Lack of fittings

Oh, there is a good discussion group/mailing list (Seaways) kind of started by the guys at the magazine Ships in Scale.  Lots of us scratch builders of sailing ships and older steamers there. In fact, I would venture to say that ship modeling is the modeling genre with the highest percentage of scratch builders.  Model RR guys are close.  The number of accessories for airplanes, however, sure eases the job of the airplane scratch builder.  You basically only need to do the basic structure- engines, landing gear and those sorts of accessories can be found for many subjects.

But, in spite of the number of scratch ship builders I agree that there may not be enough of them compared to the number of plastic kit builders, and the manufacture of fittings and stuff is expensive.  So probably not enough of a market to justify offering that many fittings.

I believe you have met the enemy and it is you - in general. Once upon a time all model making was from scratch or at least from wooden kits with lots of metal or wood detail parts. Now it is all about plastic kits with PE detail. So what are the manufacturers to do. Limited demand for detail parts means less will be offered. Those that still model from scratch are the losers.

The biggest lack is metal rail stanchions.  All I see available now are taffrail stanchions. I am working in 1/8 inch to foot (1:96 scale).  I will need both short ones and long ones.  One the prototype ship they were metal posts that a cable was run through.

Cannot find a proper style windlass for mid to late 19th century, either.  Fortunately lots of rigging fittings still available but the deck fittings are sure drying up.  I will try "cast your anchor" and floating drydock.

BlueJacket casts all of its Britannia fittings and there are literally thousands available.  In what scale are you working and specifically for what are you looking?

Al Ross

www.castyouranchorhobby.com

Don,

Try this company, perhaps they might have something you need. I agree ship fittings seem to be on the way out in terms of selection. Have you tried Floating Drydock? Most of their stuff is modern but they are always adding new items.

I recall Bliss Marine used to have a great model section in their stores, and they were very good in helping mail order customers. Oh the good old days....  

Mike