Mersey Ferry Wallasey (III)

Started by MAXTON

17 updates 9 likes 2 comments

Mersey Ferry Wallasey (III)

Wallasey was built in Dundee in 1927 and was last used on the Mersey in 1963 being the last steam propelled ferry on the Mersey. The model has a fiberglass hull and I am the co owner of the mould to make these finely detailed hulls.
The model is approx 1/48 scale and is powered by two small electric motors on 6 volt battery.
I have made quite a few Mersey Ferries: with a name like Max Ferrie, what do you expect! Just look at my avatar.
The photos show the stern gear mounted and also cardboard template for the main deck. Last photo is the ply deck fitted.

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Wallasey Mersey ferry

Photos showing the rudder linkages to operate twin rudders.
Battery retaining blocks .
Twin 4 blade brass props and twin brass rudders.
Twin Viper speed controls to give individual prop control.

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

The Mersey Ferries had a lot of lifebelts, so mass production was required. 13mm plastic curtain rings were used and printed overlays done on the computer with "WALLASEY FERRIES" printed on.
The ferries also had a lot of floatation seating. The photo shows the use of bamboo place mats to give the slatted effect. The bamboo slatted mats were stuck onto the wooden seat formers with double side stick tape, which I found easier than having to coat with glue when producing en-mass.
The side fenders were made from 10mm curtain rings laced up with thick cord as shown. The finished fender also shown. These were woven rope on the real ferries and later replaced with old tyres.

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

Further details of the seating is revealed in these photos with pictures of the completed units.
It can be seen that the seating had rope grab loops on; these were cut from netting in strips, as shown and stuck to the sides of the seating.

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

1 The main deck cut out for saloons and access to interior.

2 Starting the spray paint work to the hull.

3 Cut always for bollards and gangway access on the raw
hull

4 Main deck supports on hull interior a 1/4" soft wood
strip glued with epoxy to the hull at correct level to
support deck

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

1. The bow section of the main deck was steel, so the model
has a plasticard insert for this effect.
2. As most of the main deck is covered and not very visible on
the completed model it was decided not to individually plank
this deck level but mark it with a 4H pencil.
3.,4. Various deck lights and access traps were then fitted to
the marked deck.
The deck lights were not Illuminated on the real ferry but they provided daylight to the engine room and beneath deck areas. These are eyelets with a hot glue insert on the model

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WallaseyIII Mersey Ferry

1. Planking marked deck with various coal hole covers deck lights etc. fitted and the cutout for the bow saloon.
2.Front saloon former fitted made from plasticard.The stern saloon was made in the same fashion as this also had nasty curved areas
3.Saloons fitted with wood veneer and paneled.
4. As the main central saloon had no nasty curves this was constructed from lightply and paneled and veneerd to match bow and stern saloons.

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

1. The 2.4ghz receiver was fitted and the hull tested in the lake at this stage. All OK good propulsion and rudder response, so build can go ahead without any modifications.
2. Gangway doors fitted and brass handles turned on lathe. All deck lights hatches and planking completed for the main deck. Fairings fitted round all the saloon cut-outs for waterproofing.
3. Continue to work on saloon panelling and windows. Whilst not strictly necessary the saloons were screwed in place so they could be removed if required during the build. On my previous models of the ferries,I glued these in place and it would have been good to have a bit of slight readjustment to fit the stairways at a later stage.
4. Painting of hull completed and start to fit the saloons, three in all.

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WallaseyIII Mersey Ferry

1.Midship saloon in place
2. Plastic surround fitted to support the top deck.
3. Midships there is also plasticard support for top deck.
4.General view of top deck supports enabling the whole top deck to be removed for access to interior.
Liked by Brightwork

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Wallasey III Mersey Ferry

1. Mass production of Bollards these are large steel rivets fitted to thick strip plasticard and painted black.
2. Stern light
3.Stern light wiring concealment.
4. Stairways and handrails; 4 in all on this model.
Liked by Brightwork

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