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TBlack

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Everything posted by TBlack

  1. TBlack
    Main top stays in place. Couple of observations here: Making a mouse is an art beyond me. others have tried and they come out a little large. I decided to save time and just use the beads included in the kit: I was correct that the main top stay can be assembled off the model and installed. No problem there. Can't be done with the preventer stay as it has to pass down through the fore top and won't fit if the fiddle block is on the end of the stay. Found that out the hard way. Anyway, they are both ultimately secured to hooks and eyes at the foot of the foremast. Try and find them in this forest!
  2. TBlack
    As to the main topmast stay and preventer, I'm going to try something different. The plan calls for a double block at the end of the stay where in goes to the deck. My muse (Delf), has substituted that fixture with a fiddle block. I don't know why, but I have about 15 fiddle blocks that I got from Chris way back when, so I don't remember why I bought them. Un any event I thought i would follow Delf's example and use a fiddle block there at the end as well. Also, I think I can assemble the main top stay off the boat and then attach. Maybe a little easier? Main top stay goes first because it runs through a block attached to the foremast below the hounds whereas the preventer stay goes through a block attached above at the doubling. Notice the block with the hook in the upper left. Its lanyard needs rigging through the fiddle block and then the whole assembly can be mounted on the ship.
  3. TBlack
    I'm sure Chris will be able to fill in the blanks. If not, let me know by PM. This can be remedied. Tblack
  4. TBlack
    Nicely done. With your talent, it would have been a shame not to finish the model.
  5. TBlack
    Steve, I love your attempt to save money, but I find that if you go to a shop in CA that deals in trophies, you will find that they can engrave a wonderful plaque for your model for not too much money. Tom
  6. TBlack
    Thanks for the "likes" and attention. Trying not to bore you! There are many Speedy logs far better than mine. As I mentioned previously, my big challenge was in reconfiguring the hull to accommodate the aft cabin and quarter deck. I think I've done that, and the rest of this is just building out Speedy. Except that in the book there are references to royal sails. Gotta do that too. Anyway, one of my mentors (muses) is Delf from his log back in 2020-2021. One of his concerns is how to load the serving machine without wasting line. He splices extra line onto the end of the stay/shroud he is serving to cut down on the waste. I sympathize, and do it this way: Just grab the end of the line with an alligator clip, no need to wrap line around the nails! Maybe Chuck designed it that way to sell more line? Next up, I've gotten the foretop stay and preventer in place: We're looking at the preventer stay side. It comes down through the bees and ends aft in a double block (see crude arrow!). Then the fun part starts. There's a single block in that forest that has to hook on an eye in the hull. Took a bunch of tries, but I got it. On both sides!
  7. TBlack
    Thanks, Keith. I'm having the prostate problems that most of us old guys get. I believe that we're on top of it; it hasn't spread. I'm my college class secretary, and I do a monthly newsletter that, this month, included a poll: "how many doctors do you have?". Seems like, at our age (80+) 6-7 is about right.
  8. TBlack
    One other thing. My picture of me and my grandson is out of date. He's now 15 years old and doesn't need me to read to him. So I'm going to up-date from this: T to this:
  9. TBlack
    Been awhile since I've written anything. I think I mentioned that I hate doing ratlines. It's tedious and they never come out looking ship shape. But I finally ran out of excuses to putting them off and finally finished their installation. Also, put in the top mast backstays, and I'm now letting the glue dry on the serving for the forestay.
  10. TBlack
    Phil, Looks like you've got some pretty good plans as a starting point. Tom
  11. TBlack
    Nicely done; wonderful detail!
  12. TBlack
    Keith, If you hadn't mentioned the width of the top rail, it probably would have passed muster. Go easy on any unnecessary corrections! TB
  13. TBlack
    10 weeks of structural work!? Sounds like a complete redo, or you live in a very large house! Ghastly business' You poor soul. TB
  14. TBlack
  15. TBlack
    There’s a patent for a push broom!? Amazing!
  16. TBlack
    Keith, I agree with your assessment. Thanks for the update and hanging in there. Tom
  17. TBlack
    At your scale you can't use mahogany, and I wouldn't use oak for the frames. In both of those wood the grain is too pronounced for your scale. I'm no great expert on wood color, but I think cherry, apple, or pear would be a good substitute for the planked hull. For the frames a light colored wood such as maple or birch would work. Good luck and keep us posted! Tom
  18. TBlack
    Keith, I think you've got 2 options: either she is part of the crew or she is a passenger in the car. But if she's a passenger then why climb up the ladder to get your picture taken. My inclination is that she belongs in the pilot house and has come out for the photo. The car is 1920's vintage and at that time wouldn't it have been unusual for women to wear pants? Tom
  19. TBlack
    Keith, So if you had the scan today, and it takes a couple of days for the results, does that mean Friday? In any event you need to share the results with us. You've included us as your family; no backing out now. Tom
  20. TBlack
    Keith, dear brother, It's my view that in our lives on this planet we are given hurdles to get over, and how we deal with these hurdles defines who we are. You've been handling this hurdle exceptionally well....grace and style. I'm proud of you! Tom
  21. TBlack
    Keith, dear brother, I’m going to read into the fact that the CT scan isn’t until 4/30 means we’ve got some swingin’ room. Stay positive. It’s the not knowing that’s the worst part. We’re all with you! Tom
  22. TBlack
    Yup, success! Plenty of line for ratlines @ $2.85. Excelsior!
  23. TBlack
    Little bit of a setback here. I discover that I don’t have the right size line for ratlines. I looked at Modelers Central for a solution, which they have, but they want $17.50 for shipping a $4 order. Not going to happen! I’m going to the fabric store tomorrow in search of 0.10 mm line. Tom
  24. TBlack
    Kevin, You mention using the rotary tool to accomplish the result. We didn't hear anything about that approach at the workshop given by David and Greg. Nevertheless, if you look to Ed Tosti, who also does magnificent work, he uses the rotary tool almost exclusively. Greg and David will be in New London, CT on April 26. Be great if you showed up! Tom
  25. TBlack
    Upper shrouds now installed. Nothing particularly remarkable here. I'll just note that I serve the shrouds with a dark brown line much like Dunnock. I know, I'm a lousy photographer, but you get the idea. I think next up are the ratlines before the backstays. Gives me a little more room to work. Tom

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