Model boat test tank...

[mjt60a]

I saw this today and am very tempted to buy one, it'd be perfect for testing/ballasting larger 1/32 scale models - and could also be used as a kids plaything when not in use! - http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=3151&productId=124712

[mjt60a]

I got one of those today, though not the Argos one as they're apparently sold out everywhere (one week of hot weather and everyone wants their own test tank!) so I had to get a slightly different (and cheaper), though the same size, version from the town centre market.
It looks absolutely immense and one thing I hadn't thought of is how to inflate it. I'm pretty sure there's a balloon pump in the christmas decs or I could probably use the airbrush compressor with a simple adaptor (the instructions warn against using a compressor in case of over inflating and rupturing the outer walls - they'll only take about 5psi, the compressors safety valve is at about 40 - but it should be OK as long as I stay and watch it ready to turn it off)
If the weather's dry I'll try setting it up tomorrow - and float the Freshwater for the very first time  

[mjt60a]

This (aptly named, in my case) Paddling Pool is superb for testing/ballasting large models that won't fit in the bath. I tried Freshwater and the 'newspaper boat' in it, then the PBM model and finally a very large (1/32 scale, only just fits in the pool!) Tattershall Castle that I started about 20 years ago (didn't really have much idea how to go about it so not near as well constructed as Freshwater) and put in storage while only about 30% complete. I intended to resume work on it after Freswater is complete and would start by sanding and re-sealing the hull - but it seems to be OK as it is..., so we'll see :wink:
Anyhow, pictures can be seen in the gallery.

[Eddy Matthews]

My god, I thought the Freshwater looked big in the photos, the Tattershall Castle looks absolutely gigantic!

Keep up the good work Mick, I love seeing other peoples models during construction, you can always learn something from the way others do things...

[mjt60a]

The TC is also 1/32 scale but as I did know the real dimensions (used to have all the specs on a framed document on the wall inside the real ship) and was able to visit the ship to measure anything else, it is correct (unlike Freshwater) at 210 feet long, 33 feet beam and 67 feet across the sponsons, the model comes out at six feet six-and-a-quarter inches long, slightly over 12 inches beam and about 25 inches across the sponsons.
(I wish I'd thought of putting them side-by-side in the pool for comparison!)