Post by steamjohn248advent on May 4, 2021 19:53:28 GMT
I joined the 'Andrew' as a boy in 54 but later qualified as pilot (helicopters) and thus did a couple of commissions on the 'Happy Hermes' in the early 60s when she was still operating fixed wing Jets. I wangled the Chief ERA in charge of the ships workshops a ride and in return was given free run of the huge workshop which was very well equipped, although 60 years ago I don't remember many details. Being aircrew we often had plenty of time on our hands and not being a card player or a devotee of 'deck hockey' I decided to have a crack at model making. My Dad had been an armourer in the RAF and back in Civi street subscribed to Model Engineer. (A 5, Black and White). It followed in due course that in among the crates of Aircraft spares was loaded aboard a wooden crate containing the casting's for 'Hercules' an 0-4-0 dock tank designed by a man called Fred Stone who had a garden 'workshop' in Erith Kent (including a foundry).
Some machining was carried out under the guidance of said Chief ERA and by the time the ship reached Hong Kong, wheels, axles horn blocks, frame stretchers and a nice set of buffers (made of a 'scrap' length of Monel), were completed.
RN ships did a lot of entertaining and at one such event I met a man who worked for Jardine Matheson and got chatting about my model project and that I was looking for frame steel, which H.M. seemed unable to supply. Lo and behold the next day a burlap package arrived on board containing two pieces of BMS plate of the required dimensions. Those were the days.
By the time we disembarked back in UK a bigger crate was required (supplied by the Shipwrights, who also made me a beautiful mahogany Engineers Tool Chest) and Hercules duly left the ship. accompanied by a 'chitty' from Commander 'E' stating that the contents belongs to Sub Lt .....
I don't ever remember seeing any ships work being undertaken, most of the other occupants were engaged in the making of 'Rabbits', (i.e presents for wives girlfriends etc.) The biggest project was a huge forging that arrived on board and was over time to emerge as the front axle for an Alvis four seat tourer.
A second commission in Hermes culminated in a rolling chassis, with all valve gear in stainless steel, (naturally).
Ashore again and although I bought my wife a Myford Super 7 for her birthday, Hercules languished under the bench in the garage, (Married Quarters did not run to a workshop). and a steam roller, derelict farmhouse, equally derelict sailing boat and raising three children took over.
Kids left home, retired from driving / firing on the big railway, turned thoughts to something more manageable in old age and so at around three score and ten, Hercules finally emerged and became a running engine. (now part of the loco stud on the L and B (min) R, at the Museum of Power Langford.
I often wonder how many other models can claim to have been twice round the world.
I remember going aboard the Maidstone when she was moored behind Manoel Island in Malta and being shown her main engines. HUGE, big as the Titanic's they claimed. She had to spend a few days at sea every year to maintain her D F fags etc. (duty free Blue Liners) and it was said they had to tow her clear of the empty beer cans before they opened the condenser sea valves.
Some machining was carried out under the guidance of said Chief ERA and by the time the ship reached Hong Kong, wheels, axles horn blocks, frame stretchers and a nice set of buffers (made of a 'scrap' length of Monel), were completed.
RN ships did a lot of entertaining and at one such event I met a man who worked for Jardine Matheson and got chatting about my model project and that I was looking for frame steel, which H.M. seemed unable to supply. Lo and behold the next day a burlap package arrived on board containing two pieces of BMS plate of the required dimensions. Those were the days.
By the time we disembarked back in UK a bigger crate was required (supplied by the Shipwrights, who also made me a beautiful mahogany Engineers Tool Chest) and Hercules duly left the ship. accompanied by a 'chitty' from Commander 'E' stating that the contents belongs to Sub Lt .....
I don't ever remember seeing any ships work being undertaken, most of the other occupants were engaged in the making of 'Rabbits', (i.e presents for wives girlfriends etc.) The biggest project was a huge forging that arrived on board and was over time to emerge as the front axle for an Alvis four seat tourer.
A second commission in Hermes culminated in a rolling chassis, with all valve gear in stainless steel, (naturally).
Ashore again and although I bought my wife a Myford Super 7 for her birthday, Hercules languished under the bench in the garage, (Married Quarters did not run to a workshop). and a steam roller, derelict farmhouse, equally derelict sailing boat and raising three children took over.
Kids left home, retired from driving / firing on the big railway, turned thoughts to something more manageable in old age and so at around three score and ten, Hercules finally emerged and became a running engine. (now part of the loco stud on the L and B (min) R, at the Museum of Power Langford.
I often wonder how many other models can claim to have been twice round the world.
I remember going aboard the Maidstone when she was moored behind Manoel Island in Malta and being shown her main engines. HUGE, big as the Titanic's they claimed. She had to spend a few days at sea every year to maintain her D F fags etc. (duty free Blue Liners) and it was said they had to tow her clear of the empty beer cans before they opened the condenser sea valves.