discussion Finished - 1930's Aberdeen Steam Trawler - Star of Freedom

[Guest]

Finally got my Trawler finished after 14 Months. This model is dedicated to several deceased members of my family.

First of all to my Father who was a Trawl Skipper for most of his working life. During WWII he commanded an ASW Armored Trawler (Anti-Submarine Warfare) based at Leith, Mull, Milford Haven, Nigeria and South Africa. In his 70’s he ferried Trawlers to Hull and Grimsby. When the Trawler was returning from the fishing grounds they would radio ahead with details of the catch to the owners. If the fish price in Hull or Grimsby were better than Aberdeen, when the Trawler arrived in port the normal crew would have their shore leave and a skeleton crew would ferry the Trawler to Hull or Grimsby.

Second to my Fathers brother who was a Chief Engineer on Trawlers, sometimes sailing with my Father, he died prematurely.

Third my cousin on my Father’s side who was a ships carpenter and who died in his early 50’s from asbestosis contracted when he stripped out asbestos lagging etc when Trawlers were being refitted. He worked in Hall, Russell & Co. Ltd, the builder of this Trawler.

Finally I have also to dedicate the Model to the crew from Milford Haven who all lost their lives on this Trawler when it was renamed Robert Limbrick. this website for an account of the loss. A Kilchoan Diary: The Robert Limbrick

Here are some photos of the finished Model, hope you enjoy looking at them. If there are any Trawlermen amongst you, please accept my apologies for any errors, there are no drawings of the S.T. Star of Freedom, I could only go by the two photos I found and my memory of Trawlers when I was a child many moons ago.

The Kit review can be found here http://www.scale-models.co.uk/product-reviews/12060-side-steam-trawler-milford-star-1-48-caldercraft.html

And the build can be found here http://www.scale-models.co.uk/boats-ships/13004-1930s-aberdeen-steam-trawler-modified-1-48-calder-craft-milford-star.html

There are a lot of short falls with the kit even if you wanted to build it straight out of the box, shortage of materials, very very poor instructions and out of scale drawings, no rigging chord, no lettering or decals etc. etc.

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Forgot to add some of the Wheelhouse Interior photos before it was closed up.

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[Guest]

:terrific:Wow what a stunning build Derek and a fitting tribute! Very nicely done Sir and a well deserved 5 stars. I really enjoyed watching this come together it was a real treat and worth the wait! Your attention to detail is top notch and the craftsmanship is outstanding! Whats up next on the building table?

 

[Guest]

Thanks Trey for your comments and 5 Star.

I am going to have a wee break from modelling for a few weeks and will be doing this thread which I started some time ago but the Trawler took over my life for the past few months.

http://www.scale-models.co.uk/planes-helicopters/15307-sas-helicopter-modified-1-48-trumpeter-aerospatiale-as365n-dauphin-2-a.html

 

[Guest]

Brilliant Derek, just brilliant.

Very realistic looking model, if you popped that in the water it'd look like the real thing mate.

The stories and tributes give the build a certain extra something and gives it "life"...

Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the whole build.

 

[Guest]

I have been waiting many time to see it finished, and now I don't know exactly what to say....

Say great work and big 5 isn't enoufh!

Dedicate this ship to all, is a brillant detail.

Best regards

Polux

 

[papa 695]

Hi Derek the work and detail gone into this build is clear for all to see a work of art and well worth the 5 stars plus. Great work mate

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your kind comments lads. You might be interested in a few details of a Trawlermans life.

They worked on a 14 day cycle. 12 days was fishing and steaming to and from the fishing grounds, they had one Saturday and Sunday off per fortnight.

They all had to buy their own food when at sea.

The Skipper and Mate did not get a wage, but got a percentage share of the catch. If the weather was bad and the fishing poor or non existant. The Skipper and Mate would end up in debt owing the Trawl Owners for the food, and no income. No minimum wage or human rights then.

Actors consider saying the word Macbeth on stage to be very unlucky, Fishermen considered the word Pig or any of its parts to be very unlucky.

Trawlers never left port on a Sunday - very bad luck.

Seagulls, the bird we all love to hate when they mess up our car, were considered to be the spirit of Fishermen lost at sea.

Finally a photo of a Trawler, no its not sinking, just entering Aberdeen Harbour in a gale. The point at which this photo was taken, is known locally as the 'Bar', this is where the fresh water from the river Dee mixes with the salt water and causes a highly turbulant area.

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Hope you find the above of interest.

Cheers Derek

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[Guest]

wow, a definate five star job there mate.we have a river dee very close to us and that has a very turbulant area were it enters the sea just behind hilbre island,whirlpools and such like.

 

[Dave W]

Fantastic build Derek.Iv'e not built this type of kit myself but I know a hell of a lot of work goes into them.Looks superb.By the way, I hope you meant 'deceased' in your first paragraph!.

 

[Guest]

Excellent work Derek 5* from me.

Andy

 

[Ian M]

Derek you da man!

That my friend is bloody fantastic and I don't excuse my foul language

The detail is fantastic, the painting is fantastic, the care for the detail reflects your commitment to this wonderful build.

Considering the life these men lived to put food on our tables, I think your dedication should extend to ALL the trawlermen that paid for our fish and chips with their lifes.

Fantastic work Derek.

Five stars is just not enough for that but I award them gladly.

Ian M

 

[Guest]

well well well Derek,it seems this boat is just flipping magnificent,i think ive looked at all the pics at least 6 or 7 times,mostly in disbelief,super build,5*s doesnt seem too justify the build and the story,thnx mate for this

mobear

 

[yak face]

Beautiful , poignant , fitting ,priceless, moving. I cant really add anything else Derek , (you might have gathered that i like it alot!) 5 stars isnt enough , cheers tony

 

[Guest]

Well lads you are making me blush, thank you all for your OTT comments, they are each very much appreciated especially since this was a build close to my heart. Thanks for pointing out my typo Dave W, I don't know how to edit this after the 24 hr period of grace, perhaps a kind Moderator could oblige. Ian M you are of course quite right all Trawlermen should be included, but I would suggest all their Wives should be also, bear in mind these women had to bring up families almost single handedly, during a very difficult period between the world wars and after WWII. Thanks again.

Tony AKA yak face I am not forgetting its just over two years to your sad loss , my thoughts are with you.

Cheers Derek

 

[stona]

Hi Derek,I come late to this one. That is a beautiful build. There's nothing much I can add to what has already been said. For me the model is an education and the back story you have given yet another.

I am in awe,a much over used and devalued word,but not in this context.

Cheers

Steve

 

[yak face]

Well lads you are making me blush, thank you all for your OTT comments, they are each very much appreciated especially since this was a build close to my heart. Thanks for pointing out my typo Dave W, I don't know how to edit this after the 24 hr period of grace, perhaps a kind Moderator could oblige. Ian M you are of course quite right all Trawlermen should be included, but I would suggest all their Wives should be also, bear in mind these women had to bring up families almost single handedly, during a very difficult period between the world wars and after WWII. Thanks again.Tony AKA yak face I am not forgetting its just over two years to your sad loss , my thoughts are with you.

Cheers Derek

Thankyou derek , much appreciated , tony

 

[Guest]

Hi Derek,I come late to this one. That is a beautiful build. There's nothing much I can add to what has already been said. For me the model is an education and the back story you have given yet another. I am in awe,a much over used and devalued word,but not in this context.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Steve, I appreciate your comments. Cheers Derek

 

[Guest]

Good job. I think its great that you could build something that has so much importance in your life. From reading I can tell you put a lot of love onto the build. I HAVE ONE QUESTION. Is the decking actually wood or is it plastic?

 

[Guest]

Hi Chris, and welcome. To answer your question, the deck is wooden overplayed with wooden strips. Have a look at the build log, Page 6, here is the link. http://www.scale-models.co.uk/community/threads/1930s-aberdeen-steam-trawler-modified-1-48-calder-craft-milford-star.13004/page-6

Thanks for viewing and your kind comments. Derek

 

[spanner570]

I'm so glad this has popped up again. How I missed it first time, heaven knows!

Derek, this is one beautiful model. A real credit to you. The bit of history is a nice touch too.

Belated congratulations on a superb model.