• Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.

Progress

Hi James, Thanks for reply. Afraid I could never bring myself to build a kit, I preferred the freedom to choose whatever I want - the obscure and semi obscure. My biggest problem in building now is an allergy to glue fumes, and that would apply to plastic as well. I could use non-toxic glue, but the models would not last as long. Also, I have no energy for the heavier work even in miniatures. I went onto balsa wood not all that long ago, and that was easier. This is a nice little fictional barque that I designed and built using balsa wood for the hull. Drawing is the best option for me at the moment.

0 Christine (Large).JPG


900 ton barque (Large).JPG
 
Hoy, Aye mate, out with the old ways, in with the new ways. Lets be thankful for knowing the old ways. At least we didnt have to witness the age of sails demise with the age of steam. Keep building mate, try a plastic model that isn't as difficult or as large. Plenty of beautiful plastic model square riggers available., just search, 'Plastic model ship kits for sale.' It'seasy now and a whole new World is waiting for you.
Im 66 and I build model sailing ships for a living, for 30 years now! I hope I die at my work bench doing what we love. I don't have any children, I live alone and when I die, my family name ends. Lets leave our beautiful work for the future. That's all we/I have, no one will remember us in four generations but our work will remind them of someone that truly loved the ships that sailed the seas. In my will this will be writen on my tombstone 'When you think of the Sea, remember me." 'NEVER GIVE UP THE SHIP.
James, could you post some pictures of your models? I am sure more members along with myself would love to see them. Thumbsup :D
 
Hi James, Thanks for reply. Afraid I could never bring myself to build a kit, I preferred the freedom to choose whatever I want - the obscure and semi obscure. My biggest problem in building now is an allergy to glue fumes, and that would apply to plastic as well. I could use non-toxic glue, but the models would not last as long. Also, I have no energy for the heavier work even in miniatures. I went onto balsa wood not all that long ago, and that was easier. This is a nice little fictional barque that I designed and built using balsa wood for the hull. Drawing is the best option for me at the moment.

View attachment 537184


View attachment 537162
Aye, this is stunning work Sir. I can't imagine you not building anymore, so sad. Well... a sincere thank you is given, thank you for your dedication. Thank you, Salute.
 
I will if Ships of Scale will allow me to show some search built and some plastic models. I try to build at least five model ships a year. I don't have the talent or time to build these amazing models seen on this site. I have so many to show but here are a few.
 
I will if Ships of Scale will allow me to show some search built and some plastic models. I try to build at least five model ships a year. I don't have the talent or time to build these amazing models seen on this site. I have so many to show but here are a few.
My last report at school for wood and metalwork was "poor to moderate skills" and I never progressed beyond the first grade. When I began ship modeling, I did not have any skills or talent either, but these developed with every model built. When I went to sea, I did not have much time either, but always managed to get about an hour in each afternoon. My models have hardly ever taken more than 50 or 60 hours to build (timed on a timer) and that included building the display case and carrying case as well. Here is one of my early models, complete with bent pin ventilators. Deciding that you have no skill or talent is half the battle, but unfortunately, it is the half that has already been lost! The little schooner, I built in the space of two or three hours -


Flower of the Fal.jpg
Clan MacDonald.jpg
 
Hello Robert,

I'm sorry that your body is not helping you at the moment to get through the next few months with dignity and strength. It has accompanied you well for a very long time. But of course it now needs a break and your help. I know it's always easier said than done, but maybe it will help you a little to know that you're not alone. We all really appreciate you and your wonderful models. Thank you for your comments and your great tips. Thank you for these beautiful models and yes, I also bought a manual to build the Gulf Stream. So cheer up, you are not alone.

All the best and get well soon for you and your wife. Best regards, GĂĽnther Ship-1
 
I pray all are believers.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

James,
Here is a sermon, by a whippersnapper inspired by God's Word on "preparing for old age". Now, we might say (I'm 71) that we are already old and that it is too late to prepare. However, none of know the end of our age. So maybe you live 15+ more years older than now, prepare for that (now that is old -- sorry to those who are 95).

There are people on this site, including me that love your work. I looked at all the pictures of your wonderful ships and marveled at the variety. You've learned things during your builds that most of don't know. I dare say that no one you cross paths has the wisdom you have earned through experience and patience. Start a log of random things you have learned. To inspire your thinking consider the mistakes you made and how you corrected them. Imagine a newbie trying to replicate your efforts, what would be your cautions and advice? I know I'd feel wonderful knowing that people somewhere in some time are going to remember the lessons they learned from you. Heck, such a log could be a daily post here in a thread something like "Lessons Learned Over 60 Years".

How did you achieve the age of 81 years? I imagine there are some helpful hints you could share.

Finally, God's Word will comfort and inspire you. If you don't or already have an established routine where you read or listen to an audio bible some amount of time each day, it is not too late. Who knows what understanding and revelation awaits us as we do this.

P.S. Even your thread about growing old has benefitted me. I have read several passages in the Bible and listened to a sermon on aging because of your posts. Some of these things will be encouraging me until the end of my time here. Thank-you!
 
We believe what we believe. Far be it from me to dictate or decide for someone else what that may be.
I must say, however that I completely concur with @ bowilds' second paragraph and find the quote from psalm 73 to be personally very comforting. Thanks for that. Thumbsup Thumbsup ;)
 
At 79, I'm fast approaching your dilemma. My wife's memory is going precipitously. My heart has all the stents it can take. Sometimes exertion reminds me of just how little is left in the tank. "Senior living" looms., As does the reality of giving up the home and workshop that give my life meaning. I am fortunate in that I have a family who cares. But no one can really understand who isn't here (yet).
Your postings of the remarkable legacy of beautiful models you have created (as well as drawings, keep posting those) have been something I look for on this forum. I derive great pleasure and inspiration from them.
Sometimes the reality of life feels unendurable. The news is uniformly horrible. "I do not think I will live long enough to see our ship of state right itself. What did my father risk his life for?" These kinds of thoughts plague me.
Could be worse. I don't live in Gaza, or Kiev.
So, I read aloud to my wife from inspiring books, that, in turn, inspire us to have inspiring conversations for which she is once again intellectually present, and we can still have the pleasure of each other's company.
I am so distressed to hear the despair in your words and the inescapable conditions that confront you. Keep drawing. It has great value. I can promise that there are those of us out here to whom they are of great encouragement and inspiration.
You are not defined by what you can no longer do, but by what you have done and what you can.

Most sincerely royal dream apk speeder, Pete Gutterman
Yes i see
 
At 80 life can seem short, narrow in scope and stressful. I too have been in the wars, and like Peter Gutterman's wife my wife's short term memory is declining. I am a week at home after some really heavy duty cancer surgery (Ivor Lewis procedure) and a month in hospital full of tubes and chemicals. Nil by mouth from August 18th until October 12th.
But hope remains, my employers want me back, I am trying to build up my health and fitness, and grab the odd 5 kilos back, but I have a radiotherapy mountain to climb after Christmas,, since I have a secondary tumour on my Aorta that could easily kill me.
On the possibilities, I must mention that I amazed my consultant, when after a month in bed I got up and walked. Not steady, on my feet but I could do it. At 80 2 weeks in bed normally means that you lose mobility. What I did to keep mine was put a pillow against the footboard of the bed and mime walking, pressing down alternately as if I were really moving.
So not despairing quite yet, I have a ship model in mind, if spared. Why not?
 
Beaming my good wishes through the ether, Alan.

Share your love and be kind to others, but don't forget yourself and your wife.

As if you need reminding!
 
I could use non-toxic glue, but the models would not last as long.
Hide glue is probably good for a century or two. It also bonds metal to wood.
I am reading a bit about it.
Hot pot has grab but a short open time. There are three main gram strengths. The higher the number the stronger the bond and the shorter the open time. The highest and strongest has an open time that only works for quick repairs with already shaped and previously bonded parts. Dry granules stay good as long as kept dry. Mixed and heated - toss what is left.
Old Brown liquid hide glue seems to want to be floating in very warm water bath. Longer open time not as much grab. 1 year at RT longer in frig. Providing that what you buy is fresh from the factory.
Titebond liquid hide glue has about a one hour open time and little or no grab. 1 year at RT longer in frig. Providing that what you buy is fresh from the factory.
 
Back
Top