So, not content with getting me to buy three intricate resin busts, she then gets onto me about "finding something to do", as though making scale model aircraft, building a model railway, painting busts and sewing a tapestry tea cosy isn't enough - but then I do love her - grin.
It all started with SWMBO wanting a yacht on the shelf, because she sees them going past the balcony all day every day. It turns out the
Cornwall Model Boats has a great selection of these things, both for R/C and static. However, I expanded my looking to the non-boat sections. SWMBO followed up and having rejected my ideas for some nice 1930s yachts at reasonable prices -
for instance - she fell upon a
1/10th Wells Fargo stage coach. It is 695 mm long, 278 mm high and wide 187 mm, oh and costs a measly £196.00. They do free delivery - hooray.
You may, or may not know, back in 1970 I worked for American Express in London as a Deutsche Mark trader. Now, it is a little known fact that two of the original owners of American Express were a certain Mr. Wells and a Mr. Fargo! In the entrance to the bank branch in Abchurch Lane, E.C. was a scale model of a very similar stage coach. So, what did I say? The man said "yes".
It arrived today. Here are some shots of the box and the interior. I think that I have a long term job on my hands.
19" x 10" x 3" and 7lb in weight - in new money that comes out at 482mm x 256mm x 77mm and a thumping 3.2kg. The instructions are very comprehensive with lots of pictures. here is a taste.
The plans come in a pile about 1/2" - 12mm thick.
Each page is nicely laid out so I hope it will be easy to follow:
There is an extensive pile of sheet wood with a bag full of extra bits.
Lastly - joy of joys - there are three large sheets of etched brass! It is - make your own padlock using multiple layers of etch - time.
It is just as well that I already have a
NWSL Chopper II and a
Mission Models Etch-Mate. These should make cutting and folding a bit easier. Mind you, the big sheets of basswood remind me of the balsa rubber band flying kits we used to make when boys - no laser cutting here - carve it out yourself.
All joking apart, this will be a good change from what I have been doing for the last 10 years and should take me quite a long time. I will report progress as and when.
BTW, she didn't really have to twist my arm too much - I was already sold - but don't tell her that - grin.