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

⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓

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

⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪⛪

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!