I issued a blog some time ago about completing the Model of HMS Themis. It was a bit premature as I have added some details but it is complete. The Launch Party is later this week. We have invited the local dignitaries, but I expect only 20 of our friends will show up, including Sean Russel the author of the book that I based the model on. (I am giving the model to him after the party)
It has been almost 3 years in building and the last year I realized that my hand coordination may mean I cannot take on a model of this complexity again. Not that there are mistakes in the model, it just took longer to make the details that I used to whip off.
For the first time in 30 years, I completed a model without plans for the next project. I have spent hours looking through my books and plans to find a project that would excite me and fit my newer skill ability. I thought for awhile that I would make a model of the Kootenay Lake sternwheeler Moyie. Pat and I even drove to Kaslo to visit it and I took hundreds of pictures. Ordered the plans. But when they arrived I realized that this was basically a metal project and did not fit with my 40 years of wood skills. My bad… but we did have a nice drive holiday.
In my collection was a 1970 book by Vincenzo Lusci. A model builders’s handbook translated from Italian. Not sure if I used the handbook a lot, but it was there.
On the cover was a picture of a model he built in the 60s of a French early steam side wheeler Corvette from 1829, Le Sphinx. Great looking model. A different twist to the models I have made in the past but a wooden hull and ship rigged with side wheels. I became infatuated with it and sent off a search through the internet for plans. They have apparently been out of print for 40 years. But I fired off emails to various Italian maritime museums in the hope.
I had decided to look for another project. Meagan visited and I was discussing model plans for her. Meagan and Jorg have a model of a Chinese Junk I made for them years ago. Nice model but not as dramatic as the models the rest of the kids have. With some persuasion I suggested they contract a newer, more elaborate model.
Meagan wanted something older and I suggested The Mathew. This is the model I made for Ryan and Corrie. I already have the plans. I am not necessarily keen on repeating a model, but I remember this as a nice project.
So I have spent the last few days in the workshop looking through the plans to organize how I get started. Keel laying etc. Got kind of excited.
But this afternoon I got an email from the Italian Maritime Museum telling me (in broken English) that they have the plans for Le Sphinx and for 30 euros plus shipping I could order them. So I did. No idea if this is a scam, no idea if these plans are any good, could be a mistake, but I have to take the chance.
We shall see. Anyway here is the Themis in the backyard this evening…. and as you notice, it is Paradise outside