John Dory

Noel, The model is based on the Occre Kit. It provided a foundation to get started and while the kit is basic it provides many useful bits e.g. Vents, binnacles and pieces of timber. The frames, keel and primary hull planking are kit original. Secondary planking was mixed with my timber used where Greenheart was on the original. Design modifications include Deck camber. Additional hand rail, steel plating (tin plate 0.203mm) abound the bow above and below the waterline. Most timber hand cut from damaged antique table top. Most strips were cut to 0.75mm for the decking and general superstructure fabrication, pieces 1mm and 1.75mm also were cut. For timber cutting I used a table saw and zero clearance insert. Funnel is dowel from broken antique chair shaped before adding modelling styrene to aid in appearance. Davits handmade and all rotate. Ships wheel and rudder are working. The supplied deadeyes have been replaced with smaller ones, trying to obtain 1:70 scale. The aim of my construction is around Departure from Buenos Aires and arrival in Grytviken in South Georgia. Lots of pieces to be added to the deck e.g. Sleds boxes timber planks and dogs,

The basic hull is now almost complete. Working navigation and cabin lights are installed. (5 volt 'LightMyBricks' third party system designed for Lego). I am currently working on the rigging for the foremast sails, and am struggling with the (roller) fore top sail. They used a combination of chains and ropes. I am using the pictures taken by Frank Hurley on the expedition to determine the correct design for the roller fore top sail system. Happy to post these pictures if anyone has further information/knowledge about how this system worked?

Thank you, I have great memories of working for the NHS and of UK travels during my 5 years of residency in the mid 1980's.

Hello to all modellers. I build ships but appreciate any intricate models, such as aircraft, trains etc. Present construction is based on the Occre Kit of the Endurance and I am modifying aspects to increase accuracy. Previous builds include the Krick Mark Twain with working steam engine, Ocean model kit SS Rovuma with navigation and cabin lighting, Corel HMS Victory with furled sails and copper plated hull, USS Constitution cross-section and various other ships. I never intended on building the Victory however a customer offered the kit to settle an outstanding account and the terms were more than favourable. My models are usually a combination of the kit and scratch built pieces. My favourite ship is always the one I'm building at the time. But looking back at earlier models always reveals significant flaws.