Tups Mix...

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Johnno,

I got to spend 5 great days on a sheep station while on R&R from Viet Nam. I've handled a couple of those sheep myself. Had a few here in the States after I retired. Last September I had to lay my friend and companion of 15 years to rest. A Red Australian Kelpie. Best dog I've ever shared my life with.

REE

[Soft-hackle]

Jim,
I have to agree with you on that point. Roy Christie sent me a photo of the correct Tups wool. Here it is. According to Roy, he collected and washed the wool several times, however it was still oily after washing. You will notice the color change from natural light, in the top photos, from those in the bottom which are under artificial light. Wrapped on a Tups Roy tied, you could definitely see a transparency of the fibers in the light.



Also, Syl Nemes uses a particular color of dye to dye the dubbing he uses for his Tups. He secures it from Veniard. It is a pinkish orange in color.

Mark

[mvendon]

Deleted

[Soft-hackle]

Mark,
I'm not saying you are incorrect or correct. I was just curious as to the nature of your conclusion. Since I've not seen the actual mix in my hand I believe it would be difficult to determine exactly what it is. Even examining it with one's eye would probably not be conclusive.

Your bring up a good point regarding the cleaning of the hair. There is some documentation that the hair used for this WAS scoured many, many times and it is not contradictory to what you are saying about the special hair.

Another problem lies in the fact that there was changes made to the formula by Skues, who named the fly, and tied a version of his own. I believe it was Skues that suggested the addition of the red seal fur according to documentations. As I stated above, Leisenring's formula called for yellow and red seal fur, mixed equally.

I applaud you for your research in this area because it brings us closer to the truth.

Thanks,
Mark

[VERN-O]

Another source for Tup's is Steve at http://www.fishingwithstyle.co.uk/index.htm
tell him VERN-O sent you

[Roy]

Thanks, Softhackle for bringing this to my notice, I've been missing in inaction for a few weeks, gone fishin'
My take on the Tups dubbing mix -

I was working as a volunteer at an urban farm/riding school for disabled kids. At their open day, there was a sheep shearer at work and a lady spinning wool from a prepared fleece. I was intrigued to discover that the tup was being sheared and with permission I obtained some of the required wool . I removed the daggy (poop-covered) bits to save a lot of hassle cleaning the wool, it was hard enough without the tarry stuff. I mixed the furs as specified in Skues.

I would reckon that translucency is the key and that wool from the bits of any light coloured ram should work fine.
I can heartily recommend the process of having a hefty shearer hold the tup down while he has his brazilian; the mere thought of having to trap the brute while snipping at the nutty bits does not bear consideration.


Roy

[Roy]

More info and history on Mick Hall's website
http://www.kossiedun.com.au/TupsIndispensable.htm

http://www.kossiedun.com.au/
Mick is a lovely man, who recently watched his landscape succumb to massive loss to the Australian bush fires.