Mike Dowling
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Many thanks for the link again - it looks like I need to do a lot of study. Most of the nautical terms don't mean a thing to me. I am used to building non-boat models. I think you probably know that I am building the OcCre Bounty at 1/45 scale. I have never seen so many pulleys, blocks, clump blocks etc etc in my life I didn't even know what a clump block was until this!! You say very kindly that if you can do it anyone can and I appreciate your faith albeit misguided! There must be miles, and yes I do mean miles of potential string for this boat. I thought planking was a challenge but this is just something else. Opinions also seem to vary so much, some say put sails on, some say too difficult don't even go there. I thought maybe your furled thingy was the answer but I have to admit at this stage I just don't know what to do. I am now working on the main mast yards and then I have the mizzen and yards to do. The bowsprit and fore masts and all the yards for those are finished complete with all their blocks etc. I am assuming (?) that standing rigging is what holds all that lot together and has to be done and running rigging (?) is for all the sails. The instructions, which will come as no surprise to anyone, are a complete joke. I might as well throw the string at the boat and stick it where it lands. Perhaps you understand why I am at a loss?
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Many thanks for that link and I did post a reply on there but you raise another question for me. If I use the furled sails idea will I still need all the rigging required for a full sail setup or does it become simpler?
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Thanks so much for the link and the information. The time and trouble you have taken will I am sure help a great many modellers. I think for me it probably confirms that I am too new to all this to contemplate sails which whilst being a shame because as you say they are sailing ships will save a great deal of breakage!!!!
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Not wishing to be difficult but, why use wax at all. Can't we use the thread as it is?
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What a beautiful build, you must be so proud of her. I only wish that I could do half as well.
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Thanks Landlubber, I think I get it but still don't know what a spar is. dgbot, I am building the OcCre Bounty and have a long build log in progress. I am sure you have been watching it? The instructions are totally useless and I am having to work from plans only. It is the order of doing things I need.
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Thanks dgbot, what is a spar? Is that what I think a yard is? If I am going to do all the standing rigging first surely I have to have the cross pieces which hold the sails (whatever they are called) attached to the masts first don't I ?
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Should I attach the sails to the yards before I attach the yards to the masts? If so, when do I do the standing rigging?
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Please can one of you experts out there tell me at which point should I attach sails? When I have completed the masts, should I attach the sails to the yards before fitting them? Should I attach the yards first, then complete the ratlines and standing rigging, then attach the sails and then rig those or is there a better way? Any help here would be much appreciated as this is my first attempt.
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Bowsprit Bees, what they are? (edited by admin)
Mike Dowling replied to Mike Dowling's topic in Masting, rigging and sails
Well I'm blowed, I thought everything was oak or was that just for beams and planks? Anyway in that case since my provided dowel is pale wood should I just varnish it and not stain it at all? -
Oh, that's a surprise! We are kind of knee deep in Sitka spruce up here in bonny Scotland, it's a shame really but all down to growing subsidies. I don't know what colour to stain the masts now.
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Keep chewing!! Meanwhile, this is probably the most stupid question that I have asked to date but, does anyone know what kind of timber masts, spars etc used to be made from? I thought it was oak but my wonderful parts list says it should be mahogany or similar.
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Bowsprit Bees, what they are? (edited by admin)
Mike Dowling replied to Mike Dowling's topic in Masting, rigging and sails
This is probably a frighteningly stupid question but, what are type of wood were masts and spars etc usually made from/ -
Many thanks Bindy for you kind words. Shihawk, thank you very much for the info and taking the time for me. I think I now know more or less what I have to do. I haven't actually started on the masts etc yet, just trying to work out how to do it. The plans I have and the parts list are not the same, measurements and quantities vary considerably so I think I am going to have to work from the plans mostly, especially for measurements. This is going to be a very long haul - do you ever get the feeling that you have bitten off more than you can chew?
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Bowsprit Bees, what they are? (edited by admin)
Mike Dowling replied to Mike Dowling's topic in Masting, rigging and sails
That is a brilliant help - thank you very much. -
Please could somebody tell me what 'bowsprit bees' are and hat they are for.
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Oh don't I just know it - like I said I have done the easy bit and guess what - there are no instructions at all, just plans to work from!! There have to be easier hobbies than this! Anyway, thanks all for the kind comments so far!
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So, that's the easy part done. Next the masts, spars, rigging etc etc. Before I start here are some views from the mast before I start them!!
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Hello all! I have now finished the hull ! There are a few accessories like barrels etc to add but they will wait until I come to the end as I don't want them rattling about. A few bits to do on the launch as well but they also will wait. Thought you would like a few pics. For the purists amongst you out there I have made a couple of minor modifications and I may give prizes for anyone that can find them!!!. The fact that it is not painted is not a modification but personal choice so no prizes for that.
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I can't stand football and have been getting on with my boat!! Look forward to seeing your pics though.
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Hello all, Thought it was time I posted an update on progress. I have now finished the basic hull complete with rubbing strakes, the keel and the rudder. I made a complete mess of the rudder by gluing the hinges in the wrong places with CA glue. However, with a lot of cellulose thinner, a lot of patience and a lot of bad language I managed to get them off and start again! The whole thing has had at least (!!!) two coats of satin varnish and just for good measure I veneered the edges of the bulkheads and decks on the exposed side. The time spent was worth it I think. Next, all the deck accessories and fittings to be done!
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Very nice of you CF and many thanks to you for your help and tuition. I know I didn't use your fan template on the second go but you did make me realise the importance and technique of tapering without which I would now have a clinker built barge!!!
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Oops, missed a point there! The reason my transom is pale is because my kit states the pale sections should be painted blue. I want to keep them in wood so I planked the transom which was ply to match the rest.
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Capt's both, Thank you for your kind comments. My model does seem to have a lot of differences. Regarding the pale section, my first attempt was to ignore my instructions and do what others had suggested which would have been more similar to yours. However it looked a complete mess. When I overplanked it, I followed my instructions which gave precise measurements for the line between bass wood and sapele running parallel with the bulwarks. If you remember I asked the multitude about the positions of the rubbing strakes which will eventually cover the join. I had mixed replies between parallel with the deck or parallel with the bulkheads. The difference whilst only about 10ml I thought would be crucial later so I stuck with the instruction measurements. However I would add that the lowest rubbing strake now would leave a large gap at the bow so I am thinking of putting two on instead of three (another difference between our kits) Thanks also Hamilton, I didn't dare use CA glue because I know how badly it marks the wood for later varnishing and I want to make the best of the sapele colour.
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