Profile

Introduction For a number of years now a small but dedicated and highly skilled team of modelmakers, led by myself, have been catering for a very specialized sector of the modelmaking market. Our aim is to meet the requirements of the shipping and yachting building industries in providing high quality models for promotional and development purposes. We also carry out commissions for collectors and owners of private yachts, in fact, anyone with a connection or just an interest in maritime projects. Shown on this site are a selection of models that have been crafted at our studio. I have tried to include a broad selection of types, from small yachts to large commercial ships, one off working warship models to semi mass produced promotional gifts. This site exists to provide broad reference to the standard of work produced and the types of vessels built in the past. Any other questions or more detailed information required on a particular clients needs can be obtained via e-mail on the “contact” page, I hope it proves to be interesting and informative in its content. Regards John Dean.

The facilities and skills we utilise are tailored to the production of singular display and prototype models, often this involves the numerous manufacturing of repeated parts for a particular model. All of this moulding work is carried out in-house to ensure its continued accuracy and quality.
This approach and its methods allows us to take on production type orders for the manufacturing and assembly of models in numbers not practical for more industrial processes and often too large for smaller modelmakers. The largest run of such models is practically about 500 units, but 50`s & 100`s of pieces are often put together under our supervision.
		Research The research of models even as small as 200mm in length is very important. An accurate piece can not be made without a substantial amount of preparotry work being done beforehand. This normally begins with the acquisition of drawings, hull lines etc from the builders or owners. A visit to the ship by someone directly or on our behalf allows us to photographically record every detail for the crafting of the original parts. Measurements are also taken were practical. Where a prototype model is being made these visits are not usually possible as the model we build may be at an advanced stage of construction before the full sized vessel has even been started. In this instance regular meetings are arranged with the designers or customer to monitor progress. Where commercially sensitive material and information is handled the greatest respect is given to customer`s concerns over confidentiality, agreements can be signed in respect of this where required.

Construction Methods of construction are decided at the earliest possible stage, a working warship`s principle consideration during building is the keeping of weight down to a minimum. It simply will not perform if this fact is not strictly adhered to, especially at smaller scales. Development models may, during their making, need to be altered according to client`s new ideas or changes made during the full sized crafts construction so a solid pattern foam method may be used. Materials to be replicated often dictate the material the modelmaker may use, aluminium plate is used where steel ships are being made, a fibre-glass motoryacht may very likely be made from the same substance as the real boat. Timber is generally used where only timber will do, the laying of decks on ships for example. Modern methods are combined with traditional skills to achieve the best results and longivety for a piece of work. Restorations are worked with a sympathy with the original materials and methods used, in some cases this has involved gold and silver plating of some parts.

Detail work Items such as a gun turret on a warship can have many, many parts and where several are required these have to be built as miniature kits to enable their cost effective assembly. Most items such as these are made from resins, alloys etc. All materials that are modern are proven and accepted in the modelmaking industry. Very fine detailed parts are often chemically etched from brass or stainless steel, from artwork that is computer generated and carefully checked for its accuracy during production. These modern methods allow the making of very detailed parts a lot easier without detriment to the overall quality of a piece, the reduction of costly man-hours and therefore price is an important aspect of working within commercial budgets and timescales.
		Presentation and Delivery Once a model is completed to a customers satisfaction the process of displaying and shipping the model has to be arranged. The piece is usually fitted into a case here at our studios and a packing crate is ordered in for each particular model. A full hulled ship model often sits on brass pedestals bolted into the base. A waterline model may be fitted to a sculpted seascape type base. These cases traditionally are Mahogany and glass and can be made to just keep the model clean or can be highly decorative and costly. All cases supplied by us are fitted with toughened glass unless other arrangements have been made when ordering.   The packing and shipping of a model is critical to its safe arrival at the customer`s address. We have successfully sent models to Northern Europe, the U.S. and the Far East, U.K. deliveries are usually personally delivered or collected. All pieces are fully insured and are handled by specialist carriers from door to door. Prices are very varied and can be qouted on request.

Ordering As our schedules are often filled for months at a time a client`s slot for building must be arranged as early as is convenient. A 30% deposit must accompany initial orders. A provisional delivery date is given during the ordering process and once research is well under way or complete a date is confirmed. Work for T.V. and film companies has been completed in as little as four weeks from ordering. Fine pieces of work consume large amounts of man hours and are difficult to rush without sacrificing overall finish, detail etc. We do, however, understand the importance of giving our word regarding a deadline and sticking to it. A beautiful model ordered for a boat show is no use to the customer, however nice it may be, if it is two weeks late.   Until a business relationship is established all work is paid for in full upon its completion/ delivery or viewing by the client. The process of commissioning a ship model, or any model for that manner, is a complicated one and cannot be covered thoroughly here so if you require any more assistance from us please get in touch.   We also undertake commissions for other models, film props, replica weapons and a number of haulage company pieces have been produced. We have even built a home computer at three times actual size for an advert. See the “other models” page for more details.