Tom Fordham restoration project

[smallplanet2]

For those who knew him, Tom Fordham of Pacific Grove California was one of the most respected ship model builders on the west coast. After the Loma Prieta earthquake, he was commissioned by the SF Maritime museum to oversee the restoration of damaged models. Sadly, Tom passed in 2004. He was working on the restoration of a 1/8 scale model of the clipper Aphrodite, built by the ship's captain. I have seen and read the letter written by the captain's family, testifying to the model's authenticity. The complete hull was slightly crude, and mishandled over the years. But, Tom had completed the entire collection of new spars, (which are stunning), new ship's boats, various deck fixtures, and new chain-plates with dead-eyes. Having no health insurance, Tom's cancer treatments had bankrupted him. His health deterioraated to the point where he was no longer able to do any modeling. As a dear friend, I bought the model to help him financialy. I have sat on it for 21 years. I am now looking for modeler here in Hawaii to commision its completion.

When he went to hospice care, I flew over to say goodbye. Tom had a shop that all modelers would envy. After the move from his shop, the vultures circled, and the letter disappeared. Being unrigged, I built a shipable wooden box, shipped it to California, and a mutual friend shipped the model and all its new unassembled parts to me on the Big Island. Made of MDF, the box has suddered water damage, but the contents are fine. I wouldn't ship again, but if I find a builder willing to finish the model, most likely on Oahu, I would hand carry it on a flight. If I find that person, I will suppy extensive photos to show what you will be potentially working with.

Thanks everyone for your time, Steve Tilford, smallplanet2@gmail.com, 808-429-8773