APRIL 2022

Our April virtual ZOOM meeting was attended by 23 members from across Canada, the USA and the UK.

Jared explained what was meant by FOCUS STACKING of digital images and how it is used to create an image that has tack sharp focus throughout the photograph.  A series of identical images are shot in camera, changing the focal point of each image.  The series is then loaded into software that identifies the sharpest parts of each component image and  blends those parts together into a single composite focus stacked images.  It is extremely important to not move the camera (use a tripod), and have proper camera settings. 
This downloadable PDF will help explain the process....

focus_stacking_2022_mson_handout.pdf
File Size:	1915 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Raymond described how he made his two Rigging Tools to help handle the small scale rigging of his 1:64 HMS Syren model (circa 1812) that he has been working on for two and a half years.  Both are made with some dowels for handles and large needles.  The top end of the eye of one needle is cut off to leave two prongs or a fork to assist in pushing threads whereas the second needle has one side of the eye cut out to leave a hook used to pull the threads.  Tweezers rounded off his set of tools required for rigging.

He works on his rigging from inboard to outboard and had to learn to tighten the lines just enough that they looked tight but didn't affect the rigging on the other side of the ship.  Patience and persistence are required. Raymond also described how he uses diluted white glue to seal his knots as they sometimes come loose.  White glue allows time to make adjustments before the glue sets and it dries clear.  He has run his rigging lines through bees wax to help them stay smooth. 

​Members commented that Elmers school glue is a pre-diluted white glue of good consistency and lines that have been coated in bees wax can be pulled over an 80 Watt incandescent light bulb to remove the small hairs on the thread ans melts the wax into the thread.  Some use fly fishing fly tying Head Cement to seal their rigging knots.  it is a thin water based and odourless sealant.

Hugh showed us images of the Holland Class Submarines, presently a 20 year project of his.  He described how it was designed by John Holland and built in New York with the idea of the Irish using it to fight the British.  Ironically Mr. Holland's first customer was in fact the Royal Navy and then, eventually, the United States Navy.

The first boat, HOLLAND I,  a two cylinder gasoline engine powered a one man vessel, was made of sheet metal and was very small and worked!

The HOLLAND II - the Fenian Ram was Mr. Holland's second successful boat.  Hugh's model is under construction.  Rudder, diving planes, propeller and 1000 rivets are yet to be added.

The HOLLAND V was purchased by the US Navy and had improved features.

Wayne described how he used a Cricut Machine to cut copper plates from 2" x 16' roll of adhesive backed copper slug repellent tape purchased from Lee Valley Tools.  The Cricut Machine was easily programmed on his computer using Design Space to cut rows of scaled rectangular plates without cutting through the backing paper so the plates were still stuck onto the backing ready to be peeled off to use.  He embossed rows of simulated nail bumps to make it all look more realistic.  These were then peeled off the roll and stuck onto the hull of his 1:48 scale model of HMS Surprise.  He needed more than 1000 plates to complete this part of his build.  When done he cleaned off any finger prints and applied a couple coats of clear acrylic varnish.  It has been a couple years but he's noticed a nice patina developing on the copper.

Ralf showed us his completed Trumpeter kit plastic build of the RMS Titanic at 1:200 scale with a lot of modifications (i.e. he installed a wood deck and cut out portholes). This is his first plastic model.  Ralf builds extensively in paper and will be showing us those models in June.

Raymond showed us his 17th century Dutch galleon kit of the Half Moon which is still under construction.  It is a Corel manufactured 1:50 scale kit model.  When he acquired it the box was damaged and many pieces were missing.

Ray provided images of the completely refurbished POW model of the Bismarck.  Broken masts repaired, missing handrails and stanchions replaced, rigging repaired, crane rebuilt, cleaned and remounted.  He has made a dust cover and base with a pull out story board.