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EJ_L

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Everything posted by EJ_L

  1. Still debating the capstan issue and other things... Going shopping for some lumber to practice making gratings on this weekend. See where that gets me. On another note, I did receive my new micro carvers today! Now once I’m ready to resume carving decorations, I have a few new quality tools to help me out.
  2. Hmm... An interesting conundrum. It does appear that the deck is more solid without a removable access on the Musee de la Marine which would make more sense to me. However, the pictures of the Quinze model which shows gratings immediately behind the capstan change my theory that they would not place a capstan on that section. I would have thought that a capstan would generate too much torque and stress on the framing that they would not be we suited to sit over the thinner hatch cover pieces compared to the more solid main deck framing and planks. Perhaps the framing and planking at the capstan was thickened and reinforced, (something that is hard to tell on a model). The Quinze pictures could be suggestive of this as the deck appears to be more solid and of a darker color, something that was often noted as representing thicker planking in models as it is nearly impossible to tell otherwise. It could also be simply aged wood and coloring combined with distortions in the photo and my own reading too much into it... On the stove pipe issue on the Quinze model, it is my understanding that the galley stoves were more typically located on the middle gun deck, not the upper. This has been another confusing point on my own model as the plans call for a small room (presumably the galley) to be built under the forecastle. I built this room as it could be either the galley or another small storage space. In either case, it would be easy for the stove pipes to pass though it and still leave most of the space functional for other uses. On the Quinze model, the galley stove could reasonably be placed on the middle deck and the pipes run up through a grating on the upper deck to the forecastle deck had they been modeled. Stove pipes are not uncommon to not see on historical models. I would think that they may often times have been overlooked as a non important detail to the modeler, or broke off and lost over time.
  3. A couple more carvings added to the frieze brings it to near completion. Paint touch ups and some glue and it will be done. Not the best picture I know. I will try to take some better ones soon. I have stopped working on carvings for the moment. I finally broke down week before last and ordered some nice micro carving tools from dockyard tools but due to that wonderful winter storm that buried and froze a bunch of us out here in the middle, they have been delayed. I’m hoping they arrive later this week. While I wait on the tools, I decided to work on the gratings and coamings. I built the set for the main deck and while I am okay with the coamings, the kit supplied gratings are not very good. I am thinking I’m going to try to make my own gratings to replace these. Never done that before so yet another chance to learn a new trick... On the forecastle, I had some design questions that I could not get definitive answers and so I took best educated guess. The kit plans show the forecastle having a removable section of deck much like the hold gratings amidship. It also shows the galley funnels emerging through the smaller square and it has a capstan on the larger section between the funnels and the foremast. I accepted the galley funnel access easily as that access would make repairs and service much easier. I can also get behind the larger access hatch for a few reasons. While uncommon to have a hatch on the forecastle, it was not unheard of and on larger ships, I would think it a good thing. Loading/unloading of the bow would be easier to undertake and venting fresh air down below decks would also be enhanced. R.L., at least this version is a late 18th century ship. During these years, the ship design was much more understood with more practical and less experimental designs being used. With that line of thought, I decided to keep the access hatches on the forecastle, though I did reduce them in elevation to sit just slightly raised above the deck to help with water control. The item I found myself against was installing a capstan on the forecastle hatch cover. I combed through every book I have on ship models to try to find an example of any vessel that had to be mounted in that position. I found none. Now, where the confusion likely lies is that a ship of this size would have had two capstan. One would be a large, likely double capstan abaft the main mast and the other a single abaft the foremast, below the forecastle on the upper deck. Also another reason for the removable hatch cover above it on the forecastle. Ropes could then be led through the hatch to blocks and pulleys on the deck and then to the capstan. Hidden capstans are no fun on models so we have the deliberate and understandable reason by the model manufacturer for moving it up a deck. The other reason is that while I could not find a forecastle mounted capstan, the do exist in that area, just not on the forecastle deck. Main decks nearly always had a capstan or wench typically placed abaft the foremast though sometimes a winch would be forward the foremast. Used primarily for anchor duty, it would be easy to mistake the placement of this item as many people associate the catheads with the raising of the anchor ropes when that is primarily done below decks where the rope enters through the hawse holes. On later vessels, the anchor chains would often come aboard on the upper deck before descending back below decks to storage. I may be wrong about all of this, (Would not be the first time) yet I think my reasoning is at least sound for my decisions on the model. In any case, I relocated the kit provided capstan to set abaft the main mast on the upper gun deck. I used the kit piece with minimal detailing as it will not be easily visible once the remaining gratings are in place over it. More for my satisfaction in knowing it is there. Similar to the ship’s wheel on the quarter deck. On a final note, yes, I did leave the coamings squared off and raised above the deck. I know that French ships traditionally had curved coamings and gratings that abutted nearly level to the deck but I have also read that by the late 18th century, most vessels had switched to squared coamings raised above deck. I cannot say for certain what R.L. had. Nothing is glued yet on this model. My intent as of time of this writing, is to see what it will take to make a cambered grating. The coamings are easy enough. If I can manage to create decent gratings, then I may change to a cambered hatch. If not, then I will stick with the square. I do not feel that either is fully right or wrong, just aesthetics really. If this was a 17th century model, then a cambered grating for a French vessel would be correct. Enough ramblings for one evening. As always, thank you all for stopping by!
  4. Wow! Excellent job on that tide line and the moss/algae even high up. The crusted buildup reminds me of the docks in the fishing communities back home in Louisiana. I think that will look great with the water lapping alongside. More and more amazing with each update!
  5. I feel your pain! Working with construction drawings daily, translating between flat paper and real life construction has become second nature. That being said, buildings are typically and simply, a series of cubes, right angles, parallel and perpendicular lines. As long as you can envision x,y & z dimensions, it is relatively simple to take a flat drawing and make it 3D. To my constant frustration, ship building is not as simple. Yes, the x,y&z dimensions still apply, but rarely is anything square, parallel or perpendicular to another item. Even when they are, the many curvatures of hull, and decks, varying angles of mast rakes, and often the reference picture we are using itself, is an artistic rendering of the ship at sea making the entire vessel angle in bizarre directions. Subtleties abound that frequently cannot be well portrait on flat surfaces therefore making us unaware of them until we try to fit that straight edge against a piece that is curving in three different directions. All of this places me in awe of the ship builders of the era. These men were nothing short of geniuses in their fields. Today, we cannot construct a rectangular box without dozens, sometimes hundreds of architectural and carefully engineered drawings, schematics and specs, where these people built towering ships often larger than some of the aforementioned buildings, that not only floated, they sailed in rough seas and withstood bombardment from enemy canon fire. All of that was without modern CAD programs and engineering. The plans used then, if any, were barely more that what we would call a cocktail napkin sketch. It begs the larger question of how much have we truly evolved...
  6. Frieze sculptures are progressing. The center piece is nearing completion and I will begin working on the cherubs next.
  7. Work on the decorations continues with the outside of the taffrail arch completed. Next up will be work on the frieze. Slowly the stern decorations are coming together.
  8. Progress on carvings is moving along. I have matched the port QG to the starboard and am now working on the first of the sculptures that will line the outside curve of the taffrail. I am not completely certain just what/who is being portrayed as none of my drawings nor the cast pieces are very clear. My wife said they look like a stripper on the head of a dragon so I’m going with that for now. We will see what emerges... I wish I was better at figure carving but that will come with time and practice so for now, I let my imagination run wild! In other projects, I have started the drawings for a new scratch build model that I have been wanting to do for a long time. I am designing a cross section of La Couronne. I am making it in 1:48 scale which will yield a model approx. 12” wide, 12” tall and 8” deep. (30.48 x 30.48 x 20.32 cm) I will not include rigging as that is not the point of this model. The main mast will stop a short height above the gunwales. I am wanting to provide a detailed view into the construction of La Couronne and as such I plan on replicating framing and planking as accurately as I can for the early 17th century. While I have found some great works addressing some of these practices, the early 17th is still much assumption and comparing similar practices from multiple countries. I know there will be errors but I feel that my guesses are at least educated ones. My reason for choosing La Couronne to model is simple really, I wanted a cross section of a ship I have built to display next to each other. The other main reason is that I also wanted to do something that is not readily available. Not there is anything wrong with a Victory, Constitution etc cross section, but there are already a lot of those out there. My hope is that I am documenting all of my steps through these early design and later through the building that I may be able to offer the plans at least to others and put a new model into our hobby. That is a long way out, but a goal I feel worth pursuing. Here is a first look at my drawings. I have the outer hull planking and wales, drawn in. I have also designed the framing as close to real practice as I could. They will not be made in one piece but instead their individual components, floor, futtocks, top timbers, naval timbers, keel, keelson, etc. I have located the decks and am now placing the interior planks, clamps and knees. I still have a lot of items to check off with mast, ladders, deck framing, and a myriad of other details but I am getting there. Eventually, I will start a log for this project to show how I came up with the drawings and of course the build itself. As you can see, lots of work and this is just one view. And it’s by hand as I don’t really like computer drawing. 😀
  9. Even unfinished your work is stunning Marc. While I did build my S.R. in the traditional color scheme, I can fully appreciate being "bored" with seeing the same paint job over and over, especially on a ship that we do not have a well known, specific paint scheme, Constitution & Victory for examples and even those have been altered over time. Right or wrong, this will be a spectacular model that highlights the grandeur of ships in the 17th century.
  10. Thank you so very much! QG carvings are progressing, filling in the empty spots and making my eyes extremely tired! Still have a lot more to go and since the holidays are past progress has slowed back to normal. Once I get the port side caught up, I get to start on the sculptures.
  11. Those window frames look fantastic! Looking forward to seeing how your glass panes turn out. That has been one area that I have not yet found a medium that I like using so I am curious to see what your ingenious mind comes up with.
  12. My Mamoli kit plans also show one on the forecastle, though it shows it on top of removable hatch covers which does not seem like a good idea as it would be a much weaker place on the deck for something that will be taking on a lot of pressure and torque. My plans also have the smoke funnels from the cook stoves piercing the covers as well. That makes some sense as in theory, the covers could be removed to service the galley easier when in port. I have not yet decided how I will handle the capstan yet. I suppose it could be used for lighter duty lifting such as ship's boats or even the grapples for the anchors to run them up the catheads. It could also be for extra manpower, providing yet another set of push bars to help in turning. Still, the location does seem odd...
  13. I want to praise this model, as it is truly an incredible build, but I also want to say my deepest condolences at your loss. I hope you find comfort in this rough time and that this model preserves and reminds you of the love and good times you shared with your husband.
  14. Thank you all! I’m glad I can inspire you as you do me with your own builds. Last day of my long holiday and I have the upper balcony railing going on. Will soon turn my attention to the QGs and the taffrail.
  15. Happy New Year fellow modelers! I hope this first day of 2021 finds you all well and I wish you all the best in this new year. Just a small update today. Work is progressing on the upper stern balcony, making the decorative railings, and fitting the various pieces. I do find that carving polystyrene plastic to be far easier than wood and it does take and hold detail very well. Granted, much of my issues with wood in the past has been more from inferior quality blocks of wood that was too soft for fine carving and lack of decent carving tools. Regardless of medium, neither wood nor plastic bestow talent to carve, and for that, I will need more practice. While I do that, I am still satisfied with the results I am producing if for no other reason than I did them.
  16. The ship is looking beautiful! That water is also amazing! I know from trying to make rivers and lakes on my model railroad that getting color and wave patterns can be a nightmare sometimes but you did it very well. I like how you can remove the ship from the water as well to see the lower hull.
  17. Balcony railing work underway. Pilasters are set but the top rail is still loose. The white blanks are plastic will be carved and painted then set in place. There is also a decorative wreath that will be carved and set in the center. The upper balcony will be of similar design. I have also done some more work around the stern gun ports and counter.
  18. O.C., Marc, thank you both for the kind words and thank you to all who have followed along. The co to using support is always welcome. More work on the stern and I now have a complete taffrail upon which I can now fit and carve the ornamentation. This also allows for the balcony railings to be designed as I now know the spacing I have to work with. For the railings, the structure framework I plan to build from wood, the decorations, as with the carvings on the taffrail, will be made from plastic then painted. I have a bunch of time off work coming up till the end of the year and am hoping to take advantage of it to get some of this done. Best wishes to all of you for happy holidays whichever ones you celebrate, and here’s to a better 2021!
  19. Thanks Ken! She is huge indeed and with this being my third one of this size, finding place to display them once done is becoming harder. Still, I love building them and plan on doing many more.
  20. Quarter galleys are built. Next up will be the structure for e decorative arch on the stern, and then I can begin adding the decorative carvings.
  21. Bo, possibly. I have actually used several of the cannon carriages already for the one mounted on the main gun deck below the quarter and forecastle decks. The middle and lower gun decks only used wood blocks. I will likely be using the provided barrels, though that may change. I am looking at ways to possibly cast or turn my own barrels, especially for the exposed guns on the upper deck, but I am not yet fully decided. If I decide not to use these parts, I will let you know.
  22. Indeed, very beautiful paintwork. I'm loving the direction you are taking the paint scheme. Most S.R. builds end up somewhere closer to the scheme I used on mine, simple ultra marine blue and gold. What you are doing here puts my mind towards the elaborate paint scheme found on the Vasa. I think this is going to be a truly insightful model worthy of scholarly discussion and providing a rare look at what could quite plausibly have been what she looked like during these years. I'm looking forward to seeing these pieces come together with the hull. I think they will enhance each other brilliantly.
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