Port Macquarie Model Ship Expo 2009 - Review

On Saturday morning of July 25 the expansive area of the Panthers Port Macquarie Auditorium is bustling with activity. The Auditorium provides the perfect setting for an exhibition gallery for handcrafted model ships and boats of all varieties and sizes. Curious onlookers gaze in wonder at the miniature models on display over the weekend of July 25 and 26.

From one end of the auditorium there are sleek speed boats made for the water, battle ships reminiscing great wars and static period models – memorials for adventure and exploration.
Within the auditorium are enthusiastic modellers gazing in wonder at the skill and beauty of other handcrafted models. Viewers of all ages stared in amazement at the expertise of creating and decorating ships with different purposes and from all eras. Animated conversation filled the air- the conversations of the modellers imparting their wisdom to others with varying interest levels.

The Port Macquarie Model Boat Show provides modellers with a network of resources. Experienced modellers discuss specifications, hints, tips and techniques, mistakes and innovations. This valuable information is what makes the Port Macquarie Boat Show so interesting for model enthusiasts’ of all levels. This is one of the reasons the Port Macquarie Model Boat Show was started. Organiser of the exhibition, Dale Jordan, a local of Port Macquarie, began the model show 16 years ago so that those who had an interest in building model boats could share their knowledge and inspire each other.

“I began the show 16 years ago because I was a solitary model maker and I wanted to meet other people interested in the same thing. There are always new things to learn and new models to see.”Mr Jordan said.

The 2009 Port Macquarie Model Boat Show had 80 exhibitors displaying about 200 models. Some of the historic static period models included; the Duyfken, Friesland, Royal Yacht Carolyn, Chinese Junk, Victory and the Endeavour. It is estimated that up to 2000 people viewed the exhibition.

Mr Jordan was extremely pleased with the success of the 2009 Model Boat Show. “I am very happy with the outcome this year, good crowd, lots of exhibitors and many models of varying kinds. And the weather’s good- I couldn’t ask for much more.” Mr Jordan said.

Model ship building is no longer a passionate hobby solely for the baby boomer generation as many generation Y’s (twenty something’s) walked around and viewed the exhibition.
“It was good to see lots of different people, teenagers and people in their twenties. Model ship building is becoming more popular with younger people.” Mr Jordan said.

Modelling organisations attended the model show this year including; Task Force 72 Scale Model Ship Association Inc specialising in naval model boats; Peter Hammond Models and Marine Maintenance and representatives from the online forum Model Ship World.

Advanced model maker Robert Grey had a scratch model of the Xebec on display as well as a demonstration of how to make rigging to scale with a mechanical Rope Walk device. Another experienced modeller who attended the show was Robert Butler who has built the Port Jackson Schooner and the Endeavour. Mr Butler really enjoyed talking to other modellers and viewing the other models.

“I’ve had a very enjoyable time looking around and seeing people that I know and meeting new people. It’s very inspiring visiting the show and talking with other people who share this hobby and it’s a nice weekend in Port Macquarie.” Mr Butler said.

Modeller Kevin Hudson, who displayed his model of the Victory in pieces, was showing viewers how he was remaking the fittings for his model with advanced techniques. Mr Hudson enjoyed the exhibition because of the wealth of knowledge that other modellers have and because the models on display are magnificent.

“I attended the Model Boat Show to pick the brains of talented gentlemen and to discuss with other likeminded people this brilliant hobby we all have some knowledge of, there are always new things to learn.” Mr Hudson said.

Along with demonstrations of model speed boats being driven on the water outside the auditorium, there was a raffle to raise money for the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum which was damaged by storms. The prizes for the raffle were hamper baskets and donated model ship kits.

The weekend was extremely enjoyable with so many wonderful ships and boats to see and plenty of enriching history to learn. The auditorium was bustling with activity right until the exhibition officially ended.

From knowledgeable ship wrights to ey old sea faring lads and all those in between there was something for everyone at the Port Macquarie Model Boat Show 2009. Start planning for next year- bring your models, bring your knowledge, bring your friends and don’t miss out on the Port Macquarie Model Boat Show 2010!

Written by Elyce Nicholls
Freelance Writer

Modeller of the Month - August 2009

This month I was lucky enough to interview Kevin Hudson, an advanced modeller at the Port Macquarie Model Boat Show 2009. I discussed with him the model ship he is currently building and why he attended the model show to the techniques he uses.

At the Port Macquarie Model Boat Show many curious viewers gaze in amazement at the technique and patience the modeller Kevin Hudson possesses. Kevin stands by his work to speak to fellow modellers and inquisitive on lookers alike. Kevin provides detailed descriptions of the processes he uses to achieve such quality craftsmanship. It is obvious that Kevin is in his element and enjoys sharing his knowledge as well as learning from other modellers.

Spread out across one of the display tables at the exhibition is masts, decking, canons, anchors’ and life boats- most of the fittings for a grand ship. A Victory hull lies waiting to be completed. On inspection, the fittings lying across the table have exquisite brass and expert detail. Kevin stands examining these tiny pieces- checking, double checking – a true perfectionist at work. The only semi-completed ship at the show, Kevin decided to bring it along to show the different stages of the model making process.

“I wanted to inspire people with my model. I only get to see finished ships, not the processes involved between start and finish. I came to the model show to pick the brains of talented gentlemen and talk to other likeminded people.” Kevin said.

What makes these pieces so unique is the precision of the modeller – surely only a surgeon with a steady hand and an eye for detail could mould and shape such tiny, fiddly pieces of metal and wood. Kevin uses a very methodical way of creating his model ship; each piece of the plans is one section that must be completed to the highest of standards before moving to the next. A painstaking and lengthy task that is enjoyed by Kevin immensely. Due to this Kevin produces higher quality fittings which are no longer mediocre but a piece of art- a beautiful adornment.

Now you’re all probably wondering what tools and techniques he uses that you can get your hands on. Unfortunately Kevin uses some unusual devices to craft his model ship. Even more unusual is that Kevin is only on his second model. His first, the Chinese Junk was a test run to see if he had the time and patience to work on model ships. Kevin is a scientific instrument maker who repairs and designs medical equipment for hospitals and Kevin like many modellers has used the skills he has developed from work to create model ships- a natural transition. Kevin’s most unusual device is using a diamond cutter to make some of the pieces as accurate and intricate as possible, each fitting with brass more like jewellery than the next. No wonder Kevin has to wear thick glasses which magnify his eyes.

When asked about the challenges of model ship building Kevin replied with, “I make the process as complicated and accurate as I can. I cross reference all the plans and use books about the Victory to help me make it as realistic as possible.” Kevin said with a laugh.

Kevin was inspired by fellow modellers who make wood carvings on their model ships. Many modellers have woodworking and metalworking skills. There are a whole range of skills from the workforce which can be implemented in the hobby of model ship building. Kevin is lucky to have a very patient wife named Pam who supports Kevin through his creative endeavours. Pam has one rule which Kevin must abide by in order to continue model ship building. Golden Rule: no more than two models in the house at a time. Which is a fair rule considering some modellers have a collection of model kits hiding under the bed and in the wardrobe waiting to see the light of day.

Very important advice to other modellers which cannot be expressed more strongly by many modellers is to enjoy yourself and find your own way in model ship building. Use the natural talents that you possess and harness them. Use painting skills, mathematical skills, drafting skills, aesthetic skills, design skills and many more. As long as the aptitude you have makes model ship building an enjoyable and fulfilling hobby, just like with Kevin, than that is the most essential technique of all.

Written by Elyce Nicholls

Freelance Writer.