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Post by WettCoast on Apr 28, 2010 22:01:27 GMT -8
I was on last night's south bound Inside Passage trip aboard the NorEx. All in all a good trip. The photo below was taken this morning at Bella Bella.  - Very light load aboard - ~75 passengers, 25 vehicles - more after the 'BB' stop. - The reduced winter crew means that the Vista Restaurant was closed. (I expected that as was the practice on QotN). The Aurora (pay) forward facing Lounge was also closed. I expected it to be available. More later when I get to a faster internet connection. I am in Campbell River tonight. |
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Post by Ferryman on Apr 29, 2010 6:51:43 GMT -8
Wow that's a bit of a let down. There's really not a lot of other places you can go on a ship that size when those lounges are closed. Really, that only leaves the Canoe Cafe, the Starboard side lounge on Deck 4, and then all you have on Deck 5 is just the little side lounges on the approach to the Aurora lounge. That is of course, if you decide not to pay extra for a cabin.
As much as I like the Norex for her looks, I think I wouldn't enjoy being a passenger aboard her, especially at this time of year with all of these "extra" amenities being closed off.
Bring the QPR back for the winter sailings please.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager 
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Apr 29, 2010 7:52:44 GMT -8
Well BC Ferries is pretty stupid if you ask me. Why cant they open the Aurora Lounge as a free lounge??? I still have yet to take an overnight trip on the Nor Ex! I wonder how many of those 75 passengers had cabins??? Where alot of people camped out??
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Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
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Post by Quatchi on Apr 29, 2010 8:20:49 GMT -8
I don’t think BCF is stupid for closing the lounges during the winter. With a reduced crew, they probably have to close of areas like they do on the Super C’s. I am not surprised at all that they chose to close off the two easiest areas of the ship, they already conveniently have lockable doors. It’s a TC requirement, not a BCF policy, so there no point in fretting over it.
Sure it drove me nuts while I was on the NorEx not to be able to see out the front windshield, but really what does it matter you get from A to B and that’s all BCF wants in the winter. If they could have it there way no ship would be running right now and the north coast pilots would have a little heart attack because they are guaranteed employment throughout the winter. I don’t say bring back the QPR she had issue, but build a winter ship, then maybe ill go back up.
Cheers,
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Post by lmtengs on Apr 29, 2010 17:31:54 GMT -8
I think it's perfectly logical to close those two spaces. Of course, I WOULD prefer there to be no pay-lounge at all, but since I can't have that changed, I guess it's okay.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Apr 29, 2010 18:57:05 GMT -8
Just an update on this...  The model will be received by the North American distributor soon. I have not been told what the price is yet, but I will post it when I find out... The cost for full hull model (in photo above) is $243.95 USD. A waterline model is also available and is $189.95 USD. www.collectableships.com/models/ClassicShipCollection.htmSorry, guys... The full hull model has now been sold to a certain someone.  If you want that particular model, you will likely be placed on a waiting list until the next order arrives from Germany... |
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,887 
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Post by Mill Bay on Apr 30, 2010 9:15:05 GMT -8
Sorry, guys... The full hull model has now been sold to a certain someone. If you want that particular model, you will likely be placed on a waiting list until the next order arrives from Germany... Now, who do we know whose love affair with the NorEx runs so deep? Sorry, but it was just a little bit too pricey for me. I have model trains to buy instead. Perhaps someone should make the NorEx their next R/C modelling project. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Apr 30, 2010 9:28:24 GMT -8
Sorry, but it was just a little bit too pricey for me. I have model trains to buy instead. Model trains? Pfft...  Who in their right mind would want model trains when you can have model ferries... |
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Kam
Voyager
Posts: 926
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Post by Kam on Apr 30, 2010 13:29:24 GMT -8
Hehe... I would rather have a 1:25 scale Coastal Class! Model trains? Pfft... Who in their right mind would want model trains when you can have model ferries... Who in their right mind would want model ferries when you can have 1:25 scale model trucks ;D Don't have mine anymore, but had quite a few, all correctly made right down to correct Cummins, or Detroit Diesel engine colour, 1:25 scale BC plates. Even found cedar branches with bark that were of the right scale to put on one of my logging trucks. Won a few awards. However, would like to get one of those N/E models myself. Would go well next to a FSG flag and mast I got as a gift. So what's next for Scot? A correct scale to the Northern Expedition model of Bear Cove? Or Rupert? Rupert would be easy, just get some plastic, lots of balsa wood and build the pier and adjustable ramp... |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Apr 30, 2010 13:47:55 GMT -8
Who in their right mind would want model ferries when you can have 1:25 scale model trucks ;D Don't have mine anymore, but had quite a few, all correctly made right down to correct Cummins, or Detroit Diesel engine colour, 1:25 scale BC plates. Even found cedar branches with bark that were of the right scale to put on one of my logging trucks. Won a few awards. However, would like to get one of those N/E models myself. Would go well next to a FSG flag and mast I got as a gift. So what's next for Scot? A correct scale to the Northern Expedition model of Bear Cove? Or Rupert? Rupert would be easy, just get some plastic, lots of balsa wood and build the pier and adjustable ramp... Ha! Incorporating the model into a scene is a great idea, Paul. It would probably be difficult with the full hull model I purchased, but it would be easy to do with the waterline model that is available. Hmmmm, maybe I will buy the waterline model too...  Hehe... I would rather have a 1:25 scale Coastal Class! I would agree with you, Kam! ;D |
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Post by fargowolf on Apr 30, 2010 15:22:31 GMT -8
Model trains? Pfft... Who in their right mind would want model trains when you can have model ferries... Who in their right mind would want model ferries when you can have 1:25 scale model trucks ;D Don't have mine anymore, but had quite a few, all correctly made right down to correct Cummins, or Detroit Diesel engine colour, 1:25 scale BC plates. Even found cedar branches with bark that were of the right scale to put on one of my logging trucks. Won a few awards. However, would like to get one of those N/E models myself. Would go well next to a FSG flag and mast I got as a gift. So what's next for Scot? A correct scale to the Northern Expedition model of Bear Cove? Or Rupert? Rupert would be easy, just get some plastic, lots of balsa wood and build the pier and adjustable ramp... Pics... PICS Dammit.... |
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
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Post by FNS on May 1, 2010 22:44:19 GMT -8
For measurement purposes, how long are the NE models in inches? I've built a few ferry models myself in the 1970s and 1980s. They are all waterline versions. This one I show is my finest and is of the MV LESCHI in WSF colors and in her later appearance. Everything, except for the cleats, is custom made and/or cut to size by hand.  The LESCHI measured 170 feet in length. This model is scaled at one sixteenth of an inch equals one foot (one inch equals sixteen feet). I'll let you calculate the length. This model of her was completed in 1985. Sorry, this one is not for sale! ;D BTW, how much are the NE models? |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 1, 2010 23:15:58 GMT -8
For measurement purposes, how long are the NE models in inches? I believe it is approximately five inches long. BTW, how much are the NE models? The cost for full hull model is $243.95 USD. The waterline model is $189.95 USD. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on May 2, 2010 9:39:54 GMT -8
For measurement purposes, how long are the NE models in inches? I believe it is approximately five inches long. You are joking, right? Surely not five inches, at that price... |
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Post by lmtengs on May 2, 2010 11:43:29 GMT -8
I believe it is approximately five inches long. You are joking, right? Surely not five inches, at that price... I would have expected it to be at least a foot-and-a-half! Five inches??? That couldn't be right... I wouldn't even pay $60 for a model that tiny. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 2, 2010 12:13:07 GMT -8
You are joking, right? Surely not five inches, at that price... I would have expected it to be at least a foot-and-a-half! Five inches??? That couldn't be right... I wouldn't even pay $60 for a model that tiny. The model is built to 1:1250 scale. 15050 / 1250 = 12.04 cm (4.7 inches) |
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Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
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Post by Quatchi on May 2, 2010 18:41:23 GMT -8
You are joking, right? Surely not five inches, at that price... I would have expected it to be at least a foot-and-a-half! Five inches??? That couldn't be right... I wouldn't even pay $60 for a model that tiny. The model is built to 1:1250 scale. 15050 / 1250 = 12.04 cm (4.7 inches) You guys have a lot to learn about the model world, something like this either involves a massive investment in machinery, molds, and robotics to assembly automatically OR is hand assembled. Based on the detail int he pictures, I would assume its hand assembled, therefore time consuming to build and therefore expensive. Scale model making is big business. Personally I wouldn't sell my Queen of Chilliwack model for anything less than 8,000$, and its no where near completed. Unless you are building for contract a modeler will rarely ever recover their investment in material let alone time when they sell a model. That is why a model like this is so expensive, it isn't a cheap Chinese plastic POS, it is a respectable model. Cheers, |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
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Post by Neil on May 2, 2010 19:43:47 GMT -8
The model is built to 1:1250 scale. 15050 / 1250 = 12.04 cm (4.7 inches) You guys have a lot to learn about the model world, something like this either involves a massive investment in machinery, molds, and robotics to assembly automatically OR is hand assembled. Based on the detail int he pictures, I would assume its hand assembled, therefore time consuming to build and therefore expensive. Scale model making is big business. Personally I wouldn't sell my Queen of Chilliwack model for anything less than 8,000$, and its no where near completed. Unless you are building for contract a modeler will rarely ever recover their investment in material let alone time when they sell a model. That is why a model like this is so expensive, it isn't a cheap Chinese plastic POS, it is a respectable model. Cheers, There are two ways of looking at this, both of which are completely valid, depending on your perspective. If, as Cadmun... sorry, Quatchi, says, a model like this is expensive to manufacture, then I suppose serious ferry nuts who really like models won't mind paying for it, and it's good value to them. The other perspective, which I guess is closer to mine, holds that an expenditure of $200 for a five inch ferry model doesn't begin to fit into the broader scheme of what I can afford to spend money on, no matter how much it costs to make. I don't like ferries quite that much. Some people will spend $5000 on a watch. I guess the economy would fall apart if all of us only bought what we absolutely needed, so, to each his own. |
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Post by lmtengs on May 2, 2010 20:02:57 GMT -8
Some people will spend $5000 on a watch. I guess the economy would fall apart if all of us only bought what we absolutely needed, so, to each his own. I spent $189.00 on a top-hat and sunglasses a few days ago, and almost everyone thought I was crazy, so I see what you mean. |
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Post by Northern Exploration on May 3, 2010 5:58:52 GMT -8
I have an acquaintance who has a model room. He starting with hot rods. Then moved to classic cars. And then... and so and so on.... He had a few models of semi's, the odd aircraft and ship. The hours he has commited to his collection is astounding. Not to mention the value. He has waned in collecting mostly due to the lack of time and constant comments of his wife and even kids  . The one draw back of his "hobby" is that it is solitary. None of his kids are at all interested in sharing it with him. Now he has this 4th bedroom full of his handiwork and what to do with it? The 4 walls are full of shelves with some aircraft suspended from the ceiling. The room is full, so unless some are sold or packaged up and stored, there is no room. And the emotional attachment is such I don't think he can part with any. It will be interesting to see what the next stage of the process is. |
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,887
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Post by Mill Bay on May 3, 2010 12:07:10 GMT -8
The model is built to 1:1250 scale. 15050 / 1250 = 12.04 cm (4.7 inches) You guys have a lot to learn about the model world, something like this either involves a massive investment in machinery, molds, and robotics to assembly automatically OR is hand assembled. Based on the detail int he pictures, I would assume its hand assembled, therefore time consuming to build and therefore expensive. Scale model making is big business. Personally I wouldn't sell my Queen of Chilliwack model for anything less than 8,000$, and its no where near completed. Unless you are building for contract a modeler will rarely ever recover their investment in material let alone time when they sell a model. That is why a model like this is so expensive, it isn't a cheap Chinese plastic POS, it is a respectable model. Cheers, We seem to be getting off topic, here. I suppose it's mostly my fault, since I brought up the dissenting movement of model trains over ferries. I would disagree here, though, and say that judging from the very small size of the model, the likelihood it is custom made by hand is very slim. It is most likely a casting that is entirely machine finished. With the advancements in 3D modelling and CNC machining, it is now very easy for a company to make very highly detailed models by using computer software to create 3D computer models, and then use the data as a guide for CNC machines to create a mold that can be used for casting. Using this method, a lot of the fine detail can even be cast on instead of having to be added separately later. Unfortunately, the trend in most hobby modelling these days seems to be toward setting higher prices not because of an increase in labor or materials costs, but simply because companies that create and import niche products like to arbitrarily set their own prices. Or they make only limited production numbers to make the product harder to obtain, thus in higher demand and effectively priced above it's value simply because of the percieved difficulty for the consumer in obtaining one of their own, and the consequent rush to buy at any price simply to obtain a supposedly unique product. It is merely all demand based and the manufacturers understand this all too well. |
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Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
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Post by Quatchi on May 3, 2010 21:47:52 GMT -8
It not custom made by hand its custom assembled, the fact that it is so small means its even more expensive to have machine assembled. And don't think that getting parts molded or machined is cheap, even at higher quantities. CNC and molding equipment is extremely expensive to buy, maintain and operate. Unless they are expecting to make thousands and thousands of these things they are not buying their own equipment and they have contracted out the machining. It all adds up quickly. CNC doesn't make casting detail any easier to produce, it makes making molds easier, but you still have the physical limitations of your material when it is injected and then separated from the mold. And thinking that every model is machined from a solid block and then painted is outrageous.
The company designs model. Sends designs to manufacturer or shop. Shop builds molds using 50,000$ CNC. Molds sent to plastic injection place and are then used in the 100,000$ plus molding machines. Parts are sent back to assembly plant and are assembled by hand most likely. Paint may be machine applied I don't know how that works though.
Ask Nick about CNC and injection molding equipment it isn't cheap, and for something of limited production like this its either a HUGE investment in machinery that will not pay off or they pay someone else who already owns the equipment a premium to make a small run. Parts only become really cheap to make when hundreds of thousands are made and the investment in robots and machinery is economical, otherwise they will cost more to make.
Cheers,
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,887
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Post by Mill Bay on May 3, 2010 22:13:24 GMT -8
Whatever. I haven't asked them for any price estimates, but there is a company located right in Surrey that could do the entire process described in-house, and specializes in custom orders. Diversions Hobbies & Crafts www.kevinknox.com/index.htmlNo mention of hand-assembly, but then again, I haven't sent any inquiries to them yet, either. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 3, 2010 22:17:43 GMT -8
If you want a large model of the NorEx, talk to someone at Brinkworth Models. I assume it would be VERY costly for one of those NorEx models, though... |
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Post by WettCoast on May 3, 2010 23:19:51 GMT -8
I have several new Norex pics to put up here on the forum, but alas I am currently restricted by a dial-up internet connection. Here are a couple for now that were taken on my mid-week southbound journey last week:  @ Fairview Terminal, Prince Rupert - 27 April 2010 Early morning @ McLaughlin Bay (Bella Bella) - 28 Apr 2010 Both photos by JST© |
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. The one draw back of his "hobby" is that it is solitary. None of his kids are at all interested in sharing it with him. Now he has this 4th bedroom full of his handiwork and what to do with it? The 4 walls are full of shelves with some aircraft suspended from the ceiling. The room is full, so unless some are sold or packaged up and stored, there is no room. And the emotional attachment is such I don't think he can part with any. It will be interesting to see what the next stage of the process is.