28mm Arab Dhow - work-in-progress

With this particular project I was asked to produce a 'basic' hull for an African Dhow. I was only commissioned to build a hull and the sails were to built by someone else. This has meant that I have had to leave the deck very bare as I am not sure how the sail and rigging are to be attached. In an ideal world, I would have added deck fixtures and even some cargo.

The model is 35cms long x 13cms wide and 6cms tall to the top of the deck posts.

Tony

28mm Paddle Steamer Work-in-Progress part two

Following on from the stern wheel Paddle Steamer (see previous post) the next step was to produce a second hull that could be used as the basis of a couple of models. First a simple screw hull. remember that all of the deck fixtures from the stern wheel steamer can be used on this model.

As I was building this master, I couldn't help but feel that my Father was watching over my shoulder. He was a fantastic builder of model boats - the sort that you model in bottles and a commission that meant I was once again building a boat hull was a fitting memorial to Dad. I am sure he would have enjoyed telling me that this detail or fixture was out of line or miss-shaped! It should be obvious that none of the deck fixtures are attached, but will be cast as separate pieces adding to the versatility of the range and models.

Then with the addition of a Side-wheel resin casting the simple hull is transformed into this little beauty. Once again all pieces are transferable and this should mean that the modeller will be able to produce an infinite amount of variation in their own fleet of steamers.

This small range was a real treat for me to model and a very rewarding project. I look forward to seeing the resin castings built into either Tramp Steamers of with the addition of a gun or two - a Gunboat. Keep an eye on my main Blog for further photos and release details.

Tony

28mm Paddle Steamer Work-in-Progress

Here are some work-in-progress shots of my latest project a Sudan Era Paddle Steamer. My brief was to make it as modular and inter-changeable as possible and to this end I have built it so that all the deck housings and engine components can be fitted anywhere on the deck/decks.

The paddle wheel is a multi-part model in its own right and will fit into the rear space seen in the top photo. there is still quite a lot of detailing work to be done. But I am trying to keep the deck areas as free from clutter as I can so that it can be used as a Gunboat.

I apologise for the poor quality of these first photos - they were taken to record progress so far and I though as I have not posted on this site for some time that an update was needed.

Tony

28mm Wealden House - finished

Here are some images of the painted 28mm Wealden House by Grand Manner. The first two with thatched roofs, the second two with tiled. All were painted by Dave (Grand Manner) or his daughter Kate.

The original master for this building was built by me some time ago and cast in resin by GM earlier this year. These are the first painted examples of this large signature building I have seen. The building has a fully detailed interior, including first floor panels to both the pantry and the Solar as well as two sets of stairs.

Tony

28mm European Barn from Grand Manner

Here is an example of a painted European Barn from Grand Manner - the original master was built by me, then cast by Dave at Grand Manner The painting was done by Kate (Dave's daughter).

The building is based on two barns from the German Open Air Museum at Hessen Park.

Tony

The Merchant's House in 28mm

These are just some of the images showing the finished and painted Merchant's House from Grand Manner - the model was painted by Dave Bodley and his daughter Kate.

These two images show the reconstructed Merchants House at Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Tony

Jason's Argo in 28mm

Here you can follow work-in-progress on one of my favourite 28mm pieces - Jason's ARGO, which is now available as a resin casting from Grand Manner

The photos show some of the construction work and the illustration that was the inspiration for this piece. The construction took over a month from start to finish and used wood, plastic and resin components.

I believe that this is one of the very best 'masters' I have so far produced, and as my Father was a very keen model ship builder, I believe he would have liked this model. I now look forward to seeing a painted example.

The model comes as a five part resin casting - the hull, the tail, the steering oar, the mast and the furled sail.

Tony