When I was growing up, Triang/Hornby produced and sold 1:1200th-scale metal and plastic model ships which were sold under the Minic Ships name. I bought several, including a couple of Daring-class Fleet Escorts (which were later redesignated as destroyers), three Centaur-class aircraft carriers, and two Minotaur/Swiftsure-class cruisers. I also managed to buy some cheap plastic Hong Kong-made copies of some of the other ships in the range, and these formed the basis of my first collection of 1:1200th-scale naval wargame models.
At the time I really wanted a set of the harbour accessories that were sold as part of the range … but I never had enough money to buy them and they were never gifted to me. Now that I am in my dotage and have eBay to hand, I have been able to remedy that situation. I am now the proud owner of both a Naval Habour set and an Ocean Terminal set … and I have a Fleet Anchorage set on its way to me!
The Naval Habour set contains three sections of dockside, four sections of breakwater, two corner joints for the breakwater, an end piece for the breakwater, two sets of two cranes, an oil tank farm, an unmanned light for the end of the breakwater, a model of HMS Bulwark (a Centaur-class aircraft carrier), and a model of HMS Vanguard, Britain’s last (and possibly best) battleship.
The Ocean Terminal set contains five sections of dockside, two sections of breakwater, two corner joints for the breakwater, an end piece for the breakwater, a set of two cranes, a two-part passenger/cruise terminal, a warehouse, an unmanned light for the end of the breakwater, two tugs, and a model of the RMS Queen Mary.
The Fleet Anchorage set contains three sections of dockside, five sections of breakwater, four corner joints for the breakwater, two end pieces for the breakwater, two sets of two cranes, two unmanned lights for the ends of the breakwater, and two tugs.
I have now fulfilled my boyhood ambition to own these three sets. Now all I need is some more ships to fill my harbour!
Since I wrote this blog post I have been able to find a Quayside set on say on eBay and have bought it! The set contains three sections of dockside, two sets of two cranes, three warehouses, an oil tank farm, and two tugs.
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BOB,
ReplyDeleteWell done on this collection- it is always great to now obtain those items which we missed out on in earlier years for one reason or another. These Hornby/Triang sets are delightful in 1/1200th scale. Regards. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteThe first two were a bit of an impulse buy … and then I found the two extra sets on eBay and I just had to have them! It will be great being able to create a harbour in which I can display my small collection of 1:1200th-scale model ships, albeit temporarily.
We both seem to be revisiting collections from our respective youths. I’m sure that it’s a way for us to mentally keep feeling young, even if our bodies are telling us otherwise!
All the best,
Bob
BOB,
ReplyDeleteYes- to recapture some of our youth is something not to be underestimated- it is great to have a hobby and models which bring us so much joy and satisfaction. Regards. KEV.
Kev Robertson (Kev),
DeleteI totally agree! Think young, act young, and let others worry about your age.
All the best,
Bob
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure that Eric used elements of those sets for Madasahatta. I remember being in command of the SMS Iltis and Luchs as they turned frantic circles to avoid incoming Royal Navy heavy calibre shells in a harbour whilst the SMS Seydlitz attempted to raise steam and escape. She was moored up alongside some Triang harbour stuff as I recall.
Great additions to your collection and I reckon a set review would be in order!
All the best,
DC
David Crook,
DeleteYou are spot on! Eric used at least one of these sets to create a tabletop version of Bluchershaven, the German naval base on Madasahatta!
Perhaps I’ll manage to do something similar one day.
All the best,
Bob
Bob -
ReplyDeleteNow, that is a score! Great for war games, and, for anyone spry enough, the back lawn takes on an oceanic aspect. A lot of potential with the sea port as well.
Well, that has definitively confirmed the origin, if not the actual identity, of what I have called my 'Mighty Armadas' sets. I suspect mine are actually HK knock-offs, but could be wrong ... about most of them anyhow. It was one of those toys you see in a book/toy shop, the 'must have' light goes 'bleep', and a mutually satisfactory exchange occurs between business enterprise and customer. I think I bought the shop's entire stock: at least 3 warship packs and a couple of merchant packs.
It must have been 30 years at least before I finally figured out what to do with them...
https://archdukepiccolo.blogspot.com/2019/08/mighty-armadas.html
Included in the packs were aircraft carriers and submarines.
When I began my current series on naval projects, I had planned to move on to my 'Mighty Armadas' project, having a couple of years ago bought a number of 1:300(?) scale 'Trumpeter' aircraft that I was going to use for the air attack. Over-scale, sure, but I have hopes there for their appearance.
I have made 4 cardboard destroyers, and will probably make more out of balsa. However, I got myself sidetracked upon a whole new project.
At any rate, further on 'Mighty Armadas' remains on the agenda. It's just been knocked down a rung. Or two.
Cheers,
Ion
Now, if I could get hold of some 'destroyers' and cruisers...
Archduke Piccolo (Ion),
DeleteThese sets were an absolute ‘must buy’ … and the model ships are top notch.
Having looked at your ‘Mighty Armadas’ blog posts, the models - other than the cargo ships - certainly look like Hong Kong copies of the Minic Ships. You did well to buy the sets when you saw them, and I would have done the same if I’d seen them on sale in the UK.
I have my eye on some more Minic ships to add to my collection, including a number of destroyers, frigates and minesweepers. I’m not sure how I’m going to use them … but I’m determined to do so in some way.
I look forward to seeing more about your ‘Mighty Armadas’ … once your other current projects have been concluded!
All the best,
Bob
Those are some handsome little sets you got! I look forward to seeing them out of their boxes and set up on a table.
ReplyDeleteMr. Pavone,
DeleteCheers! I hope to put them to good use soon.
All the best,
Bob
Recreating our lost youth is why a lot of us like wargaming. I am forever trying to recreate the look and feel of the games Charles Grant showed in his books.
ReplyDeleteMartin Rapier,
DeleteVery true. Every so often I look at my collection of early (i.e. 1960s) wargame books and think about trying to recreate that style of tabletop battle.
If only I had the space …
All the best,
Bob