When Ordering Plans...

[BB62vet]

I've become aware of something that I'll pass on to the crew -

When ordering plans, ALWAYS specify that you want the plans rolled and put in a mailing tube; check the vendor's shipping/handling instructions to see whether or not there is a charge for that. Sadly, I just received an order from Floating Drydock that was folded and I was not at all happy. This is going to make the job of copying/reduction a bit dicey to get the proper results.

As a professional draftsman/designer for over 35 years I always send out drawing packages that are rolled. While it is not GMP to scale from prints (copies), sometimes (esp. in our hobby) there is no other way to measure things. Many of the ship plans we use do not have individual dimensions on them so you don't have an alternative. Folded plans obviously distort the printed image and that leads to incorrect calculations.

Floating Drydock charges $2.50 to roll and mail in tubes - I can't recall whether this is a per sheet or per order charge, so you will need to consult their website or any vendor's website or catalog for shipping information.

Plans I have received from Smithsonian Inst. are always rolled and there is no additional charge.

Hope this helps,

Hank

[MareNostrum]

Hank- Your point very much well taken. As it happens, I just ordered a set of plans from Floating Drydock a few days ago, but for my purposes having them flat suffices. Otherwise, I agree with you, rolled is axiomatic if you want to minimize distortions. Usually the extra charge for the tube ($2.50 in Floating Drydock's case) is nominal, at least in my estimation, but of course I'm not gonna quibble with free...