Blue Ensign

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

Beautiful work Michael, you surely do work magic on these Heller kits. B.E.

Your Topsides planking looks very nice Theo, I’d be very happy with that, well done.👍 B.E.

The uprights will be painted, not sure yet whether to leave the cross pieces natural, but no pressure on that decision. B.E.

Post Eighty Manger boards. These are an appropriate fitting to add to the model as they will be visible, and besides I just like doing stuff. 5657 A card template is used to get the right proportions. 5666 The boards and cants are made up as one using scrap 1mm Pear. 5668 They need to be worked in conjunction with the Fore Topsail Bitts that sandwich the Bowsprit stop. This effectively means that the bitt posts really need to be attached to the stop sides at this point before any deck beams are put into place. 5658 The Topsail Bitts are glued to the stop using the plan detail, and the Fore Jeer Bitts are used as a height reference. 5660 The relevant deck beams are tried in place to make sure there are no nasty surprises down the way. 5662 Looking at the Bitts it seems to me they could do with a little shaping at the tops if only a simple chamfer. All these pieces will eventually be painted red, but I’ll leave the actual fitting until just before the Foc’sle beams go in. I’ll now continue with the upper deck fittings working from aft forward. B.E. 13/02/22

I build restricted rig or unrigged models these days for space reasons, but I do like the look of hull only Navy Board style models. I also like the look of models rigged with lower masts and standing rigging only, but without yards. That said I do have several fully rigged models so my appetite for those is sated. If you are looking for examples, here's a couple I have built in that manner. This Heller Victory built a good few years ago is an example of lower standing rigging only, it represents a significant saving of space. This build of the Syren cutter Cheerful at 1:48 scale was restricted purely for space saving reasons, but I like the look. I wasn't quite done with cutters and I did want to rig one. I chose the Vanguard models 1:64 scale build of Alert. That very long Bowsprit coupled with the yards made for a large case, that I hadn't quite appreciated would be required. Hope this helps to inform your decisions. Regards, B.E.

Thank you Paul, if only I could, they will be additionally tricky in my case as I have to include the Cat tail which fixes beneath the Foc'sle deck beams. I'm also trying hard not to think about the cathead supporter with its compound curves flowing seamlessly into the Ekeing rail. Fortunately I'm moving aft shortly and it will be some time before I get back to the sharp end. Cheers, B.E.

Thank you Nipper, Bob, and Kirby. Post Seventy- nine Fiddling in the Foc’sle The forward end of the internal bow area can’t be authentically represented as it is cut off by the kit bulkhead, a simplification of the kit design. 5647 This is painted black with areas of shading to hopefully give the impression of shadow in any view that may become apparent. The Foc’sle deck will also need to have sufficient planking to mask this area from view. This shot of the wonderful Winnie build by Rusty shows how the very forward end of the Bow should look. I have gone as far as I can with the basic modification by opening up the Bridle port and planking the internal area otherwise left unfinished. One other practical modification is the addition of manger boards running from the Bridle port to the Bowsprit stop. Creation of these has to be done in conjunction with the Bowsprit stop, and the Fore Topsail sheet Bitts against which they fix. The Bowsprit also has to be considered in fitting the Bowsprit stop. 123 This shot of Trincomalee demonstrates the arrangement. The low manger boards can be seen (complete with curious goat) and the square tenon of the Bowsprit. Also of interest is the tackle for the Bridle port lid running beneath the deck beams. In the kit the arrangement the stop is simplified with a hole into which the Bowsprit fits. 5648 The stop is faced with some 0.8mm pear and the tenon mortise cut. 5649 At the forward end the hole is adjusted to take the Bowsprit. This is also a simplification as the tenon mortice only should run thro’ the stop, but the effect should look the same. 5651 The tenon in the heel of the Bowsprit slots into the stop. 5654 From forward. 5652(2) I ensure that the Bowsprit slides smoothly into place with the minimum of effort. This will be visible thro’ the un-planked beams. In my next post I will be looking at Manger Boards. B.E. 12/02/22

Post Seventy-eight A six month review. It is six months since I started this project, so a few pics to record the state of play. 5644(2) 5640 I just love the shot from this angle displaying her sheer line. 5631(2) 5629(2) 5637(2) 5636 5642(2) I have worked several hours each day on this model over the past six months and with the addition of the facing pieces for the fenders and Chesstrees I am now moving back to the internal fittings. Still a long way to go but now there is no doubt that she is a British Frigate of the Georgian era, and she is slowly gaining the look I'm after. How lucky are we to have such quality products to play with, thank you Chris. B.E. 11/02/22

Thanks Derek, rail cleaning worked out ok, you just need to work out a strategy for cutting and holding, and have 'soft' hands. The thought of personal spelling options had crossed my mind.🤔 but enough of this pondering over such matters, time I got back to the build. B.E.

Thanks Nipper, I’ve read through the fifty pages of the log, although reading the handwriting is difficult in parts. Pretty standard stuff really, mostly weather conditions, course taken, a few sighting of sails, and notes when reefs were taken in or the ship worn. Page 25 has a little more interest There are a couple of references to meeting up with other ships, mentions of Richmond (5th rate) and Delaware ex American built prize (6th rate.) and giving chase and shots fired at a Sloop going towards Hampton. I’m sure Capt Kendall would be surprised to know that people like us are taking an interest in what he wrote some 240 years ago. Cheers, B.E.

An interesting little snippet Around this time some 243 years ago, at the behest of his Britannic Majesty King George 111, the subject of our model was cruising around Chesapeake Bay looking to interfere with the French or anyone else who may be seeking to disrupt British control of the American colony. While browsing the interweb for all things Sphinx, I came across this, an extract of the Log of Sphinx written by Captain John Kendall. What is interesting is his spelling of the name Sphynx which is at variance to the spelling on the Admiralty plan, (Sphinx) altho’ the same as the spelling on the Joseph Marshall painting of 1775. One would imagine that a Captain would know how to spell his own ships name, so why the variance? Should that beautifully crafted name on the stern be spelt ‘yn’ not ‘in’ John Kendall was in command of Sphinx for only five months, which in one sense is lucky for him as under her next commander Robert Manners Sutton she was out gunned and taken by the French 32 gun Frigate L’Amphitrite. Fortunately she was retaken three months later by the HMS Proserpine a 24 gun frigate of the revised Enterprize Class. Details of the log book can be found here; Logbooks from three British warships in North America, 1778-1780 - Bound Manuscripts - The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati Digital Library Collections (oclc.org) B.E.