Of Masts and Spars and being Purely Representational

Whilst building the latest batch of models for my ACW set up I have been experimenting with constructing masts and spars for some of the Gulf based blue water ships. Initially I made a simple brig rig and then a Lateen type. I used the only cocktail sticks I had available which are made from bamboo. They are a little on the thick side but the basic technique appears so far to be pretty sound. Basically I gently filed a groove in the mast where the spar needed to be mounted. I then filed a corresponding groove on the mast so that the surface to be glued was square. This took a little experimentation but I managed to get this to go together quite easily. I used Uhu contact adhesive and then 'flooded' the join with some super glue. It appears to fairly robust and so I will try this with some square rigged masts.

Should this be successful then the implications for my modelling tray are profound as this will open up a whole range of periods I can tackle on a scratch built basis. The Lateen sail is perhaps a clue as to where my thoughts are heading....;-)

I realise that many gamers will ask themselves why? Why bother when the models are available from XYZ Models limited? The simple truth is that I am enjoying the 'old school-ness' of making my own kit and this is just another facet of the hobby I can really enjoy. It takes me back to the days of being an impoverished student and the irony is that way back then I was probably of the opposite view and would have rather purchased the latest and most detailed range of figures available (and probably did!)! I genuinely believe that many of the models we take for granted now are really superbly detailed works of art and as such are beyond my modest talents in terms of painting etc. At table ranges models are effectively markers and close up they are, well models and I believe they should be treated as such.

I am as impressed as the next man at some of the moving dioramas we see at wargames shows and adorning the pages of our magazines and I have nothing but my admiration for those that choose that path of detail. Its not for me though, hence my home made and purely representational approach.

Vive la Difference I say!