Blue Ensign

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-five
Thank you, Allan, the kit didn’t include any standards to support the transom, but I note that Alex M has included five in his drawings of the Anson following conversion to a Razee. He also includes an extended central standard to support an Ensign staff tabernacle.
 
I did think about following his example but decided that the double arrangement looked more aesthetically pleasing to my eye.
I think the inclusion of such an item is a reasonable assumption to make, and the set up on the Indy kit almost begged the inclusion of the arrangement as I have modelled it.

4206

4207
4217

4211

4212
4205
 
Onwards,
 
B.E.
04/04/2024
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024

BE
The Construction and Fitting of English Ships of War, pages 108-110 go into this is some detail.  There were either two or four transom knees depending on the size of the ship.  (He also mentions there were exceptions with some ships having an odd number of knees based on contemporary models.)   In short the transom knees (standards) were to add strength to the transom as well as give support to the tabernacle for the flag staff as you show on your model. The fore and aft arm was sufficient to span 3 deck beams and the vertical arms terminated just below the taffrail.  
Allan

My understanding is that In the days before the driver boom the Ensign was routinely worn on the staff when at sea, as the Mizen lateen yard was not inhibited by its presence.
With the introduction of the driver boom the Ensign was worn at the Gaff  when at sea, but an Ensign staff was used when in port or at anchor.
 
Many Navy Board style models do not show the fixings but were I intending to fully mast and rig 'Indy' as a bare stick model, I would have fitted the Ensign to the staff.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024

My understanding is that In the days before the driver boom the Ensign was routinely worn on the staff when at sea, as the Mizen lateen yard was not inhibited by its presence.
With the introduction of the driver boom the Ensign was worn at the Gaff  when at sea, but an Ensign staff was used when in port or at anchor.
 
Many Navy Board style models do not show the fixings but were I intending to fully mast and rig 'Indy' as a bare stick model, I would have fitted the Ensign to the staff.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

My understanding is that In the days before the driver boom the Ensign was routinely worn on the staff when at sea, as the Mizen lateen yard was not inhibited by its presence.
With the introduction of the driver boom the Ensign was worn at the Gaff  when at sea, but an Ensign staff was used when in port or at anchor.
 
Many Navy Board style models do not show the fixings but were I intending to fully mast and rig 'Indy' as a bare stick model, I would have fitted the Ensign to the staff.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty-three.
 
Countdown to completion - the final stages. 
This is the stage where I attend to all those little outstanding things, look through all the laser sheets and ask myself what the hell is that for, should I have fitted it?
 
It is surprising how long it takes to rig the stanchion and Hammock crane lines.

4164

4162

4163

4166
I use Syren 0.45mm ø natural line. I seem to recall from somewhere that tarred line was dispensed with as it tended to mark the hammocks.

4165

4167
I decided to fit the Fo’csle with stanchions; I think they may well have been fitted, and it balances well with the rest of the model. 
I used additional eyebolts to secure the ends of the lines.
 
I had modified the gunport lanyards for the lower ports to a double arrangement on the Port side, but the starboard side remained to be done.

4152

4168
Even tho’ it is a bit of a pain to do, I couldn’t leave odd sides.
 
Boomkins.
These less than attractive booms used to spread the Fore tack invariably cause me trouble. In my build they didn’t easily meet the angle of the cap square that secures them as they cross the Main Rail of the head, and the line was also inhibited by the position of the seats of ease which required a little adjustment.

4159

4160

4174
I also added the capsquares, represented by black card strips.
 
B.E.
01/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty-four.
 
Countdown to completion – still counting
I am still fretting about the inclusion of fittings for an Ensign staff.
 
The kit doesn’t include the fittings and few contemporary models show them.
I don’t have any specific evidence for the type used on ‘Indy’, but she would certainly have had them.
I lean towards a more substantial set-up than a simple block and cap-square fixed to the tafferal, given her origin as a Sixty-four.

2154

2155
This is the set-up on Victory and the double knee fixing between the flag lockers would transfer well to the Indy.
A block sits atop the standards, recessed for the staff and is fitted with a cap-square.
A corresponding fitting (the step) to take the heel of the staff sits between the standards on the deck.
 
Nothing to be lost by having a play around and using bits of Boxwood, I cobbled together an Ensign support for ‘Indy’.

4183
Fairly straightforward, two standards and a top cut out on the scroll saw, the trickiest part cutting the mortises to fit over the standard tops.

4184
A simple jig aids the assembly.

4204
The completed item, the Cap-square made from a piece of brass fret will be blackened before fitting.

4190

4197

4199
Steel conveniently gives the sizes of Ensign staffs by rate.
For a Sixty-four = 38’ x 6¼” ø @ scale 181mm x 2.5mm ø
         50 gun     = 36’ x 6” ø    @ scale 171.5mm x 2.4mm ø
         44 gun     = 35’ x 5⅝” ø  @ scale 166.7mm x 2.2mm ø

4195

4196
There is very little difference at scale, I used 3mm dowel for the staff and will adjust the length to suit my eye.
The staff will require a degree of taper and the fitting of a truck.
 
A satisfying days’ work - I’m inclined to keep it. ☺️
 
B.E.
02/04/2024