Lachlan's model of QE2

[QE2forever]

Absolutely fantastic!

Congratulations!

[Lachlan]

All your comments are very kind and I appreciate them all greatly. As modellers know, it is quite a solitary activity so it is a pleasure to be able to share progress with you. And yes, I have to say it is gratifying to see the model looking pretty good now that I've seen it beam-on for the first time for a long time.

Pete Cain would know from his model how tedious but rewarding it is to gradually build layers of detail, and I was particularly touched by Rod's comments - the ship and the time Rod spent working in her must mean a lot.

I am going to have to tackle the funnel again. I read somewhere that QE2's funnel is a challenge for modellers and it is. The curves around the bottom of the funnel are tricky and every photo makes them look a bit different. We are booked to stay at the QE2 hotel in June so I'll see if I can get a good look at it then.

I hope those of you in the depths of winter are keeping warm.

[Trevor Harris]

Great job, Lachlan! Don't stop impressing us with your creativity!

[Lachlan]

Progress on the model has slowed. We have been overseas and have been making preparations to move house so the model has dropped down the priority list a bit.
BUT we did stay on QE2 in Dubai recently and I was able to see some areas that I needed to see for detail purposes. That was very useful.
I am finally concentrating on finishing the funnel. Having now seen first-hand the shape of the 'ramp' at the base of the funnel I should be able to get it roughly right.
We've reached the point where the model is nearly finished and we have to decide how much detail is enough detail. Amongst other things still to be done the propellers have to be polished, coated and fitted, the rudder needs to be fitted, aerials put on top of the wheelhouse, rigging put on the mast, the whole thing finally coated with the right finish, the whole model cleaned and paint touched-up.
BTW, one thing I had wondered about was where the lines for the flags on the mast were secured; well I found they were tied-off to the railing down abaft the mast. I don't think I would have guessed that.
I haven't attached a picture because it doesn't really look much different but once it's deemed finished by its builder I'll put up some photos.

[June Ingram]

Many thanks, Lachlan, for your update both on your trip to see QE2 and about your model QE2.  Your work is superb and so well captures QE2's spirit !  Please tell us about your visit with our favourite ship.   

[Gerhard]

Congratulations to being close to finish a model of that beautiful ship. If you compare her with the soulless shoe boxes that they call ships nowadays, that should not even be out at sea on a rough day you can get a bit melancholic. Attached is an image of my model (lifeboats and some details still sitting in the shop since some years) that I started building 1993, which is as seaworthy as the majesty herself and really slices through the waves like her. Beyond the satisfaction of (so far) 2500 hrs of work it is very faszinating to see her behave like she was not a model. I also like the original sleek and powerful looking style of her early years.  ….and of course I know that the light blue waterline colour is not fully correct on her late sixties appearance...I just took the freedom

[Lynda Bradford]

Welcome to to the forum Gerhard I am sure there is lots you can relate to in Lachlan's posts about building a model of QE2.

Thanks for posting a picture of your model, which looks superb sailing in the water.  Was this a maiden voyage? Perhaps you could start a topic on your model to give us a detailed account of building the boat.  Would also love to see more photos of the model in the water.

[pete cain]

Second that all ways round .

[Gerhard]

Another picture shows my 1:100 QE2 at weather conditions more alike to North Atlantic (I have more dramtic ones). I have most of my photos on older laptops. Need to do some selections. I can share some of the background, but I still have a busy life and needed to organize thoughts first.

[Lachlan]

That’s a beautiful model, Gerhard and I envy your skills in making a model that looks good and does something as well!
We stayed at the QE2 hotel late in May for a couple of nights and it was good but we were very conscious that she is now a hotel and no longer a ship. The service was very good, the staff friendly and the Lido good for breakfast and dinner on a Sunday night. We had dinner in the Q Grill and it was ordinary at best.
But still I had the opportunity to see a lot of details that I needed to catch up with so that worked out well.
The model is on the back-burner at the moment because we are moving house so I will post some detailed pictures when the computer is back up and running.

[Lachlan]

Now an update on our model. Quite a bit of detail is being done - in no particular order:
The "Warwick Shield has been made and fitted
The square (antenna?) directly above the wheelhouse has been fitted
Various aerials fitted to bridge roof
The compass repeater above the bridge fitted
Draft marks applied
Plimsoll line applied
Bilge keels fitted
Name applied to bow and stern
Portholes fitted
Funnel fixed and finished
Compasses on bridge wings fitted.

I have been wrestling with the idea of doing the funnel related aerials that Pete Cain spoke of on his model but I'm not sure yet.

The consensus of opinion is that there's enough detail now and that much more would be fussy and detract from the end result. So I will now finish a few more details, seal the model with clear-coat and tidy up a few bits and pieces that have been knocked around during construction.

Then I'll do a big clean-up, install the propellers and rudder....and then figure out how to get the model to Melbourne where it's going to live.

[Clydebuilt1971]

Lachlan,

As we would say in Scotland "that's a belter mate"!

Personally I think you should get a couple of motors, some radio gear in her and go sailing!!



Gav

[Lynda Bradford]

Lachlan, thanks for the update. 

I was looking  at the initial posts in this forum topic posted in 2013 and by reading through the pages there is a fantastic timeline of the progress of you building your model of QE2.   

Will it be on public display in Melbourne?

[Rob Lightbody]

Lachlan - I have thoroughly enjoyed following along your build of your magnificent QE2 model.  I hope you will allow us to follow along until it reaches its final destination!!  As the real QE2 in Dubai has lost crucial bits and bobs, yours has been gaining them.

Your shapes and angles are absolutely flawless - it always looks like one is looking at THE QE2, rather than just a model.  Most times when looking at a model or painting, you spot something that's not right, an angle that looks wonky or whatever, but your model is perfection.  Those hull curves are just magnificent.

Congratulations and thank you.

[Lachlan]

No, no motors or R/C Gav, this model is destined for a glass case. It won’t be on public display either Lynda but if my friends on the forum visit Melbourne and touch base with me, they would be welcome to come and have a look.
Rob’s comments are hugely gratifying as I don’t imagine there are many as familiar as him with this remarkable ship. And of course I will share progress up until and including when the model is safely installed in its case and round the story off.
Now back to watching the cricket......