old stuff

[rjccjr]

Hi All;

This segment is a discussion of techniques used in an attempt to make a very old card model presentable. To begin, it's from a curatorial point of view. There are some considerations before this even starts. First there is no attempt to be made at improving the original. The mistakes made in the original build will not be fixed. It has to be decided at the outset how much time and effort will be necessary to make the old model presentable and even if the expenditure is worth the effort. It is also to be decided whether any missing parts should be replaced.

The first step is to study the model to find out what needs to be done. Some photographs should be taken so a before and after record can be made. The next is to estimate what tools and methods are likely to work. Then estimate which probably won't. On a wood or plastic model the use of a modified vacuum cleaner and a good washing could be useful. Not with card. Definitely not with card. During the first round of cleaning a fairly large brush and moist, cotton swabs, might be useful.

When the model was first built, I was a smoker as were most friends and visitors. Not long after, the smoking wasn't any longer a factor. The model was in a case, but it was frequently opened and loosely constructed. Cigar, pipe or cigarette smoke make accumulated dirt and dust gluey. Models not in a case, or dust cover, at all, can be ruined by continued exposure to such an environment. A loose case will still allow grime and dust, but at a lesser rate and the dust will be drier. During inspection it was noted that the model had several tears to be remedied, the card had yellowed with age, some glue joints had crystallized and collected grime in the bridge wings was unreachable with the tools on hand.

Photo 1r shows the case where models without dust covers are kept. It is partly open for access. The transparent panels are acrylic to save weight. It admits air freely. Photo2r shows Emden with an array of tools likely to be useful in the initial cleaning and several parts which fell off due to aged glue. It was quickly realized that the larger brushes wouldn't reach tight areas like bridge wings and searchlight tubs. Photo 3r shows a long bristle script lining brush and a short camels hair brush for getting at difficult areas. Notice that the bridge wings are cleaner and the areas beneath the ships boats are now free of dust. Photo 4r shows a partially successful attempt to close a hull tear near the aft port side deck gun. The deck just aft of the gun was dished in and a teriyaki skewer was used to pry the deck back into position. A good deal of rust colored mildew spots cover the decks. Photo 5r shows the mid ship area after the first round of brush and swab cleaning. The moist swabs must be used gently to avoid scouring the print. Photo 6r shows the area of the deck before the attempt to deal with the hull tear. Note that the dented deck has pulled the support post and the edge of the deck house out of position. Photo 7r shows the bridge area and foremast tower before cleaning. Dust and dirt are visible in the bridge wings and searchlight tubs. The starboard ships boat has been stove in. There will be an attempt to fix it with the skewer. It could possibly be replaced. Thought is being given to replacing masts and spars with bamboo slivers, but that will not be dealt with until close to the end of the project.

Regards, rjccjr.