Help to identify

[AnnieC]

I've just registered on this forum to try to find out a little bit more about my Dads model Yatch I've just been given.
The Yatch was built by my Grandad around 1931 from wood he got from London Docks and bits he could lay his hands on. Although Grandad was an engineer, Dad dosnt remember any plans being around the flat at the time it was built.
Grandad built it mostly while Dad was asleep as it was his christmas present. The yatch was sailed almost every weekend at Hampstead Heath lakes before the war, and remained with Dad after he came home from the Army, but I dont think has been sailded since then. It has been repainted by Dad some years ago, but thats about it.

I'd like to know if the yatch was supposed to resemble any particular type? sorry the picture is dreadful, mobile phone and all that. The nearest I've come up with is a sloop?

its actually much bigger than the picture shows being around 3ft by 3ft...

Next thing will be replace the sails and see if the rigging is correct, Does anyone know of anywhere within the UK, that is good and does mail order perhaps. Dad could do it blind folded as a child, not so easy now!!
Also, I dont know what paint was used last, and would love the chance to sail it again, could this need stripping and replacing or what? Or should I just leave that well alone...rather than risk doing any damage to it. (to be honest, it looks like house hold gloss paint)

I dont care if its not 'exactly' as it should be, I dont expect it to be a perfect replica, I'd just if poss like to know a tiny bit more about it, as Dad having suffered a stroke, now cant remember and to me, its priceless...what ever its condition.

any help advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Little Rascal]

Hi Annie

It looks to me as if your Grandad built it by eye rather than from plans but it's difficult to tell.

It looks in lovely condition, especially for it's age.

I would start with the Vintage Model Yacht Group - http://www.vmyg.org.uk/index.htm

They will help you to identify it from an email and photos. They also have a suppliers page which should prove useful.

Hope this helps
Jon

 

[sarabande]

Annie

restoring that is an act of pure love. Hope your Dad enjoys it when he goes "sailing" again.

 

[Hyperborean]

Nice model. Personally I would leave it as it stands unless there are areas screaming for restoration. The paint would almost certainly be ordinary gloss, which at the time would have been oil based. I would sail it as is unless the rigging/sails are so old that they have perished. If any part of the rig has to be replaced then use the original as a pattern and keep the original. To me the great beauty, and indeed the true value, of something like this lies in originality.
As to type, I would agree that it was probably built by eye to a general idea of a contemporary yacht rather than as a direct representation. There is a superficial resemblance to the proprietary models of the time; made by the likes of Star Yachts and Bowman's, some of which were quite substantial. You could look up contemporary catalogues from shops like Hamley's and Gamages to get an idea of what was on offer.
In any event enjoy what is not just a nice model but also a bit of social history.

 

[oldharry]

I've just registered on this forum to try to find out a little bit more about my Dads model Yatch I've just been given.
The Yatch was built by my Grandad around 1931 from wood he got from London Docks and bits he could lay his hands on. Although Grandad was an engineer, Dad dosnt remember any plans being around the flat at the time it was built.
Grandad built it mostly while Dad was asleep as it was his christmas present. The yatch was sailed almost every weekend at Hampstead Heath lakes before the war, and remained with Dad after he came home from the Army, but I dont think has been sailded since then. It has been repainted by Dad some years ago, but thats about it.

I'd like to know if the yatch was supposed to resemble any particular type? sorry the picture is dreadful, mobile phone and all that. The nearest I've come up with is a sloop?

its actually much bigger than the picture shows being around 3ft by 3ft...

Next thing will be replace the sails and see if the rigging is correct, Does anyone know of anywhere within the UK, that is good and does mail order perhaps. Dad could do it blind folded as a child, not so easy now!!
Also, I dont know what paint was used last, and would love the chance to sail it again, could this need stripping and replacing or what? Or should I just leave that well alone...rather than risk doing any damage to it. (to be honest, it looks like house hold gloss paint)

I dont care if its not 'exactly' as it should be, I dont expect it to be a perfect replica, I'd just if poss like to know a tiny bit more about it, as Dad having suffered a stroke, now cant remember and to me, its priceless...what ever its condition.

any help advice would be much appreciated.

I have built a number of models although no expert. is the hull solid, or is it a 'built' hull, planked on frames? A solid hull can be stripped if really necessary, but a built hull would need a lot of care. Using good household paint is quite normal for this sort of thing, and there is no need to strip it unless the paint is flaking badly and falling off. The best paint is modellers enamel supplied in very small quantities by Humbrol. But you will not find any differnece using it, until about 20 years time!

The rig looks in good condition from the photo, and again can be safely left, unless the thread used has become dirty and unsightly, or has rotted and is breaking. Linen thread was often used on models like this, and after 30 years or so rots and breaks. Use a comparable weight of terylene thread. You may find a lightweight whipping twine from a chandlery ideal on a larger model like this. Major specialist model shops will have a range of fittings for you to choose from in any refurbishment project.

I would say unless there are things that are damaged or broken which are not visible in the picture that it needs very little done to bring it back to working condition.

If the hull is built rather than solid, check there are no cracks in the planking. They can be filled with a good waterproof filler and made good. Before launching it on the pond test the watertightness of the hull in the bath - you dont want it sinking half way across!

Make sure all the rigging is sound, adjuster slides move freely, and that the sails are not rotted. Likewise check all the eyes securing the rigging are firmly in place. A spot of glue can rectify any that are loose.

Local model boat clubs are often happy to advise non-members attending their meetings.