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Everyone knows this mythical model from FROG F137 (and other exotic brands) of this small English coaster in the equally exotic 1/130 scale. It saw the light of day in 1961, when I was barely born, so the model dates back a long way (and so do I ), as do the injection moulds, now the property of a Russian brand, which can no longer export this model, which has been virtually impossible to find since the start of the war in Ukraine. Personally, I put it together quickly some time ago, but I wasn't satisfied with this kit, which can be described as horrible to assemble, as there are so many defects, especially in the latest versions where the half-hulls are often warped and deformed. FROG has never had a good reputation for the accuracy of its models, as can be easily seen with this model aircraft, but it is no exception: F174 - Gloster E.28/39 (1/63?) The same applies to the Shell Welder, which is not very accurate when compared to the rare photos of the real ship. The original sheer is not present, an important feature of many old coasters, and the side profile is not respected either. So I want to make this 1/100 scale coaster completely in 3D, then print it. This 3D design project is a challenge for me, insofar as there are no longer any plans from the 'Willington Quay' shipyard, UK, which built her, to my knowledge and after extensive research with my friend Roland Grard, a good specialist in ship plans. So I'm going to use the hull of the 1/130 model, her deck plan and so on. We'll do our best to make it more credible in terms of the tank piping, etc., because it's been simplified. Because it's been simplified. 3D allows us to get as close as possible to reality. I sailed (as did Roland) on this type of oil coaster for many years, and I know them quite well: This one for example, once it's loaded, it's a bit like all submarines, in bad weather on the open sea, it's very impressive, it's dangerous to go forward: M/T Pierre Laffitte (1) originally 1950 tonnes: built at Chantiers de la Garonne & ACSO, Bordeaux in 1979. Mainly sailed in Marseille, but also in the French West Indies. http://bordeauxaquitainemarine2.fr/n-ch-acso.htm Originally a much smaller vessel when sailing to Marseille, she was quickly "jumbo-ised" at Le Havre, Normandy, France by adding a good section of tanks and 400 m3 butane gas balloons from SNCF ( Railway ) wagons, to accommodate the long-term contract signed with the SARA Refinery in Martinique. In the process of being extended (Roland Grard Collection): Cutting: The section is inserted: All you have to do is weld it together. 😜 Once extended: ________________________________ Name: "SHELL WELDER Type : Tanker Keel laying : 12/11/1954 Completed : 17/03/1955 Builder : Clelands (Successors) Ltd Shipyard : Willington Quay, Newcastle. Shipyard number : 193 Dimensions : 569 grt, 202 nrt, 170.9 x 29.7 x 10.5 ft ( Length: 52 m, beam 9 m, Draught 3,20 m ) Engines : Main engine, 2SCSA, 6cyl (Piston diameter and stroke; 265 x 345mm), 570 HP Engines by : Crossley Bros Ltd, Manchester Propulsion: 1 x propeller Construction: Steel Registration number: 186210 History : 28/03/1955 Shell-Mex & BP Ltd, London 1973 Purchased by Pounds Shipowners and Shipbreakers Ltd, Portsmouth 1974 Purchased by Northwood (Fareham) Ltd, London; renamed STEEL WELDER Comments: 1974: Converted to a dredger. 1991: Dismantled at Otterham Quay, UK First sketch of the bow. Don't expect any frequent updates at the moment, I have other 3D models to finish.