Am in a bit of a quandary regarding the model Valiant battleship that belonged to my father. It is an early 1920s tinplate model made by Sutcliffe Pressings Ltd and was handed down to my father in the later 1920s and then on to me in the mid 1950s. I have treasured it ever since although you wouldn't guess that from its condition! I suppose that is what comes from re-enacting sea battles in the local ponds and, of course, in the bath.

The power source is hot air propulsion with a metholated spirit burner heating up the air in copper coils located under the rear funnel, hence the burn marks there. Apparently Sutcliffe replaced this methodology with a clockwork motor in the late 1920s as it was thought to be a bit dangerous for the lads that were likely to own one.

The quandary is whether to restore and, if so, how to do it without taking away all the paint and it's character. The tinplate has acted like a galvanised coat and resisted rusting but stripping down and repainting might damage that. Patching up will be too noticeable but I don't want something that looks like a new toy either. My indecision means that it will probably never get restored but I am quite happy to keep in in full view as it is.
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Rob T
2017 Tungsten Plus 4