Ship model
A ship model (also: model boat ) is usually a scaled-down replica of a watercraft ( ship , boat ), although it does not necessarily have to be a replica of an original.
Historic landmarks
Ship models already existed in pre-Egyptian times; the oldest evidence of a sailing ship at all is a 4000 year old clay model that was found in Mesopotamia and can be seen today in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem .
The oldest surviving models of ships, which are already finely detailed in today's sense, are grave goods of the pharaoh Tutankhamun (1333–1324 BC).
The class of so-called half-models could also include the ships depicted in reliefs . Some of them can be found in Roman times (e.g. triremes ) from around 200 BC. Chr. , Or in Christian reliefs (. Eg representations of St. Christopher ).
It is known from 1525 that competing shipbuilders presented models of their own designs to the Venetian state for a decision on a shipbuilding program. This probably marked the starting point of a completely new development in ship model construction: the creation of models that were true to scale and with the correct proportions.
From 1670 model designs in Denmark were required by decree from the executing shipbuilder . The oldest surviving of these shipyard or dockyard models in England dates from 1655.
Up until the last century, ships were modeled using a half- model and the shape of the frames and the development of the metal plates were determined based on this model . Since around 1900, hydrodynamic ship models have been of great importance in shipbuilding research institutes . Shipyard models that represent the entire ship are now used primarily to illustrate advertising, decoration and museums.
Non-commercial model shipbuilding, which is used purely for private pleasure, is much more difficult to follow through history. Presumably, children have made toy models since ships existed. Polynesian children still make models of outrigger sailboats that could have been made 3000 years ago.
Functional models of adults with sails are likely to have emerged only with the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century and the ensuing self-portrayal of the individual. Models with drive appeared in the original soon after their first appearance. The further development of the tools and techniques available to private individuals ( adhesives , synthetic resins , etching technology , electronics and microcomputers ) has led to rapid development in this sector too. Numerous associations and specialist books prove this.
Model sport
Functional model
A functional model is a true-to-scale, technical model of a device that has the most important movement functions of the original and can also perform these for demonstration or observation. Lightweight construction allows remote-controlled sailable yacht models weighing only 300 grams ( Meteor 3 on a scale of 1: 100!). Plastic model kits are often equipped with radio remote control, but there are also some ready-made models for sale. The electrical energy for realizing the functions mostly comes from battery packs that are hidden in the model. The technically feasible limit is currently around 10 grams total weight including motor (s) , batteries , receiver and fuselage.
The stand model forms the contrast to the functional model .
Hydrodynamic ship model
Since around 1900, hydrodynamic ship models have been of great importance in shipbuilding research institutes . They are part of a measuring device to investigate movements as well as hydrodynamic forces and moments on a model scale. The shape of the model shows the underwater hull on a reduced scale. Depending on requirements, it is equipped with the following devices:
- electric drive motors with computer-controlled speed control,
- Dynamometer to measure thrust and torque in the propeller shaft,
- Model propeller ,
- Rudder ,
- electric rowing machine (computer controlled),
- Pod drive (s),
- precisely placed ballast in order to regulate displacement, position of the center of gravity ( i.e. metacentric height ) and mass moments of inertia ,
- If necessary, three-component balance for measuring rudder forces.
Such hulls are typically about 5 to 10 m long. As a rule, they are produced fully automatically with a computer-controlled milling machine that is able to represent free-form surfaces . The blanks for this are made of wood or paraffin . Paraffin models are applied to a fabric-covered wooden structure, and the paraffin is reusable. Ship models made of GRP are also occasionally in use.
Most shipbuilding research institutes paint their models yellow in order to ensure high-contrast photo and video recordings of the model tests. However, the SSPA paints its models blue. The HSVA paints ice models red and open water models yellow. The systematic designation takes place with a consecutive model number and a model index. The model index differentiates the changes that were made to the model between the experiments.
The surface ship is usually not shown, except when aerodynamic tests are carried out in the wind tunnel, in which the aim is to measure wind forces and to design the chimneys of passenger ships in such a way that the exhaust gases are kept away from the passengers.
Demonstration and draft models
Ship models can also be used to demonstrate or plan planned ships. Today, shipyard models are primarily used for visualization (advertising, decoration, museums).
Model types by type
Model building techniques
Which technique is used when creating a ship model depends on the quality requirements, the size, the intended use, the available techniques, personal preferences, costs, durability, etc. Methods of model making are:
- Kneading or molding from plastic masses ( clay , paper mache , modeling clay )
- Shaping by removing material from solid material (carving, sculpting)
- Shapes by applying material ( lamination ) of layer material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) over model molds
- Construction in pre-cut material layers e.g. B. made of wood
- Structure with frames and planking
- Structure made of soldered or welded metal parts ( sheet metal )
- Joining ( gluing ) of pre-cut flat material made of cardboard or paper
- Joining ( gluing or sticking together) of pre-stamped parts made of thermoplastic plastic
- Casting of metal or plastic in prefabricated forms, injection molding
Finished models
Since there have been toy manufacturers, there have also been prototypical wooden, sheet metal and plastic models made as toys . The focus was on the low manufacturing price, the attractive appearance and easy handling for children's hands. These models were mostly only prototypical with partly heavily distorted proportions and therefore relatively uninteresting for friends of scale models.
In recent years, the term RTR (Ready to Run) has become the trade term for fully assembled ship models such as sports boats. Until 2005, this term meant prototypical plastic models designed as toys , but now there are various manufacturers and importers who can also offer very complex, scaled correct, prototypical and comparatively expensive models (up to over 1000 euros) as RTRs.
Furthermore, the term ARTR (Almost Ready to Run), derived from RTR, has emerged for finished ship models that only need a few manipulations and ready-made components to be able to be used. For example, receivers and batteries that have to be purchased and installed separately.
Kit models
Kits are commercially available for ship models, which consist of individual prefabricated parts, the assembly of which leads to the finished model. The main material used is polystyrene , as is the case with other areas of plastic model making .
The level of detail, "model accuracy" and size vary depending on the price range. Easy assembly of even complicated models makes kits particularly attractive for beginners. What forty years ago would have been considered a masterful individual production, today many youngsters can realize with the first model. For example, if details of the hull and deck planking were initially left out or only hinted at, some kits now offer the hull planking also formed and the deck planks pre-cut to fit precisely. Etching technology and plastic injection molding make structures possible that were previously reserved for goldsmiths and watchmakers .
Cardboard models
Cardboard model ships are mostly made from cardboard sheets with a weight of around 170 grams per square meter. The individual components have been created by the model designer in two-dimensional flat surface parts with or without color design and hatching and must be joined together by cutting, folding and gluing to form a three-dimensional model. The construction is supported by instructions or exploded views. The most common form is the model building sheet . As a rule, standing models are made. However, functional models are also possible through appropriate constructions.
Models in individual production according to the construction plan
In the trade, model construction plans are offered even without attached materials , in which detailed instructions are given on the required materials, the sequence of the construction phases and the work to be carried out. The drawings mostly serve as cutting patterns for the wooden parts to be sawed out or pre-cut. Depending on skill and personal possibilities, models are created according to these specifications.
Replica loyalty
Bone and ivory ship models of seafarers often show an astonishing level of detail. "True-to-the-original" models are characterized above all by a true-to-scale replica of an original. With an enlarged photographic view, it is often difficult to differentiate between the original and the model.
For models that are intended for exhibition in museums, particularly elaborately crafted objects are usually created: In addition to the highest possible level of perfection in processing and detailing, particularly durable materials (brass, wood, long-term stable paints and plastics) are used to prevent the models become unsightly in a few decades. As a result, the concept of “museum quality” has become established in the hobby area as well , which is considered the highest level of quality of a model; Historical models of passenger ships and battleships , some of which are up to five meters long, are particularly impressive and formative for the concept of value . Often kept on a scale of 1:50, they offer a representation with important details that you don't have to look for with a magnifying glass without particularly small structures ( rails , deck lamps , furniture , stained glass windows , ...). Well-known museums in German-speaking countries that exhibit such models are the German Museum in Munich and the Museum of Military History in Vienna and the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven.
On an even larger scale (e.g. 1:20) you can find models of historical sailors that are up to three meters long and built with special attention to the construction methods of the time ( frames bent under steam , wooden nails , types of wood like the original). Particular attention is almost always paid to the rigging , which leads to laypeople confusing rope collections.
In the majority of the museums you can find showcase-friendly ships that are about one meter long and meet the above criteria for authenticity and durability.
Model making competitions
Today's technologies lead to exact replicas. Other qualitative features are the use of long-term stable materials (dry, professionally processed wood , brass , quality paints ), a size that is sensible for the exhibition location and a selection of the model that is specially adapted to the purpose of the exhibition (familiarity, exemplary for a type).
In the competition area, the various ship models are classified by national and international organizations ( NAVIGA ). From these championships, up to world championships, are held regularly.
Class C standing models
- C1 models of rowing and sailing vehicles
- C2 Replicas of ships with engines
- C3 model systems, cutaway models, ship parts, scenic representations
- C4 miniature models in the scale 1: 250 and smaller
- C5 ships in bottles
- C6 plastic models
- C7 cardboard and paper models
Class DK ladies class; Driving competition
Class DS steamships
Class F1 racing boats
- F1-E racing boats with electric propulsion
- F1-V racing boats with internal combustion engines
further divided into:
- FSR-V3.5 Freely built racing boat models for endurance races (20–30 min.) With a combustion engine up to 3.5 cm³ displacement and underwater drive
- FSR-V7.5 Freely built racing boat models for endurance races (20–30 min.) With internal combustion engine with 3.5–7.5 cm³ displacement and underwater drive
- FSR-V15 Freely built racing boat models for endurance races (20–30 min.) With combustion engine with 7.5–15 cm³ displacement and underwater drive
- FSR-V35 Freely built racing boat models for endurance races (20–30 min.) With combustion engine with 15–35 cm³ displacement and underwater drive
- FSR-H3,5 Freely built planing boat models with combustion engine up to 3.5 cm³ displacement and underwater drive
- FSR-H7.5 Freely built planing boat models with internal combustion engine with 3.5–7.5 cm³ displacement and underwater propulsion
- FSR-H15 Freely built planing boat models with combustion engine with 7.5–15 cm³ displacement and underwater propulsion
- FSR-O3.5 Freely built offshore boats with internal combustion engines up to 3.5 cm³ displacement and surface or underwater propulsion
- FSR-O7,5 Freely built offshore boats with internal combustion engine with 3.5–7.5 cm³ displacement and surface or underwater propulsion
- FSR-O15 Freely built offshore boats with a combustion engine with 7.5–15 cm³ displacement and surface or underwater propulsion
- FSR-O35 Freely built offshore boats with combustion engine with 15–35 cm³ displacement and surface or underwater propulsion
Class F2 prototypical remote-controlled replicas
- F2-A (driving and construction value. Plan models 0–90 cm)
- F2-B (driving and construction value. Plan models 90–140 cm)
- F2-C (driving and construction value. Plan models> 140 cm)
Class F4 modular models (sometimes even beginner's own construction)
- F4-A1 Driving competition modular models 0–90 cm
- F4-A2 Driving competition modular models 90–140 cm
- F4-AJ driving competition for juniors
- F4-B Fahr- u. Construction assessment of modular models
- F4-C Fahr- u. Construction assessment of plastic modular models
Class F5 sailors
- F5-M Marblehead
- F5-10 Tenraters
- F5-X inventor class
- F5-E one meter class
Class F6 group maneuvers
Class F7 ship models with special functions
Well-known ship models
literature
- Vincenzo Lusci: Historical ships as a model. Neckar-Verlag, Villingen-Schwenningen 1989.
- Wolfram zu Mondfeld: Historical ship models. Mosaik Verlag, Munich 2003, ISBN 3-572-01464-6 .
- Jürgen Eichardt: Hull construction practice - keel-top construction for ship model hulls. Verlag für Technik und Handwerk GmbH, Baden-Baden, 2003, ISBN 3-88180-128-6 .
Web links
- www.naviga.org World Organization for Ship Model Building and Ship Model Sports
- www.nauticus.info German umbrella organization for ship model building and ship model sport
Individual evidence
- ↑ Burkhard spiders: The wreck in the web . (About the restoration of a model of Emperor Franz Joseph I. )