Picking up those brushes again.

Hi and welcome to the occasional mutterings of Dave Doc, a military modeller and some time gamer. Gaming and model making has given me a real education, History & Geography(obvious really), Artistry, Politics, Economics, Logistics, Project Management -you try building miniature armies without the last 3.

I will use the blog to record my creations & the odd occasion I actually do some gaming.

I have always been inspired by the aesthetic side of gaming. Playing on well constructed terrain using excellently painted units is always a joy.

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Anchors Away..

Well sort of. Following on from Mr Awdry's recent visit to Portsmouth Historic dockyard, I though I would see if I could find some old photographs from what feels like only a few short years ago. Scarily it was 30 years ago!

Back in the spring and summer of 1983 at the start of my apprenticeship as a draughtsman I worked with the other trade apprentices on the the restoration of parts for HMS Warrior. Namely the great anchors. I completed engineering drawings for these from some copies of the original plans. A bit of proper engineering making things!


 How do you get an anchor on low loader? --- you just leave that to the apprentices to work out and turn up after..

HMS Warrior on the way to Hartlepool for restoration work - just a bit of work to do


 The end of that year getting my "top apprentice" prize from Jack Charlton- lots of new practical skills learnt, many still in regular use today.


Jack was presented a trout made by the sheet metal work apprentices.

As you can tell - nothing much doing on painting at moment, as too heavily involved in a "Demolish It Yourself" project that will lead to my games room.... and waiting for extra supplies from Ainsty.  Also just booked up for weekend down in Portsmouth - to see the Mary Rose and the Warrior - well time to go and see the anchor.

6 comments:

  1. The famous Irishman (football manager) Jack Charlton?

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    1. oh yes... he was a friend of one the directors if i remember. and was shortly to take over as manager again for Middlesbrough FC

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  2. That surely can't be the same ship? What amazing pictures, love the fresh faced Dave of old.

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    1. Indeed.. Think is was 4 years and about £8m to fix it ! It certainly was a mess. But the guys involved did a fine job of preserving a great piece of naval heritage.

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  3. Great pics Dave!!
    Good ol' Jackie Charlton, he was a one club player don't you know and who did he play for Leeds United, the Mighty Whites!!!!!

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