is now filled and smoothed. The bulwarks along the foredeck and after deck have been fitted and the planking to the poop. The solid bulwarks around the bow have also been fitted. The bridge front is rather complicated on this one, so I though I would sort that out before moving onto the plating and painting. The rough accommodation is placed loosely on top, and the boat deck planking on top of that. The forward bridge accommodation is also loosely placed in position.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I have now completed the plating and painting.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I made some good progress yesterday, with the fitting of the plating round the lower bridge front and down the sides. Looking a lot neater now.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

I have now made the bridge section.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

The funnel, side stanchions, windows, deckhouses, hatches, and six lifeboats have now been made and fitted, also some ventilators. The samson posts have been cut to length, but have not yet had their tops fitted.

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Nice model, Bob

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Thanks Bob,

Fair way to go yet. Deck machinery, skylights, rails, more ventilators, ladders, derricks, rigging etc. All small items, not difficult, but time consuming.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Today, I veneered the display case and made the green felt base. It took 2 1/2 hours! Rather boring, and not a task I particularly enjoy, but commercially built display cases are rather too expensive for my liking.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Made a lot more progress with the fitting of all the guardrails and cargo winches and various items on the forecastle head.

Getting a bit fed up with this one now, and will be glad when it is complete.

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Looking lovely as usual

Fed up?……..I know the feeling well

After all the fuss of Haydock………I feel as though I`m in a vacuum!

BTW……The is a message for you in my Camoflage thread

Bob

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

The funnel is positioned well aft Bob, a bit unusual with a cargo hatch in front of it descending through the superstructure levels.

Colin

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Bob,

Thanks. Are you sure it wasn't James Benson? I don't know a Tony Benson!

Colin,

Hatch 'midships was quite common up until the mid 1950s. It may have been something to do with oil and water don't mix (supposedly)! The forward part of accommodation with the bridge on top, housed captain, mates, radio officer and chief steward. The accommodation aft of the hatch and round the funnel, housed the engineers and electricians.

By the late 1950s, the 'midship hatch went out of fashion and we all lived together. The older Union Castle liners such as Pretoria Castle and Edinburgh Castle (Completed 1948) had a gap between the two sets of officers, but no hatch in it – it was just a passenger games deck. Even the Pendennis Castle (Completed 1957) had a gap, without the hatch!

Books flowing out now – many thanks!

Bob

[John AguileraParticipant @johnaguilera12207]

Hi Bob, I just noticed your build so I became a member here to follow your build. Quite impressive as always.

Edited By John Aguilera on 09/09/2015 10:28:16

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Hi John, Welcome to Model Boats. I have been here for some time now. Arabia is my first major build for some time now.

Bob

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