Ship builder’s miniature marvel
A CAMPBELTOWN model-maker has stepped onto the deck of shipping history. It has taken a former physics teacher David Bisset 12 months to create a miniature of the turbine steamship Queen Mary.
A CREATIVE Campbeltown man has carved his way into history by making a model of the only remaining Clyde-built turbine steamer ship.
David Bisset, 69, was commissioned to make the 1:64 scale version of the TS Queen Mary, which will be put on display in a glass cabinet on the original ship when it becomes a floating visitor attraction.
Launched in 1933, the ship steamed the Clyde for decades before becoming a restaurant on the Thames, but has now returned to Glasgow for the first time since 1977, where it will remain after £2 million of renovations are complete.
Having made models for about 20 years, David was asked to recreate the ship in miniature: ‘It took me about a year to build, and I used more than £300 worth of materials alone.
‘I’ve always enjoyed making things. When I started I used kits but now I make almost everything from scratch.
‘I get a copy of the ship’s plans, scale it all down and start from there.
‘I think the only things on the TS Queen Mary I didn’t make myself are the propellers and lifebelts, everything else is hand-crafted.’
The model is made predominantly of wood along with plastic, brass, Perspex and finished off with acrylic paint, with minute detail, including full seating which can be seen when looking in the windows on the hull.
Fiddly
The tools David uses are general woodwork tools such as planes, chisels and files, as well as pliers and tweezers.
‘Nail clippers can come in really handy for little fiddly bits, like the brass uprights used in the ship’s railings, of which there are 80,’ he added.
David was a physics teacher at Campbeltown grammar school for more than 30 years, but retired 14 years ago, giving him more time to focus on his artistic pursuits.
He has been creative his whole life, making furniture and musical instruments as well as models.
He also paints with oils and acrylics, and has performed in a number of bands throughout his life.
The first model that David ever made was of a previous Campbeltown lifeboat.
David said: ‘This model of the TS Queen Mary is probably my favourite, but it’s hard to say because you focus so much on each one when you make it that it becomes your favourite but then you move on to another.
‘I’ve enjoyed making them all though - every model has been different.’
The miniature replica will be transported shortly to Dundee where it will be stored ahead of its installation on the TS Queen Mary.