Here is Speciality that I built a few years ago.
Bob
Search found 143 matches
- Thu Oct 18, 2018 4:19 pm
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
- Thu Oct 18, 2018 4:16 pm
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Re: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
We usually sailed out of Clydebank, foreign articles across to the Baltic ports etc. Interesting and quite enjoyable times. I visted in later years when I was in Furness Withy's Sagamore , and even later from cruise ship Reina del Mar in Southamton in 1969. A lot of the crew were still there even in...
- Thu Oct 18, 2018 2:57 pm
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Re: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
Yes, all true. I may change over to drawing plans, as it costs virtually nothing and I can store them in two jig saw puzzle caddys that I have just purchased - Bob
PS
This is a ship I sailed in 1962 - my drawing -
PS
This is a ship I sailed in 1962 - my drawing -
- Thu Oct 18, 2018 10:49 am
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Re: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
I really feel that interest in the UK has generally died out. When I take them to the local ship model society meetings, they scarcely get more than a casual glance, and rarely a comment. Maybe understandable with sailing ships, but even more modern steam and motor ships attract little interest, alt...
- Thu Oct 18, 2018 9:12 am
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Re: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
I have sent over 50 out over the past twenty years, as far afield as the Fare East, USA and Australia without damage. It is not so much the occasional damage, but the fact that couriers are very reluctant to pay out full insurance claims. This hapenned several months ago. I refunded the buyer in ful...
- Wed Oct 17, 2018 9:22 am
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Re: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
The Gulf Stream was severely damaged on its way to Belgium, causing me to virtually give up on ship models and finally call it a day. Interest in this type of ship has been in decline for some time now.
Bob
Bob
- Sun Jul 01, 2018 2:27 pm
- Forum: Ships and Shipowners
- Topic: Gulf Stream - Iron barque
- Replies: 12
- Views: 9792
Gulf Stream - Iron barque
Iron barque Gulf Stream, completed by Russell, Port Glasgow in 1884. 32 feet to 1 inch. Completely hand-built. NOT A KIT!
Bob
Bob
- Wed May 03, 2017 5:46 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Il tanker Algol - Profile
- Replies: 0
- Views: 2334
Il tanker Algol - Profile
I stood by this one for three months during the final stages of building at Cammell Laird's, Birkenhead in 1977. Then sailed in her for six months - mainly lightering of Galveston Texas. I finished this drawing today for my latest book, From Good Hope to St. Helena.
Bob
Bob
- Thu Feb 23, 2017 7:11 am
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Preussen
- Replies: 4
- Views: 4549
Re: Preussen
Thanks. The rigging is easy enough. It is fine copper wire, stretched slightly to make it straight. I then cut off the length required with a scalpel, pick it up in the middle with fine tweezers, dip each end in glue, and just place it in position on the model. These models rarely attract more than ...
- Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:54 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Preussen
- Replies: 4
- Views: 4549
Preussen
This is my scratchbuilt model of Flying P ship Preussen, built to a scale of 25 feet to 1 inch. I photographed it from a low angle, and put it in a sea created by Photopshop.
Bob
Bob
- Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:42 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: The Shelterdeck
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6358
Re: The Shelterdeck
I came very close to giving up on this project, but forced myself to persevere with issues 3, 4 and 5 now being produced. Pleased to say that interest is now on the rise. Very much at a disadvantage by confining the contents to the merchant navy! 8-) Here is link to Nr. 5: http://payhip.com/b/iSHP Bob
- Fri Nov 04, 2016 7:33 am
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3155
Re: Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
Thanks, Yes, indeed, you are the second person who didn't now about iron wool!
Bob

Bob

- Thu Nov 03, 2016 6:26 am
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3155
Re: Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
Thanks,
It has been empty for years!
Miniatures are rather more convenient that large models! Very popular amongst collectors, but not at all popular amongst model shipbuilders, who generally seem to prefer building large models of Napoleonic warships!
Bob
It has been empty for years!

Miniatures are rather more convenient that large models! Very popular amongst collectors, but not at all popular amongst model shipbuilders, who generally seem to prefer building large models of Napoleonic warships!
Bob
- Tue Nov 01, 2016 7:05 am
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3155
Model of NZSC Iron wool clipper Wairoa
I completed this one a few days ago. It is completly scratchbuilt, and the masts, spars and rigging are 100% metal. The masts and spars are made from brass tube & rod, copper and silver steel rod, whilst the rigging, including the ratlines, is fine copper wire.
Bob
Bob
- Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:14 am
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: The Shelterdeck
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6358
The Shelterdeck
A month ago, I produced a 15-page free download pertaining to merchant navy history, and ship modelling. It was a bit of a "damp squib" with only about 27% of those reading the synopsis going on to download the full free file. Two days ago, I decided to give it another try before giving up on it, bu...
- Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:42 pm
- Forum: Clyde Shipbuilders
- Topic: East African
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4429
Re: East African
Completed.
Bob
Bob
- Thu Mar 31, 2016 8:13 am
- Forum: Clyde Shipbuilders
- Topic: East African
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4429
Re: East African
East African miniature model progress, 31st March, 2016.
Bob
Bob
- Sat Feb 27, 2016 4:27 pm
- Forum: Clyde Shipbuilders
- Topic: East African
- Replies: 2
- Views: 4429
East African
East African 1895. Robert Duncan, Port Glagow, East Yard. Steel ship 1,731 gross tons.
252.5 feet long 39 feet beam. 22.6 feet depth.
Hulked at Malaga, 1922.
Bob
252.5 feet long 39 feet beam. 22.6 feet depth.
Hulked at Malaga, 1922.
Bob
- Fri Jan 22, 2016 8:51 am
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: ARRAN MAIL 1936: Denny Dumbarton
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1264
Re: ARRAN MAIL 1936: Denny Dumbarton
Here is a miniature model I made of [attachment=0]Arran Mail.JPG[/attachment]Arran Mail. Completly scratchbuilt from bits and pieces
Bob
Bob
- Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:04 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: MELBOURNE STAR 1948: Harland and Wolff, Govan
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1245
Re: MELBOURNE STAR 1948: Harland and Wolff, Govan
That is a very fine image. I always though it a great pity when Blue Star started painting them white or light green. Never did look as good to me as when they were black!
Bob
Bob
- Thu May 14, 2015 7:24 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: LADY ROSLIN 1958: Ardrossan Dockyard
- Replies: 1
- Views: 810
Re: LADY ROSLIN 1958: Ardrossan Dockyard
Aragonite leaving Ascension Island, 1983. Curnow Shipping colours.
Bob
Bob
- Thu May 14, 2015 7:17 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: Duchess of Hamilton
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2753
Re: Duchess of Hamilton
Duchess of Hamilton
Bob
Bob
- Sun Jan 11, 2015 4:27 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7401
Re: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
Almost sold out again - 5 left.
Bob
Bob
- Sun Dec 14, 2014 12:56 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7401
Re: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
The first reprinting this book arrived on the 12th December, so it is again available.
Bob
Bob
- Sat Nov 22, 2014 4:39 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7401
Re: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
This book has had a good run, and I am pleased to say that it has now sold out!
Thanks for the interest.
Bob
Thanks for the interest.
Bob
- Sat Nov 15, 2014 8:21 am
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7401
Re: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
This limited edition book has been a great success, and there are now only 11 copies left! (15th Nov. 2014).
Bob
Bob
- Fri Oct 31, 2014 10:20 am
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
- Replies: 4
- Views: 7401
RMS St. Helena In The Falkland Islands 1982/83
I published 56 copies of this new book (privately) two days ago (29th Oct, 2014).
Mad rush - only 24 copies left today!
Bob
Mad rush - only 24 copies left today!

Bob
- Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:52 pm
- Forum: Royal Navy Shipping
- Topic: HMS Ledbury
- Replies: 0
- Views: 936
HMS Ledbury
HMS Ledbury pitching. South Atlantic, 1982.
Bob
Bob
- Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:47 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Uganda
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4039
Re: Uganda
Brings back memories - nice painting!
Bob
Bob
- Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:43 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Lord Wolseley
- Replies: 1
- Views: 958
Lord Wolseley
Pen and ink. I have not added the rails, deckhouses etc yet.
- Wed Sep 17, 2014 3:34 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: M.V. Sagamore, iron ore carrier, 1957
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1526
Re: M.V. Sagamore, iron ore carrier, 1957
Thanks,
That was a long time after I left, but glad to see the old ship still very smart and clean. After conversion to Capitan Alberto,
I think that Nr 2 hatch must have been just about the longest in the world (Original Nrs 1 & 2 joined up)
Bob
That was a long time after I left, but glad to see the old ship still very smart and clean. After conversion to Capitan Alberto,
I think that Nr 2 hatch must have been just about the longest in the world (Original Nrs 1 & 2 joined up)
Bob
- Fri Aug 08, 2014 7:17 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: SOMERSET 1962: John Brown & Co.Ltd. Clydebank
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1135
Re: SOMERSET 1962: John Brown & Co.Ltd. Clydebank
I remember watching the final stages of the construction of Somerset when sailing out of Rothesay Dock Clydebank, in 1962 aboard Frederick T. Everard - Beautiful ship. Friends cat was sent unaccompanied to Australia aboard Somerset! shortly after
Bob

Bob
- Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:21 am
- Forum: UK & Ireland
- Topic: 19th Century Square-riggers
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1321
Re: 19th Century Square-riggers
General inquiries about the proposed book have attracted almost zero interest so the project has now been abandoned! However, I do produce a number of small well-illustrated e-publications for immediate download selling at between £1.49 and £4.99 each. But printed books are getting less popular all ...
- Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:25 pm
- Forum: UK & Ireland
- Topic: 19th Century Square-riggers
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1321
19th Century Square-riggers
I have recently been following a number of David MacGregor sailing ship books on Ebay (Not my listings), and notice that despite being offered at extremely low prices, they seldom seem to sell. Is interest in 19th century square-riggers now in terminal decline? I have recently been drawing up plans ...
- Wed Jul 09, 2014 5:51 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: West Lothian, four-masted full-rigged ship
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1010
Re: West Lothian, four-masted full-rigged ship
Jim, Well spotted! :clap: I have just changed it from 27 feet to 279 feet! :) Have got "Tennis Elbow" at the moment, so am keeping away from ship modelling until it gets better. As it is in left arm, I can still draw. The plan was drawn on a paper 27 inches by 16 inches and shrunk down. Coloured in ...
- Wed Jul 09, 2014 3:05 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: West Lothian, four-masted full-rigged ship
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1010
West Lothian, four-masted full-rigged ship
I completed this sail plan today. Launched in 1882 by Charles Connell, Glasgow. Iron four-masted full-rigged ship. 1,882 gross tons. 279 feet 5 inches long, 40 feet 2 inches beam. Reduced to four-masted barque in 1897. Torpedoed and sunk on 18th April, 1917. No-one was lost, as the U-boat allowed th...
- Fri Jul 04, 2014 7:30 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: SCOTTISH STAR 1950: Fairfield Govan
- Replies: 2
- Views: 642
Re: SCOTTISH STAR 1950: Fairfield Govan
I seem to be in a minority in my opinion that those old Blue Star ships looked far better with black hulls than the grey or white ones they eventually morphed into. My first ship was the black-hulled Rhodesia Star!
Bob
Bob
- Thu Jun 26, 2014 4:50 pm
- Forum: MARITIME ART
- Topic: Tuscan Star 1930 - 1942
- Replies: 1
- Views: 891
Tuscan Star 1930 - 1942
32'=1" 15 inch hull length. Made from bits & pieces.
Bob
Bob
- Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:39 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: Cromartyshire SV 1879 - Russell & Co
- Replies: 1
- Views: 605
Re: Cromartyshire SV 1879 - Russell & Co
This is an authentic sail plan of Cromartyshire. Old fashioned bowsprit/jiboom (very long boom) and no chartroom. I doubt whether the top photograph above is of Cromartyshire, although I have seen it labelled as such.
Bob
Bob
- Tue Feb 04, 2014 4:13 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena
- Replies: 1
- Views: 5878
Re: RMS St. Helena
Much to my surprise, I nearly got knocked over in the rush for this one and with only a few left and two bulk orders coming in I have had to order more!
Bob

Bob
- Tue Jan 28, 2014 3:44 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: RMS St. Helena
- Replies: 1
- Views: 5878
RMS St. Helena
Just before Christmas, the rights of my book RMS St. Helena & The South Atlantic Islands (Whittles Publishing, 2006) reverted back to me, as it had long since sold out from the publisher. I decided to enlarge it considerably and have it reprinted on my own account under the name RMS St. Helena, Sout...
- Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:20 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: TRANSVAAL CASTLE 1961: John Brown, Clydebank
- Replies: 16
- Views: 6463
Re: TRANSVAAL CASTLE 1961: John Brown, Clydebank
They were still talking about building another in the early 70s, but I think it was probably the fuel crisis in about 1974 that did for them. Windsor Castle guzzled over 250 tons per day at 22.5 knots.
Bob
Bob
- Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:16 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: Caithness-shire SV 1894 - Russell & Co
- Replies: 2
- Views: 584
Re: Caithness-shire SV 1894 - Russell & Co
I have just completed this little model of Caithness-Shire at 32'=1" The hull is 7.7 inches long on the waterline.
Not a kit - all completely hand built. Metal masts & yards, fine copper wire rigging (including ratlines).
Bob
Not a kit - all completely hand built. Metal masts & yards, fine copper wire rigging (including ratlines).
Bob
- Wed Jan 22, 2014 2:52 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: TRANSVAAL CASTLE 1961: John Brown, Clydebank
- Replies: 16
- Views: 6463
Re: TRANSVAAL CASTLE 1961: John Brown, Clydebank
A very fine ship. I sailed in her for the last 1 1/2 voyages as Transvaal Castle , and the first 1 1/2 voyages as S.A. Vaal . Sadly, they had almost completely dispensed with wooden decks at that time. The only patch of planking was at the after end of the officers accommodation. The rest was steel ...
- Sat Oct 19, 2013 2:04 pm
- Forum: FOR SALE
- Topic: A Tale of Two Bulkers - Sagamore & Silverdon
- Replies: 2
- Views: 6160
Re: A Tale of Two Bulkers - Sagamore & Silverdon
Because of practically zero sales, I have slashed the cost of this e-book. New link: http://payhip.com/b/ZSKr Clicking it does not commit you to purchase, but allows you to read the synopsis and then proceed to purchase only if you wish to :) I have now re-formatted it so it works in Kindles as well...
- Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:18 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: Strathearn SV 1871 - Barclay Curle & Company
- Replies: 2
- Views: 581
Re: Strathearn SV 1871 - Barclay Curle & Company
I wonder why the 2nd owners (1st image) turned the painted ports upside down?
Bob

Bob
- Thu Sep 12, 2013 11:06 am
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1404
Re: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
Here are my notes made on the British Monarch . I wrote them on the 18th March, 2005. General Details: Year built: 1913 Original name: BRITISH MONARCH Built by: Napier & Miller, Old Kilpatrick, Glasgow Owners: Raeburn & Verel, Glasgow Type: Three island tramp steamer Tonnage: 6,000 gross Engines: Tr...
- Thu Sep 12, 2013 10:54 am
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1404
Re: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
Hi Woody,
I was wondering that. The only difference I can see is the cowl top to the funnel in the image photograph. Yes, go ahead and use the image as you wish! What database are you referring to? Clydesite or Clyde Maritime (OK either way with me).
Bob
I was wondering that. The only difference I can see is the cowl top to the funnel in the image photograph. Yes, go ahead and use the image as you wish! What database are you referring to? Clydesite or Clyde Maritime (OK either way with me).
Bob
- Thu Sep 12, 2013 7:30 am
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1404
Re: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
That was the 1923 British Monarch that was torpedoed! The 1913 one (model) was sunk by a mine en-route from Hull towards Genoa in 1917. Maybe the image above was the 1923 version! But the model was built using the 1913 Napier & Miller plans!
Bob
Bob
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:14 pm
- Forum: Clyde-Built Ships: Photography
- Topic: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1404
Re: British Monarch SS 1922 - Napier & Miller Ltd
Here is a model that I built of British Monarch some years ago. 25'=1" I hadn't got an image at the time and based the colour scheme on Caledonian Monarch. There was no funnel cowl on the plan, but the rest of it seems OK.
Bob
Bob