Welcome to RatLines!
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Cast Your Anchor wishes all of our friends the best this Holiday SeasonWe continue to enjoy seeing and chatting with all of our friends here at Cast Your Anchor and hope that you are enjoying the hobby of model ship building.
Santa Specials: Just in time for Christmas: We would like to tell you about all of the specials that we have in our store but they’re too numerous to mention. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sound of Cast Your Anchor. We look forward to seeing you this coming year.
Web Site: Don’t forget to visit our website http://castyouranchorhobby.com/. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Articles: In our endeavour to make the building of a ship model a pleasure, we continue to produce articles on step by step procedures that provide lots of helpful tips to help you with the build. After all, your success is our success. So far the articles have been; How to Choose a Ship Model Kit; Ship Modeling Decisions; Ship Model Jigs; Building Ship Model Hulls and; Planking Ship Model Hulls. The next article will be on Ship Model Deck Planking. If you would like a copy of any of these articles just contact the store and we’ll email it to you.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Building Ship Model Hulls
Building Ship Model Hulls
In comparison with the intricate tasks involved in making some of the tiny detail components, the construction of the hull is just as important. You have to work to a high standard of accuracy ensuring that the hull is not crooked or planks are not buckled and wavy. In the building of a closed hull or plank-on-bulkhead model ship, by far the most popular type of construction, the false keel and bulkheads are the underpinning of both the structure and form of your model.
The three types of models are frame, admiralty and fully planked. The fully planked closed hull is the easiest to build but still requires great care. After removing any spurious material from the laser cut false keel and bulkheads, start at either end by applying the bulkheads. Very often the precut bulkheads - the solid anthwartships – found on plank on bulkhead ship model are out of symmetry and off centre. If you assemble them without correcting the imperfections, you end up with an uneven hull profile.
Place a bulkhead piece from your kit on a thick piece of paper and trace its outline. Cut around the outline, fold the paper in half making sure that the upper outer edges are matched and clipped together before you crease it in the middle. The crease will produce a true centerline and show if the lower outer edges are cut unevenly or if the keel slot in the frame is off centre. If the outer edges are misaligned, remove the excess on the pattern with scissors to even out the edges of the two halves. Return the folded pattern to the bulkhead frame, mark and file off the excess from the frame itself and draw the centerline. If the keel slot is out of centre with the pattern, mark it on the false keel. Repeat this on the other side of the frame by just turning the pattern over and aligning it on the previously drawn centerline.
Next correct the bulkhead frame’s outer profile by filing off any excess you have marked. If the center slot is out of alignment with the centerline, glue on thin strips of wood to fill one side and remove the excess on the other side. Finally, draw the centerline on the top edge of the bulkhead. This mark will help line up the frame with the keel during the actual assembly. If you repeat this procedure with every bulkhead, you will end up with a symmetrical hull profile.
When assembling the bulkheads to the false keel, make sure that the centre of each bulkhead is aligned with the keel, the tops of the frames are flush with the upper edge of the keel and that the frames are neither too tight nor too loose in the keel notches.
One trick is to use the false deck as an aligning method for the bulkhead frames. With a pencil, mark the centerline on both the top and bottom of the false deck. Place the keel on the deck and mark the outline of each of the frame slots on the deck line. With a square, mark the bulkhead lines on both sides and top and bottom of the false deck. Then you can begin the assembly process.
Place and pin the false deck on top of the false keel. Then make sure that every bulkhead frame is exactly on its line under the deck.
Each bulkhead has to be positioned at true right angles to the false keel. Attach the frame by means of wood glue and reinforce with pins. Glue has a tendency to distort the false keel so make sure that one bulkhead is put on at a time and continually check for warpage. Once all the bulkheads are in position and fastened firmly take a long piece of sandpaper wrapped wood or a rasp and gently sand the shape of the bulkheads ensuring clean lines from bow to stern and that the port side mirrors the starboard side without any concave or convex areas.
In order to avoid warpage over time, you can apply a coat of diluted glue or vanish to seal the wood cells.
There are various tools available to help make this job easy to deal with. A Fair-A Frame holds and aligns both the false keel and bulkheads during assembly. A Keel Klamp or a Timber Tapering Tool will help ensure that the false keel does not warp during construction. And a small square is an invaluable aid. Remember that no matter what tool you use, you are building the skeleton of your ship model. You must get this right to have your model looking its best when it is complete.
In comparison with the intricate tasks involved in making some of the tiny detail components, the construction of the hull is just as important. You have to work to a high standard of accuracy ensuring that the hull is not crooked or planks are not buckled and wavy. In the building of a closed hull or plank-on-bulkhead model ship, by far the most popular type of construction, the false keel and bulkheads are the underpinning of both the structure and form of your model.
The three types of models are frame, admiralty and fully planked. The fully planked closed hull is the easiest to build but still requires great care. After removing any spurious material from the laser cut false keel and bulkheads, start at either end by applying the bulkheads. Very often the precut bulkheads - the solid anthwartships – found on plank on bulkhead ship model are out of symmetry and off centre. If you assemble them without correcting the imperfections, you end up with an uneven hull profile.
Place a bulkhead piece from your kit on a thick piece of paper and trace its outline. Cut around the outline, fold the paper in half making sure that the upper outer edges are matched and clipped together before you crease it in the middle. The crease will produce a true centerline and show if the lower outer edges are cut unevenly or if the keel slot in the frame is off centre. If the outer edges are misaligned, remove the excess on the pattern with scissors to even out the edges of the two halves. Return the folded pattern to the bulkhead frame, mark and file off the excess from the frame itself and draw the centerline. If the keel slot is out of centre with the pattern, mark it on the false keel. Repeat this on the other side of the frame by just turning the pattern over and aligning it on the previously drawn centerline.
Next correct the bulkhead frame’s outer profile by filing off any excess you have marked. If the center slot is out of alignment with the centerline, glue on thin strips of wood to fill one side and remove the excess on the other side. Finally, draw the centerline on the top edge of the bulkhead. This mark will help line up the frame with the keel during the actual assembly. If you repeat this procedure with every bulkhead, you will end up with a symmetrical hull profile.
When assembling the bulkheads to the false keel, make sure that the centre of each bulkhead is aligned with the keel, the tops of the frames are flush with the upper edge of the keel and that the frames are neither too tight nor too loose in the keel notches.
One trick is to use the false deck as an aligning method for the bulkhead frames. With a pencil, mark the centerline on both the top and bottom of the false deck. Place the keel on the deck and mark the outline of each of the frame slots on the deck line. With a square, mark the bulkhead lines on both sides and top and bottom of the false deck. Then you can begin the assembly process.
Place and pin the false deck on top of the false keel. Then make sure that every bulkhead frame is exactly on its line under the deck.
Each bulkhead has to be positioned at true right angles to the false keel. Attach the frame by means of wood glue and reinforce with pins. Glue has a tendency to distort the false keel so make sure that one bulkhead is put on at a time and continually check for warpage. Once all the bulkheads are in position and fastened firmly take a long piece of sandpaper wrapped wood or a rasp and gently sand the shape of the bulkheads ensuring clean lines from bow to stern and that the port side mirrors the starboard side without any concave or convex areas.
In order to avoid warpage over time, you can apply a coat of diluted glue or vanish to seal the wood cells.
There are various tools available to help make this job easy to deal with. A Fair-A Frame holds and aligns both the false keel and bulkheads during assembly. A Keel Klamp or a Timber Tapering Tool will help ensure that the false keel does not warp during construction. And a small square is an invaluable aid. Remember that no matter what tool you use, you are building the skeleton of your ship model. You must get this right to have your model looking its best when it is complete.
November Newsletter
Welcome to RatLines!
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What’s New?
Celebrating our 7th Year in Business
Did you know that Cast Your Anchor is celebrating its 7th year in business this month? Oh how time flies when you’re building a ship model. It all started off with a visit to the Ontario Science Centre 40 years ago so in a virtual sense, Cast Your Anchor has been in existence for forty years. . We’re still having fun and hope to be around for many more years.
Ship Model Fittings Catalogue
Cast Your Anchor is continuing to work on our new ship model fittings catalogue. It will be available this month. For those of you who have indicated you want a copy, we will be mailing it out to you soon.
Make Ship Model Building Easier
Just in time for Christmas, Cast Your Anchor is offering a free How to Assemble a Wooden Model Ship DVD with every kit purchased over $200. This DVD explains in simple, easy to understand terms how to build a wooden ship model. A must have for both the novice and experienced ship model builder. Remember that in ship model building there are no “right” techniques. It’s always beneficial to understand the techniques that others use in assembling a wooden ship model.
When you place your order either on line or by phone just indicate that you would like a copy of the Best Ship Modeling Assembly Instructions DVD in the World!
Own a Piece of the Bluenose II
A new offering from Cast Your Anchor. The Bluenose II kit from Artesania Latina, assembly DVD, tool kit and the book Bluenose II Measured Drawings by L.B.Jenson all for the low price of $279.95. But wait – there’s more. Buy this set and we’ll throw in a piece of the hull of the Bluenose II – a $50 value. This historical piece is authenticated by the Bluenose Company Store in Lunenburg NS. What a great incentive to build the best know Canadian vessel ever! Need another incentive? If you have been thinking about building the Artesania Latina Bluenose II model ship, now is the time to act. The current kit has been discontinued but will be replaced with a revised edition. The good news is that the revised kit has better detailing. The bad news is that the price has substantially increased. The new price will be $299.95 just for the kit. Back to the good news - Cast Your Anchor has 7 of the discontinued kits left. So yes, it’s time to act.
Feature Kit of the Month
This month’s feature kit by Cast Your Anchor is the Victoria Radio Control Sailboat. Our kit includes the sail boat, 2 channel radio, tweezers, hobby knife, CA glue and the book, Basics of Ship Modeling for a price of $289.95.
What’s that – you want another great deal? Ok, how about this. All woodcarving tools and file sets at an incredible 25% off website listed prices. As an example, PROFESSIONAL QUALITY CABINETMAKER’S CHISEL SET - 12 PCS. Professional quality chisel set contains 12 different carving shapes ranging in size from 1/4" to 1/2". Steel blades with wooden handles. Overall length 7-1/2" to 8" for a price of only $22.46. Call us to receive the discount on your order.
≠
What’s New?
Celebrating our 7th Year in Business
Did you know that Cast Your Anchor is celebrating its 7th year in business this month? Oh how time flies when you’re building a ship model. It all started off with a visit to the Ontario Science Centre 40 years ago so in a virtual sense, Cast Your Anchor has been in existence for forty years. . We’re still having fun and hope to be around for many more years.
Ship Model Fittings Catalogue
Cast Your Anchor is continuing to work on our new ship model fittings catalogue. It will be available this month. For those of you who have indicated you want a copy, we will be mailing it out to you soon.
Make Ship Model Building Easier
Just in time for Christmas, Cast Your Anchor is offering a free How to Assemble a Wooden Model Ship DVD with every kit purchased over $200. This DVD explains in simple, easy to understand terms how to build a wooden ship model. A must have for both the novice and experienced ship model builder. Remember that in ship model building there are no “right” techniques. It’s always beneficial to understand the techniques that others use in assembling a wooden ship model.
When you place your order either on line or by phone just indicate that you would like a copy of the Best Ship Modeling Assembly Instructions DVD in the World!
Own a Piece of the Bluenose II
A new offering from Cast Your Anchor. The Bluenose II kit from Artesania Latina, assembly DVD, tool kit and the book Bluenose II Measured Drawings by L.B.Jenson all for the low price of $279.95. But wait – there’s more. Buy this set and we’ll throw in a piece of the hull of the Bluenose II – a $50 value. This historical piece is authenticated by the Bluenose Company Store in Lunenburg NS. What a great incentive to build the best know Canadian vessel ever! Need another incentive? If you have been thinking about building the Artesania Latina Bluenose II model ship, now is the time to act. The current kit has been discontinued but will be replaced with a revised edition. The good news is that the revised kit has better detailing. The bad news is that the price has substantially increased. The new price will be $299.95 just for the kit. Back to the good news - Cast Your Anchor has 7 of the discontinued kits left. So yes, it’s time to act.
Feature Kit of the Month
This month’s feature kit by Cast Your Anchor is the Victoria Radio Control Sailboat. Our kit includes the sail boat, 2 channel radio, tweezers, hobby knife, CA glue and the book, Basics of Ship Modeling for a price of $289.95.
What’s that – you want another great deal? Ok, how about this. All woodcarving tools and file sets at an incredible 25% off website listed prices. As an example, PROFESSIONAL QUALITY CABINETMAKER’S CHISEL SET - 12 PCS. Professional quality chisel set contains 12 different carving shapes ranging in size from 1/4" to 1/2". Steel blades with wooden handles. Overall length 7-1/2" to 8" for a price of only $22.46. Call us to receive the discount on your order.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
October 2009 Newsletter
RatLines!
The Ship Model Builder’s Compass
October 2009 Volume 5, Issue 04
Welcome to RatLines!
≠
What’s New?
Ship Model Fittings Catalogue
Cast Your Anchor is now the global premier company offering ship model fittings, parts and accessories from around the world. We provide fittings from all of the major manufacturers of ship model kits. Check out our expanded line of modern ship fittings.
And remember that our customer service is unmatched. We understand that it can be difficult to gauge the size of the fitting you want so we offer all of our customers the option of test driving the fitting. Wrong size – return it for a replacement or a refund. Also, there is no minimum order size - we are happy to ship you one package at a time!
Although the response to our ship model fittings offering has been fabulous our customers have indicated that they would like to have a hard copy catalogue. Coming soon – the Cast Your Anchor Ship Model Fittings and Parts catalogue. The only catalogue in the world expressly offering ship model fittings. Let us know if you would like a catalogue mailed to you.
Make Ship Model Building Easier
Just in time for Christmas, Cast Your Anchor is offering a free How to Assemble a Wooden Model Ship DVD with every kit purchased over $200. This DVD explains in simple, easy to understand terms how to build a wooden ship model. A must have for both the novice and experienced ship model builder. Remember that in ship model building there are no “right” techniques. It’s always beneficial to understand the techniques that others use in assembling a wooden ship model.
When you place your order either on line or by phone just indicate that you would like a copy of the Best Ship Modeling Assembly Instructions DVD in the World!
Own a Piece of the Bluenose II
A new offering from Cast Your Anchor. The Bluenose II kit from Artesania Latina, assembly DVD, tool kit and the book Bluenose II Measured Drawings by L.B.Jenson all for the low price of $279.95. But wait – there’s more. Buy this set and we’ll through in a piece of the hull of the Bluenose II – a $50 value. This historical piece is authenticated by the Bluenose Company Store in Lunenburg NS. What a great incentive to build the best know Canadian vessel ever! Limited quantities available.
Feature Kit of the Month
A new monthly series by Cast our Anchor starting with 77001 fishing vessel Doris. A great starter kit, it gives you experience with shaping and planking a wooden model ship. The Doris was type of small fishing and work boat which began to be used in France after the war of 1870. By then the Americans had already been using them for some time in the schooners working off Massachusetts and Nova Scotia. We are offering this kit and are essential tool kit and the guide to model ship building, Jackstay for an incredible price of $159.95 CDN. Limited quantities available.
The Ship Model Builder’s Compass
October 2009 Volume 5, Issue 04
Welcome to RatLines!
≠
What’s New?
Ship Model Fittings Catalogue
Cast Your Anchor is now the global premier company offering ship model fittings, parts and accessories from around the world. We provide fittings from all of the major manufacturers of ship model kits. Check out our expanded line of modern ship fittings.
And remember that our customer service is unmatched. We understand that it can be difficult to gauge the size of the fitting you want so we offer all of our customers the option of test driving the fitting. Wrong size – return it for a replacement or a refund. Also, there is no minimum order size - we are happy to ship you one package at a time!
Although the response to our ship model fittings offering has been fabulous our customers have indicated that they would like to have a hard copy catalogue. Coming soon – the Cast Your Anchor Ship Model Fittings and Parts catalogue. The only catalogue in the world expressly offering ship model fittings. Let us know if you would like a catalogue mailed to you.
Make Ship Model Building Easier
Just in time for Christmas, Cast Your Anchor is offering a free How to Assemble a Wooden Model Ship DVD with every kit purchased over $200. This DVD explains in simple, easy to understand terms how to build a wooden ship model. A must have for both the novice and experienced ship model builder. Remember that in ship model building there are no “right” techniques. It’s always beneficial to understand the techniques that others use in assembling a wooden ship model.
When you place your order either on line or by phone just indicate that you would like a copy of the Best Ship Modeling Assembly Instructions DVD in the World!
Own a Piece of the Bluenose II
A new offering from Cast Your Anchor. The Bluenose II kit from Artesania Latina, assembly DVD, tool kit and the book Bluenose II Measured Drawings by L.B.Jenson all for the low price of $279.95. But wait – there’s more. Buy this set and we’ll through in a piece of the hull of the Bluenose II – a $50 value. This historical piece is authenticated by the Bluenose Company Store in Lunenburg NS. What a great incentive to build the best know Canadian vessel ever! Limited quantities available.
Feature Kit of the Month
A new monthly series by Cast our Anchor starting with 77001 fishing vessel Doris. A great starter kit, it gives you experience with shaping and planking a wooden model ship. The Doris was type of small fishing and work boat which began to be used in France after the war of 1870. By then the Americans had already been using them for some time in the schooners working off Massachusetts and Nova Scotia. We are offering this kit and are essential tool kit and the guide to model ship building, Jackstay for an incredible price of $159.95 CDN. Limited quantities available.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Ship Modeling Decisions
Choosing the model ship you want to build is a fun, interesting and exciting exercise. You have to consider the history of the ship, the shape, the level of detailing you want, the type of vessel and the skill level required to fashion the model. You need to understand the differences between different ship model kit manufacturers such as the level of instruction provided, quality of fittings, and accuracy of the model.
So now you have selected the ship model you want to build and you have decided on the manufacture of the kit. Great! Let’s talk about some other decisions you need to make prior to building.
Where will you model be displayed?
There are multiple manufactures of the same model ship. Typically the kits will be available in different scales. Each of the scales has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider where in your home you are going to display the finished model. Some scales are good for representing sensible size without involving too much intricate work. Other considerations include the skill of the builder, the level of detail you want and the space in which you have to work.
How is your model ship to be displayed?
Is the model to be in harbor, sailing at sea or in battle with other ships? It’s important to determine this so you will be able to decide on the sails and gun placements. As an example, if the ship is in battle not all sails would have been in use so your model should have some of the sails furled. Also the display of the guns is important. Most guns barrels are displayed outside of the gun ports which would indicate a battle is brewing. Models usually have all the guns outside the ports but in real action, some of the guns would have been just fired or in the process of being reloaded. Some of the breeching would be loose and some under tension. If the ship is sailing at sea, all of the gun port lids would be closed and the breeching would be under tension.
Can you obtain research material on the ship you want to build?
Let’s face it, commercial ship model kits are subject to the demands and limitations of mass manufacturing processes. That’s not to say that the plans and fittings are not reasonable replicas of the ship. However much detail and accuracy are sacrificed in the production process. It’s necessary therefore to obtain material on the ship that provides you with historical accuracy. Some of the resources for this research material are books, nautical archives, artist renderings, and specific historical marine institutions. Along with information on the ship itself you should also research marine technology of the era.
What is the era of the ship you are modeling and what country did it come from?
This is very important because as time went on, different techniques were used to build the ship. You want to make sure that your model uses the correct fittings for the era in which it sailed. As an example, the hulls of ships were sheathed with elm or fir planks from the late 16th Century to the middle 18th Century after which copper sheets were used. The exception is Spain and Portugal which sheathed the hull in thin lead from the early 16th Century.
What Skills do you Posses?
The basic skills of a ship modeler are working with wood, metal, carving and finishing. Most people are quite comfortable with working in one of these mediums. You do not need to be an absolute expert –practice makes perfect in the end – but you should have a pretty good idea of these techniques. Theory is a fine thing, and can be useful now and then, but it is no substitute for practice. You may consider commercially available parts available at Hobby Stores like Cast Your Anchor if you are not quite comfortable with your skill level in a certain area.
Is your ship model to be coloured or are you going to leave the natural wood finish?
All ships had finishes applied to protect them from the harsh environment of the seas. Of course the choice is yours on how you want to finish your model. Should you decide to put a finish on it, you should try to keep to the finishes available at the time the ship existed. For example, below the waterline the hull was often painted with wood-coal tar, which coloured it a dark brown or almost black. After the 16th Century, sulpher was added to the tar which left the hull with a yellowish-grey tinge to it. If sulpher was not used, a white lead paint was and this left the hull a dirty white colour.
So now you have selected the ship model you want to build and you have decided on the manufacture of the kit. Great! Let’s talk about some other decisions you need to make prior to building.
Where will you model be displayed?
There are multiple manufactures of the same model ship. Typically the kits will be available in different scales. Each of the scales has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider where in your home you are going to display the finished model. Some scales are good for representing sensible size without involving too much intricate work. Other considerations include the skill of the builder, the level of detail you want and the space in which you have to work.
How is your model ship to be displayed?
Is the model to be in harbor, sailing at sea or in battle with other ships? It’s important to determine this so you will be able to decide on the sails and gun placements. As an example, if the ship is in battle not all sails would have been in use so your model should have some of the sails furled. Also the display of the guns is important. Most guns barrels are displayed outside of the gun ports which would indicate a battle is brewing. Models usually have all the guns outside the ports but in real action, some of the guns would have been just fired or in the process of being reloaded. Some of the breeching would be loose and some under tension. If the ship is sailing at sea, all of the gun port lids would be closed and the breeching would be under tension.
Can you obtain research material on the ship you want to build?
Let’s face it, commercial ship model kits are subject to the demands and limitations of mass manufacturing processes. That’s not to say that the plans and fittings are not reasonable replicas of the ship. However much detail and accuracy are sacrificed in the production process. It’s necessary therefore to obtain material on the ship that provides you with historical accuracy. Some of the resources for this research material are books, nautical archives, artist renderings, and specific historical marine institutions. Along with information on the ship itself you should also research marine technology of the era.
What is the era of the ship you are modeling and what country did it come from?
This is very important because as time went on, different techniques were used to build the ship. You want to make sure that your model uses the correct fittings for the era in which it sailed. As an example, the hulls of ships were sheathed with elm or fir planks from the late 16th Century to the middle 18th Century after which copper sheets were used. The exception is Spain and Portugal which sheathed the hull in thin lead from the early 16th Century.
What Skills do you Posses?
The basic skills of a ship modeler are working with wood, metal, carving and finishing. Most people are quite comfortable with working in one of these mediums. You do not need to be an absolute expert –practice makes perfect in the end – but you should have a pretty good idea of these techniques. Theory is a fine thing, and can be useful now and then, but it is no substitute for practice. You may consider commercially available parts available at Hobby Stores like Cast Your Anchor if you are not quite comfortable with your skill level in a certain area.
Is your ship model to be coloured or are you going to leave the natural wood finish?
All ships had finishes applied to protect them from the harsh environment of the seas. Of course the choice is yours on how you want to finish your model. Should you decide to put a finish on it, you should try to keep to the finishes available at the time the ship existed. For example, below the waterline the hull was often painted with wood-coal tar, which coloured it a dark brown or almost black. After the 16th Century, sulpher was added to the tar which left the hull with a yellowish-grey tinge to it. If sulpher was not used, a white lead paint was and this left the hull a dirty white colour.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Radio Control Season is Back!
Radio Control: Spring is here and it’s time to turn our attention to Radio Control Power Boats and Sailboats. Check out the line of great radio control products at Cast Your Anchor. We are here to help you enjoy the fine weather ahead.
Modern Ship Fittings: Cast Your Anchor is pleased to present a new line of modern ship fittings. Imported from Europe, we have the largest selection of modern ship fittings in North America. Click on the link and see what’s new at Cast Your Anchor. http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/cat--Modern-Ship-Fittings--Modern+Ship+Fittings
Ship Model Kit Manufactures: Cast Your Anchor has added 5 new manufactures of model ship kits. Aeronaut, Billings, Bluejacket, Caldercraft and Model Slipway. These kits are European designed and manufactured. Check them out.
Web Site: Visit our new website at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs.
Are you feeling anxious, emotionally fragile, worried, fearful or nervous about the current economic crises? During these difficult economic times, returning to basics can be the golden lining. Recessions do create opportunities. For example there is a way of increasing your net worth even if your investments have gone south for their winter vacation. Net worth is defined as your assets minus your liabilities. So if you reduce your liabilities, your net worth increases. A pretty simple concept that works. Speaking about simple concepts, how about returning to simpler times. Instead of buying fast food, how about learning to cook from scratch. Other activities that are fun and don’t cost too much money are reading library books, drawing, painting, volunteer work, socializing with your neighbors and handmade crafts. Kind of sounds like Little House on the Prairie but how much fun can this be?
Now let’s talk about stuff. The word stuff is used to emphasize that you do not care about something, or do not want it or things that have no real value. During these times we can redefine what stuff is valuable to us and what stuff is not. The idea during a recession is not to add valueless stuff to your collection but to add value. Value is the importance or worth of something for someone. Notice that there is no mention of monetary value in this definition. As an example, we, at Cast Your Anchor have repaired many ship models that have been left to rot in basements or attics by their owners. These models were hand crafted by a loved one and their value went unnoticed for many years until one day, they were rediscovered by the children or grand children of the builder and their true value was finally recognized. The moral of the story is that value is in the eye of the beholder and a recession can open eyes that were wide shut.
Speaking about handmade crafts, perhaps you have always wanted a ship model for your fireplace mantel. But the cost of a completed model can be pricey. What’s the option? Build your own! Cast Your Anchor is in the business of helping builders be successful at the hobby of model ship building. We are always happy to answer questions and give advice. And don’t forget that the cost per hour of this hobby is only $.04. Could have something to do with the time it takes to produce a work of art. The thing is, by the time you finish your model the recession will be well over – guaranteed. But how much fun did you have and what value have you created even if it is not recognized yet.
So try to stop feeling anxious, emotionally fragile, worried, fearful or nervous about the current economic crises. The glass has always been half full. It’s OK to take a sip every now and again, enjoy life and look forward to the times ahead and while you are at it, try to go back to the future. That’s where living really starts.
Modern Ship Fittings: Cast Your Anchor is pleased to present a new line of modern ship fittings. Imported from Europe, we have the largest selection of modern ship fittings in North America. Click on the link and see what’s new at Cast Your Anchor. http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/cat--Modern-Ship-Fittings--Modern+Ship+Fittings
Ship Model Kit Manufactures: Cast Your Anchor has added 5 new manufactures of model ship kits. Aeronaut, Billings, Bluejacket, Caldercraft and Model Slipway. These kits are European designed and manufactured. Check them out.
Web Site: Visit our new website at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs.
Are you feeling anxious, emotionally fragile, worried, fearful or nervous about the current economic crises? During these difficult economic times, returning to basics can be the golden lining. Recessions do create opportunities. For example there is a way of increasing your net worth even if your investments have gone south for their winter vacation. Net worth is defined as your assets minus your liabilities. So if you reduce your liabilities, your net worth increases. A pretty simple concept that works. Speaking about simple concepts, how about returning to simpler times. Instead of buying fast food, how about learning to cook from scratch. Other activities that are fun and don’t cost too much money are reading library books, drawing, painting, volunteer work, socializing with your neighbors and handmade crafts. Kind of sounds like Little House on the Prairie but how much fun can this be?
Now let’s talk about stuff. The word stuff is used to emphasize that you do not care about something, or do not want it or things that have no real value. During these times we can redefine what stuff is valuable to us and what stuff is not. The idea during a recession is not to add valueless stuff to your collection but to add value. Value is the importance or worth of something for someone. Notice that there is no mention of monetary value in this definition. As an example, we, at Cast Your Anchor have repaired many ship models that have been left to rot in basements or attics by their owners. These models were hand crafted by a loved one and their value went unnoticed for many years until one day, they were rediscovered by the children or grand children of the builder and their true value was finally recognized. The moral of the story is that value is in the eye of the beholder and a recession can open eyes that were wide shut.
Speaking about handmade crafts, perhaps you have always wanted a ship model for your fireplace mantel. But the cost of a completed model can be pricey. What’s the option? Build your own! Cast Your Anchor is in the business of helping builders be successful at the hobby of model ship building. We are always happy to answer questions and give advice. And don’t forget that the cost per hour of this hobby is only $.04. Could have something to do with the time it takes to produce a work of art. The thing is, by the time you finish your model the recession will be well over – guaranteed. But how much fun did you have and what value have you created even if it is not recognized yet.
So try to stop feeling anxious, emotionally fragile, worried, fearful or nervous about the current economic crises. The glass has always been half full. It’s OK to take a sip every now and again, enjoy life and look forward to the times ahead and while you are at it, try to go back to the future. That’s where living really starts.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January 2009 Newsletter
Welcome to RatLines!
Cast Your Anchor is on the move.
≠
Evolution: Cast Your Anchor will be moving to a new location effective February 15, 2009
Our new address will be: 4117 Lawrence Ave East
Unit 102
Toronto, Ontario M1E 2S2
This move represents our evolving business and will help us better serve you, our valued clients. Hobby stores of the future will be taking on a new format. Cast Your Anchor is on the leading edge of this shift.
Take a few minutes and come and visit our showroom. We are located on the southwest corner close to Lawrence and Kingston Road.
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs.
ADHESIVES AND FINISHES FOR SHIP MODEL BUILDING
Adhesives
Our sticky arsenal of model glue includes glues or adhesives for every need. There are two types of glue that we recommend for wood to wood bonding. Wood glue from either Titebond or Elmers (our preference is Titebond because it is a bit thicker and therefore easier to work with than Elmers) and contact cement from LePages.
The advantage of wood glue is that it is water based and thus forms a true bond within the cellular structure of the wood. Also because it is water based, you can easily un-adhere two pieces by applying water. The disadvantage is that it is slow drying so you need to use clamps unless you have a lot of time on your hands. With contact cement, there is a bit of an art to using it. You do have to know how to work with this glue because once the pieces are bonded together, that’s it – they’re stuck for life.
For unlike materials such as metal to wood, cyanoacrylate (CA or super glue) or epoxy is recommended. CA glue comes in three versions ranging from instant adhesion to adhesion in about one minute. The longer setting glue is also known as gap filling glue. There are products that accelerate bonding or de-bonding making this glue fairly easy to use. The disadvantage with CA glue is that there is no true bonding that occurs between the materials. There is also a potential health issue due to the solvents if you use this glue in quantity over a prolonged period of time.
There is a third adhesive we use called hypo cement. We use this glue for binding of knots when rigging the model. It’s fairly slow drying but the advantage is that there is no shiny residue when it dries so you can’t see it on your work. It’s also a soft glue that doesn’t dry stiff. This leaves a natural looking finish to your rigging.
Finishes
Finishes of ship models range from the natural wood look, stained or painted. This is all a matter of either personal choice or historical accuracy.
If you want the natural wood look, we recommend a spar semi gloss transparent urethane finish from Helmsman. Diluted 30% for the first two coats then full strength for the third coat, this finish will bring out the natural grain of the wood you are using.
Some builders prefer staining some or all of the wood. Staining can give a rich old world look to your model.
Some modelers prefer enamel paints, others prefer acrylic paints and both types of paint have strong supporters. Which type of paint you use is a matter of personal choice. Enamel paints generally provide a tougher finish and a higher gloss, while acrylic paints dry much faster and are often water-soluble, which makes them easier to clean up. All model paints, regardless of type, must be thinned for airbrushing. If you want to experiment, try using oil based paints especially if you are building a model of antiquity like a Viking ship. This paint will give a well aged look to your work. Cast Your Anchor has a wide range of model paints in the paint colors that you are looking for. We also have a great line of paint brushes and other paint accessories.
Finally, plating of metal parts can add a realistic patina to your work. There are plating solutions available to blacken bright metals like brass, or a solution to apply over copper to give it that greenish patina. There is even a product available to give wood an aged look without staining or painting.
Some builders prefer the natural look and others the stained look. The choice is yours but remember we’re here to offer advice and all the finishing materials you need!
Cast Your Anchor is on the move.
≠
Evolution: Cast Your Anchor will be moving to a new location effective February 15, 2009
Our new address will be: 4117 Lawrence Ave East
Unit 102
Toronto, Ontario M1E 2S2
This move represents our evolving business and will help us better serve you, our valued clients. Hobby stores of the future will be taking on a new format. Cast Your Anchor is on the leading edge of this shift.
Take a few minutes and come and visit our showroom. We are located on the southwest corner close to Lawrence and Kingston Road.
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs.
ADHESIVES AND FINISHES FOR SHIP MODEL BUILDING
Adhesives
Our sticky arsenal of model glue includes glues or adhesives for every need. There are two types of glue that we recommend for wood to wood bonding. Wood glue from either Titebond or Elmers (our preference is Titebond because it is a bit thicker and therefore easier to work with than Elmers) and contact cement from LePages.
The advantage of wood glue is that it is water based and thus forms a true bond within the cellular structure of the wood. Also because it is water based, you can easily un-adhere two pieces by applying water. The disadvantage is that it is slow drying so you need to use clamps unless you have a lot of time on your hands. With contact cement, there is a bit of an art to using it. You do have to know how to work with this glue because once the pieces are bonded together, that’s it – they’re stuck for life.
For unlike materials such as metal to wood, cyanoacrylate (CA or super glue) or epoxy is recommended. CA glue comes in three versions ranging from instant adhesion to adhesion in about one minute. The longer setting glue is also known as gap filling glue. There are products that accelerate bonding or de-bonding making this glue fairly easy to use. The disadvantage with CA glue is that there is no true bonding that occurs between the materials. There is also a potential health issue due to the solvents if you use this glue in quantity over a prolonged period of time.
There is a third adhesive we use called hypo cement. We use this glue for binding of knots when rigging the model. It’s fairly slow drying but the advantage is that there is no shiny residue when it dries so you can’t see it on your work. It’s also a soft glue that doesn’t dry stiff. This leaves a natural looking finish to your rigging.
Finishes
Finishes of ship models range from the natural wood look, stained or painted. This is all a matter of either personal choice or historical accuracy.
If you want the natural wood look, we recommend a spar semi gloss transparent urethane finish from Helmsman. Diluted 30% for the first two coats then full strength for the third coat, this finish will bring out the natural grain of the wood you are using.
Some builders prefer staining some or all of the wood. Staining can give a rich old world look to your model.
Some modelers prefer enamel paints, others prefer acrylic paints and both types of paint have strong supporters. Which type of paint you use is a matter of personal choice. Enamel paints generally provide a tougher finish and a higher gloss, while acrylic paints dry much faster and are often water-soluble, which makes them easier to clean up. All model paints, regardless of type, must be thinned for airbrushing. If you want to experiment, try using oil based paints especially if you are building a model of antiquity like a Viking ship. This paint will give a well aged look to your work. Cast Your Anchor has a wide range of model paints in the paint colors that you are looking for. We also have a great line of paint brushes and other paint accessories.
Finally, plating of metal parts can add a realistic patina to your work. There are plating solutions available to blacken bright metals like brass, or a solution to apply over copper to give it that greenish patina. There is even a product available to give wood an aged look without staining or painting.
Some builders prefer the natural look and others the stained look. The choice is yours but remember we’re here to offer advice and all the finishing materials you need!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
December 08 Newsletter
Welcome to RatLines!
Cast Your Anchor wishes all of our friends the best this Holiday Season
We have thoroughly enjoyed speaking with all of our friends over the past year here at Cast Your Anchor and that you are enjoying the art of model ship building. If you find some time this holiday season try to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and take in the Thompson Collection of Model Ships. A trip well worth it.
≠
Evolution: Cast Your Anchor will be announcing some exciting new changes to our business in the New Year. Stay tuned!
Santa Specials: Just in time for Christmas: We would like to tell you about all of the specials that we have in our store but they’re too numerous to mention. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sound of Cast your Anchor. We look forward to seeing you.
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Ship Model Books
Although there are a number of ship model books available in the market place if you can find them, there are a few that are the most helpful with this hobby. Cast Your Anchor is a new and innovative hobby store located in Toronto Ontario Canada. It is Canada’s only hobby store specializing in the art of ship model building. We have summarized three of the best books that we recommend to our clients.
The Ship Model Builders Assistant by Charles G. Davis is one of the best general books on this hobby. This was the first of three books written by Charles Davis. “ Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of the American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail. It also represents a treasury of important information for the naval and social historians, sailing enthusiast and students of Americana. Enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawings of ships’ components, this volume gives the model builder a deep understanding of the workings of a fully rigged and appointed sailing ship.”
Ship Modeling Simplified by Frank Mastini is a wonderfully detailed book on ship model construction. This book is based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose but the information and described techniques of model building easily carry over to any ship model you are considering to build. “ Here is the advise you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. This book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools, painting, decorating and displaying your finished model. There are very clear pictures and illustrations of everything from planking to rigging.
The Art of Rigging by George Biddlecombe. “This book was originally compiled for the use of students in a Naval Academy and it is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship. At the present time there is a constant demand from builders of ship models for a good handbook on rigging – comprehensive as to details and yet simple to understand. “
In addition to these types of books on ship model construction, you can also find books with specific information concerning the model you are building. As an example, Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners, Measured Drawing by L. B. Jenson offers details of the schooner Bluenose that can help you add more realism to you model. In addition to this book, there is a DVD call Take the Helm that gives an excellent visual interpretation of building this model. The point is that every kit has some detail of the original vessel. You can add detail to make you model very unique and once you are finished your model, you can rightly call yourself a scratch builder.
Reference library: Cast your Anchor is building a reference library that is for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as time goes on. In addition to the modeling books we carry in the store, our library includes reference materials related to specific ship models.
www.castyouranchorhobby.com
.
January Issue of Ratlines: Adhesives
Cast Your Anchor wishes all of our friends the best this Holiday Season
We have thoroughly enjoyed speaking with all of our friends over the past year here at Cast Your Anchor and that you are enjoying the art of model ship building. If you find some time this holiday season try to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario and take in the Thompson Collection of Model Ships. A trip well worth it.
≠
Evolution: Cast Your Anchor will be announcing some exciting new changes to our business in the New Year. Stay tuned!
Santa Specials: Just in time for Christmas: We would like to tell you about all of the specials that we have in our store but they’re too numerous to mention. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sound of Cast your Anchor. We look forward to seeing you.
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Ship Model Books
Although there are a number of ship model books available in the market place if you can find them, there are a few that are the most helpful with this hobby. Cast Your Anchor is a new and innovative hobby store located in Toronto Ontario Canada. It is Canada’s only hobby store specializing in the art of ship model building. We have summarized three of the best books that we recommend to our clients.
The Ship Model Builders Assistant by Charles G. Davis is one of the best general books on this hobby. This was the first of three books written by Charles Davis. “ Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of the American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail. It also represents a treasury of important information for the naval and social historians, sailing enthusiast and students of Americana. Enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawings of ships’ components, this volume gives the model builder a deep understanding of the workings of a fully rigged and appointed sailing ship.”
Ship Modeling Simplified by Frank Mastini is a wonderfully detailed book on ship model construction. This book is based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose but the information and described techniques of model building easily carry over to any ship model you are considering to build. “ Here is the advise you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. This book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools, painting, decorating and displaying your finished model. There are very clear pictures and illustrations of everything from planking to rigging.
The Art of Rigging by George Biddlecombe. “This book was originally compiled for the use of students in a Naval Academy and it is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship. At the present time there is a constant demand from builders of ship models for a good handbook on rigging – comprehensive as to details and yet simple to understand. “
In addition to these types of books on ship model construction, you can also find books with specific information concerning the model you are building. As an example, Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners, Measured Drawing by L. B. Jenson offers details of the schooner Bluenose that can help you add more realism to you model. In addition to this book, there is a DVD call Take the Helm that gives an excellent visual interpretation of building this model. The point is that every kit has some detail of the original vessel. You can add detail to make you model very unique and once you are finished your model, you can rightly call yourself a scratch builder.
Reference library: Cast your Anchor is building a reference library that is for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as time goes on. In addition to the modeling books we carry in the store, our library includes reference materials related to specific ship models.
www.castyouranchorhobby.com
.
January Issue of Ratlines: Adhesives
Saturday, November 01, 2008
November Newsletter
Welcome to RatLines!
What??? No Hobby Show!
Cast Your Anchor feels very sad not seeing all of friends and customers at the Toronto Hobby Show. We are so sad, that we want to entice you to come into the store for a visit or at least give us a phone call. Here’s the deal. Until November 15th for every $100 you spend we’ll give you $10 back. Unbelievable you say! Well you are one of our few inner circle members that will receive this email. Just let us know that you saw our offer and we’ll make it happen Scotty.
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Santa Clause Parade on Sunday November 9th. Come on out and have fun!
Speaking About Santa: Cast Your Anchor is has been gearing up for the big event. Let’s face it, there’s going to be snow here soon. What better way to hibernate inside this winter by building your dream ship. Cast Your Anchor is well stocked right now. We look forward to seeing you.
The Story of Cast Your Anchor – Part II
In the midst of my model ship anxiety a family move returned us to Toronto. A search for a retirement plan (something positive to do, involving other like-minded people) and an investment opportunity led to the seeds of an idea. I would create the hobby store that I had so desperately needed – a place where modellers could meet, trade ideas, swap tips and techniques while working on their model ships.
The Ontario Science Centre’s Model Shop is closed now and one of the last artisans has retired to Lunenburg – home of the well-known Canadian Schooner - Bluenose II. But it became another dream of mine to re-create that atmosphere and thus Cast Your Anchor set sail in Toronto in November 2003!
Our very first foray into the nautical hobby world took place at The Hobby Show, held at the International Centre in Toronto’s west end. My family joined me in fulfilling this dream, choosing our company colours, making signs, packing and unpacking boxes, even setting up table displays.
Our first sale was a package of pipettes and we wondered if we had anything else hobbyists would be interested in. We had little to worry about! Before the first day was over we had sold a number of kits, tools, and fittings and were hearing “so glad to see you – someone needed to do this”, “hi, my name is Jack and I build models, can I come and see your store?”, “where are you located, what are your hours”, “I’ve been wanting to build a ship but didn’t know where to go for help”.
So anxious to set sail at Cast Your Anchor that we moved into an incomplete building, our first few months were filled with wallboard dust and no running water. But we made it work. A business focused on, and dedicated to, creating a positive modelling experience for any model ship builder. We gained experience, tapped into a network of dedicated modellers who shared their tips and techniques and we accumulated a wealth of knowledge that we want to share. Becoming experts in the hobby has been an arduous journey but like those who sailed the originals of our models we are adventurers, open to challenge, and dedicated to assisting our customers in completing their ship of dreams.
December Issue of Ratlines: Ship Model Books
What??? No Hobby Show!
Cast Your Anchor feels very sad not seeing all of friends and customers at the Toronto Hobby Show. We are so sad, that we want to entice you to come into the store for a visit or at least give us a phone call. Here’s the deal. Until November 15th for every $100 you spend we’ll give you $10 back. Unbelievable you say! Well you are one of our few inner circle members that will receive this email. Just let us know that you saw our offer and we’ll make it happen Scotty.
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Santa Clause Parade on Sunday November 9th. Come on out and have fun!
Speaking About Santa: Cast Your Anchor is has been gearing up for the big event. Let’s face it, there’s going to be snow here soon. What better way to hibernate inside this winter by building your dream ship. Cast Your Anchor is well stocked right now. We look forward to seeing you.
The Story of Cast Your Anchor – Part II
In the midst of my model ship anxiety a family move returned us to Toronto. A search for a retirement plan (something positive to do, involving other like-minded people) and an investment opportunity led to the seeds of an idea. I would create the hobby store that I had so desperately needed – a place where modellers could meet, trade ideas, swap tips and techniques while working on their model ships.
The Ontario Science Centre’s Model Shop is closed now and one of the last artisans has retired to Lunenburg – home of the well-known Canadian Schooner - Bluenose II. But it became another dream of mine to re-create that atmosphere and thus Cast Your Anchor set sail in Toronto in November 2003!
Our very first foray into the nautical hobby world took place at The Hobby Show, held at the International Centre in Toronto’s west end. My family joined me in fulfilling this dream, choosing our company colours, making signs, packing and unpacking boxes, even setting up table displays.
Our first sale was a package of pipettes and we wondered if we had anything else hobbyists would be interested in. We had little to worry about! Before the first day was over we had sold a number of kits, tools, and fittings and were hearing “so glad to see you – someone needed to do this”, “hi, my name is Jack and I build models, can I come and see your store?”, “where are you located, what are your hours”, “I’ve been wanting to build a ship but didn’t know where to go for help”.
So anxious to set sail at Cast Your Anchor that we moved into an incomplete building, our first few months were filled with wallboard dust and no running water. But we made it work. A business focused on, and dedicated to, creating a positive modelling experience for any model ship builder. We gained experience, tapped into a network of dedicated modellers who shared their tips and techniques and we accumulated a wealth of knowledge that we want to share. Becoming experts in the hobby has been an arduous journey but like those who sailed the originals of our models we are adventurers, open to challenge, and dedicated to assisting our customers in completing their ship of dreams.
December Issue of Ratlines: Ship Model Books
Saturday, October 11, 2008
October 2008 Newsletter
Welcome to RatLines!
Carrying on with our theme of the Bluenose, Cast Your Anchor has created the Canadian Heritage Collection. These are some of the kits available of famous Canadian ships or boats. We have packaged these kits so that you can get started in our hobby right away.
Bluenose II Kit with DVD and Tools ONLY: $249.95
Peterboro Canoe Kit with Tools ONLY: $ 99.95
HMCS Snowberry Kit with Tools and Paint ONLY: $179.95
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival on Saturday October 18th. Come on out and have fun!
REFERENCE LIBRARY: Cast Your Anchor is building a reference library for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as resources permit. In addition to modeling books available for purchase, our library includes all manner of materials related to specific models.
The Story of Cast Your Anchor
Twenty days after my 16th birthday, a new and exciting building opened in Toronto, The Ontario Science Centre. It was advertised as “not your usual” museum and this caught the attention of my father. Shortly afterwards, my family made the first of our many visits. It was different! Not only were many of the displays interactive, the Science Centre presented objects and displays that were of interest to a young man like me.
Always fascinated by stories of battles, especially those on the high seas involving pirates, soldiers, cannons, and swords, you can imagine my excitement at discovering the Model Shop on our first trip. There behind a glass wall was a modeller fashioning bits and pieces out of wood and wire that were to become the barrels, cannons, and rigging of a model ship. Set to one side was a half completed model. Three masted, cannons, crows nests, and rope ladders for the sailors to climb; a tiny compass even adorned the steering wheel housing. I spent many fascinated hours watching the craftsman at his work. I thought to myself some day I’ll build my own model ship…
In the nineties, while living in Alberta, I remembered the promise to myself and set about locating the first of my own models. I was able to purchase a solid hull kit without any trouble, I could read the instructions and I cobbled together the required tools; with many thanks to my wife’s make-up kit (tweezers, nail scissors) and her well-stocked kitchen (wooden cutting board, tape, and kitchen skewers). That’s when my problems began! I had dozens of wooden strips, boxes of tiny fittings, spools of thread, and some sail cloth but how was I to assemble this box of bits into the ship of my dreams?
I had parts and more parts and the more parts I made the more questions I had. There were no internet modellers’ forums yet, online webstores didn’t exist and I couldn’t find a local modellers’ club. I picked up a few books at my local library, consulted some woodworkers, and put together my ship. It was no ship of dreams but it was mine, I learned a lot from the mistakes I made and I challenged myself to attempt a second more difficult model, a plank-on-frame Constructo kit of a Constitution. Plank-on-frame modelling led to more questions than answers and I was getting frustrated with the lack of useful information – if only there was a dedicated expert available to offer tips and techniques, my ship of dreams would be finished and ready to display…
November’s RatLines Newsletter – Our first few months at Cast Your Anchor
Carrying on with our theme of the Bluenose, Cast Your Anchor has created the Canadian Heritage Collection. These are some of the kits available of famous Canadian ships or boats. We have packaged these kits so that you can get started in our hobby right away.
Bluenose II Kit with DVD and Tools ONLY: $249.95
Peterboro Canoe Kit with Tools ONLY: $ 99.95
HMCS Snowberry Kit with Tools and Paint ONLY: $179.95
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. What comes after the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival on Saturday October 18th. Come on out and have fun!
REFERENCE LIBRARY: Cast Your Anchor is building a reference library for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as resources permit. In addition to modeling books available for purchase, our library includes all manner of materials related to specific models.
The Story of Cast Your Anchor
Twenty days after my 16th birthday, a new and exciting building opened in Toronto, The Ontario Science Centre. It was advertised as “not your usual” museum and this caught the attention of my father. Shortly afterwards, my family made the first of our many visits. It was different! Not only were many of the displays interactive, the Science Centre presented objects and displays that were of interest to a young man like me.
Always fascinated by stories of battles, especially those on the high seas involving pirates, soldiers, cannons, and swords, you can imagine my excitement at discovering the Model Shop on our first trip. There behind a glass wall was a modeller fashioning bits and pieces out of wood and wire that were to become the barrels, cannons, and rigging of a model ship. Set to one side was a half completed model. Three masted, cannons, crows nests, and rope ladders for the sailors to climb; a tiny compass even adorned the steering wheel housing. I spent many fascinated hours watching the craftsman at his work. I thought to myself some day I’ll build my own model ship…
In the nineties, while living in Alberta, I remembered the promise to myself and set about locating the first of my own models. I was able to purchase a solid hull kit without any trouble, I could read the instructions and I cobbled together the required tools; with many thanks to my wife’s make-up kit (tweezers, nail scissors) and her well-stocked kitchen (wooden cutting board, tape, and kitchen skewers). That’s when my problems began! I had dozens of wooden strips, boxes of tiny fittings, spools of thread, and some sail cloth but how was I to assemble this box of bits into the ship of my dreams?
I had parts and more parts and the more parts I made the more questions I had. There were no internet modellers’ forums yet, online webstores didn’t exist and I couldn’t find a local modellers’ club. I picked up a few books at my local library, consulted some woodworkers, and put together my ship. It was no ship of dreams but it was mine, I learned a lot from the mistakes I made and I challenged myself to attempt a second more difficult model, a plank-on-frame Constructo kit of a Constitution. Plank-on-frame modelling led to more questions than answers and I was getting frustrated with the lack of useful information – if only there was a dedicated expert available to offer tips and techniques, my ship of dreams would be finished and ready to display…
November’s RatLines Newsletter – Our first few months at Cast Your Anchor
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ratlines September 2008
Welcome to RatLines!
With this edition of the Cast Your Anchor newsletter, we bring you a new name. We have always strived to keep ship model builders up-to-date and starting this month we’ll provide you with even more great information, in-store and website specials, and new insider tips.
fall special… A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE HOBBY!
Bluenose II Kit with DVD and Tools ONLY: $249.95
We are offering this highly detailed kit with a fantastic “How-To” DVD and ALL the TOOLS to get you started.
A Planked Hull and Deck static model the kit includes
• Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions • All Die-Cut Parts
The Tool Package includes a miter box & saw set, hobby knife, square, sandpaper and wood glue.
SPECIFICATIONS: Scale: 1:75, Length: 710mm, Height: 590mm, Beam: 110mm
NUMBER OF KITS AVAILABLE: 36
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. Can you hear the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade. More details in October’s issue.
REFERENCE LIBRARY: Cast Your Anchor is building a reference library for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as resources permit. In addition to modeling books available for purchase, our library includes all manner of materials related to specific models.
September’s MODELING TIPS
This month’s MODELING TIP FOCUS: Ship Modeling Books
Although there are many ship model books available they can sometimes be difficult to find and often hard to know which would be the most useful investment. Cast Your Anchor is an innovative hobby store located in Toronto, Canada. We specialize in the Art of Ship Model Building. Here are our Recommendations for Ship Modeling Books
The Ship Model Builder’s Assistant. Charles G. Davis
One of the best general information books on the hobby. The first of three books written by Davis and originally published in 1926, it is an enduring classic for ship model builders of all levels. “Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail…enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawing of ships’ components”.
Ship Modeling Simplified. Frank Mastini
“Here is the advice you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. A wonderfully detailed volume on ship model construction this book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools. Based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose the information and described techniques easily carry over to any ship model you are consider ing.
The Art of Rigging. Captain George Biddlecombe
Another classic in the Art of Ship Model Building. Originally published in 1848 by Captain Biddlecombe (Master in the Royal Navy), this Dover edition has been extensively revised and updated. It includes valuable information on Rigging Terms, Directions for Rigging Operations, Progressive Methods of Ship Rigging, Reeving the Running Rigging & Bending the Sails, plus Tables of Quantities & Dimensions of Standing & Running Rigging. “…It is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship”.
OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS: Cast Your Anchor has the ability to obtain out-of-print and hard-to-find books. Tell us what you’re looking for at: www.castyouranchorhobby.com
COMING NEXT MONTH: The tale of Cast Your Anchor…
With this edition of the Cast Your Anchor newsletter, we bring you a new name. We have always strived to keep ship model builders up-to-date and starting this month we’ll provide you with even more great information, in-store and website specials, and new insider tips.
fall special… A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE HOBBY!
Bluenose II Kit with DVD and Tools ONLY: $249.95
We are offering this highly detailed kit with a fantastic “How-To” DVD and ALL the TOOLS to get you started.
A Planked Hull and Deck static model the kit includes
• Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions • All Die-Cut Parts
The Tool Package includes a miter box & saw set, hobby knife, square, sandpaper and wood glue.
SPECIFICATIONS: Scale: 1:75, Length: 710mm, Height: 590mm, Beam: 110mm
NUMBER OF KITS AVAILABLE: 36
≠
Web Site: Visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We offer information directed solely for model ship builders. You’ll find useful tips, a wide variety of kits, tools & parts for all your shipbuilding needs. We even have a Scratch Builder’s section. Can you hear the foghorn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade. More details in October’s issue.
REFERENCE LIBRARY: Cast Your Anchor is building a reference library for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as resources permit. In addition to modeling books available for purchase, our library includes all manner of materials related to specific models.
September’s MODELING TIPS
This month’s MODELING TIP FOCUS: Ship Modeling Books
Although there are many ship model books available they can sometimes be difficult to find and often hard to know which would be the most useful investment. Cast Your Anchor is an innovative hobby store located in Toronto, Canada. We specialize in the Art of Ship Model Building. Here are our Recommendations for Ship Modeling Books
The Ship Model Builder’s Assistant. Charles G. Davis
One of the best general information books on the hobby. The first of three books written by Davis and originally published in 1926, it is an enduring classic for ship model builders of all levels. “Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail…enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawing of ships’ components”.
Ship Modeling Simplified. Frank Mastini
“Here is the advice you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. A wonderfully detailed volume on ship model construction this book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools. Based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose the information and described techniques easily carry over to any ship model you are consider ing.
The Art of Rigging. Captain George Biddlecombe
Another classic in the Art of Ship Model Building. Originally published in 1848 by Captain Biddlecombe (Master in the Royal Navy), this Dover edition has been extensively revised and updated. It includes valuable information on Rigging Terms, Directions for Rigging Operations, Progressive Methods of Ship Rigging, Reeving the Running Rigging & Bending the Sails, plus Tables of Quantities & Dimensions of Standing & Running Rigging. “…It is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship”.
OUT-OF-PRINT BOOKS: Cast Your Anchor has the ability to obtain out-of-print and hard-to-find books. Tell us what you’re looking for at: www.castyouranchorhobby.com
COMING NEXT MONTH: The tale of Cast Your Anchor…
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ship Model Books
Ship Model Books
Although there are a number of ship model books available in the market place if you can find them, there are a few that are the most helpful with this hobby. Cast Your Anchor is a new and innovative hobby store located in Toronto Ontario Canada. It is Canada’s only hobby store specializing in the art of ship model building. We have summarized three of the best books that we recommend to our clients.
The Ship Model Builders Assistant by Charles G. Davis is one of the best general books on this hobby. This was the first of three books written by Charles Davis. “ Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of the American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail. It also represents a treasury of important information for the naval and social historians, sailing enthusiast and students of Americana. Enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawings of ships’ components, this volume gives the model builder a deep understanding of the workings of a fully rigged and appointed sailing ship.”
Ship Modeling Simplified by Frank Mastini is a wonderfully detailed book on ship model construction. This book is based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose but the information and described techniques of model building easily carry over to any ship model you are considering to build. “ Here is the advise you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. This book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools, painting, decorating and displaying your finished model. There are very clear pictures and illustrations of everything from planking to rigging.
The Art of Rigging by George Biddlecombe. “This book was originally compiled for the use of students in a Naval Academy and it is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship. At the present time there is a constant demand from builders of ship models for a good handbook on rigging – comprehensive as to details and yet simple to understand. “
In addition to these types of books on ship model construction, you can also find books with specific information concerning the model you are building. As an example, Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners, Measured Drawing by L. B. Jenson offers details of the schooner Bluenose that can help you add more realism to you model. In addition to this book, there is a DVD call Take the Helm that gives an excellent visual interpretation of building this model. The point is that every kit has some detail of the original vessel. You can add detail to make you model very unique and once you are finished your model, you can rightly call yourself a scratch builder.
Reference library: Cast your Anchor is building a reference library that is for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as time goes on. In addition to the modeling books we carry in the store, our library includes reference materials related to specific ship models.
Cast Your Anchor has the ability to obtain out of print or hard to get books.
Today’s hobby stores must be technically competent, killer customer service oriented and willing to listen intently to their customers. Check out Cast Your Anchor.
Although there are a number of ship model books available in the market place if you can find them, there are a few that are the most helpful with this hobby. Cast Your Anchor is a new and innovative hobby store located in Toronto Ontario Canada. It is Canada’s only hobby store specializing in the art of ship model building. We have summarized three of the best books that we recommend to our clients.
The Ship Model Builders Assistant by Charles G. Davis is one of the best general books on this hobby. This was the first of three books written by Charles Davis. “ Indispensable for the serious model builder, this book offers hobbyists a true understanding of the masting, rigging, and most important fittings of the American clipper ships and packet ships of the Great Age of Sail. It also represents a treasury of important information for the naval and social historians, sailing enthusiast and students of Americana. Enhanced with over 270 clear, detailed drawings of ships’ components, this volume gives the model builder a deep understanding of the workings of a fully rigged and appointed sailing ship.”
Ship Modeling Simplified by Frank Mastini is a wonderfully detailed book on ship model construction. This book is based on the great Canadian schooner Bluenose but the information and described techniques of model building easily carry over to any ship model you are considering to build. “ Here is the advise you need for a trouble free start in an exciting hobby”. This book addresses choosing the right kit for your abilities, how to decipher complicated plans, setting up an efficient workbench and buying the right tools, painting, decorating and displaying your finished model. There are very clear pictures and illustrations of everything from planking to rigging.
The Art of Rigging by George Biddlecombe. “This book was originally compiled for the use of students in a Naval Academy and it is believed by modern experts to be the best manual ever produced on rigging the sailing ship. At the present time there is a constant demand from builders of ship models for a good handbook on rigging – comprehensive as to details and yet simple to understand. “
In addition to these types of books on ship model construction, you can also find books with specific information concerning the model you are building. As an example, Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners, Measured Drawing by L. B. Jenson offers details of the schooner Bluenose that can help you add more realism to you model. In addition to this book, there is a DVD call Take the Helm that gives an excellent visual interpretation of building this model. The point is that every kit has some detail of the original vessel. You can add detail to make you model very unique and once you are finished your model, you can rightly call yourself a scratch builder.
Reference library: Cast your Anchor is building a reference library that is for the use of our customers. It is professionally catalogued and will be expanded as time goes on. In addition to the modeling books we carry in the store, our library includes reference materials related to specific ship models.
Cast Your Anchor has the ability to obtain out of print or hard to get books.
Today’s hobby stores must be technically competent, killer customer service oriented and willing to listen intently to their customers. Check out Cast Your Anchor.
Friday, August 08, 2008
August 2008 Newsletter
August 2008 Newsletter
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Distress Centre Month: Cast Your Anchor is pleased to promote the Toronto Distress Centers during the month of August. If you need to talk to someone they are there to listen Call 416-408-4357. If you would like to spend some rewarding time on the phones also contact them for volunteer opportunities.
Enough of the Rain Event: OK …. at least we don’t have to shovel it….yet!
Come on in to the store and receive a free gift on your purchase of any static kit over $200.00. Cast Your Anchor is happy to at least keep your head dry.
Teachers Specials: Cast Your Anchor has a line of products that can be used by teachers to talk about naval history using hands on models. Enquire at Cast Your Anchor.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders. Can you hear that fog horn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade. More details to follow
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Distress Centre Month: Cast Your Anchor is pleased to promote the Toronto Distress Centers during the month of August. If you need to talk to someone they are there to listen Call 416-408-4357. If you would like to spend some rewarding time on the phones also contact them for volunteer opportunities.
Enough of the Rain Event: OK …. at least we don’t have to shovel it….yet!
Come on in to the store and receive a free gift on your purchase of any static kit over $200.00. Cast Your Anchor is happy to at least keep your head dry.
Teachers Specials: Cast Your Anchor has a line of products that can be used by teachers to talk about naval history using hands on models. Enquire at Cast Your Anchor.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders. Can you hear that fog horn?
Fall Events: Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Village Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade. More details to follow
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
July Newsletter
July 2008 Newsletter
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
July Promotion: Come on in to Cast Your Anchor and receive a free Captain’s Cap ($9.95 value) with every purchase of a kit over $200.00. Let everyone know who is the real Captain. You can even buy a Crew hat to drive home the point!
Door Crasher Deals: While your are here check out our specials on the Radio Control Titanic – regular price $1634.70 on sale now for $1299.95 including a FutabA 2 channel radio. Back by popular demand from Artesania Latina, the Cutty Sark – regular price $799.95 on sale now for $699.95.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders. Can you hear that fog horn?
All Experts: Cast Your Anchor is happy to announce that it has become accepted by All Experts, a web based portal , as their expert on ship model building. Can’t wait for those hard questions to role in.
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
July Promotion: Come on in to Cast Your Anchor and receive a free Captain’s Cap ($9.95 value) with every purchase of a kit over $200.00. Let everyone know who is the real Captain. You can even buy a Crew hat to drive home the point!
Door Crasher Deals: While your are here check out our specials on the Radio Control Titanic – regular price $1634.70 on sale now for $1299.95 including a FutabA 2 channel radio. Back by popular demand from Artesania Latina, the Cutty Sark – regular price $799.95 on sale now for $699.95.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders. Can you hear that fog horn?
All Experts: Cast Your Anchor is happy to announce that it has become accepted by All Experts, a web based portal , as their expert on ship model building. Can’t wait for those hard questions to role in.
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
So you want to be a Model Ship Builder
First you want good instructions. Most intermediate and all expert level kits assume you already know many of the techniques needed to complete a kit. Added to this there are certain European manufacturers such as Mamoli that use terms that we in North America are not accustomed to. Try to avoid obscure ships. The more famous the boat like the Bluenose, the more information available that will help you with the construction.For the model itself, choose something with an easy hull to build like a schooner. Bending the initial layer of wood can be difficult. Also look for a reasonable amount of rigging on the ship including rat lines. Too much rigging can be overwhelming but you do want to practice.Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly. Many of the parts listed on the parts sheets inside the model ship kit have to be fabricated by you the builder.
As far as tools are concerned, keep it simple. Basic tools are square, miter box and saw set, hobby knife, sandpaper, and glue. Look around your house for scissors, tweezers, clothes pins for clamps etc.
Our recommendation for beginners is the schooner Bluenose by Artesania Latina. Our kit comes with a DVD on how to build wooden model ships. This is an excellent place to start. Challenging but not frustrating. The staff of Cast Your Anchor is always happy to help you get started and motivate you to finish. Check us out at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/ or our nautical gift shop at http://www.castyouranchor.ca/
As far as tools are concerned, keep it simple. Basic tools are square, miter box and saw set, hobby knife, sandpaper, and glue. Look around your house for scissors, tweezers, clothes pins for clamps etc.
Our recommendation for beginners is the schooner Bluenose by Artesania Latina. Our kit comes with a DVD on how to build wooden model ships. This is an excellent place to start. Challenging but not frustrating. The staff of Cast Your Anchor is always happy to help you get started and motivate you to finish. Check us out at http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/ or our nautical gift shop at http://www.castyouranchor.ca/
Monday, June 16, 2008
Model Boat Kits for Children
Childrens Model Boat Kits
Cast Your Anchor has selected a few children’s model boat kits that are fun and rewarding to build. We suggest starting with rowboats, sailboats or canoes that are built using the bread and butter technique. A second option is to choose wooden ship models that snap together. Both of these ship model kits are ideal for the younger set and a great activity for larger groups at an event like a Birthday Party.
After mastering either of the above techniques, we suggest going to simple solid hull boats like the Titanic or Pirate ship or even a boat in a bottle kit. After this stage you are ready to move to the tall ships that require a bit more modeling skill. Our particular ship model kits come complete with glue, sandpaper and paint. If you’re a teen looking for a bit more of a challenge try one of Cast Your Anchor’s novice solid hull kits.
We also offer packages like the Bluenose wooden ship model kit that include all of the tools the young model builder will need. These kits can also be considered an interactive children’s toy or toy model.
Let us introduce your child to the joys of model ship building! Cast Your Anchor is pleased to offer free workshops for up to 15 children at once in order to build any of our children’s model ship kits. Please contact the store for details.
About Cast Your Anchor
Cast Your Anchor is a one-of-a-kind hobby facility focused on ship modeling. In addition to carrying the largest inventory of ship model kits, ship modeling tools and ship model fittings in North America. We have experienced technicians to help answer any questions related to static or radio control model building.
For further information:
Wray Hodgson
Cast Your Anchor Inc.
416-686-8529
990 Kingston Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ship Model Hobby http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com
Nautical Gifts http://www.castyouranchor.ca
Cast Your Anchor has selected a few children’s model boat kits that are fun and rewarding to build. We suggest starting with rowboats, sailboats or canoes that are built using the bread and butter technique. A second option is to choose wooden ship models that snap together. Both of these ship model kits are ideal for the younger set and a great activity for larger groups at an event like a Birthday Party.
After mastering either of the above techniques, we suggest going to simple solid hull boats like the Titanic or Pirate ship or even a boat in a bottle kit. After this stage you are ready to move to the tall ships that require a bit more modeling skill. Our particular ship model kits come complete with glue, sandpaper and paint. If you’re a teen looking for a bit more of a challenge try one of Cast Your Anchor’s novice solid hull kits.
We also offer packages like the Bluenose wooden ship model kit that include all of the tools the young model builder will need. These kits can also be considered an interactive children’s toy or toy model.
Let us introduce your child to the joys of model ship building! Cast Your Anchor is pleased to offer free workshops for up to 15 children at once in order to build any of our children’s model ship kits. Please contact the store for details.
About Cast Your Anchor
Cast Your Anchor is a one-of-a-kind hobby facility focused on ship modeling. In addition to carrying the largest inventory of ship model kits, ship modeling tools and ship model fittings in North America. We have experienced technicians to help answer any questions related to static or radio control model building.
For further information:
Wray Hodgson
Cast Your Anchor Inc.
416-686-8529
990 Kingston Road
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Ship Model Hobby http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com
Nautical Gifts http://www.castyouranchor.ca
Monday, June 09, 2008
Bluenose
Bluenose
Cast Your Anchor is the Bluenose II ship model specialist! We offer a number of different scales of the Bluenose I and II wooden ship model kits and even a plastic ship model kit. We carry Bluenose modeling books, drawings, posters, hats, and actual Bluenose II hull pieces and spikes.
The staff of Cast Your Anchor and the students in our workshops have built many of the wooden model kits and know this particular ship kit intimately. We are able to help the modeler with any questions concerning this famous Canadian schooner.
Designed by William Roué and built by Smith and Rhuland as a cod-fishing schooner and a racing ship, in response to the defeat of the Nova Scotian Fishing Schooner Delawana by the Gloucester Fishing Schooner Esperanto in 1920, the Bluenose was launched at Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on March 26, 1921. The race was sponsored by the Halifax Herald newspaper. After a season fishing on the Grand Banks, the Bluenose sailboat defeated Elsie (out of Gloucester, Massachusetts), returning the trophy to Nova Scotia. During the next 17 years of racing, no challenger, American or Canadian, could wrest the International Fishermen’s Trophy from her. Fishing schooners became obsolete after World War II, and despite efforts to keep her in Nova Scotia, the undefeated Bluenose was sold to work as a freighter in the West Indies. She foundered on a Haitian reef on January 28, 1946. Her daughter, Bluenose II, was launched at Lunenburg on July 24, 1963, built to the original plans by many of the same workers.
Cast Your Anchor is the Bluenose II ship model specialist! We offer a number of different scales of the Bluenose I and II wooden ship model kits and even a plastic ship model kit. We carry Bluenose modeling books, drawings, posters, hats, and actual Bluenose II hull pieces and spikes.
The staff of Cast Your Anchor and the students in our workshops have built many of the wooden model kits and know this particular ship kit intimately. We are able to help the modeler with any questions concerning this famous Canadian schooner.
Designed by William Roué and built by Smith and Rhuland as a cod-fishing schooner and a racing ship, in response to the defeat of the Nova Scotian Fishing Schooner Delawana by the Gloucester Fishing Schooner Esperanto in 1920, the Bluenose was launched at Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on March 26, 1921. The race was sponsored by the Halifax Herald newspaper. After a season fishing on the Grand Banks, the Bluenose sailboat defeated Elsie (out of Gloucester, Massachusetts), returning the trophy to Nova Scotia. During the next 17 years of racing, no challenger, American or Canadian, could wrest the International Fishermen’s Trophy from her. Fishing schooners became obsolete after World War II, and despite efforts to keep her in Nova Scotia, the undefeated Bluenose was sold to work as a freighter in the West Indies. She foundered on a Haitian reef on January 28, 1946. Her daughter, Bluenose II, was launched at Lunenburg on July 24, 1963, built to the original plans by many of the same workers.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Radio Control Sailboats
R/C Sailboats
R/C sailboats, like all R/C models, come in varying degrees of completeness. You may want to enjoy the hobby by building a radio control model from a kit, or you may just want to get sailing as soon as possible with an ARS (Almost Ready To Sail) or a RTS (Ready To Sail) boat. An ARS model will be 90% finished with a few details left for you to add over the course of a couple of evenings and you will need to buy separately and install the radio control gear. An RTS boat is usually only a case of connecting and rigging the mast and main sail, and away you go!
The standard ARS or RTS model will be 2-channel, the transmitter is the traditional stick type rather than the modern pistol grip style because there is no need for a throttle control with this level of R/C model.
One servo controls rudder movement while a second servo controls both sails together. It’s normal on R/C sailboats for a winch servo to be used for the control of the sails, rather than a standard servo. Winch servos are more powerful and have more movement offering greater control and flexibility. A standard servo is usually fine for the smaller sailboats. Models that are longer than 20 inches will likely require the more powerful winch servo because when the sails are filled with wind they require a much stronger force to pull them round. You may also find that you need to upgrade to a stronger winch servo if you are sailing your model in stronger winds than the recommended wind speed (model manufacturers determine wind speed capability).
R/C Sailboats are a completely different game to Nitro or Electric powered R/C boats. You will not need field equipment items and no one will ever object to you sailing your model in a public place because just as in real life, sailing is quieter than power boating.
We are here to help you enjoy the sport of radio controlled model sailing. Whether you are just starting out, or an old salt, you will find great information at Cast Your Anchor, all designed to help you enjoy this booming sport. Please contact us at www.castyouranchorhobby.com with any questions you may have -- we love to provide answers!
R/C sailboats, like all R/C models, come in varying degrees of completeness. You may want to enjoy the hobby by building a radio control model from a kit, or you may just want to get sailing as soon as possible with an ARS (Almost Ready To Sail) or a RTS (Ready To Sail) boat. An ARS model will be 90% finished with a few details left for you to add over the course of a couple of evenings and you will need to buy separately and install the radio control gear. An RTS boat is usually only a case of connecting and rigging the mast and main sail, and away you go!
The standard ARS or RTS model will be 2-channel, the transmitter is the traditional stick type rather than the modern pistol grip style because there is no need for a throttle control with this level of R/C model.
One servo controls rudder movement while a second servo controls both sails together. It’s normal on R/C sailboats for a winch servo to be used for the control of the sails, rather than a standard servo. Winch servos are more powerful and have more movement offering greater control and flexibility. A standard servo is usually fine for the smaller sailboats. Models that are longer than 20 inches will likely require the more powerful winch servo because when the sails are filled with wind they require a much stronger force to pull them round. You may also find that you need to upgrade to a stronger winch servo if you are sailing your model in stronger winds than the recommended wind speed (model manufacturers determine wind speed capability).
R/C Sailboats are a completely different game to Nitro or Electric powered R/C boats. You will not need field equipment items and no one will ever object to you sailing your model in a public place because just as in real life, sailing is quieter than power boating.
We are here to help you enjoy the sport of radio controlled model sailing. Whether you are just starting out, or an old salt, you will find great information at Cast Your Anchor, all designed to help you enjoy this booming sport. Please contact us at www.castyouranchorhobby.com with any questions you may have -- we love to provide answers!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
June 2008 Newsletter
June 2008 Newsletter
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Spring Festival: Once again Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Spring Festival on June 7th. There will be bands, clowns, contests and much more. You can even win a $1000 prize package by entering the “name our community” contest. Come on down and enjoy the day with us.
Hobby Show: In case you haven’t heard, the annual Toronto Hobby Show will not be held this year. The owner of the show has retired and the new owners want some time to plan a new show.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders.
National Post: Check out the article in the National Post this weekend – trying to prmote the hobby!
ON LINE AUCTION: Got a boat, unused kit or tools that you would like to sell? Cast Your Anchor has started an on line auction on our old website www.castyouranchor.ca. Contact the store if you would like to post your item.
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Spring Festival: Once again Cast Your Anchor will be participating in the Kingston Road Spring Festival on June 7th. There will be bands, clowns, contests and much more. You can even win a $1000 prize package by entering the “name our community” contest. Come on down and enjoy the day with us.
Hobby Show: In case you haven’t heard, the annual Toronto Hobby Show will not be held this year. The owner of the show has retired and the new owners want some time to plan a new show.
Web Site: Please visit our new website at www.castyouranchorhobby.com. This website is soley directed toward our hobby with some very useful information and a wide variety of products. There is even a section for scratch builders.
National Post: Check out the article in the National Post this weekend – trying to prmote the hobby!
ON LINE AUCTION: Got a boat, unused kit or tools that you would like to sell? Cast Your Anchor has started an on line auction on our old website www.castyouranchor.ca. Contact the store if you would like to post your item.
SEE YOU AT THE STORE
Monday, March 24, 2008
April Newsletter
April 2008 Newsletter
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Web Site: If only we had known how much work it would be! Cast Your Anchor now operates two separate web sites. Our original site http://www.castyouranchor.ca/ is now dedicated to our expanded line of Nautical Gifts including Pirate Paraphernalia.
Our new site, http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/ is dedicated to the ship modeler. It is now much easier to navigate and is intended to be a site for not only all ship modeling products but ship modelers comments and ship model pictures. It is the only dedicated ship model site on the web.
Please take a few minutes to visit our new site. We would enjoy receiving your comments. Cast Your Anchor is always striving to make your ship modeling experience an enjoyable one.
Radio Control: The season is upon us!!! Come and check out our new line of books dealing with the radio control hobby. We are fully stocked on radio control sail and power boats. We support the Soling and Victoria class of sailing boats. We have a full range of parts, batteries and power supplies. Have questions? – our in store technician will be happy to help.
See you at the store
What’s New at Cast Your Anchor?
Web Site: If only we had known how much work it would be! Cast Your Anchor now operates two separate web sites. Our original site http://www.castyouranchor.ca/ is now dedicated to our expanded line of Nautical Gifts including Pirate Paraphernalia.
Our new site, http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com/ is dedicated to the ship modeler. It is now much easier to navigate and is intended to be a site for not only all ship modeling products but ship modelers comments and ship model pictures. It is the only dedicated ship model site on the web.
Please take a few minutes to visit our new site. We would enjoy receiving your comments. Cast Your Anchor is always striving to make your ship modeling experience an enjoyable one.
Radio Control: The season is upon us!!! Come and check out our new line of books dealing with the radio control hobby. We are fully stocked on radio control sail and power boats. We support the Soling and Victoria class of sailing boats. We have a full range of parts, batteries and power supplies. Have questions? – our in store technician will be happy to help.
See you at the store
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