Barchester

A much needed addition to Barchester as there are two commercial canal basins, one larger than the other, and both need transport facilities. These will be very simple models that anyone who has a need for such things could use as a basis for making their own unique models.

As always they are of all card and paper construction and I will mention as I go along anything that I feel needs further explanation that may not be quite clear from the pictures. There will be a total of five barges, three of one type and two of another with very little difference between them, just enough for interest purposes.

These first two photographs show the pieces cut out and laid flat for the three slightly smaller of the models and the second one shows construction under way of the two bigger jobs.

Click on image for a larger picture.

Click on image for a larger picture.

The second picture shows the boat shaped base with the two sides glued to it. I have made no attempted to make a curved bow as I don't think it is required because of the shape of the card pieces you get a good appearance. Also in this model the sides and decking are scribed for wood work. The small decking areas will be coloured with Colron wood dye while the sides will be painted.

The photograph shown below, and I'm sorry it isn't a clearer one but clicking on the image for a larger picture should improve things, shows the cut outs and partial construction of the three smaller barges.

Click on image for a larger picture.

This next one shows the three smaller barges a stage further. You can now see the overall shape and the simplicity of the construction. The divider in the middle of the barge not only allows for two compartments for different loads but also adds a great deal of strength to the model by helping to keep the sides running parallel. You can also see further strengtheners at the front and rear of the model and the small pieces of scribed and stained decking which will cover these when fitted.