Star of Orkney, Caldercraft 1/48 Steam Trawler

[Stephen Allen]

After finishing HMS Conn I was looking for a reasonably quick ‘filler’ project while I gather together my research and bits and pieces for the next long term build. I decided that this would be the filler project.

 

I bought the Caldercraft ‘Milford Star’ about fifteen years ago, took one look in the box, saw all the wooden bits, and decided that it was beyond my then current capabilities. Laying models down in a stash is a bit like having a wine cellar and waiting for things to mature. In the case of models though its not the kit that gets better with age, its (hopefully!) the modeller. Anyway, I took this out of storage in March, and wondered why I had waited so long to build it. 
 

Caldercraft first released these kits in either the late 80s or early 90s, and they have gradually improved the parts and buildability. Mine must be one of the first to have had the original diecut plywood parts replaced by CNC, and they are very good, straight, accurate and easy to put together once you have worked out what goes where. The fibreglass hull is good too. Letting the side down somewhat are the white metal fittings, as clearly the moulds were getting a bit tired when this kit was produced. The instructions would not be helpful to someone new to this sort of kit as they assume a level of understanding and experience, an ability to measure, and some problem solving ability to fill in the blanks or come up with better ways of assembling for a trouble free result.  Yes, the plan isn’t to scale, but measuring should get you where you want to go. This isn’t a work in progress but feel free to contact me if you are interested in avoiding some of the traps.

 

I mildly backdated the kit to better represent a pre-1939 Trawler, with an absence of radar and Decca. The Star of Orkney, built in 1936, was the prototype for the ‘Round Table’ class of minesweeping trawlers, but differed somewhat from their appearance, even when they were converted to civilian use post war. The engine room casing and galley is shorter, the wheelhouse is smaller, there are additional deckhouses with skylights fore and aft. The space under the whaleback forward is open, but with a slightly different layout to the later ships in the class. I also rigged the shrouds with deadeyes rather than the kit supplied turnbuckles, to add to the vintage flavour. I improved the least usable of the white metal fittings by replacing them - brass stanchions and portholes for example. I could have done a lot more for greater accuracy, but decided enough was enough.

 

Although I did this as a quickie, I did some experimenting with wood finishing techniques. While I used a traditional sanding sealer on the main ‘steel’ deck, I used superglue to seal and finish smaller wooden parts that were meant to depict steel. This actually worked extremely well, and three coats of ‘heavy thin’ superglue sanded with 400 grade built up a very hard surface ready for priming. The trick here is to do the sealing/ filling before you assemble the parts so you don’t build up unwanted fillets in corners and keep the surfaces nice and flat. I will be using this technique, borrowed from wood turners, more extensively on my next build.

 

Star of Orkney is depicted in the livery of the Walker Steam Trawler company of Aberdeen. I have completed the ship in ‘Biscuit Tin Lid’ pristine condition as a change from my usual weathered builds. Why? Its good for me to occasionally go back to the basics of good finishing and painting just to ensure that laziness hasn’t crept in under the guise of weathering. All paints used were enamels, either Colourcoats or Revell, except when it was easier to just blast fittings with Mr Finisher 1500 black from a spraycan.
 

Properly ballasted, she has turned out to be an excellent sailer, and was handling the choppy and gusty conditions on the maiden voyage with aplomb. The big funnel and masts catch the wind, but she doesn’t heel to any extent, just gets pushed sideways when there is no way on. Its my new favourite heavy weather boat!

 

Now, back to my research for a V&W.

 

cheers!

 

Steve

 

 

 

[ArnoldAmbrose]

Gidday Steve, that's a beautiful vessel, and nicely done.

 

1 hour ago, Stephen Allen said:

just to ensure that laziness hasn’t crept in under the guise of weathering.

LOL. 🤣      I think she looks nice in her pristine condition. Regards, Jeff.

[Bertie McBoatface]

4 hours ago, Stephen Allen said:

Although I did this as a quickie, I did some experimenting with wood finishing techniques. While I used a traditional sanding sealer on the main ‘steel’ deck, I used superglue to seal and finish smaller wooden parts that were meant to depict steel. This actually worked extremely well, and three coats of ‘heavy thin’ superglue sanded with 400 grade built up a very hard surface ready for priming. The trick here is to do the sealing/ filling before you assemble the parts so you don’t build up unwanted fillets in corners and keep the surfaces nice and flat. I will be using this technique, borrowed from wood turners, more extensively on my next build.

That’s interesting. Thanks for the tip. 
 

The boat looks really good. Could we have some close-up pictures?

[Stephen Allen]

I’m currently in Tassie on holidays, so I will take some more photos when I return. The superglue used is Starbond ‘Heavy Thin’, which is actually designed as a finishing product. Woodturners use other brands and viscosities, they just test and adjust their techniques. I am letting it dry naturally rather than using accelerant to avoid any blushing or white blooms. Even so, three coats go down and dry pretty quickly.

 

Steve

[stevehnz]

Nice job there Stephen, I can see she rides well in those scuffley conditions , a good sea boat as her ilk were mostly.  

Steve.

[George Norman]

A Real beauty you built there. Never heard of that Super glue Technique before so ta for letting us know.

[robgizlu]

Great looking model

Rob

[Jeepboy]

Wonderful job.

 

I think you went over the top building the scale bath to display her in  😀

 

(I am very envious, keep up the good work and please keep posting)

[Head in the clouds.]

On 9/21/2022 at 11:03 PM, Jeepboy said:

I think you went over the top building the scale bath to display her in  😀

I am more impressed with the water effect....🤪

 

Very nice build indeed.