Hi Nerys
Glad you liked. Always interest in our sailing barges and there is certainly much enjoyment when building models in wood as they just look right. 👍Rigging a sailing barge helps retain the skills that are so quickly disappearing from our world. I hope you will share your builds at some time.
happy days😊
Dave

I have read the article about the model barge Westmoreland in this month's Model Boat and I doff my cap to a pure beginner who would make such a good job scratchbuilding from a pile of ply and a plan. I would love to see pictures of her sailing in due course.
Oh!, that the story of the real Westmoreland was as happy. She was built in 1900 for the Kentish firm of Eastwoods Brickmakers. She was engaged in carrying bricks until 1955, when she was restored as the company racing barge and raced and sailed in their colours until 1963 when she was acquired by the Thames Barge Sailing Club, who maintained her until she broke her back at Hoo in 1973. The wreck was sold and she was taken to Faversham where a considerable amount of work was carried out, but never completed. The wreck was then saved from destruction being put in a drydock and taken to Halstow , hopefully to be rebuilt.. A lottery grant was applied for but was never forthcoming and the drydock sank at her moorings doing even further damage to Westmoreland and she was then broken up. The Historic Ships people documented her and produced a set of plans for anyone who wishes to build a model. Thus passes the last of the 'brickies'.

Unhappily, Nerys

Hi Dave, I like the picture with the horse and cart loading from or to the barge, so reminiscent of the days when a barge would sail up some Essex creek and be loaded with produce in this manner. I know of several members who have built model barges, 'Veronica' being the favourite, probably because she is available in a part kit from Sarik, and of course, she was a famous racing barge. If you look in my harbour, you will find four sailing barges, a motor barge and a Dutch barge. All of which have been either scratch built or with bought in hulls. I am currently completing an auxiliary barge, then waiting in the wings is a part completed model of 'Sirdar' the racing barge of the London and Rochester Trading Company, which I purchased recently.

Cheers, Nerys

Certainly was up mine Bill, although I'm by no means a barge fan as such.
An extremely well written and humorous account of an 'unintentioned' but nevertheless ultimately successful build.
I nearly fell off my chair laughing when I got to the episode in the doctors waiting room!!
😂🤣🤣🤣😂
😎

Hi Nerys.
Have you read the Westmoreland woes article in this months Model Boats mag.
I would think it’s right up your street 👍
Regards Bill.

Hi Nerys
We have several members who have built Thames Barges over the years. I am posting some pics of those I can find. I agree they are very nostalgic. Hope you and the membership enjoy.
The club website is undergoing up-date so I have only found one model. I have posted a pic of Brian Clews' Norfolk Wherry, which is similar.
Dave

Hi Andy, if you follow this forum for long you will often find me ranting on about Thames Barges. I skippered them in trade many years ago. I have built several models, have a look in My Harbour.

Cheers, Nerys

The gaff rigged version with cream sails was particularly attractive
As a newbie, a look at a Thames barge would have been interesting

Yes, Andy, the J class stand stood out for me. I thought it particularly good to see the gaff rigged versions too. I also liked the model of the International Dragon, pity she wasn't rigged. Sail is never awfully well represented at the show, but I personally regretted the absence of a single Thames Barge. There are usually a number exhibited on one particular stand, but I understand that exhibitor has ceased trading on medical grounds.

Nerys

Attended the show for a first time, as I’m new to model boat building. Well done to those who got it on.
The J class stand was a real “stand out”, exceptional models. Wish there had been more sailing models.
Helpful other trade stands and bought various small items and useful to learn who is out there.

Some signage in the hotel to help find the entrance would help, but was told the hotel wouldn’t allow it!

Gave up trying to find a cup of coffee etc. Again not the organisers fault.
I parked along the road and had a walk.

Hello Midlife.
Do you have any Model Boat blogs or builds you can share with everyone,as well as Bluebird.
It would be great to see and share them.
I will be the first to follow and like.
Regards Bill 👍

Well said Nerys.
Sounds as if there are mixed feelings for the show.!!
Regards Bill.

1st show after a COVID lockdown where all we had to do was build tanks, it was always going to be a big one lol
You’d be surprised how much 3D printed stuff was on display.
Cheers
Wayne👍

Hi Wayne,
Yes I know there have been tanks and trucks for years, but I thought there were a lot more of them this year. They seemed to have a large proportion of the room shared with the Bring and Buy. However, I did see that the show in some places was advertised as the Blackpool Model Show which to me hinted at an increase of categories. Maybe, I'm wrong, just a feeling.

Nerys

Hehe, tanks & trucks have been there for years👍
Cheers
Wayne

All we found was some free make it yourself tea. I would have thought the hotel could have provided some sort of catering service, they were selling burgers and chips in the preceding room.

Nerys

Thanks Graham.
Some really nice looking craft 👍👍
Regards Bill

Bill,

Lots of photos here:

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,66775.25.html?PHPSESSID=d3340d5377c6c0da1415d389404a14dc

Graham93

Hi Mike.
Do you have any photographs to share please?
Regards Bill

Great day out but the Norbreck Hotel is falling apart, but in reality it didn't spoil the exhibits which were excellent.
Just one criticism, I wish club exhibiters would not spend all their time time behind their stalls talking to each other, you feel as if your interrupting by asking a question. The catering was however abysmal, as well as running out of advertised menu items the ones that were available were terrible and inedible.
good day out😁

I was there too. First time visit and worth the trip from the East Riding.

Went to the show today. Thought it wasn't as big as usual. Presumably a victim of Covid. Models as high a standard as ever. Seems that the organisers are trying to increase the scope of the show with tanks and other vehicles. Do wish the Norbreck would improve the lighting. However, three cheers for the show, at least it ran this year, which others didn't and I for one was pleased to be able to go there.

Nerys

I’m planning to be there on Sunday.

Graham93

I'm planning on going on Sunday. I suggest 1pm in the cafe as a suitable meeting time, but if you see an old lady, blonde hair, in a wheelchair with motive power courtesy of Alice, please say Hi! and make yourself known.

Nerys

If anybody else wants to meet I will be going on the Saturday - 1PM in the café

Probably the best thing to do would be to decide a time and place for a meeting on both days then members could choose which was most convenient for them. I would suggest they made their intentions known by posting on here and stating their choice.
I suggest meeting at 1pm in the cafe, both days, but any other suggestions are welcome.
I'll start things off by saying that Alice and I are planning on being there on the Sunday.
See you!

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Nerys I could do maybe do Sunday but if interested members can post there preferred day/days then maybe can arrange something that suits everyone.

Unfortunately, the hospital demands my presence on Saturday evenings for four hours, so I cannot get to Blackpool on Saturday. Sunday has to be my day, but that does not mean that others can meet up on Saturday with possibly another meet on Sunday. There must be others who can only attend on the second day.

Cheers, Nerys

How about Saturday?

Hi Nerys,

I also hope I’ll be able to attend for one of the days- haven’t decided which yet. Would be nice to meet up.

Graham93

Hi Nerys I will be going for the day only but I'm not yet sure which day, It would be good to meet up with other members so I'll keep you posted
Michael

I would love to attend... but they probably would not let me in...country. I hope the show is a resounding success.
Jonathan