Some of My Sailing Ship Models

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Here are two models that I built of Germany's five-masted full-rigged ship Preussen several years ago. The one at anchor was photographed from a low angle and a photograph of the sea superimposed on the lower part.

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I like the waterline model, Bob……..The close up of the rigging is really exquisite

Could the water line be raised slightly……or is it correct?

Apologies for being a bit piccy!

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hi Bob

Just had a tinker and found that the sea can`t be moved up by a small enough amount, as it jumps in steps too large and covers the waterline

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Hi Bob,

Not sure which one you mean as they are both waterline models! The one under sail shows the ship down to her fully loaded marks as with 8,000 tons of cargo aboard. The top photograph shows the ship as with ballast in, but no cargo. She could come a lot higher out of the water than that without toppling over. So both are accurate.

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

OK, Bob

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

France and Donna Francisca.

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Bob (W).

My gast has been flabbered by these pictures.

I have seen all your builds by-and-by, but , and I know you are a modest man, but the amount of rigging on this ship is truly sensational.

Ashley stands in awe at such time consuming skill.

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Ashley,

Thanks. It isn't all that time-consuming though as I have very little patience! Both of the Preussen models took just over 100 hours each to build, spread over about a month! To rig a sailing ship using wire as I do is infinitely easier than the accepted norm of twine! I have no knots to bother about and a set of lower shrouds and ratlines for one mast takes little more than fiteen minutes or so to complete.

I started the Donna Francisca (above) the morning after essential laser eye surgery, just to prove to myself that I was OK! That was a couple of years ago! Only visual aids I use when ship modelling are reading glasses, but I don't wear glasses at all otherwise

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Wool clipper Phasis, A & J. H. Carmichael, Greenock. 32'=1".

Bob

[Peter FitnessParticipant @peterfitness34857]

Wonderful models, Bob. The big square riggers under full sail are certainly an impressive sight, which is well captured in your models.

Peter.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Hi, Bob

I particularly like you beautiful clipper Phasis!

The sails are like gossamer wings and so delicate, they are really splendid and so complicated

One of your best, I think?

What model do you think you are particularly proud of?

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Yes Bob, I would agree that Phasis is also one of my favorites. Another two that I really like are Donna Francisca and County of Roxburgh. With Donna Francisca, I like the name and also feel that the sea is superb (painted by my wife). I completed County of Roxburgh a year ago for ourselves to replace Donna Francisca in our permanent collection. We had not intended to sell Donna Francisca, but the grandson of her old bosun found us on the internet, and we felt that letting her go was justified. Incidentally, the actual ship was eventually sold to Germany who promptly renamed her Herbert!

When I take such models to the local ship model club, they scarcely attract more than a passing glance – I guess they are a bit to small for most people !

Bob

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Lovely models, Bob

I like the black edge to the sails, which makes them look very crisp!

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

The black edge to the sails is fine black enamelled copper wire. It is quite easy to glue it on. Apply a fine coat of contact adhesive along edge of sail with a cocktail stick and put a fine coating on the wire and then just place it on the edge of the sail. It really improves the looks. The sails are airmail paper with grey seams printed on with the computer. They are formed to a wind-filled shape on the surface of an ostrich egg whilst wet! The seams are grey so that they are not too prominent.

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

Here is one of my early models, Blair Athole, completed in 1977 at 50'=1". Also wool clipper Timaru at 32'=1".

Bob

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

The rust-streaked four-master Somali, running before the wind under shortened sail and the giant American schooner Wyoming under full sail, both extremely rare subjects for model shipbuilders!

Bob

[Eduard NESONOVParticipant @eduardnesonov42492]

rus. интересно, как сделана вода и волны? интересует именно технология

eng. I wonder how water and waves are made? interested in precisely technology

[Bob WilsonParticipant @bobwilson59101]

In the above, it is just Plasticine (Modelling clay), painted with Humbrol enamels.

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