Blue Ensign

A fascinating process Ron, I will follow with great interest.
 
B.E.

The Water Puzzle continues.

Rolling along Camilla's port side, another tapered foam wedge supports three raised wave sections. All the ShaperSheet pieces are cut with heavy-duty scissors; an X-acto knife won't cut the stuff.

A few wave sections remain. Working around my completed model while it's in the diorama's cutout isn't too difficult but I needed to be careful while handling the larger sections of the ShaperSheet material.

All of the wave sections have been cut and formed and are securely glued-in around the case's perimeter as well as all along Camilla's full hull. She can be easily lifted out of the setting and is not yet secured to her sea.

A detail of the tricky stern wave sections shown here. Smaller ShaperSheet pieces were cut and had to align precisely so subsequent "wake" making steps would be easier to execute. The locating marks help when executing the final glue process. All the black Sharpie marks will disappear in the next stage.

Time for a water making break: neat. No water, no rocks. Best enjoyed with a good friend or partner, but still acceptable as a solo toast to an involved, multistep process that's gotten to about the halfway mark for the water surface of the complete diorama.

A view from the port stern. Note the gap along her hull. This was subsequently filled with another wave piece.

The completed port bow wave action.

and ...the completed bow waves.
The blue masking tape has been affixed to the full perimeter of the wood case to protect its edges during the next step of cladding/surfacing the synthesized waves.

Post Three
Bevelled bow patterns have been attached.

9202
These are tricky to hold for bevelling, I use my toolmakers clamp which works very well.

9211
Before the fairing is started, I add support blocks to protect the Flying Transom; at this stage it is very vulnerable.
 
For the fairing I am using 320 grade paper attached to various width sanding sticks. Being mdf the fairing is quickly done, the four bulkheads from the bow and stern are the ones involved.
 
As with all this range of boats the first plank rests on the shoulder of the bulkheads to give the correct line and sheer.
 
More easily said than done at the bow in relation to the Barge.
The bows of Barges were fairly bluff so there is a tight turn from the stem around the first two bulkheads.

9213
Coupled with this there is a sharp drop in shoulder levels from Bulkhead 1 to bulkhead 3 requiring lateral bending also of a greater curve than is easily achieved.
The instructions don’t mention any need for lateral bending on the first strake, only referring to tapering from the second strake plank.
To secure the planks spots of ca are used from the stem to the third bulkhead, and pva thereafter.

9217
After a fair bit of fiddling around including breaking the end off the first plank, I am relieved they are finally fitted.
 
I derived a small amusement that the box contained the statement Not suitable for children under 36 months
Double that, call it years, and then some, and I still wonder if it’s suitable.😉
 
I don’t think this is going to be an easy planking job.
 
Close examination of the prototype pics indicate that stealers have been employed at the bow and what look like broader planks for some of the strakes towards the keel.

Prototype close-up – the pdf photos are a little small for detail, but it can be seen how James achieved the result.
 
This will get the job done and as the hull is intended to be painted such simplifications are perhaps less relevant.
However, I will try to attempt a more conventional arrangement.
 
From the second plank tapering is indicated.

9222
I opted to leave the plank full, but edge bend it to follow the first.
 
On the question of tapering, the planks used are 2mm x 0.8mm which makes it difficult to adopt the usual tapering method of cutting the line using rule and scalpel.
Tapering is done by means of scraping and careful sanding on a flat board to finish. Any tapering should not exceed half the plank width ie 1mm.
Fortunately, I do have some 0.8mm Pearwood Strips in varying widths, which will give more options.

9228
It is more difficult edge bending the kit lengths as it has to be done at the end of the strip which is obviously less flexible.
Having soaked the planks, the bend was induced by hand, fitted to the hull, held in place as above, and blasted with the hairdryer.

9236(2)
Spots of ca are used to secure at the bow, with pva along the edge joints, and sparingly on the bulkheads, which will eventually be removed.

9234

9237(2)
The sheer of the hull can be seen in these shots.

9241(2)
Note the blocks glued to the base board to protect the delicate stem.
 
 Hours of unremitting fun now to be had completing the hull planking.🙄
 
B.E.
06/11/2022
 
 
 

Post Two
Not the most exciting part of a build, but I don’t think James has covered the Barge in his build logs, so I’ll run thro’ the initial stage.
 
The bulkheads fit snugly into the building board to the underside of which a grip is glued to secure in a vice.

9165
In short order the next stage is to fit the delicate Pearwood keel.
This is a soft hands procedure and care must be taken not to force the keel slots into the bulkhead slots which are very fine particularly those at the bow and stern.
I tested each keel slot against its bulkhead partner before attempting the keel fit.
9170

9167
The keel is eased into position, and I ensure it sits fully down on the bulkheads.

9173
The keel is also checked for true. Once satisfied diluted pva was run into the joints.

9186
Unlike other boats in the range the barge has a sub-deck. To fit this four of the bulkhead bridges have to be removed to allow access.

9177

9189

9192
One of the advantages of the sub-deck is that it should help to counter twist in the bulkheads once the fairing begins.

9193
The arms of the Flying Transom are glued into place.

9199
Fitting the Flying Transom is a tricky business, I opted to glue the arms to the fixed transom first, and then slotted the Flying transom between before the pva hardened off.
 
The hull is now set aside for the glue to set.
 
B.E.
04/11/2022
 
 
 

BE,
 
Although I haven't commented on this built I've keenly followed it.
 
Apart from the wonderful craftsmanship, I think you have got the art of displaying models nailed. Too often I see lovely models swamped inside an overbearing display unit....not the case here! The eye is drawn immediately to the model.
 
And the book is a wonderful idea, which I've seen you do on your other models. I imagine there is no little amount of work required in laying out the book prior to it getting published.
 
I can visualise you sitting in that comfortable armchair, next to the displays, flicking through the pages of the book with a suitable beverage in hand ...and a big smile 🙂
 
Kind regards,
 
Richard

I love the build log “book”! What a great idea. 👍😀

That's a beautiful book, BE! 

Your build log is as exceptional, as your finished HMS Sphinx is. The look and decoration of your Sphinx is somewhat different from other builds and a pleasure to look at. I will store your build log for when I start my Sphinx build. It's such a great reference, well documented and the pictures are very helpful and of high quality. Thanks for that.
 
Cheers Rob

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

Post One hundred and Seventy-three
 
A question of display
 I thought about making a support arrangement of keel blocks supplemented by small cradles much in the way that I did for Pegasus. (below) It is quite a time-consuming set-up and has implications for Sphinx where the display case height is already fixed.

5408
Fortunately, I rather like the clear acrylic stands provided by Chris, they are nicely designed, unobtrusive, and fulfil the purpose.

8794
The engraved nameplate for Sphinx I like very much.
 
How to display the other items within the case is also on my mind but having made them I certainly don’t want to omit the three ships boats.

8777
At present Sphinx sits atop Cheerful purely for convenience but this won’t be the final display location.

8768
I could play around endlessly with positioning the other items within the case, but this is fairly pleasing on my eye, and Life is simply too short.

8775
The case also provides a convenient home to display Syren’s splendid little Double Capstan model.

8773

8774

8761(2)
Cover on time….

8800
This is where Sphinx will be displayed at least for the present.
 
Not ideal as the low level means clear viewing of her highly decorative stern is tricky. Not that it matters as I’m not open to the public, and I know what it’s like.😉
 

8808
By pure good fortune the base slips neatly between the legs of the Console table currently displaying Pegasus.
 
It is perhaps appropriate that the two ships are displayed together, both being sixth rates of the same era.
 
The models also share a common heritage, both being designed by the talented Mr Watton, altho’ with a good number of years in-between.
 
It was partly that I already had a fully masted and rigged Sixth rate that I didn’t feel too badly about consigning the kit masting and rigging elements to the spares box.
 
This is not quite the end of my Sphinx journey as I now have to move onto compiling a pictorial build record book as I have done with all my builds.
 
I will return with something considerably smaller for my next project.
 
Regards,
 
 
B.E.
14/10/2022

 

Cheers Guys,
 
As it happens in the past week, I have received my printed pictorial build album.
 I have done one of these for all my builds, it is a shame not to use all those build photos and record those internal details lost from view.
 
A few pages to give a flavour.

9094

9095

9096

9097

9098

8926(3)
Once again, thanks for your support, much appreciated.
 
 
B.E.
05/11/2022
 
 
 

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

Thanks for looking in Håkan, I suspect the age comment has something to do with liability to guard against claims that my little rug rat has just eaten your barge - you never said it wasn't edible. 😉
 
Even so, 36 months is a pretty low age bar, but then I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Chris was knocking stuff like this out aged four.
 
A more appropriate warning would be; getting involved with this kit may seriously damage your mental stability at any age.
 
I jest of course. 😬
 
B.E.

Thanks for looking in Håkan, I suspect the age comment has something to do with liability to guard against claims that my little rug rat has just eaten your barge - you never said it wasn't edible. 😉
 
Even so, 36 months is a pretty low age bar, but then I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Chris was knocking stuff like this out aged four.
 
A more appropriate warning would be; getting involved with this kit may seriously damage your mental stability at any age.
 
I jest of course. 😬
 
B.E.

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

Thanks for looking in Håkan, I suspect the age comment has something to do with liability to guard against claims that my little rug rat has just eaten your barge - you never said it wasn't edible. 😉
 
Even so, 36 months is a pretty low age bar, but then I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Chris was knocking stuff like this out aged four.
 
A more appropriate warning would be; getting involved with this kit may seriously damage your mental stability at any age.
 
I jest of course. 😬
 
B.E.

Thanks for looking in Håkan, I suspect the age comment has something to do with liability to guard against claims that my little rug rat has just eaten your barge - you never said it wasn't edible. 😉
 
Even so, 36 months is a pretty low age bar, but then I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Chris was knocking stuff like this out aged four.
 
A more appropriate warning would be; getting involved with this kit may seriously damage your mental stability at any age.
 
I jest of course. 😬
 
B.E.

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

A fine crew indeed, nicely done Ron.
I am surprised that Captain W has arrived to take command wearing britches that look like he found them in the bilges, what is his servant thinking of.
The officer class must maintain standards.
 
B.E.
 

Thanks Ron. I'll try and lay the blame on you but I'm not sure it'll wash.
 
 
Too late I'm afraid. This is our entrance hall - Speedy was only meant to be there temporarily but somehow temporary has turned into over a year:

Most of the pictures in the house are of ships and other maritime themes, which doesn't help. 
 
My last-ditch tactic will be to remind Karen that she bought me Sphinx as a present so ultimately it's her fault. But that's not a line I'll take unless I'm desperate (and preferably outside throwing distance!).
 
Derek
 
 

Thank you kindly, Derek. The larger "fighting sail" models many of us are fond of are space hogs when they're masted and rigged. My original plan for HMS Camilla was to also show her with stunsails! That is, until I measured what this would yield across her breadth. My extremely empathetic and supportive wife wasn't thrilled. I wanted to do it simply for the challenge of never having added these sails previously. I dreamed of replicating the look so many era painters have depicted of these beautiful ships under full sail.
 
As it stands I'm very fortunate to have a large home that already has an even dozen of my models scattered about. My wife calls our home "The Neilson Ship Museum." There is room for Camilla (I'm thinking about purchasing what's termed here as a "hi-top bar table" to set her completed diorama on) since it is large and nearly square-based. There is even space for Vanguard's new Indy, somewhere...🤔
 
Lucky me, I can rig my models until the whales come home, so-to-speak.
 
Go ahead, tell your wife a Yank made you do it. I'll take all the blame and bashing from afar. Just don't show her this photo of what greets our guests when they open our front hallway door!
Cheers - Your Speedy model is a beauty, superbly rigged. Go Large as they say here: build Sphinx with a full rig. You know you want to do it.

 
 
 

Post Three
Bevelled bow patterns have been attached.

9202
These are tricky to hold for bevelling, I use my toolmakers clamp which works very well.

9211
Before the fairing is started, I add support blocks to protect the Flying Transom; at this stage it is very vulnerable.
 
For the fairing I am using 320 grade paper attached to various width sanding sticks. Being mdf the fairing is quickly done, the four bulkheads from the bow and stern are the ones involved.
 
As with all this range of boats the first plank rests on the shoulder of the bulkheads to give the correct line and sheer.
 
More easily said than done at the bow in relation to the Barge.
The bows of Barges were fairly bluff so there is a tight turn from the stem around the first two bulkheads.

9213
Coupled with this there is a sharp drop in shoulder levels from Bulkhead 1 to bulkhead 3 requiring lateral bending also of a greater curve than is easily achieved.
The instructions don’t mention any need for lateral bending on the first strake, only referring to tapering from the second strake plank.
To secure the planks spots of ca are used from the stem to the third bulkhead, and pva thereafter.

9217
After a fair bit of fiddling around including breaking the end off the first plank, I am relieved they are finally fitted.
 
I derived a small amusement that the box contained the statement Not suitable for children under 36 months
Double that, call it years, and then some, and I still wonder if it’s suitable.😉
 
I don’t think this is going to be an easy planking job.
 
Close examination of the prototype pics indicate that stealers have been employed at the bow and what look like broader planks for some of the strakes towards the keel.

Prototype close-up – the pdf photos are a little small for detail, but it can be seen how James achieved the result.
 
This will get the job done and as the hull is intended to be painted such simplifications are perhaps less relevant.
However, I will try to attempt a more conventional arrangement.
 
From the second plank tapering is indicated.

9222
I opted to leave the plank full, but edge bend it to follow the first.
 
On the question of tapering, the planks used are 2mm x 0.8mm which makes it difficult to adopt the usual tapering method of cutting the line using rule and scalpel.
Tapering is done by means of scraping and careful sanding on a flat board to finish. Any tapering should not exceed half the plank width ie 1mm.
Fortunately, I do have some 0.8mm Pearwood Strips in varying widths, which will give more options.

9228
It is more difficult edge bending the kit lengths as it has to be done at the end of the strip which is obviously less flexible.
Having soaked the planks, the bend was induced by hand, fitted to the hull, held in place as above, and blasted with the hairdryer.

9236(2)
Spots of ca are used to secure at the bow, with pva along the edge joints, and sparingly on the bulkheads, which will eventually be removed.

9234

9237(2)
The sheer of the hull can be seen in these shots.

9241(2)
Note the blocks glued to the base board to protect the delicate stem.
 
 Hours of unremitting fun now to be had completing the hull planking.🙄
 
B.E.
06/11/2022
 
 
 

So a large scale build it is, right?
Okay, I'm glad we have got that decided then. Now then, what will it be?
 
Nah, just kidding! I'm just on my third somewhat sized build and can truly appreciate the placing problem. Some of the Admirals book shelfs need to go, but that is a discussion for another day.
 
James, 171 by 29 mm is not a very large object but you are doing a terrific job on the barge! (not suitable for children under 36 months - what a peculiar statement 🤭)
 
Keep it up!

Cheers Guys,
 
As it happens in the past week, I have received my printed pictorial build album.
 I have done one of these for all my builds, it is a shame not to use all those build photos and record those internal details lost from view.
 
A few pages to give a flavour.

9094

9095

9096

9097

9098

8926(3)
Once again, thanks for your support, much appreciated.
 
 
B.E.
05/11/2022