My cousin Andre lived next door to us. He was 7 years older and a master model builder. I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of three of his creations. The first was a high wing Piper/Cessna. Once in the late 1950s, I assembled wooden boxes used to pack smoke fish. We were paid a penny a box in those days. Andre agreed make me an airplane if I made boxes in his name. I probably did not make many but I did get an F-86 made from, what else, pack box material. I loved that plane and kept it until I left for the Air Force. The last was a mystery plane when he left to join the Royal Canadian Navy as a stoker. It was by far the best I had ever seen. He did not tell me that is was just his imagination at work. The mystery airplane kept me searching books and later the internet trying to find information on it. It remained an inspiration for me until meeting him at his father's (Uncle Charlie) 100th birthday party where he admitted he had dreamed up the model just for his enjoyment. I will attempt to honour him by making a replica of one of the models he gave me.
Lou
A very interesting story, Lou. I might add an interesting boat too. No wonder you work so fast with such a devotion to modelling. There really is more to modelling than appears at first.
Cliff.
I have placed my solid model tools away on a number of times but was always driven to come back to solids. Passion, enthusiasm or just a nut case. It is hard to rationalize the compulsion.
Lou
Lou I sincerely doubt that "nut case" describes your dedication. More likely it's a case of periodically being overly involved. If you will permit me for the moment in economics terms its about where you feel yourself being on the "marginal utility" curve. It is the same motivation as to how we are able to quit smoking - or sweets or whatever. In other words perhaps periodically you might benefit from a break. Only I hope it's just a short break for the group really needs you. Your modells are exceptional and an inspiration to all members of SMM.
However, I personally feel that the group seems to be falling away as it were; few members have been responding as they used to. Perhaps it might be that Solid Scale, unlike the more popular form, simply takes too long or too much of one's scarce time. This matter should be dealt with very soon.
In the meantime, take heart. Your devotion is needed.
Cliff.
What a lovely personal story Lou,never forget that your models and passion are an inspiration to us all so you had better not lay back your solid modelling tools ever !
We all have lovely stories to tell and thats what makes our builds so individual,sometime in the past we looked up and saw an aeroplane that set us off to build it as a model with our very own hands,the seeds were sown,today things are a bit different with children who go on holidays in these aluminium tubes that all look the same ? flying is so matter of fact and the airliners lack real character,but take a 1930's radial engined biplane and its another thing,so full of character.
I guess the golden years have gone but it is up to us to keep the germ of creating individual models alive as we do,I still know that people look in awe at what has been achieved,especially that excellent poster that Lou created a while back.
Barry.
Barry, your thoughts as expressed are what Solid modeling is all about. I can't help feel that such expressions are what may sadly be lacking in our Group at this time.
I made a collage of what approximates the aircraft cousin Andre gave me. The attached photo(?) will be turned into suitable drawings.
Lou
Continuing along in the same method as the first drawing, I have scaled things down to 1/72 scale. The original was probably somewhere around 1/48. The model did not have any undercarriage, so that portion is still undecided.
Lou
I can see why you didn't have any luck with your websearch, is the nose from a B-57?. It's an interesting mix, looking forward to seeing your progress. Regards Paul J.
Let us see now, CF-100, A-1, F-84 ME-262.
Lou
Other than selecting a few blocks of wood, no progress has been made. I have recent been told that Andre's ship while he served in the Royal Canadian Navy was HMCS Lanark. The Lanark is a Prestonian Class Frigate. She was a River Class Frigate decommissioned in at the end of WWII and re-commissioned after modifications to the new class in 1956. Her wartime pennant was K669 followed by 321 when Andre served on board. Being a Canadian ship, little info is available but we will do the best we can. I need to get my butt in gear as a ceremony honour him is schedule for mid summer.
Lou
A link to HMCS Lanark is provided.
http://www.forposterityssake.ca/Navy/HMCS_LANARK_K669_321.htm
Are you making the ship as well Lou? regards Paul J.
Yes I am. I started by cutting two hulls. Now how long it takes to complete is anyone's guess.
Lou
Keeping busy! Two hulls carved but need some sanding. Engine plugs glued together for sanding to side looking shape.
Lou
Nice Lou, you are working like a man on a mission at the moment, multi tasking!!!! Regards Paul J.
Blocks are being cut for the Lanark superstructures and funnel.
Lou
HMCS Lanarks moving along.
Lou
Just catching up with this thread,there is a bit of Tornado B-45 in that wing Lou,those engine nacelles look familiar !
Barry.
I have cut out the wings to Andre's Jet and have made some progress on HMCS Lanark. I found a really good photo of a sister ship from on high. This will help a lot.
Lou
A bit more work has been done and some railing attached.
Lou
Looking good Lou. Regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. Unfortunately it will not be ready for my visit home come Aug 7th.
Lou
A few vents, mast platforms and new twin mounts (old mounts in foreground).
Lou
Various vents, capstan, lockers and guns have been added and will be painted tomorrow. Future addition will remain unpainted until photos have been taken to show progress.
Lou
P.S
Unfortunately my cousin Andre's ashes arrive this weekend and a function is set for Sunday afternoon. I quoted the original comments to this post and prepared other words for my sister to read in my absence. HMCS Lanark will follow once completed.
Lou, the unfortunate passing of your cousin Andre will be felt by all - members of your family and other associates. In this regard your model of the HMCS Lanark will be a fitting memorial. I'm sure he appreciates it.
Cliff.
Progress report before we leave on holidays tomorrow morning. I will have withdrawal symptoms by Friday. Regardless here is the current situation with the two Prestonian Class Frigates. I decided not to paint the guns as I will to do more work on them.
Lou
They both are looking really good Lou. Enjoy your vacation.
Safe Travels,
Peter
Vacation was great Peter. HMCS Lanark life boats and rafts are in construction.
Lou
PS. Leaving Wed for daughter's wedding. She has a full schedule of events including side trips and rehearsals etc. etc. She even has a practice dinner. I suppose one should learn to use utensils in public !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Armament lockers, vents, AA Gun tub, and mortar covers almost ready for paint.
Lou
Nearing completion. Champagne bottle at the ready. Should go down the slip by mid week or sooner if I can put more time into it. A few more air vents, ammo boxes, AA guns and communication mast.
Lou
How did you make out with the utensils, Lou? And how was the wedding? My daughter got married about three years ago. In her case she was older than I was when I . . . - but it still makes you feel old. Wait a minute! I am old! No wonder there's no one left to talk to. ;)
Those ships you've been working on, they are real aren't they? If they're not they sure look real.
Cliff.
The wedding was great.
As for the ships, they are Prestonian Class Frigates. These were WWII River Class Frigates that the RCN converted for use until better frigates became available. They are nearing completion with railings being attached today.
Lou
The ship in the foreground is fully assemble and requires just a bit of paint. The other still has some railing to glue and it too will be painted. I hope to launch them both by Wed.
Lou
Two Prestonian Class Frigates were launched yesterday. It was fun doing them and stirred up some good memories of Andre. Every part is wood except for the railings which are screen mesh.
Lou
They look amazing Lou, the detailing work is superb. Well made. Best regards Paul J.
Thank you Paul. I enjoyed making them.
Lou