The "Monarch" build

[mjt60a]

Yes, looking very nice, the chap at the helm really sets it off!

[PaddleWheel]

Looking good Chris.

[chipmonk]

Hi all, thanks for the encouragement. Firstly the models door handles are now black the skipper is booked for for his hair colour change appointment, And I am requesting a change of date for summer this year. It needs to be Friday July 16Th, hopefully that's when the model meets the real thing .
I must get her finished in time.
Cheers Chris M

[monarch]

I might throw a spanner in the works for June I'm afraid!!  Timings are not confirmed yet, but it looks like Monarch may be headed to Plymouth in June for filming for a BBC series.  Hopefully she should only be away for a couple of weeks at most-but I'm always cautious where filming is concerned :os

[chipmonk]

Hi Mat, did you mean July you will be away? However I may have a possible solution. How are you fixed for a midweek day in May, maybee the 26Th? I will have to make a special trip for it but I think it is worth it. The model is nearly ready, she has gone together quicker than I anticipated. I just have to build the railings and fit some of the smaller details and she is ready for her first public outing at the spring show at Beal Park in May.
Cheers Chris M.

[monarch]

No-all set for June at the moment...just hoping the producer doesn't give me the traditional 3 days notice!!

[R.G.Y.]

Trips up the Hamose souds good. Not sailing down are you.Mat R.G.Y.     

[chipmonk]

Hi all, Well she is now virtually complete. The railings were a bit of a pig to do but they are now done I just need the fore and mast pennants (not sure how yet) and the red duster at the stern (that's on order). From the pond test she is a little heavy (thank god I didn't fix the lead in permanently) and has a tiny list. Next thing a trip to the lake for last tests and she is ready for her first public outing in May ( now where can I get some light weight 1/12 scale passengers that won't cost more than the boat)?
Cheers Chris M

[PeeWee]

looking good,  nice symmetrical railings.

[mjt60a]

.... now where can I get some light weight 1/12 scale passengers that won't cost more than the boat....

Maybe in charity shops? I've seen those dolls house figures there though they usually look a bit 'victorian'

The model looks perect though, even without passengers 

[R.G.Y.]

Your lucky, only a maximum of 12. R.G.Y.

[chipmonk]

Well I opened my mouth too soon, it looks like I may have to alter the drive again .
 The gearbox and motor I am using have started to grate when going forward. I can't lubricate it as it is a sealed unit. Upon checking with my colleague who supplied them, they have a "preferred direction of rotation". This means they will start to grate if run for too long the wrong way, and I am running it the wrong way. Perishing medical surplus (high quality but with "Issues"). So out with the motor, turn it round by 180deg and re wire the connection, oh what joy .
 As for the figures, the dolls house ones come in basically two types; cast resin look good but are rather heavy, (12 of them and glug glug down she goes). Or the ones with cloth clothes, nice and light but the cloth looks like 25mm thick armour plating. I don't think she will be having many passengers.
Cheers Chris M

[monarch]

Brilliant!!  Wish you could have made the 15th May - it would have been great as part of the flotilla!

[chipmonk]

Thank's Mat I am glad you like it. Now for some good news. I think I may be able to bring the model over for the 15Th May after all. But I need some further details, place, times, parking etc. Have you any?

[monarch]

Oh wow!  Drop me an email at info@medinamonarch.co.uk and I'll send them out.