James H

Yup. My basic formula is a 50:50 paint to thinners. If enamel, I think a little more.

Here's my speckled and toy-like airbrush result To be honest, if that's what you're getting or seen, it's because the paint isn't being thinned enough. I work almost exclusively in acrylics now, and this Typhoon was done entirely in acrylic.

That's looking real good. No probs so far?

I'm always a sucker for the hard way, so for me, I'd carve it out and finish with some sandpaper wrapped around a steel rule.

Machine à curer les ports (A Harbour Dredge) English edition Written and prepared by Gérard Delacroix Published and available from Ancre for €59,00 (with 1:36 plans) It’s ok having harbours, but over time, if not maintained, they’ll silt up and become unusable. Yes, they need to be dredged! It’s not the most glamourous task nor are the vessels which perform this vital function, generally thought of as subjects for the modeller’s bench. That’s why it’s great to see a title (monograph) which does look at a dredger in great detail and also furnishes us with a set of 1:36 plans so that the keen and able modeller can have a go at recreating one of these workhorses in miniature. Ancre’s title is nicely presented in a format slightly larger than A4, and as a simple folder with high grade satin, heavyweight paper. Sewn spine In Ancre’s words: “Ever since man created harbours, he was faced with the problem of their maintenance. To this end, he created a rather primitive machine, that in the end was fairly practical and already modern, since it has existed for three centuries without really evolving. The harbour dredge was only removed from ship basins with the arrival of steam and chain dredges. All along its lengthy existence, it maintained the kingdom's harbours so that the “Great Navy” could be maintained and resupplied in the best of conditions.” Details of this monograph: The work consists as a 72-page booklet which contains the description and the operation of the dredger as well as commentaries on the ten plates of drawings and on the 55 photos of a finished model. The plates are at the 1:36 scale and show every piece of the framework. 24 x 31 cm format, booklet and plans contained in an envelope with flaps, adorned with an illustration from one of the plates of Belidor's work. Booklet: Harbour dredges, history Auxiliary boats Description of a dredge Operation of the machine Commentaries on the ten plates of the monograph Ironwork – Paintwork Timber scantlings Photos of a 1/36 scale model by B. Rimlinger List of the 1/36-scale plates Schematic plan of the hull Drawings of the frames Construction of the hull Deck layout and lengthwise section Detail of the upperworks Outside view of the hull and fittings Cross-sections Detail of fittings Overhead view Overall elevation PLATES (Sample) Whilst 1:24 plans are also now available, the supplied 1:36 will help you build a model of these dimensions: Length: 57cm Width: 23cm Height: 21cm This pack, like any monograph, is intended to help the builder recreate an authentic replica of the subject at hand, with every detail shown on the ten plates (plans), including profiles, formers/bulkheads, dredge mechanism etc. All drawings are presented as fine-line and with a wonderful clarity. They are, of course, designed so you can take your dimensions directly from them. The dredger itself is a flat-bottomed vessel and doesn’t conform to the regular concept of building a ship. That it itself will make this a relatively easy project, and one that will prove to be a nice diversion from what will usually sit on your workbench. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so they say, and the 72-page book shows many photos of this subject completed as a model. A number of full-colour plates in this book show the dredger from many angles which should provide inspiration enough for you to dip your toe into the murky harbour waters. The book itself excels in content with history thrown into the mix, as well as the technological challenges on a type of vessel which had served, until relatively recently, for a number of centuries. The book is also illustrated with more photos and drawings in black and white. Conclusion Whether a collector or a builder, this is a really nice title to have in your collection, and doubtless will be quite different to other monographs you may have. M. Delacriox has certainly taken a topic I would never have thought was of any interest and actually created an informative and readable tome, plus the drawings to build what is surely going to be one of the most unusual models in your collection. My sincere thanks to Ancre for the book reviewed here at Model Ship World. To buy directly, click the link at the top of this article.

Here's a couple I did on my phone late last night.

You can see some of that stuff through the deck cutouts, but not like an open deck ship such as Flirt.

As I'm about to fit out the upper deck shortly, here's an update on progress so far. Over the last week, I've concentrated on getting the quarterdeck and forecastle beams in place, plus the decks. All beams are lettered to ID them, along with the timber they sit onto. All you might have to do is bevel an occasional end to get it to conform to hull shape. Along with the deck beams on quarterdeck, I've also add the optional hanging knees. These won't be seen too easily, but I've installed them for the sake of the manual. All the beams are now fitted into place, along with the various carlings. Before fitting any deck, the beams and carlings are also added to the forecastle area. Note the anchor hawse that's now added and tied back inside the bow. After the beams are fitted, the MDF ears from above deck level, are removed. A drill bit is now wound with some medium grit paper and hand spun into the bowsprit hole, shaping this passage on the way down to the support which is plugged into the gun deck. This was a nice easy job due to the shape of parts and various cutouts. The 8mm dowel is then test fitted. Before I can lay the forecastle deck, the fore jeer bitts need to be installed. Again, this is a simply task. I only glue these in at deck point so I have some play in the vertical posts. The deck is supplied as 0.8mm maple veneer, laster etched. There is a ply part supplied as an alternative if you want to plank this yourself, but you'll need to source your own strip. Before the deck is glued, it's test fitted and sanded to make sure of an exact fit. Inner bulwarks are now added. First the 1.5mm ones that butt up against the MDF bow former, then the outer 0.6 ones that run full length. A sanding stick is then used to level up the tops of the bulwarks. Tape is laid down to protect the engraved deck and reduce any dust getting into the hull. Now it's the turn of the quarterdeck to be fitted. Note that the beams are sanded of char where they can be seen through the deck cutouts etc. The shallow bulwarks make the decks easy to 'pin' down around the edge using small clamps. Again, a sanding stick is used to level up the bulwark tops so the gunwales will be horizontal. Bulwarks now fitted... Seems such a shame to cover over so much of the detail, but now's time to cover yet more with the gangways. These are made from a layer of 0.8mm maple ply, with an underside in 0.6mm pear. The gangway is temporarily added to model and the position of the adjoining gunwale is marked at each end. The gunwale is then sat over the gangway and then an edge drawn along the gangway. That area, which will differ slightly on different builds, is then removed from the gangway so the gunwale will recess into it. All of the gangway knees are now painted and installed. Then the gangways can be fitted. I use a small weight in the centre of the gangways to hold them into the gentle curve they need along the top of the knees. Bulwark cleats are now added, as well as the stern knees. Before the stern knees are fitted, a 0.6mm drill is used to drill through two laser cut holes, to the outside stern. These are for mounting the lanterns. The knees will then cover the internal holes you drilled through. And for the time being, this is where I'm at. My apologies for the lighting on this photo. I'll be retaking this one tonight.

Those look beautiful. The box looks slightly paler.

That's nice looking work, David. Looks like those bevels are pitched just right too. So many slots on that framework and it all fits real nice. Superb job!

Correct, but only as far as forum usage goes. This area isn't for model-related questions.

Definitely watching

The Amati rope I have for Victory is actually very good. It's fuzz-free, a good colour and not too stiff.

Those ports are in the cabin areas, so lidded. That's the way I see it too.

Those will be added when the quarterdeck beams and deck itself is installed. I try to limit the number of fragile protrusions when some main hull construction work is still ongoing. But, here are the lids:

This kit is designed so if you have a couple of successful builds under your belt, then you can get a very good result with this. The fishers are great kits though and I definitely recommend trying one.

You'd have possible import duties from anything outside the EU though.

Ok, I promised you an update. I've been working on this pretty intensively over the last couple of weeks so Chris has some pictures for his Model boats magazine advert. When that happens, you know things aren't too far away. I'm thinking this will be an August release, or late July at the earliest. On with the show. The next thing to do was add the frieze work and embellishments. The stern resin decoration was now fitted along with the rest of the stern decor. The closed bow and stern gun ports also had their ironwork and rig added. One task that is never my favourite is adding the chainplates, but these are quite easy and a breeze to fit. A little ironwork now on the deck and inner bulwarks. I actually made up the bulkhead screens quite a while ago, but now they were finished and fitted. Acrylic glazing was added using acrylic varnish to glue into position. On top of these went the window frame parts. Handles and hinges are also fitted. Each screen only needed a quick lick with a sanding stick to enable it to fit into place in the deck slots. And with those in place, this is what we now have... Real early on the build, I made a whole raft of deck fittings in between jobs such as building the frame, fairing, planking etc. This is where spending that time really paid off in pushing this project towards completion. The pictures you see now will miss out lots of stuff showing the individual elements being made, but you'll get the idea. You'll see the deck gradually build up into something a lot busier. First, the coamings for the grates. Then fitting the stairs in... Sphinx is fitted with a chain pump system, and here you see aft stanchions for that in place, along with the main jeer bitts. Then it's the turn of the two chain pumps to be installed. Followed by the main topsail sheet bitts and gallows... Then the forward chain pump handle stanchions are glued into position. Of course, we need a stove for all souls on board, so here's a brand spanking new one, with ornate brick surround. Aft and fore riding bitts are installed, as well as the bowsprit support and the galley doors... The chain pump handles are supplied as photo-etch parts, already shaped so there's no need to bend these into the awkward shapes needed. Each side is in two parts and dead easy to install. These are then painted black. The lower capstan is also fitted. And lastly, it's the turn of the cannon. These really give a sense of how Sphinx will look when complete. And now, some extra photos showing the overall hull and details for you.

Hi Stephen, Thanks for your kind words. I do promise another update later today, and this will be a major one. 😁

Nice one! I hope you'll log it here. I have two more packs here to build and post but just working on Sphinx at moment.

Very neat! You should be real proud of that 🥰

Just upload all your images at once. As you are typing your text and want to insert a photo, just click on it from the uploaded library images below your post.

This one is moving along quickly. You're putting me to shame.

Plastikote white aerosol. Check my build logs.

La Volage – 1693 (English Edition) ‘A long bark of the western Ocean’ Written and prepared by Jean-Claude Lemineur Published and available from Ancre from €112 (depending on plan scale) This new monograph is concerned with the study of a long bark, the Volage, built in Dunkirk in 1693, in the middle of the War of the Great Alliance by René Levasseur, the first master shipwright who succeeded Hendrick who died in 1689. The Volage was a warship of Louis XIV French Royal Navy. Armed with ten 4-pdrs, with a burthen of 50 tons and a 50-man crew, she was one the biggest of her class with a length of 63 1⁄2 feet. In the Navy records of 1696 to 1702, reported as being good, and even sharp under sail. Really built for privateering, she possessed nautical properties that allowed her to overtake her prey, and therefore, to be highly appreciated by Dunkirk privateers. It was aboard a similar bark that Jean Bart began his talented career as a privateer captain in 1674 during the conflict with the United Provinces of the Low Countries. The Volage participated in the guerrilla warfare initiated by Vauban and from 1693, by the Royal Navy itself against English trading fleets, within the framework of the War of the Great Alliance. Her activities probably continued during the War of Spanish Succession. Ordinarily, she insured the safety of the French coasts, protecting merchant vessels from piratical raiding. Her missions extended to the protection of fishing fleets on the Newfoundland Grand Banks. She was stricken from the Navy list in 1706, hauled ashore and rebuilt at Dieppe, probably for a private ship owner. Adapted and Taken from Ancre’s La Volage information sheet. MSW recently received a pack of three titles from French specialist publisher, Ancre. La Volage is the first of these I will look at. From the outset, this is an impressive set for the collection. Here is an overview of the title: Presentation of the book. The book is presented in a blue fabric-covered 24cm x 31cm box containing a 104-page brochure that includes the sources, history and plates in a reduced scale, along with commentaries and a 16-page colour brochure containing details of rigged and timbered models, as well as the 31 plates at the 1/26th scale necessary to build the structure. Chapters Chapter 1: History and origins of the long bark. The Volage’s own characteristics Chapter 2: The careers of the Dunkirk master shipwrights. List of the barks built from 1671 to 1727 Chapter 3: The use of the sources and determination of the underwater hull lines. Volumetric characteristics of the underwater hull Notes and decoration and paint of the shipwright. Chapter 4: Study of the rigging. Notes on the masts, sails and blocks Chapter 5: Commentaries on the 31 reduced plates Chapter 6: Routing of the rigging lines List of the plates Plate N° 1 Schematic elevation and body plans Plate N° 2 Schematic plan view Plate N° 3 Construction of the stern Plate N° 4 Construction of the hawse pieces Plate N° 5 Midship frame and forward frames 1 to 4 Plate N° 6-11 Frames 6 – 11 Plate N° 12 Timbered elevation Plate N° 13 Lengthwise section Plate N° 14 - 16 Cross sections at some frames Plate N° 17 Plans of accommodation Plate N° 18 Plan of the bilge Plate N° 19 Plan of the empty deck Plate N° 20 Plan of the deck with furniture Plate N° 21 Plan of the deck and castles Plate N° 22 Plan of the finished deck and castles Plate N° 23 Bare elevation Plate N° 24 Dressed elevation Plate N° 25 Front view of the stern Plate N° 26 Construction of the head and the ship's boat Plate N° 27 Furniture and artillery Plate N° 28 Masts Plate N° 29-30 Sails and boat's frames Plate N° 31 The Volage under sail What is a Monograph? If you’ve never seen a Monograph before, the idea is that you practically receive as much information about a subject as is possible to need to be able to build a specific vessel, plus having the historical content to hand to digest too. They really are a delight, even if you are only a collector, and without the ability or means to translate the information into a finished model ship. If you do want to look at creating something from the sheer mass of information given in La Volage, your finished hull will have these dimensions, scale-dependent: 1:24 Length: 100cm (fully rigged 120cm) Width: 28cm (fully rigged 40cm) Height: 30cm (fully rigged 110cm) 1:36 Length: 67cm (fully rigged 80cm) Width: 16cm (fully rigged 27cm) Height: 20cm (fully rigged 74cm) 1:48 Length: 50cm (fully rigged 60cm) Width: 14cm (fully rigged 20cm) Height: 15cm (fully rigged 55cm) La Volage is a little over A4 in size when it comes to the attractive fabric strengthened box in which it’s supplied, and there is quite a bit off weight behind it with the 104-page perfect bound book, printed on extremely high-quality paper and with nice, clear illustration and layout. The 31 sheets of plans (known as plates) are large in this scale, and all are superbly printed with fine lines that measurements can be directly taken from as a comparison. One could ponder for many hours, weeks and months over the minutiae of detail supplied. A 16-page colour brochure is also included which shows you what La Volage will look like when built, in various stages of construction. Remember of course, that this type of publication will present an actual representation of the vessel that will translate directly into what we call a POF model, but of course with some skills, the lines can be utilised to design your own POB project. Conclusion Ancre’s monographs really never disappoint in their sheer depth of information, presentation, production quality and of course, subject matter. La Volage is no exception. This really is an exquisite set and with me only ever really having built British ships, it’s extremely interesting to see how the French are in comparison with layout, style, shape etc. La Volage is most certainly a very beautiful barque and one which is less of a lifetime project than something like the Saint Phillipe which I reviewed a couple of years ago. A much more manageable size in 1:48, and even in 1:24 if you have an average size workshop. I certainly won’t comment on display space needed afterwards! Having the colour booklet with a completed model will also not just give inspiration but gives you a rough idea of what you need to be aiming for. The book not only grounds you in the history surrounding the vessel and its origins and protagonists, but also into the construction of what was undoubtedly a beautiful ship. Amazing to think that you can actually build a complete, miniature ship from this set, down to every smallest detail. La Volage – 1693 is available in English, French and Italian languages, and plans are available in 1:24, 1:36, and 1:48 scales. Check out the options on the Ancre website. My thanks to Didier Berti of Ancre, for sending this Monograph out for review here on Model Ship World. To purchase directly, click the link at the top of the article.