Blue Ensign

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

I like the round pedestal table Chris, any thoughts of creating a seated figure to grace it?
 
B.E.

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Here!Here!…👍👏

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One Hundred and fifty-seven
 
A place on the skids?
 Well my curiosity  got the better of me and I just had to try the Pinnace onboard Sphinx.
 This coincidentally is the twelve month stage from starting the build.
 I’m warming to the look of the Pinnace on the skids and it doesn’t obscure the upper deck detail.

8090

8092

8086

8085

8081

8075

8083(2)

8074(2)

8078(3)

8071(2)

8070(2)

8063(2)
Nothing set in stone at this point, but I have decided that having all three boats on the skids would detract rather than enhance the look.
 
For me, Georgian elegance is why so many contemporary 18thc models only show the Pinnace onboard, it is the most graceful  and aesthetically pleasing(along with barges) of the boat complement.
 
B.E.
20/08/2022
 
 
 

Post One Hundred and fifty-six
 
Completing the Pinnace
The  final stretch for fitting out the Pinnace, seven days work and ongoing.

7996(2)
The thole pins are brass etch of a devilish tiny size and are a loose fit within the mortices making it tricky to arrange correctly without getting glue on the woodwork.

7970(2)
I chose to use wood slivers to represent the thole pins which I think look more natural, and they don’t need painting.

7973
The splash guards at the sternsheets and bow were  pre-bent to remove stress  and form the necessary curves. They were attached using pva.
 
I had hoped to leave the Pinnace hull below the wale entirely bright, but my eye was less than satisfied with the hull planking finish around the lower hull at the bow.
With some reluctance and not a little annoyance at my own deficiencies, I opted to paint the hull up to the waterline on the basis that a spot of ‘white’ stuff covers a multitude of sins.

7997
I used Vallejo Ivory paint which to my eye gives a better scale effect than  white.

8022(2)

8030(2)
As it happens I don’t think it has turned out too badly.
 
The Rudder
The kit design is a pearwood  core sandwiched by thin brass etched patterns with the iron work detail moulded in.
The rudder attaches with false gudgeons and straps.
 
This certainly simplifies the process of rudder fitting, but for me it is a step too far removed from authenticity.

7994(2)
Making a replacement rudder is fairly easy, but hanging working rudders on these small models presents  something of a challenge.

8005
On the model a micro eyelet with 0.35mm ø brass wire silver soldered into it made for the lower pintle, and eyelets for the gudgeons.
 
I laboured several hours  to get the micro eyelets and pins in the right position.
I used Syren fibreboard to represent the straps.

8051(2)
One down, two more to go, I’ll set the Pinnace aside now and move onto the Launch.
 
B.E.
19/08/2022
 
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

It's certainly not elitist to advance knowledge of our subject.
 I accept the limitations of kits, they have to appeal to a large range of potential buyers, don’t frighten the novices, or unduly lack credibility with the experienced, whilst maintaining a reasonable cost/benefit ratio of producing the kits.
 
Chris does wonderfully well to authentically represent the majority of the subject detail, but it was the tweakability of Sphinx that  appealed to me.
 
I record the modifications  and changes I make in my builds partly on the basis that not everyone has access to the very large reference library I have built up over the years, and giving such detail gives options.
 
Of course many people just want to complete a nice looking kit, and that’s just fine.
 
Unlike myself not everyone has or wants a head stuffed full of 18th c trivia such as:
Worm and parcel with the lay, turn and serve the other way.
 
Mrs W definitely thinks I’m weird, but she indulges me in what in the overall scheme of things is a minority interest passion.
 
Movin’ on
 
B.E.
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One Hundred and fifty-seven
 
A place on the skids?
 Well my curiosity  got the better of me and I just had to try the Pinnace onboard Sphinx.
 This coincidentally is the twelve month stage from starting the build.
 I’m warming to the look of the Pinnace on the skids and it doesn’t obscure the upper deck detail.

8090

8092

8086

8085

8081

8075

8083(2)

8074(2)

8078(3)

8071(2)

8070(2)

8063(2)
Nothing set in stone at this point, but I have decided that having all three boats on the skids would detract rather than enhance the look.
 
For me, Georgian elegance is why so many contemporary 18thc models only show the Pinnace onboard, it is the most graceful  and aesthetically pleasing(along with barges) of the boat complement.
 
B.E.
20/08/2022
 
 
 

Post One Hundred and fifty-six
 
Completing the Pinnace
The  final stretch for fitting out the Pinnace, seven days work and ongoing.

7996(2)
The thole pins are brass etch of a devilish tiny size and are a loose fit within the mortices making it tricky to arrange correctly without getting glue on the woodwork.

7970(2)
I chose to use wood slivers to represent the thole pins which I think look more natural, and they don’t need painting.

7973
The splash guards at the sternsheets and bow were  pre-bent to remove stress  and form the necessary curves. They were attached using pva.
 
I had hoped to leave the Pinnace hull below the wale entirely bright, but my eye was less than satisfied with the hull planking finish around the lower hull at the bow.
With some reluctance and not a little annoyance at my own deficiencies, I opted to paint the hull up to the waterline on the basis that a spot of ‘white’ stuff covers a multitude of sins.

7997
I used Vallejo Ivory paint which to my eye gives a better scale effect than  white.

8022(2)

8030(2)
As it happens I don’t think it has turned out too badly.
 
The Rudder
The kit design is a pearwood  core sandwiched by thin brass etched patterns with the iron work detail moulded in.
The rudder attaches with false gudgeons and straps.
 
This certainly simplifies the process of rudder fitting, but for me it is a step too far removed from authenticity.

7994(2)
Making a replacement rudder is fairly easy, but hanging working rudders on these small models presents  something of a challenge.

8005
On the model a micro eyelet with 0.35mm ø brass wire silver soldered into it made for the lower pintle, and eyelets for the gudgeons.
 
I laboured several hours  to get the micro eyelets and pins in the right position.
I used Syren fibreboard to represent the straps.

8051(2)
One down, two more to go, I’ll set the Pinnace aside now and move onto the Launch.
 
B.E.
19/08/2022
 
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One Hundred and fifty-seven
 
A place on the skids?
 Well my curiosity  got the better of me and I just had to try the Pinnace onboard Sphinx.
 This coincidentally is the twelve month stage from starting the build.
 I’m warming to the look of the Pinnace on the skids and it doesn’t obscure the upper deck detail.

8090

8092

8086

8085

8081

8075

8083(2)

8074(2)

8078(3)

8071(2)

8070(2)

8063(2)
Nothing set in stone at this point, but I have decided that having all three boats on the skids would detract rather than enhance the look.
 
For me, Georgian elegance is why so many contemporary 18thc models only show the Pinnace onboard, it is the most graceful  and aesthetically pleasing(along with barges) of the boat complement.
 
B.E.
20/08/2022
 
 
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022
 

Post One hundred and fifty-eight.
 
 Building the Launch
 This is the heavy work boat of the set.
Lacking the elegance of the Pinnace it does have interest to commend it and I’m looking forward to having a go.
 
The kit includes a simplified davit and its supports, but for some reason is lacking the windlass which is the other important feature of Launches, as it was with the Longboat.
 
I compared the kit launch with the drawings in the Pandora book for a 24’ Launch.
The book drawing does indicate the windlass  and has  two less thwarts (including the stern sheet ) compared to the kit version.

8107
The stage after fitting the ribs provides the  first opportunity for revision.
 
The kit provides a brass etch version of the keelson and footwaling which I thought was perfect for replacement with a more authentic boarding.
The kit also provides brass etch gratings for the stern-sheet and bow areas.
Looking at Launch plans and those for Longboats, gratings did not seem to feature on these boats, and it makes sense that the stern-sheet footwaling was solid to form a stable base for the Davit step.

8110
Replacement footwaling, which at least saves me the trouble of trying to turn brass into wood.

8109
The Keelson is a slightly wider and thicker board that runs down the centre of the footwaling to support the mast steps and lifting rings.
 
The number of thwarts in the kit version is eight including the  the one adjoining the stern-sheets.

8119
I am using the design for a 24’ launch in the AotS book Pandora.
 

8120
I will be using six thwarts which allows for a slightly wider main thwart at midships, and provides room for the windlass.

8111
With the stringers in place temporary thwarts are used to get things ship-shape.

8114
Once again my dockyard figures ensure the thwarts sit level and at the correct height, don’t want their feet dangling in mid-air.

8118
I still get a satisfaction seeing tiny feet planted on the footwaling, all down to Chris’s excellent scaling of the boats.
 
Still a fair bit of fettlin’ to do and a Windlass to make.
 
 
B.E.
 
22/08/2022