Semi-scale

[Stephen GarradParticipant @stephengarrad28964]

I keep reading "semi-scale" in various places. What does that mean please. I haven't been able to work it out.

Stephen

[Stephen GarradParticipant @stephengarrad28964]

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

semi scale is when either the hull is not built to the correct lines that as laid down in the dockyard plans……….to make it easier for the modeller. such boats that Glynn Guest produces plans for, for a person of limited or intermediate experience

it may also refer to a model that has been built from an available hull, and built to represent a boat or ship, but for simplicity of building the fittings represent those that they are ment to be, but without the full detailing that a full scale model is and as such…….looks well on the lake whilst sailing, but lacking certain amounts of detail to make it an "exact" scale model.

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

The other equivalent term used is "standoff". The model looks fine from a distance i.e. when sailing in the middle of a sailing pond but when viewed on its stand at the pond side certain features of the full size vessel have not been included, are not true to scale or have different features. At the end of the day it is the level of enjoyment that you (the modeller) has got out of building your model.

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

Exactly as Neil says. I've always thought of Semi-Scale as basically for whatever reason, "simplified". This could be simplified detail or simplified construction but all for the purposes of making the building easier at the expense of scale accuracy.

Think of it as a "Sort of Scale", but not quite.

[Dave Cooper 6Participant @davecooper6]

Just a quick legal point :

A colleague of mine who, generally, is regarded as a very good 'scale modeller' was advised to refer to his (I think for insurance purposes mainly) models as "semi-scale".

I think the main reason given was possible infringement of copyright /patent etc.of the original designs….We live in litigious times !

Coming back to common-sense practicality, it must be almost impossible to make an exact scale model right down to the thickness of handrails, nail heads etc. Perhaps the term "Near Scale" might be a safer bet, say, if offering a model for sale.

Regards,

Dave

(ps I'm not a lawyer !)

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

This is nonsense – just call it scale! There are an infinite number of degrees of scale.

In any event to make a near or fine scale model of something you need access to thespecifications and accurate drawings. You normally require permission for these or have to purchase them as per the RNLI or National Maritime Museum etc.

An exception to this was Norman Ough who drew up all his plans from personal observations and photos I believe. Consequently some of his drawinga are not 100% accurate.

Builder's models of ships are generally considered to be 'scale' and so they are in terms of dimensions. But they usually feature brass or silver plated fittings as that was the normal convention when they were made. Other detail such as windows or porthol;es was frequently drawn onto the model.

A further point is that from the moment a ship is completed it changes. Modifications will be carried out, some of them quite drastic d nd equipment such as weapoins or electronics will be changed or updated, paint schemes will often change too.

Models are often described as 'museim quality' whether they deserve it or not!

Just all adjectives in the end!

Colin

[Chris FellowsParticipant @chrisfellows72943]

Another viewpoint could be that semi-scale is a model that is at least based on and looks similar to a full-sized craft rather than a model that was designed from the off as a model e.g. many of the kits from the 60s and not based on any particular craft.

I don't think that a model can infringe the copyright of a full-sized craft. It would have to be a copy of someone else's unigue model design. Anyway enough of this copyright talk!

Chris

[Richard SimpsonParticipant @richardsimpson88330]

I was once very lucky to be working in Blohm und Voss on a ship in dry dock. Myself and the ships doctor were having a wander around, looking at the Bismarck slipway etc. and we went into the main office. We must have stood out like a sore thumb as soon a tall chap in shirt and tie asked us what we were doing. We chatted for a minute then I asked him if it was possible to see the builder's model of the Bismarck. He asked us to follow him. The way we went through a couple of keypad protected doors made me realise this chap was obviously of some importance. We went down a narrow corridor that was lined with a glass cabinet on the wall which contained a 1/1200th scale model of every ship they had ever built at the yard. That in itself was fascinating, the number of u-boats was pretty impressive.

We opened out into a room where the Builder's model of the Bismarck was sat against a wall in its glass case. The model is 1/10th scale so you can imagine the size. The model was stunning however the point of the story is, as Colin said, the model was all grey as she left the yard so no splinter camoflage and no red on the tops of the turrets but, more noticeably, many of the deck fittings were made in polished metal, unlike the real ship where the fittings were all painted grey. So even the builder's model in 1/10th scale could be arguably not a true scale model!

I think I'll stick with semi scale as being a model that is obviously not as per original for the purposes of simplifying building.

The chap also went into a cupboard and gave myself and the doctor a copy of the original yard spec with the sea trials picture that I had framed when I got home.

 

Edited By Richard Simpson on 18/06/2022 14:25:59

[Stephen GarradParticipant @stephengarrad28964]

Wow, thankyou all very much for those very interesting & comprehensive replies, I now understand. Thanks for taking the trouble.

Stephen

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