This is the ABU Ambassadeur 30.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-15B.jpg)
This is ABU's second attempt at larger, offshore lever drag reels, conceived in 1974. They are somewhat unique, with their stainless steel frames and acetal sideplates. The styling is also dramatically avant-garde, which is not unusual for ABU.
A truly inspiring reel, or at least I like to think so. I first came across it years and years ago, down in the deep recesses of the patent office archives, where one could browse among neverending shelves with millions of documents.
I found the mechanical design enamoring; simply brilliant in fact. So simple, so clever... So few parts. I daresay that never has there been a design so simple for this type of reel.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-11B-1.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-14B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-12B.jpg)
I've never forgotten it, in all the years following.
And often thought of the man behind it, Hugo Svensson.
And thought many times, that perhaps our paths would cross and I would meet him someday, and would have the opportunity to express my appreciation.
In the meantime, I would've liked to make a reel for myself, a little special edition keepsake; a Hugo Svensson Tribute reel.
So, I started getting into it earlier this year, and laid out the idea... made a frame, some gears, a handle... It was looking pretty nice.
And then, I got a letter. It was from his daughter.
He is dead, she said... he died a few years ago. She explained that she had found her way to me by way of the ORCA and their website, in search of learning more about her father. Could I help?
Yes, perhaps I can, said I... That his years at ABU may have been long ago, but they did not pass unnoticed, nor will they be forgotten. And that little I thank him for inspiration before embarking on my own little quest for wisdom, wherever it may lead.
And so I thought it apt, to continue:
So, some time has gone by. You know how it is- things to do, changes in life, things take time. But in recent weeks, I decided to complete this little project.
I work alone, from scratch. I am self-taught, and all my machines are manually operated. Really, the only things I don't make are screws (well, sometimes) and ball bearings. So, some things take some time, but they usually turn out the way I like; or at least similar thereto.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild002B.jpg)
I began by marking, drilling and threading the base plate, which is after all the anchor and basis for all things mechanical....
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild005B.jpg)
...like the intricate gear train I designed for this reel. The original reels had a gear ratio something like 3:1. I wanted something much quicker, like 6:1, for reasons we will later see. This is not entirely easily done within such a constrained space. The alternative to strict adherence to Hugo's design, would have been to add a big, drop-down double chin so popular on reels nowadays- an aesthetically less appealing alternative. Besides, I like gears...
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild016B.jpg)
...which is why I own a gear hobbing machine; to better make them myself.
The outer right-hand sideplate takes shape, paying close attention to the multitude of peculiar angles involved.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild006B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild019B.jpg)
The spool is made to be extremely lightweight
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild004B.jpg)
And together with a few other bits 'n' pieces, it all starts taking shape.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild017B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild023B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild024B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild025B.jpg)
Drag levers and things are a bit intricate, but this turned out rather nicely.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild027B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild039B.jpg)
...and look at that. Neat as you please.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Ambassadeur 3.0 Hugo Svensson Tribute:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild043B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild051B.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild048B.jpg)
...but there is something I haven't shown you. Here... c'mere, pick a hand
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild046B.jpg)
Left? Okay...
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/Bild045B.jpg)
Epilogue:
The reel isn't quite finished yet. Later, as opportunity allows, I will correct small errors, and make a few additions. A magnetic cast control is in the works for instance, and a lighter spool.
I would have liked to share this with Jack Erskine; it is the type of thing he would have enjoyed, not leastly since he had a part in the development of these reels back in the day.
Earlier this spring I met one of the old ABU guys, Olle Lidesjö. There aren't very many left of his sort. Most of the OG's have retired by now, but Olle has been there for a bit over twenty-five years. We chatted for a while. I told him this story, and showed him this reel.
He liked it. All is well.
.
Thank you. What an amazing story but more so, what an amazing piece of work. You are beyond talented as only a self taught man can be, an artisan. I am a true Abu fanatic and enjoyed you story, thank you for sharing it.
Amazing story Robert.
I'm in awe that you could put together such a beautiful reel from scratch, and at the same time jealous hat I'm not able to.
Thanks for showing it to us, I'm glad that you're here.
Sal
Speechless!!!
That is simply Amazing..
Hats off to you and all that talent...
Envious doesnt quite express the feeling....
Best reel story ever.
I grew up next door to a retired craftsman who built scale working replicas of steam trains like the Flying Scotsman, and huge steam-powered ships, all with working boilers, steerage etc.
Like you, he handmade every component.
Inspirational stuff Robert - thanks so much for sharing.
All the best, Justin
PS Nice to see I'm not the only one still using analogue verniers ;) ;D
you've never shared this on any other board, have you. i am deeply honored. speaking of jack erskine, i was able to attend his funeral. he was a great man and he will be sorely missed. i think the world would a better place if the internet would have been available for him to share his work during his early years.
just a passing thought, gentlemen. the bar has been raised.......
Glad you enjoyed it.
Redsetta, so you noticed the verniers, eh? I'll have you know, I was very careful to keep things out of the background in pics, that would give away the scale. Thankfully, those verniers and that adjustable spanner happen to be very small too.
Scale can be misleading that way. An illusion holds as long as the photography allows... Like this close-up of a ball bearing. You can see the fine details by looking closely.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-11B-2.jpg)
Or? :)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/DrRob101/ABU%2030B/bild-12B-1.jpg)
Nicely done - the illusion was seamless (in both instances!) ;) ;D
Absolutely brilliant Robert! You have us all in the palm of your hand.
:o
Where in the world did you find a Hand that small!!!!!
;D lol
As we say in Oz, "Clever bugger aren't you."
Robert,
I have to agree with Nessie... I'm speechless except to say you're a true craftsman.
Well done,
Dom
Robert - I hope you don't mind me dredging up the past, but this post left a lasting impression on me and thought more recent members that missed it would appreciate it. I dug it up to check the recent photos you posted of an Abu 30 with stainless box was indeed a 30 and not the famous 3.0 (before you had confirmed it was an Abu 30). Did the mag cast control ever happen?
Michael
Thanks for dredging it up Mike,
I haven't seen this before. I had no Idea Mr. Janssen was so talented.
Hats off to you Sir.
I think my Jigmaster post should be unstickied immediately. It's not worthy of the craftsmanship shown here. This is far beyond anything I could ever hope to do. I'm in awe Robert, this is what true skill surely is.
Thanks for digging this up Mike, I certainly have never seen this post before.
Respect!
Quote from: Rothmar2 on February 05, 2016, 12:49:44 PM
I think my Jigmaster post should be unstickied immediately. It's not worthy of the craftsmanship shown here. This is far beyond anything I could ever hope to do. I'm in awe Robert, this is what true skill surely is.
Thanks for digging this up Mike, I certainly have never seen this post before.
Respect!
Don't sell yourself short Chris, there is many different ways of displaying talent, you certainly have your own way and I'm enjoying every bit of it.
Doc has been my idle from the first day I spotted him.
Sal
At the time this thread was published my jaw hit the floor. Years later, same effect. Astonishing work!
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 05, 2016, 01:20:20 PMDon't sell yourself short Chris, there is many different ways of displaying talent, you certainly have your own way and I'm enjoying every bit of it.
Doc has been my idle idol from the first day I spotted him.
Sal
Fixed that for you, Sal! ;D
Thanks Steve, I'm fluent in italian, but a few words in English get me once in a while, or more like often ;D
Here's a word I bring out only on special occasions. Same with the exclamation mark: Awesome! I didn't know that level of craftsmanship existed. Hats off.
Mike
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 05, 2016, 03:01:58 PM
Thanks Steve, I'm fluent in italian, but a few words in English get me once in a while, or more like often ;D
Your English is great, Sal. Being multilingual is another talent in your vast armoury. I'm not one for pulling up spelling mistakes, especially on a international forum as this one, but the irony of the word mix up raised a wry smile, so I thought I'd help 'fix' your original
intention sentiment because its one I share. ;)
Edit: intention? lol! I meant sentiment. See, even my use of the English language can be suspect and it's my native tongue. ;D
Steve.
QuoteDid the mag cast control ever happen?
Yes, it did. I incorporated it with the would-otherwise-have-been-a-clicker-knob on the left sideplate. By turning the knob, series of magnets are gradually brought into proximity of the spool's inner flange. Very effective. I use it all the time; works great.
Quoteyou've never shared this on any other board, have you.
Actually, it started on ORCA, and from there to StripersOnline. I've seen it come up on Facebook too.
QuoteI grew up next door to a retired craftsman who built scale working replicas of steam trains like the Flying Scotsman, and huge steam-powered ships, all with working boilers, steerage etc.
Like you, he handmade every component.
Those guys are awesome.
QuoteI think my Jigmaster post should be unstickied immediately. It's not worthy of the craftsmanship shown here. This is far beyond anything I could ever hope to do.
That is not true. I like reading your posts; you are a very versatile guy. Hard working, too. No taking the easy way out for you. Not a lot of people have the breadth to be able to do both cold-forming and machine work, or their own tooling. I like the press tool, btw. Not only do you see what it will do, but what comes next as well. Good work!
.
Outstanding Robert!
I have a true appreciation for your work.
Sometimes people don't realize the skill level it takes to do that kind of work using conventional machining methods.
You are to be applauded.
All the best, .. Lou
With CNC lovely - Manually - simply stunning :o Nothing but envy for your talents!!
Quote from: Alto Mare on February 05, 2016, 03:01:58 PM
Thanks Steve, I'm fluent in italian, but a few words in English get me once in a while, or more like often ;D
Alto,
Well, I don't know very much Italian, except for Menu Items and Car Names . . .
In the case of this fine reel, the word "
Countacc ! " ( Piemontese ) certainly applies !
We know that word as "Countach" of Lamborghini fame . . .
Tight Lines !
Quote from: Robert Janssen on August 20, 2012, 08:00:25 PM
Glad you enjoyed it.
Redsetta, so you noticed the verniers, eh? I'll have you know, I was very careful to keep things out of the background in pics, that would give away the scale. Thankfully, those verniers and that adjustable spanner happen to be very small too.
Scale can be misleading that way. An illusion holds as long as the photography allows... Like this close-up of a ball bearing. You can see the fine details by looking closely.
hmm first I thoguth they were two different reels
I said.. WOW.. awesome reel (talking about the first pictures)
then I saw the mini reel in your hand and I said.. holly wacamole !! thats an extremely awesome mini reel..
then I came into account that its the same reel
excellent work, pure genius
Robert, like wize, I`m speechless, had to clean my glasses twice, to make shore I was seeing correctly, and self taut, very gifted man, as we say in West Aussie, clever devil arent you mate. thanks truely interesting, cheers Don.