Blue Ensign

Time goes so quickly when you're having fun Derek, I really must get out of my garret more. 😄 B.E.

Thanks Mark and Theo. This type of Navy Board style display model was never intended to show the working operation of the ship, merely the features contained and the overall appearance, but it's nice to see some of the constructional detail. I suspect the elaborate decoration was really intended to please the eye of the intended customer (the King) and presumably get financial backing to build the real thing. Post Eighty-nine Hanging Knees and Lodging knees. I have never fitted these to a model previously so it is a new experience for me. I start with the forward Cabin area where only Lodging knees are required. 5876 Hanging knees and Raking Knees are fitted in the Great cabin but they can barely be seen. The kit provided Hanging knees required a little modification to match the Lodging knees, but they weren’t intended for external display. The heads were replaced with Boxwood section. 5877 5874(2) 5881 5880 5879 5884 Another two days work to shape and fit the knees. Moving on to the Break of the Quarterdeck, and four more guns to assemble. B.E. 27/02/22

Post Eighty-eight Making up some guns. I last looked at the guns ( Post 30 in October last year) when I partly made one up for gun port alignment purpose. To complete the cabin areas I need to make up four guns which have to go in before the beam and knees can be put into place. This is a multi stage operation that takes some time to complete, two days for three guns in my case. 5836(2) The makings for the guns. 5844(2) I like to make a simple jig to assemble guns to keep things square, and assist my finger fumbling, crude but effective. 5840(2) Only one side is glued in place here, the other bracket will be painted separately before assembly together with the gun. 5849 The barrels are sprayed with fixative prior to weathering. Iron work fittings I am not a fan of the provided etched eyebolts for the brackets. They look clunky to my eye, and the Breeching ring bolt lacks the ring thro’ which the breeching rope passes. 5834 In an attempt to make the loops more scale like, the one on the right has been drilled out using a 1mm drill, but even so still doesn’t please my eye. At full size the loops are ½”ø thick, (0.19mm) and 1½” in the clear (0.59mm) 5872(2) Amati fine eyelets have been used for the loops, and 2mm Amati rings to create the carriage breeching ringbolts. In reality none of this really matters if the kit is to be constructed as is. By the time the decks are in, the gang-boards fitted, and the boats in place, very little will be seen of the guns except the finely cut muzzles outboard of the ports. In one sense a pity, because the fine detail on the gun barrels will be hidden. 5852(2) The final part of the assembly is to add the Quoins, they were glued on and painted in situ. The stem of an Amati eyebolt with a blob of pva formed the handle. 5855(2) This is really small stuff to work on. Reminder to ones self Fishing Boats don’t have bloody guns! 5857 Not yet decided how to secure the guns . 5859 Not much room in the Coach and Bed space once the nine pounders are in place. 5861 Between the beams, so much of all that effort is hidden. 5864 I’m almost tempted to place a couple of guns in a more readily seen position to display Chris’s fine mouldings, altho’ finding a clear position below the skids could also prove tricky. For those who may be interested in fitting the guns and rigging them these are the measurements applicable to 9 pounder guns. The Breeching rope is 4½" circ. equating to 0.56mm ø at scale. I would use Syren 0.63mm line for the purpose. The Breeching ring is 3” in the clear = 1.19mm. The ring thickness is ⅞”ø = 0.34mm at scale. The Amati 2mm rings are close to these dimensions. The loops are ½”ø thick, (0.19mm) and 1½” in the clear (0.59mm) The tackle lines are of 2" circ equating to 0.25mm ø at scale. (I would use 0.1mm ø line for better scale effect.) These figures are taken from The FFM, David Antscherl, and The Arming and Fitting of English ships of War, Brian Lavery. The manual does provide details of blocks and line sizes. If following the manual advice I would go for the larger 0.75mm ø line to provide a nice contrast with the 0.1mm tackle lines. B.E. 23/02/22

Post Eighty-seven Looking at the Capstans The Upper deck Capstan that sits below the Quarterdeck will be required in the near future. 5785 I build these on a 6mm dowel rod and once the Whelps are in place is the time to remove the char. 5798 They are quite straightforward to assemble, the biggest issue is whether to paint them or leave them bright. Even so, they will stand a little bit of extra detailing. Syren 1:48 scale model Capstan. I do have Chuck’s wonderful little ‘Winnie’ Capstan model as an example. I would at least hope to add the iron reinforcing rings atop the capstan trundle heads. Once assembled I like to move ahead and do a mock-up of how the completed units will look. I would say to any builders new to this sort of kit, don’t just follow the blurb in rote fashion, look ahead and get a feel for how the model hangs together. It is important that parts removed from the frets ahead of their immediate need should be labelled and bagged. 5801 I am keen to see how much of the lower capstan will be seen. 5806 5809 The upper part of the barrel beneath the QD, connecting the two capstans will not be visible, so I won’t bother detailing the iron ribs that feature on the Winnie Capstan. 5816 I found a couple of brass rings in my etch collection that are perfect for the iron reinforcing rings on the Capstans. These will be blackened before fitting. 5820 Seeing them in place the decision is made to paint the capstans Red ochre, to particularly make the lower one stand out. 5822 5828 Not quite finished, the barrels will need to be painted Red, but for the present I’ll set them aside. B.E. 21/02/22

ain't it the truth 😄 B.E.

Both the lower hull and those tricky Quarter galleries look good Glenn. 👍 I don't think you should have any issues when it comes to getting a clean run of moulding rails around the stern and QG’s. B.E.

Only just come across your build Tim, and what a beautiful Fifie you have produced. We seem to have at least three things in common, a love of ship modelling, a shared birthday, and a fondness for fishing boat detail. Regards, B.E.

What a great project Kirby, very nicely done👍 B. E.

Coming together very nicely Derek, 👍 B.E.

Post Eighty-six Having a Knees up Chris was thoughtful enough to provide optional hanging knees with the kit (Plan11 drawing 7) 5788(2) Beautifully cut, and I’m very relieved not to have to tackle making those. Unfortunately the Lodging Knees are something I will have to tackle myself, What joy! 5790(2) In the absence of any other relevant data I have scaled up the lodging knees from the 1/128 scale drawings in the AotS Pandora book, drew them out by hand, and then onto some 0.8mm Pear for a template. Not the most accurate approach to the job, but my eye will be the final arbiter on the look. The longitudinal side of these knees (that run along the bulwark) vary according to the the space between the beams so I will make them all to the longest side and trim them to suit. There are 34 paired knees to be made, the shape transferred to some Boxwood sheet for cutting on the scroll saw and finishing by hand. 5794 So on a wet and windy Sunday morning, it looks like a good day to spend a couple of hours in the Machine shop. 5791 The Boxwood sheet matches the beam thickness. 5795(2) All done bar the finishing, I shall work them two by two as I move along fitting the beams. B.E. 20/02/22

Well done Ras, a fine looking model and full of interest, love the detail you have included. B.E.

I can relate to your 'blue' issues Theo, it takes me ages to decide on a shade, altho' I do tend towards the lighter, slightly dusky pastel tones. These shades on contemporary models are the sort of thing I aim for. Of course the blue may well have faded over the years, but it's still the look I like. It's all very subjective, but I think the paler shades look better on the paler woods, Box and light Pear, and tone in better with the Red Ochres. Of your samples Numbers 4 and 7 appeal the best to me. B.E.

Thanks Theo and Glenn. @ Glenn - I don't intend fitting hanging knees between the cabin partitions, but otherwise I will add them together with the Lodging knees on a beam by beam basis. Post Eighty-five Beams and partitions I start with the aft partition and deck beam. It is necessary to modify the partition by removing a section where it may be seen to encroach onto the beam face and where the Lodging knees would fit. 5744- view from forward. 5746 – view from aft A section either end was removed and replaced below the beam to provide support. This will be hidden from view. Every time these pieces are handled for trial fitting the window frame paintwork is marred, requiring touch-ins. 5748 At deck level, cants are fitted either side of the screen, into which these removable panels were fitted. These also help to support and brace the panels. 5759 The same approach was taken with the Foreward partition. In reality the Bulkheads fitted beneath the beams, the modification is still a compromise but the beam looks better without the bulkhead covering the face. 5757 Finally the partition between the Bed space and Coach was fettled into place. This also has cants either side. 5767 5766 5765 At this point most of the beams are not secured, I will need access to secure the guns. 5783(2) 5779(2) 5780(2) I'm lovin' the look of these scale deck beams, Chris has done a fine design job they really add to the model. Time for a knees up I think. B.E. 19/02/22

You always produce models and logs of such interest Nils, I look forward to seeing this one progress. Regards, B.E.

Thank you Thomas and Michael, it's great to receive positive comments from those whose work I also admire.. Post Eighty- four A few steps ahead The Quarterdeck beams aft of of the forward partition have been cleaned up and tried for fit. 5727 One of the great interests for me in going off piste on a kit build is having to think many steps ahead and solving the tricky little problems that may arise. 5728 Of course the danger of going off piste is that you may encounter an avalanche. Back to the machine shop today to chop about the ply underdeck to suit the profile of the un-planked areas. 5729 I have removed far more of the planking area than originally cut to expose the deck below. 5730 With this completed I know what will be on show and what won’t and can work to that purpose. 5731 5736 That looks about right, or will do once the remaining beams are installed to the break of the QD. 5733 I think I made the right decision about using the b/w sailcloth covering in the Great Cabin. 5735 It has so much more impact than the faux parquet flooring of the kit, but it’s all down to what appeals to the individual eye. I have also come to a decision about the guns, they will be fitted but without rigging. The rest of the model is displayed only partly complete, so to rig the guns would seem a little incongruous, and this will accord with contemporary Navy Board style models. On a practical level the guns will not hold up progress and I will be able to assemble and fit them at my leisure. Moving ahead. B.E. 18/02/22

Do you mean the Preventer plates that are pinned to the hull, Mark? The plans should show the angles more or less. I use a pin vise to drill the holes , pin the lower end first, and then tweak the angle before pinning thro’ the upper hole. B.E.

Love the look of the Admirals barge, better not tho ‘ I need to concentrate on Sphinx, will keep in mind for the future .......... B.E.

Thanks for looking in Johann. 👍 Post Eighty -three Preparing the Bulkheads I have decided to orient the doors for aft opening in accordance with the kit arrangement, which means that the hinges will be on the aft sides of the door for both Bulkheads. I wasn’t keen on the kit ring type handles and replaced those with round knobs fashioned from Brass nails. The glazing went in without trouble and was cleaned post fitting using dampened cotton buds. The frames were painted Vallejo Flat Earth and put in place using pin-point spots of acrylic varnish. 5718(2) This is slow work if smearing the glazing is to be avoided, and inevitably some minor touch ups of the framing is required. I fitted the forward facing frames first to get them to sit flush with the panelling, the aft ones stand a little proud of the panelling. 5725(2) It is very tricky getting 0.5mm clear gazing plus 0.8mm of framing to sit centrally in the panelling, but the forward ones are more important than the aft set. 5724(2) – screens in place looking fwd. I went with the kit provided hinges as there was not enough room at the top of the door to create the ‘L’ shaped version. 5722- Fore screen – looking aft By the time I had completed the forward screen it had developed a measure of twist which hopefully will be sorted out when fixed against the deck beams. This in itself creates a problem; the kit arrangement whereby the screens fit up to the top of the beams is a simplification, and for an open deck impede the fitting of the Lodging knees. Not so bad for the Fore screen where the beam sits before it, but problematic with the aft screen. 5721 – Aft screen With this arrangement the Lodging knees would sit against the screen which would look a little odd, but I think a work around is possible. 5720 I had thought about constructing my own cabin bulkheads, but the kit versions look fine from normal viewing distance, and this build is all about what will ultimately be seen and from what angle. 5719 I have some pondering to do before I fix the screens permanently in place, not least about the placement of the guns. The blurb doesn’t indicate fixing them at this time but if they are to be dressed with Breeching ropes and other tackle this would prove very tricky if the partitions are in place. B.E. 17/02/22

Thank you Starlight. The figures are from a HAT 1/72 scale set, still available I understand. I modified one of the figures to better reflect the uniform of1775 using styrene strip and modelling paste, altho' he doesn't bear too close an inspection. He stands guard on board Pegasus, but is hidden from view. The deck beams are over scale meaning the the bulkhead is a little low, but I just went with the kit arrangement for simplicity. The figure is a little under scale but just about passes muster as a short fellow. Looking at this photo reminds me that I modelled the doorway into the Captain's Bed space with solid doors for privacy, something the Captain of Sphinx does not enjoy. Cheers, B.E.

She's looking very smart Paul, maybe the photo angle but the rudder gap doesn't catch my eye. Nice progress. B.E.

Thanks Chuck, they're not shown on any of the Admiralty plans that I can see, and I believe Chris probably used the drawings in the AOTs book on Pandora as a typical example of a close ship type and period. They are shown as opening aft on both bulkheads. The simplest approach would be to follow that lead given that the fixing points for the hinges have been lasered on that side. I still like the way you have them on Winnie tho'. Regards, B.E.

Post Eighty-two Cabin Bulkheads The first major exercise is to assemble the cabin bulkheads, delicate pieces that curl quicker than a British rail sandwich, with one sniff of pva. 5669(2) They will be left clamped flat until fitting time. 5716 Trial fitting the Bulkheads in place, before I add the detail. A bulkhead puzzlement. The aft bulkhead has the hinge patterns on the inner side to reflect inward opening doors, as they are on the forward bulkhead with doors opening inwards into the Captains bed space and Coach. The arrangement is as the prototype build (above) by Jim. Note however, that the scribed hinge patterns on the forward bulkhead are not used. Rather, the hinge etched patterns have been applied to the outer face of the forward pattern (above) indicating outward opening doors. There is only one way these bulkheads fit to take account of the slot for the partition between the Bed Space and Coach. The AotS book on Pandora does show inward opening doors on both sets, but outward opening doors make sense on this first bulkhead given the very restricted space beyond. I note that Chuck has shown this arrangement on his Winnie build, (above) but he also has opening outward doors from the Great Cabin. Note also the ‘L’ shaped hinges common at this time. 5711 As far as the kit is concerned inward opening doors on the forward bulkhead would come up against the guns in the cramped bed and Coach spaces. 5712(2) Unless they were generally secured side onto the bulwark, which they may well have been to give more space. I suppose if the ship was prepared for action, the bulkheads would in any case be removed to work the guns, so perhaps that wasn’t considered an issue. 5710 If Chris’s intention is that the hinges were placed for inward opening doors from fore to aft then the arrangement fits, and it may be that Jim just preferred the look of outward opening doors on the forward bulkhead, as do I. 5714 There is plenty of space to open the doors onto the Quarterdeck without fouling the guns. Such a confusing issue but of minor relevance if the Quarterdeck is to be planked over as such detail will be all but hidden. B.E. 15/02/22

Thank you Mike, and you should get back to Pegasus.👍 @ Nipper - Chris has very kindly provided the pattern on Plan Sheet 3 Laser cut parts. Just print it out, spray it with some Artists fixative to seal, and cut it to fit. B.E.

Thanks Bob and Nipper. @ Nipper, you are correct the Marine is wearing the post 1802 uniform with the short coatee. Prior to this Marine uniforms were similar to line regiment uniforms with long tailed coats and bi-corne hats. As Sphinx was laid up in ordinary for the whole period post introduction of the new uniform, it would not have been seen during her sea career. I did modify the marine standing guard at the great cabin of Pegasus to reflect the period. Cheers B.E.

Post Eighty-one Moving aft – moving forward. I have finally decided on the Great Cabin flooring, I am going with the traditional b/w painted sailcloth look. 5681 5673 I think this will have more impact when viewed from above or thro’ the stern lights and ports. A few bits and pieces to attend to, tackle rings in the cabin deck and bolts and rings in the bulwarks. I am not really a fan of the kit provided etched stuff which lacks the round of the iron work. I prefer to use Amati fine eyebolts and rings. Amati 2mm rings (4000/02) 3mm rings (4000/03) Fine eyepins (4703) Deck ring bolts: 2mm rings coupled with fine eyebolts. Bulwark Breeching Ring Bolts: 3mm Rings coupled with fine eyebolts. Bulwark side tackle Eyebolts: Fine eyebolts. I prefer to chemically blacken metal parts if possible. 5709(3) Making up forty ring bolt and eyebolt sets for the bulwark gun tackles is not one of the most exciting tasks, but they are best fitted while the deck access is clear. At least the fixing holes are pre-drilled in the bulwarks. I note that the kit indicates the use of Eyebolts for the bulwark breeching ropes rather than Ring bolts, a simplification perhaps. 5696 At this point the basic preparation for the next stage has been completed. The line on the deck is secured thro’ the tiller lead hole on the Port side in anticipation of rigging the ships wheel. For this I have used 0.45mm Syren line. Not sure at this stage how I will rig the wheel and secure the tiller line on the Starboard side. 🤔 5689 A Marine stands guard to prevent any pilfering of materials, but there is something wrong in this picture, any ideas. Answers on a postcard to PO1 3LS. B.E. 14/02/22