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Missy & Junior's Titanic Adventure World Naval Ships Forums Archive

Missy & Junior's Titanic Adventure

Posts 1 to 50

A few months ago I made a rash promise to Junior, my six year old grandson, to make a model of RMS Titanic with him. Ever since his class's school project on said vessel, he's been fascinated with her and collected as much information as he could. He persisted in his interest and finally his Mum relented and gave permission for the go-ahead. Now it's been a good few years since I've attempted to put together a plastic model kit. To be honest, more glue and paint adhered to my skin rather than the ship's :eek: So I've been tapping into the experienced modellers who loiter in the WARDROOM. They, with the help of a sharp pointy stick, have sent me and Junior here... by way of being an awful warning, I guess :rolleyes: Anyhow, to business, we begin: [B]First Steps in Junior Model Building[/B] Well the model kit of a) RMS Titanic to 1:700 scale and b) to 1:1200 scale has arrived. The senior partner of this enterprise opened and checked the contents. Although short of the brass effect paint it's complete, as far as I can tell.:o There appear to be thousands of tiny pieces all gauged to strain my eyesight and Junior's patience and delicacy of touch. :eek: It does look terrific and a challenge for both of us but what's life without a bit of that :cool: However a bit of planning and preparation before Junior arrives on the scene is called for. I do like to 'Lay out my stall' before starting anything. So the office desk is due for a layer of plastic sheeting affixed with masking tape. Tools assembled once I've worked out what's needed and where to get them from (beware Hubbie's toolboxes and various hidey holes :rolleyes:) Emery boards and cuticle snippers look like useful and readily available tools. Also, as advised, the tiny parts need painting before detaching from the whatsits... supporting framework and allowing to dry. But with what to support the thing whilst drying? :confused: Clothes pegs, maybe? The glue dispenser has a hollow metal nozzle about the size of a fine darning needle... So seems good for the job. The supplied paintbrush is, IMO, not fit for purpose but I have a variety of artist paintbrushs that'll do the trick. Dave Hutson aka El Tel has warned that the glue dispenser must each and every time have the cap replaced or it will cure (didn't know it was ill but there's a whole new language to learn) in the nozzle and be useless. That's it for today, an office desk to prepare and a shed load of tools and whatnot to beg, borrow or purlion before Junior comes over on Monday to start in earnest. Till then, I remains... Missy from out of the WARDROOM

You have really jumped in at the deep end with this one Missie , TITANIC as a first is a challenge but like all Forum Modellers you are up to it. We , you know who , are all behind you and anything but anything you need help with ...... just ask. Dave H

Make sure the ice stays in the whisky! ;)

*whistles* :eek: My first kit was a Revell USS [I]Arizona[/I]. I got over my head with that one, and now she is missing her second bridge, half of her secondary guns, half her AA guns, both of her aircraft, and one of her lifeboat cranes. I also botched painting her hull.:( Thankfully, my dad talked me out of a Titanic model. If I were you, I'd have started with a simple kit, like the CSS [I]Virginia[/I] or USS [I]Monitor[/I]. I still haven't worked up the courage to start my plastic kit of Old Ironsides. I also have a tip, get one of these from MicroMark: [IMG]http://www.micromark.com/RS/SR/Product/81838_R.jpg[/IMG] This is the deluxe model, which we (my dad and I share), but they have models that are cheaper. They help very much with small details. It helped quite a lot with my Revell Big Boy model and my P-38 Lightning. I wish you and your grandson good luck! Will we be seeing pictures of the progress?

Destroyerman Dave.........Just as a bit of interest so to speak......the last model I did was the Revel Kit CSS ALABAMA, which although apparently is not a good representation of the ship, nevertheless was a good model to make. In 1992, I constructed the model, cut her down to waterline and set her in a "sea"..........22 years later she still survives and lives in our lounge ontop of a cabinet. Failing eyesight and increasing age put a stop to such activities, but I wish our Missy well, it will be a daunting task, but a very satisfying one.

Mine is a Lindberg diorama of her fight with [I]Monitor[/I]. They are the first ship kits I've actually finished.

Here, lads, you're beginning to scare the socks off me with all this Ooh Eee It's the TITANIC :eek: I promised Junior to make the TITANIC with him... and a promise is a promise! Destroyerman Dave, what in the world is that contraption and what does it do? If it costs lots of dosh , it will have to be foregone, I'm an OAP not a Rothschild you know. All the boy and me can do is our best... and his Mum says it has to stay in his bedroom at our house because otherwise his little brother will want to play with it and it will get trashed. By heck, Lego was easier and we've not got it out of the box properly yet. the trembling in her boots Missy PS Photos are on the agenda, provided I can do it on the smartphone. If I can't then Junior can try...

It is like a magnifying glass. We got it for my dad when, after Mom picked me up from scouts one night, we came into the living room to find him with a small magnifying glass held over one eye with a bandanna! It has lights on the side so you can illuminate the small pieces to get into those little nooks and crannies, and to allow you to see what you are doing when painting small parts. It has three levels of magnification. The lenses you see on the front, the swing down glass over one eye, and under the "brim" is a fold down lens for another level. Works great!

[QUOTE=SheppeyMiss;10112431]Here, lads, you're beginning to scare the socks off me with all this Ooh Eee It's the TITANIC :eek: I promised Junior to make the TITANIC with him... and a promise is a promise! Destroyerman Dave, what in the world is that contraption and what does it do? If it costs lots of dosh , it will have to be foregone, I'm an OAP not a Rothschild you know. All the boy and me can do is our best... and his Mum says it has to stay in his bedroom at our house because otherwise his little brother will want to play with it and it will get trashed. By heck, Lego was easier and we've not got it out of the box properly yet. the trembling in her boots Missy PS Photos are on the agenda, provided I can do it on the smartphone. If I can't then Junior can try...[/QUOTE] Missie ....... forget the gadgets ....... remember that most modellers started with a safety razor , a tube of glue , and a prayer . Common sense dictates , forget the H&S pundits , leap into the unknown and all will be revealed so long as you follow the destructions. Dave H

Well done Missy , glad to see you made it here . Well how can I help you :confused: What about this then a stand with a magnifying lens and two crocodile clips fitted known as "Helping Hands" they are reasonably cheap and have hundreds of uses page 94 [url]www.Squirestools.com[/url] and cost £4.95 ....perfect for fiddly bits and holding bits you need to paint [ I also have one for fiddly soldering jobs that are hard to see]

[QUOTE=ivorthediver;10112496]Well done Missy , glad to see you made it here . Well how can I help you :confused: What about this then a stand with a magnifying lens and two crocodile clips fitted known as "Helping Hands" they are reasonably cheap and have hound reds of uses page 94 on Squires catalogue 2012 edition[/QUOTE]Thank you Ivor We do have one of those magnifying glasses on a goosenecked crocodile clip. Junior has been itching to find use for it for ages. Our joint good friend Dave the El Tel has been boosting our confidence... which it needed :eek: And we're good to go for tomorrow when Junior comes over :cool: My plan is to have everything that Junior can prepaint before detaching from that framework thing set up for him. That way he can have something to feed his enthusiasm and that is achievable within his skills and age. I can read through the distructions and plan what to do next. Probably the hull and deck assembly which looks a bit fiddly for Junior. When I've isolated the stand pieces, I can put them aside for Junior to paint and assemble when dry. At that point, a break for drinks and ice cream lollies to keep our strength up and a kickabout football break to counteract the sitting still and doing fiddly work. I know my boys... ;) They get itchy bums when being still too long. And that's when stuff gets broken and it's tears before teatime :) Then back to work. As for help... what do you do with the rough bit on the detached pieces. Some are so tiny I fear to damage them. I have emeryboards but think them too rough and fierce. Ideas please? I do have various tweezers (ex eyebrow) but the pinch is rather strong. Would a piece of old fashioned zinc oxide plaster cushion the gripping ends? Paintbrushes... sable hair type or chisel ended hog hair type (ie watercolour or oils brushes) The transfers, in the distant past I messed up floating them off the backing and getting them stuck to the model. Any advice for someone who has more thumbs than fingers... :o What that is that so far. Photos will follow IF I can master doing them via smart phone. A voice from t'other room says that there's a camera on my kindle tablet but the how and where of it has me fair foxed:confused: the uncrafty Missy

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10112444]Missie ....... forget the gadgets ....... remember that most modellers started with a safety razor , a tube of glue , and a prayer . Common sense dictates , forget the H&S pundits , leap into the unknown and all will be revealed so long as you follow the destructions. Dave H[/QUOTE]Dave the El Tel, thanks ever so for the boost. I have the wing and a prayer. The glue dispenser is ready to go. And I'm standing on the high board poised to jump and waiting for... no not Godot... but Junior ;) Razor blade... you do know that Hubbie doesn't me near naked blades :eek: I have a bad record with them... And the scars to prove it :o Junior's Mum will only allow him round ended scissors. But he's handy with a paintbrush :cool: We'll get there in the end... :) Missy (and Junior) the undaunted

[QUOTE=SheppeyMiss;10112502]Dave the El Tel, thanks ever so for the boost. I have the wing and a prayer. The glue dispenser is ready to go. And I'm standing on the high board poised to jump and waiting for... no not Godot... but Junior ;) Razor blade... you do know that Hubbie doesn't me near naked blades :eek: I have a bad record with them... And the scars to prove it :o Junior's Mum will only allow him round ended scissors. But he's handy with a paintbrush :cool: We'll get there in the end... :) Missy (and Junior) the undaunted[/QUOTE] Hi Missie, Getting rid of the swarf [rough bits] - if they are very very small your emery boards will probably do the trick ,,,,, rough side first then finish with the fine side. Failing that a very fine sandpaper folded around a small block of wood. If the are bigger then get Daniele to source the single edged razor blades which are still available in craft shops or possibly ironmongers. We modellers use Scalpel Blades of varying sizes but most Modelling Shops stock them , the one for you is a No.10 Holder with No.10 Blades. Again available from the Squires Catalogue. But I don't need to tell you about blades and little fingers. The Squires Catalogue is under reprint at the moment but their website is still active ----- warning: orders from Squires carry post and packing charges, not astronomical but orders over £20 are PxP Free. Tip - When you have glued your two sections of hull , allow to set and run another coating of adhesive along the joint INSIDE the hull. That's me for today - have been busy painting my fence , so a well earned tipple actual is the order. Catch you in the Wardrobe. Dave H [aka El Tel}

Quote, "That's me for today - have been busy painting my fence , so a well earned tipple actual is the order.", unquote. Are you trying to make our Sandy feel guilty? :D:D I always found it was easiest to paint small parts whilst still attached to sprue (the plastic they are attached to in box).....a single edges razor blade is useful for cutting small parts free from above............mind fingers! Tweezers are essential not only for holding small parts that require touch-up paint, but in placing said small parts on main model. Also useful for placing any transfers needed. Start by painting main areas of ship - doesn't matter if part is to be a different colour as you can always paint over original when first coat dry. For example.....with a warship.......if in doubt paint it grey.......if it is supposed to be another colour it can be done later.......this all being less fiddly. Also useful is some plastic filler - being mass produced, often "Part A, does not fit Part B", correctly, and even trimming with a blade fails to rectify the problem, leaving it ill fitting with a gap - gap can be filled with plastic filler. Just a few ideas.........but............but these are from over 20 years ago, so those in our midst with more recent experience may have better advice.

[QUOTE=Scurs;10112509]Quote, "That's me for today - have been busy painting my fence , so a well earned tipple actual is the order.", unquote. Are you trying to make our Sandy feel guilty? :D:D [/QUOTE] As if I would Scurs ... altho' I must confess Sandy has been a tad quiet these few days - so perhaps he is trying his hand at Bricklaying and Fencing :eek::eek::eek: Can't keep a good Ch Poker down , or so they say. :D:D But , must not hi-jack Missie's thread so back to topic. Dave H

[QUOTE=Scurs;10112509]Quote, "That's me for today - have been busy painting my fence , so a well earned tipple actual is the order.", unquote. Are you trying to make our Sandy feel guilty? :D:D I always found it was easiest to paint small parts whilst still attached to sprue (the plastic they are attached to in box).....a single edges razor blade is useful for cutting small parts free from above............mind fingers! Tweezers are essential not only for holding small parts that require touch-up paint, but in placing said small parts on main model. Also useful for placing any transfers needed. Start by painting main areas of ship - doesn't matter if part is to be a different colour as you can always paint over original when first coat dry. For example.....with a warship.......if in doubt paint it grey.......if it is supposed to be another colour it can be done later.......this all being less fiddly. Also useful is some plastic filler - being mass produced, often "Part A, does not fit Part B", correctly, and even trimming with a blade fails to rectify the problem, leaving it ill fitting with a gap - gap can be filled with plastic filler. Just a few ideas.........but............but these are from over 20 years ago, so those in our midst with more recent experience may have better advice.[/QUOTE] I'm relatively new to building models by myself, as my father has usually helped me, but that is my experience. Also, with the hull, cloths pins along the bow and rubberbands along the entire length will help to get a good joint. For assembly, I recommend building the decks in several sub-assemblies that you can then glue to the hull when it is time to attach them. That is what works for me. And save the masts for last, when the entire ship is done! They are VERY delicate, and can snap off easily.

Missy , may I suggest you use "Garnet paper" for the fine work [ check the Red Cross parcel ] as its about the finest paper you can get and use , and fit it to a small piece of board with double sided tape . this way the paper is flat and will do a better job and leave no scuffs on the model .

My word, with all this help and support the two TITANICs have no excuse to be anything but wonderful :cool: But what do I do if Junior wants, for his next venture, an actual floating on the water, remote-control jobbie... :eek::eek::eek: Right ho, back to static ones, Junior's coming round for 9:30 keen as mustard and as excited as anything. :D Wish me luck, boys...:) Missy PS Ivor thank you so much for the Red Cross parcel, Junior will be ecstatic when I tell him. :)

Posted today ..........a few bits to help towards the ultimate kit no doubt he will end up with 1 pair of helping hands 1 Set jewellers Files 1 pair tweezers 1 Garnet board [P1200 Tamiya] Hope this will aid with the fiddly bits ......I know only to well what a hassle this can be ......good luck with the project . With regard to transfers get yourself a pair of self closing tweezers and place the transfers in them and then place in warm water for a few minutes .....not to long then place on the surface and gently ease off with another pair of tweezers , once in the correct place gently blow off the excess water and allow to dry .....once dry apply a light coat of "Decal Fix" and this will prevent them from coming off ;)

The morning is over so [B]The Painting is Done[/B] As promised, photographs showing progress. #1 Junior hard at work painting #2 Junior displaying our efforts #3 The Titanic Workplace Missy and Junior
Attachments :

[QUOTE=SheppeyMiss;10112650]The morning is over so [B]The Painting is Done[/B] As promised, photographs showing progress. #1 Junior hard at work painting #2 Junior displaying our efforts #3 The Titanic Workplace Missy and Junior[/QUOTE] Looks good to me ........ give that boy a Hershey Bar, and a G&T for Grandma. :):)

Very nice! I probably would have taken several days, because I would be nervous of screwing it up! Also, on the list, a pair of flush-cut pliers help when removing parts from the sprue. They let you get as close as possible to the part, adn then you can just file away what is left. An Xacto knife also is helpful for relatively flat parts, handled by you, of course! Next, why not get him interested in naval ships? I suggest a destroyer, sub, or PT boat, something small.

Thanks both Dave's for your interest. Junior thinks he has acquired a new batch of uncle's... of the variety, Modellers. :) Destroyerman Dave, Junior has expressed an interest in submarines... but only if they can be remote controlled and Dive Dive Dive. This, I think is way way above my skill sets :eek::( Junior is off out with his Gramps playing football (soccer), and I'm clearing up. Missy

I'm pretty sure I've seen some videos on how to convert a kit to do that. I'll try to find some. There is also this for your next project, if you're up to it! [URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuwQgzDIOw0&list=PLCC14CAC26AB7FD93&index=8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuwQgzDIOw0&list=PLCC14CAC26AB7FD93&index=8[/URL] (note the fishing line)

Well, I found a site that sells a model (if you could call it that). [URL="http://marksmodelbits.com/"]http://marksmodelbits.com/[/URL] Click on the "submarine" link. I think they said 100 euros. HOWEVER: They have a Los Angeles Class model for 150 euros, plus P&P, and that is just the shell. You have to buy the mechanical stuff from them. This is the most affordable one I've found. Unless you want to scratch build.

[QUOTE=Destroyermen Dave;10112662]Well, I found a site that sells a model (if you could call it that). [URL="http://marksmodelbits.com/"]http://marksmodelbits.com/[/URL] Click on the "submarine" link. I think they said 100 euros. HOWEVER: They have a Los Angeles Class model for 150 euros, plus P&P, and that is just the shell. You have to buy the mechanical stuff from them. This is the most affordable one I've found. Unless you want to scratch build.[/QUOTE] Slow down a mite Dave ...... that is like taking our Missie from a Cereal Packet cutout to Inter Galactic Travel without a learning curve in the middle. We have some good Submarine Modelling Magazines over this side of the pond but I think she might want a breathing space after Titanic. Sorry Missie , talking about yer not to yer ;)

I run with Dave on this Missy ......I have a Gato submarine in the wardrobe which a friend started to convert and I acquired..... and although it ran on the surface was not up to diving .....well it would .......but unlikely to surface . Yes it can be but believe me when I say you are talking Mega bucks :eek:for a Pensioner and a little boys pocket money :( Take your time .....pace yourself whilst you learn........ and progress slowly unless you want a very sad lad throwing the towel in . Let him gain confidence ......you will soon know ..........he will be striking up deals with you .........like Gran if I wash your Rolls .......will you get me a Destroyer kit next please please please :roll eyes: And before you start claiming poverty remember I know your post code .....no relation to royalty by chance :p

Good start Missy, ( all fingers and thumbs intact and not stuck together ) :D For more information on all things floating ( pond size ) try a website called Modelboatmayhem.co.uk It is run by a lovely chap called Martin from Peterborough and is full of helpful people, including some sun dodgers ( submariners to you ) :) Hope you and Junior continue to enjoy your build. Regards Richard

Hear... Who's been promising our lad an own build R/C submarine? All I said was [I]he wanted[/I] one! Doesn't means he gets one :eek: I hope none of you have got his address or he be giving me puppy dog eyes from now to Christmas :eek::o We still got half a small and a whole big jobbie TITANIC to build yet... And, after taking the lad back home, I've discovered that I've stuck some of the upper decks on back to front. Pried them off carefully with a scalpel (only drew blood once = one plaster) :o:o And stuck them back the right way round. The funnels, stuck one half onto t'other whilst attached to spruge for stability while gluing and remedial painting. When properly dry stick in place and more remedial painting. Having painted lifeboats black when they should been white... to the tune of "I TOLD you Nanna they supposed to be white. With, if you can credit it, red covers on top. They're not much bigger than a comma! As the lad says, and it was me that taught him, if a thing is worth doing... it's worth doing right. Well that's my lot for night here, some deyuking of overpainted tiny things. However, have found which brush type lents itself best for that work. Missy

Another tip for you ..... If you have glued the wrong bit ..............gently put some more glue on it and slowly pull it apart .......with a bit of luck you won't get to much on the area , and should you be unlucky let it cure thoroughly and then sand it to remove the blemish with garnet paper but make sure its fully dried or it will just bung up the grit on the board ;)

Missy.. Missy ....Missy. A zillion ajolopies for not noticing this thread earlier!:o:o All credit to you both on your joint endeavour. Starting off with a kit (of no matter what scale) is always recommended, and remembering just how and by what sequence the model is created is the skill. This is the basis for future builds, some as large as to be able to weld the crew's feet to the decks.:eek: You are both doing exactly the right thing, persevering, anticipating, practicing and learning from the process. And you are both graceful enough to seek advice from well meaning modellers on the Forum. You have benefitted from others' experience so far with good results, so press on. If I can be of any help, please yell (you have my email address too) if necessary. Good luck to both of you, and most of all, have fun.;):D Sandy.

Thank you gentlemen, so much for your help and support. And thanks too, Ivor, for the Red Cross parcel. I tried to wait till Junior comes round tomorrow but failed. The parcel emitted a siren call... and I surrendered. The contents are much appreciated and Junior will be enchanted with the helping hands device. So kind of you. Well since Junior went home yesterday, I've glued, painted, checked the colour map. Sworn (good job Junior was safely out of earshot) repainted with the correct colour. Attached several miniscule parts, locating lugs to even more wee slots. Taking pointy scalpel and delicately scraped out said slot until it would receive the lugs.Offered it up to try, then with malice forethought glued it irreversibly into place. Consulted @#%&$€¥ colour chart again to find that, contrary to earlier in the distructions, all the vertical superstructure should have been white. White I say, not mid ochre, white. So... with paintbrush of six an a half hairs diameter, repaint the... perishing thing... White. Jeez Louise... do you boys do this for fun! Or is it since regaining dry land... y'all have to reembrace some masochist remnant of your service life... Whilst the TITANIC of miniute dimensions dries... and my blood pressure returns to normal. I'm reminded of Junior's muses of yesterday. It wasn't a happy ship was it, Nanna? No love, why d'you think? Well all those people died didn't they? And they didn't know they were going to. That's right, sweetpea. There should have been more lifeboats and that, shouldn't there, Nanna. That's right, love, but they did learn from that. And other ships have more lifeboats now. It's not a safe thing to go to sea, y'know... but not very many ships sink these days and fewer die. Yeah... but... it wasn't a happy ship tho' Nanna. Look Nanna, I drew this picture. And the iceberg was so big, look and most of it was here... see... under the water. And the Captain, y'know, he couldn't see it. How big it was, could he. And, he couldn't get round it could he? Nanna, I've done another picture... Look. And I did all these portholes... That's a lot of people, and they couldn't get out could they? Nanna. Some did, honey. Nanna, Mummy told me about m'great great granddad. He was inna ship what sank... wasn't he? Yes, sweetheart. But he was in the Royal Navy... And it was a war. He was a stoker and they worked putting coal in the boilers, deep down in bottom of the ship. It was called the Indefatigable, and it was hit by a big bomb, and it sank and no, he couldn't get out. None of them could. You know that painting downstairs, that Nanna's friend did... that's all the ships that he served on. Nanna... yes poppet, I'm gonna take my pictures home and show Mummy and that. OK, love, that's a good thing to do. Oh my... out of the mouths of babes and sucklings... Maybe, these little models do more than consume time and effort. Maybe some are small memorials to something, intangible, that continues in human minds and thoughts of those lost long ago. Dear heaven, is there a danger that in these quiet moments affixing plastic to plastic... that one should become a philosopher. Still, there's one small boy who is quietly learning that real-life is something more... than bang bang shoot 'm dead video games and brain eating zombies to zap into gruesome multicoloured splattering mock death games played on thumb twitching remote controlled handsets Tomorrow, Junior returns... And we finish this model and consider the larger one. Hopefully, Junior can get more involved with the construction as it is larger... And he has a Helping Hand. Missy

[QUOTE=SheppeyMiss;10112814] Maybe, these little models do more than consume time and effort. Maybe some are small memorials to something, intangible, that continues in human minds and thoughts of those lost long ago.... Missy[/QUOTE] That is why I model railroad. I was born 50 years too late to see 'em run, but I love steam locomotives. I can't explain why. Maybe it was growing up watching Thomas, and thinking something along the lines of "Diesels are bad! Steam is good!", or perhaps it was being told that my great-great-grandfather was one of the last engineers assigned to the locomotive in Lakeside Park. (My profile is me in the engineer's seat of "his" engine) Maybe my grandfather is reaching out across generations and touching me, telling me, "Become an engineer! Follow my footsteps!" I am building a model of the [I]Edmund Fitzgerald[/I] to memorialize her crew, and that is the reason I bought and kinda built the aforementioned [I]Arizona[/I] kit. I hope this doesn't come across as creepy, but I see a lot of myself in your grandson, based on what you have told us about him. I wasn't so different when I was his age.

Hi missy, I haven't put in any advice, but have been reading the saga with much enjoyment, and was chuffed to see a mention of my little thread in the tapestry of your family history. Only advice I can think of is to put the finished model in a glass fronted case or cabinet , and DON'T dust it. Jim

Jim, your painting of great granddad's ships has pride of place in both our sitting room and family history. The boys often stand up on the settee and look at them. We are most grateful you took the time to paint it. The sinking of the Indefatigable is a difficult thing for our boys to understand... but I try to approach it the best I can according to their age and understanding. The painting helps them, they can see the change from wind to steam powered, they are familiar with the scaled steam engines built and run by a local club. And, of course, the News is full of war events. We try to help bring them up to be thoughtful useful people that will find their place in the world to come. Of course, loving them to bits and being there for them is the foundation to all that we do. Missy

Young Dave, don't feel troubled that I should think it's creepy that you see something of your younger self in Junior. I think that most boys with a practical bent and natural leaning towards science and maths will have commonalities. He has already started pleading with Daddy for more kits to build for his birthday presents. So long as I'm able and we have a spare bedroom that he and his brother and cousins can use, it's all available to them. Fortunately, I have a glass fronted cabinet that their creations can be displayed in. Good luck in your ventures towards becoming an engineer... more are needed. Missy

[QUOTE=Destroyerman;10112702]Missy.. Missy ....Missy. A zillion ajolopies for not noticing this thread earlier!:o:o All credit to you both on your joint endeavour. Starting off with a kit (of no matter what scale) is always recommended, and remembering just how and by what sequence the model is created is the skill. This is the basis for future builds, some as large as to be able to weld the crew's feet to the decks.:eek: You are both doing exactly the right thing, persevering, anticipating, practicing and learning from the process. And you are both graceful enough to seek advice from well meaning modellers on the Forum. You have benefitted from others' experience so far with good results, so press on. If I can be of any help, please yell (you have my email address too) if necessary. Good luck to both of you, and most of all, have fun.;):D Sandy.[/QUOTE]Sandy, my dear Ch Stoker We are so honoured to have captured your notice. Junior is your number one fan and is cuffed clean out of his socks that you have so generously offered your help and advice. He is begging me to let him revisit your threads and former club videos. In part, this is why this thread exists... because he wanted to do it right like Sandy! We send our respectful best wishes to you, and hope that brick laying, fencing and painting of same is going well ;) Missy and Junior

[QUOTE=Richtea;10112680]Good start Missy, ( all fingers and thumbs intact and not stuck together ) :D For more information on all things floating ( pond size ) try a website called Modelboatmayhem.co.uk It is run by a lovely chap called Martin from Peterborough and is full of helpful people, including some sun dodgers ( submariners to you ) :) Hope you and Junior continue to enjoy your build. Regards Richard[/QUOTE]Thank you, Richtea, for your interest in our endeavours. I had a look at that website, fascinating but a bit above our joint skill level currently. I tried to see if there was anywhere local where we could take Junior to but shipwise nowhere that I could find. The nearest model boat club is Beale Park, t'other side of Reading... rather too far for a lad whose bedtime is 7pm. Missy

Missy, thank you. That cabinet sounds perfect. I need one, as my [I]Monitor[/I] and [I]Virginia[/I] diorama is full of dust and cobwebs, and I'm afraid of dusting it and breaking off [I]Virginia[/I]'s OTHER mast. Junior, modeling is a very rewarding hobby, and it is always nice to see a newcomer experience the joy of seeing a model come together from bits of plastic. Wait a few years until you are in High School, and you will know what it is like to come home and unwind by pulling out a kit and working on it for a few minutes. When you get more advanced, you can take on more advanced kits, like building a ship board-by-board, or more advanced painting techniques like weathering. The hobby of Live Steam is also a very rewarding one, but a bit expensive. I have a small stationary boiler, and I put a rubber band on the flywheel so I can use it to power contraptions built with my Erector Set or Lego Technic. Whatever you can think of, you can build. I have never been to a Live Steam meet, but I hope to become a member of the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society, a live steam group with a 1.5" "Hernia Gauge" layout. I'm afraid that my path to becoming an engineer is going to have to be put to the side for a while, as the job outlook for new engineers on this side of the pond is quite bad (-4% in the coming years), so I am going to school to become a welder. I could still work for the railroad, because they still need to repair things, but not in the cab. In my area, the railroad needs more conductors, though, so when I'm done with tech school, I'll try to hire on as that. Who knows, after a few years, I could become an engineer.

Actually you CAN dust the models - sort of. Unless in a dust proof glass case, all models gather dust.........put model in bath, or put it anywhere you like really - then GENTLY use a fine spray watering can to sprinkle the model. Do NOT attempt to dry it, let it drain naturally and once dry MOST of the dust will have gone..........and with a ship that has rigging, this has the added advantage of tautening the rigging up as it dries. My "ALABAMA" has survived numerous "dustings" this way during the 22 years that have passed since I first constructed her. Well not strictly true..........this is the Mk.2 version............the Mk.1 was made whilst I was stationed in Malta 1962-64, and had to be left there as impractical to attempt to pack it. Revel discontinued the model, but re-introduced it on the 125th anniversary of Civil War........only by then kit had gone up from original price of £6 to £48. Maybe Terry will forgive me if I re-post a pic? .....or two :D
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Young Dave, thank you for your reply. When Junior arrives today, I'll let him read your post. He's (or his Daddy) is within spitting distance of Lego Techik. And he does have a Meccano lookalike set. Good luck with your studies, and keep up hope. Tho' you might not make railway engineer, perhaps engineering training could prove useful as you aim towards your objective. Missy (and Junior)

Scurs, what a lovely model. I have a thing for sailing ships... the PEKING ex TS Arethusa was near my childhood home, we had cousins living at Upnor. It kinda got into my blood :o There is some rigging on Junior's model... guess who will be doing it :eek: A day or two ahead, I think, as remedial painting on Junior's behalf lies, ahead. Lessons learnt this build, read instructions and work through 'm in your mind for contradictions... Study the various painting charts and confirm via pictures of vessel. I wonder if there will be enough paint left for the second model... Must check out where local modelling shops are... Thank you for your interest, it surprises me that so many proper modellers are interested in the misadventures of a small boy and his Nanna :o Missy and Junior

Well, it is always interesting to hear of the experiences of others, especially when they are new to the hobby! For the rigging, I would hold the piece of "rigging" against the mast and apply a drop of glue, or, if using liquid, paint the glue over the wire. Hold for about 30 seconds.

[QUOTE=SheppeyMiss;10112863]...............Sandy, my dear Ch Stoker..... We send our respectful best wishes to you, and hope that brick laying, fencing and painting of same is going well ;) Missy and Junior[/QUOTE] Thanks to you Missy and Junior, for those very kind words.;) I have discussed bricklaying, fencing and painting with C-in-C (Home) and we have jointly decided that if those categories are included in the Brazil Olympics in 2016, then I ought to pay them some regard. Failing that ...........:D:cool: Any further updates on your joint project?? I'm sure that I speak for all of us when I say that. You have both captured our imagination. Sandy.

[QUOTE=Destroyerman;10112903]Thanks to you Missy and Junior, for those very kind words.;) I have discussed bricklaying, fencing and painting with C-in-C (Home) and we have jointly decided that if those categories are included in the Brazil Olympics in 2016, then I ought to pay them some regard. Failing that ...........:D:cool: Any further updates on your joint project?? I'm sure that I speak for all of us when I say that. You have both captured our imagination. Sandy.[/QUOTE]Well... updates were due... but roast chicken dinner and ice cream for afters intervened. Junior's Mummy, Daddy and little brother came over too... Then his Daddy taught him to fly the remote control helicopter that Hubbie bought him in Lidl (knock down sale price, apparently :rolleyes:) Ditto his little brother. And then bedtime programmes... kiss and cuddle goodbyes (Anglo-Italian families :o). He and his family were thrilled with the Red Cross parcel from 'Uncle' Ivor. Mummy insisted that I 'fessed up and admitted to doing most of the work on the small model, so we are waiting until his next visit so he can stick the lifeboats and cranes on, and we'll jointly tackle the transfers. Rigging is my bag ;) He is excited... as in bouncing around excited at the thought of Round Two of our Titanic Adventures. After all with his guidance the paint scheme will be correct. He has drawn umpteen pictures to illustrate the proper livery. Including a large picture of a funnel with big arrow pointing to the black band at the top of it saying BLACK not ochre... there is no bottom to the depth of my chagrin for getting it wrong. I foresee the tale being repeated through the family generations long after I've gone :eek: Sandy, dear, a whisper has reached my shell likes, brick laying, fencing and painting is going to be included in the 2016 Games. Fortunately, since it is only April of 2014 you have plenty of time to practice and get your hand in. :p Junior sends his best and is hoping your brick laying etc and so on is up to your modelling standard. For shame if some wandering seagulls perched for a rest and it all tumbled down. Missy and the little 'un

[quote=Scurs;10112873]Actually you CAN dust the models - sort of. Unless in a dust proof glass case, all models gather dust.........put model in bath, or put it anywhere you like really - then GENTLY use a fine spray watering can to sprinkle the model. Do NOT attempt to dry it, let it drain naturally and once dry MOST of the dust will have gone..........and with a ship that has rigging, this has the added advantage of tautening the rigging up as it dries. My "ALABAMA" has survived numerous "dustings" this way during the 22 years that have passed since I first constructed her. Well not strictly true..........this is the Mk.2 version............the Mk.1 was made whilst I was stationed in Malta 1962-64, and had to be left there as impractical to attempt to pack it. Revel discontinued the model, but re-introduced it on the 125th anniversary of Civil War........only by then kit had gone up from original price of £6 to £48. Maybe Terry will forgive me if I re-post a pic? .....or two :D[/quote] You asked so nicely how could I possibly object! ;)

Thank you Terry.........tugs forelock............very kind sir. :) Rigging! Most lines depicting rigging have to be secured somewhere, often to a small cleat. I found the best way to do this, was to apply a very small amount of glue to cleat once secured, this end the rigging in place and prevented it from sagging or stretching. Missy..........no person who has ever built a model, either from a kit, or scratch built, ever started out as "expert"........we all learned by experience and much "trial and error" (and the use, in my case, of a few "naughty words") as we learned. Speaking for myself, part of your project that triggers interest, is that I (and all of us) have been there! You are lucky as most of us didn't have a young assistant. ;) Which given my perchance for using a few choice "salty naval sayings" when "Part A" most definitely didn't fit "Part B" as designed, is just as well! :eek:

Missy I think you are lucky to have an interested young assistant. You should try doing it in a space not much bigger than the Garage attached to your house (if you have one) along with about thirty experts, giving you advice while doing their own thing. Then finding a secret secure place to stow it away!. All adds to life's rich tapestry. Jim

Yes, Jim, I do feel myself to be very lucky to have Junior as an assistant. He is avidly curious and interested in so many things... the TITANIC is but one 'story' to have taken hold of him. I take it that your garage full of experts is a model boat club which sounds rather nice to me, to have actual friends sharing your passions. Whilst I find myself in the virtual company of forum friends, kind sources of help and support... it is unlikely I or young Junior will ever get to meet them in the flesh. Junior and family are away for Easter and we are babysitters in chief for his younger cousins. One too small to be interested in anything other than Toby the Tugboat. The other swings and roundabouts... but shortly to be introduced to remote controlled helicoptering via Hubbie and Lidl! Look out local wood pigeons. All being well, I hope to sneak into the spare room aka the boys bedroom and with the aid of a Helping Hand try to second coat the white superstructure, put to sleep the nagging suspicion that the masts are in fact ochre not white. Puzzle over the transfers (surely they have a posher name than that). The picture on the box shows several flags... yet I'm fair flummoxed as to where they are and how to safely and permanently affix them :confused: Perhaps I should start a small notebook to record and remember mistakes and solutions, sources and remedies. As far as this kit is concerned, what is Source for the goose isn't source for the gander. Oh for a definitive Oracle to save me from constant colour repaints. When Junior and I embark on the construction of the larger TITANIC... its going to be measure twice and cut once kinda thing before paintbrush gets dipped in paint pot. BTW, I don't know what this paint is but it is pretty nasty. Acrylic I'd guess but thin and 'watery' but dries matt and almost lumpy. The first coat is thin and adheres to the surface with difficulty but takes a second coat at a grab... The master's voice (Hubbie) calls and it's off to take Junior's cousin out to play :) Missy

Sounds like a busy weekend Missy, I'm off to North Berwick with 8 paintings for the annual Easter Exhibition at St. Andrews Blackadder church. Sold 5 last year so hope to do as good this year. The church takes a third of the selling price for a fund to repair the stained glass windows. The exhibition is by invitation only so it is a bit of an honour, as there are several well known artists take part. Not many paintings of things like The Storming Of Fort Washington, or Swordfish Over Atlantic Convoy At Night!. The garage I mentioned alluded to 2E3 mess on HMS Ark Royal in the mid 1960's, I forgot to mention two 'hurricane' fans, three record players, a typewriter, card school and Uckers game going on at the same time. Jim

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