TRANSPORT SHIP (and Frome Model Shop)

                                                    A COMPLETED TRANSPORT SHIP

On a recent visit to Somerset I picked up some plasticard. Have just completed a new ship for my collection. Rather than another gunboat, I wanted a vessel able to carry a battalion of infantry (12 figures). And for it to look like a vintage tinplate toy.

I must admit this project involved several rethinks. Inspired by two old tinplate toys, I've ended up with an amalgam of the two. But the paintwork took more time to sort out than the initial construction. I rejected a white model as it seemed to me to be too tropical, and some of my other models never looked great in white, and have been repainted. The second possibility included a fair amount of pink, but that didn't quite hit the mark either. Here are some more photos of the completed ship, serving with two others forming my 1848 Danish flotilla.

Construction and cost, £3

Inspiration No.1

Inspiration No.2

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A VISIT TO FROME MODEL SHOP

During a recent visit to family in Somerset, I was taken to Frome Model Shop. This really is a superb store, packed with military kits. They also had some cabinets with figures and models fully painted and based. The whole experience reminded me of my childhood visits to the legendary Harrow Model Shop during the 1970s, where Stuart Asquith had a part-time job. Unfortunately, time required us to move on, but Chris was able to take a few photos. 

By the way, the shop has a reputation for being very competitive in their mail order pricing, and I have often picked up some bargains....... you know I like a bargain!

And a few more photos from Frome

St.John the Baptist Saxon Church, built 685AD, was replaced by another during 1250-1420AD. 

A Lovely Day Out!

MGB

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REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Thanks MJT. Either I built a transport ship, or try to balance figures on the gunboats..... something had to be done, lol.

Hello Brad. I thought that link might prove of interest. I confess, looking at Freber's photo of original ships, I could easily become a collector. Well, I'm pleased my transport ship is sorted, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Danish flotilla in action.

Thank you, Roger. I do think it has the tinplate look, which is vital for the traditional toy soldiers. Yes, these shops are now rare in the UK, but those remaining do seem to still bring in the customers. Model railway collecting has always had a larger following than toy soldier collecting, although Warhammer and Games Workshop secured many of the younger generations. The problem now is computer games are an easier option, in money and space, and young minds are attracted to easy options, and what is fashionable. 

Yes, Tony, I do agree. This one more than most, it really did strike me, this is what a model shop was meant to look like...... could have enjoyed spending real money in there. Too many toy shops are devoted to cuddly toys, and then go bust when the supermarkets take their vital Christmas trade!

Hello Donnie. I have used the bulk of one sheet, costing £2.50 (from the Frome shop). Also used a pen tube, costing 50p. The rest is odd and broken bits in my spares box. I guess there is about 50p of glue and paint which I should have included. The remainder of the plastic sheet is enough to construct either an ammo cart, or a field kitchen c.1914. I have a pair of cart wheels in my spares box, and a draught horse which all need to be used. Yes, it is a very rare sight these days, unlike new barber shops. I should have taken some photos inside, they wouldn't have minded!

Thanks Mark. Plasticard works best for lower deck models, and this one went together quite easily, I even found a steel bolt which allowed me to join the three parts of the engine.... luckily. Yes, the shop deserves to be promoted, it was a magical stop off to briefly visit. Could have spent 30 minutes in there with ease, but a roast dinner was awaiting our return, lol.

Thank you, George. We were both looking forward to seeing you both. And view your new home, and also visit the town. But it really was a memorable day, and fascinating to boot. I'm so pleased we linked it with Yuletide. That shop really did bring back memories of Harrow, although yours must be unique!

Hello Quinn. I have viewed the new model with various armies, and I'm confident it will prove extremely useful. Just waiting for an opportunity to field the entire collection in a c.1900 naval action, with five gunboats and two supply ships per side. Likely linked to the Dominion campaign. Unlike yourself, my best hope is to find some very large space indoors to stage it, those matchsticks can fly!

Nunney Castle in Somerset (and more)

While en route to see family in the county of Somerset, Chris and I stopped off at Nunney Castle (DEC 28). This small castle, more accurately a keep, was built shortly after 1375, when King Edward the IIIrd granted permission to a Sir John Delamare to reconstruct and fortify his manor house. This knight had served in France during the Hundred Years War. After several family changes, it passed to the Prater family, who remained Roman Catholic, and loyal to the House of Stuart during the English Civil War. It was during this conflict that the castle was besieged and captured by Parliamentary troops. The Praters returned with the Restoration. There were plans to hold French prisoners of war there during the French Revolutionary Wars, 1789-1802. But by 1910 it was in a very bad way, and part of a outer wall actually collapsed! By 1922 it was under the care of the government, and later English Heritage.

I must say, although a ruin, this castle still has a lot of mystique. Unfortunately, the moat bridge is considered unsafe so internal views are presently prohibited. Not sure close-up photos are that important, it is the landscape view which is memorable. This attraction (and carpark) is free to the general public to visit.

In the quaint village of Nunney is the All Saints Anglican Church, which was built in the 12th century. It replaced a Norman church, which had replaced one which was Saxon, from which some items have survived. Sir John Delamare is buried in the church.

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RECENT ACQUISITIONS

Popped into my local collectables shop on December 30. Wasn't really expecting to find anything so soon after Christmas...... I was wrong. Could not resist these American Civil War figures. I have still to find out who produced the metal Confederate officer, and would welcome opinions. While the four artillerymen are plastic Britains. The price was £5 for the mounted, and £15 for the four gun crew. Not cheap, but I wanted them!

These figures are always useful as they can stand in for Italian, French or Danish gunners. I will tidy up the boot paintwork, but otherwise leave them as they are. 

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ANTIQUE TIN SHIPS

While researching ideas for my retro fleet of gunboats, I came across an auction house listing for a large collection of tin or base-metal ships. Not sure of their date but suspect they were made between 1870 to 1910, and very likely German. While my instinct is always to restore, I'm drawn to the simple but attractive paintwork, and muse at the games they participated in over a century ago. 

I'm seriously tempted to reproduce some of these for my wargames, using plasticard or wood.

(Photos For Educational Purposes only, no profit)

The naval crew have hanging tassels at the back of their hats, so probably German or Russian. I do like this toy, deserves to be reproduced.

Another of the same, so mass produced.

And again.

You often see weaponry like this, at first I thought they were guns, but they are probably early torpedo tubes!

Worth noting how many of the ships are designed to ram the enemy.

I'm assuming this is a Russian flag.

Could this be a Japanese flag? They do have the appearance of ships in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5.

Just imagine what these toys looked like when they were new!

MGB

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REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hello Donnie. I just love the archaic look of the tin gunboats. Have already decided to make a plasticard reproduction of number three, the troop carrier. I can see this being very useful in amphibious landings. The original carries ten, mine must carry a full battalion of twelve. It can then serve with at least five mid-19th century armies.

Hello Roger. It really is a nice castle to visit, probably even more so in the summer. I said to Chris, would have liked to have spent some time in the very attractive village, but we were en route to nearby Frome. Hope to make a second visit. The Confederate officer would pass as a Danish militia officer as some of their militia units wore grey in the mid-19th century, and the kepi was a popular headdress while on active service. I'm hoping to stage another 1848 Schleswig game soon.

WOW, Brad. I have viewed Gisbert Freber's site, which is devoted to Theodor Krause, Gotha tin and lead collectables. I noted the company made 1870s French and German infantry in 20mm, 45mm, and 60mm. The toys are pure magic. To see them is like stepping back in time. Concerning the troop carrier, I have decided to augment my reconstruction with some bolder artwork, and some internal detail. But it must remain appropriate for any nationality, and still claim its 'pedigree' or inspiration. (For purposes of education, some photos from Mr Freber's site, and a link.)

https://www.gisbert-freber.de/krause/