Blue Ensign

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
 

I could not agree more BE.  Thanks for continuing to share your build!!
Allan

Well said BE, well said. 
 
Also, aside from an excellent model, that’s some really nice photography. 

Thanks B.E.  Hopefully they will correct the mistake, but as you indicate, why bother if most folks are unaware of the inaccuracies.  I really think that most builders care about accuracy so incorrectly assume that when they spend hundreds of dollars/Euros for a kit, it is accurate so never check against contemporary sources to be sure.  What I find especially frustrating is to see anyone pointing out an error getting chastised or called an elitist,
 
Allan

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-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-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-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
 
 

Take two - Fore topmast stay block arrangement
I detailed the method I used for seizing the fore topmast stay and preventor blocking arrangement in my last post. I also indicated that I thought the seizing was a bit to chunky and that I would need to redo it. Take two turned out much better as can be seen in the photo below. When adding the eyebolt I used black tying thread this time rather than the 0.1mm natural thread. This does produce a much better end result. I also used ratline thread for the seizing to link the 4mm block to the 5mm block which again produced a much better result, maybe it is still a tad too chunky, but it is Ok.

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-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
 
 
 

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-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
 
 
 

That’s a sweet looking boat you have there, Allan.
 
I would agree with your thoughts about the relative numbers and locations of the tholes.
I think the kit designs have been influenced by the drawings in the AotS book Pandora by John McKay and Ron Coleman.
The boat allocation is the same; 28’ Pinnace, 24’ Launch, and 22’ Yawl.
Only the Launch is fitted for double banking on all thwarts, the Yawl is also set up for rowing on alternative thwarts.
 
The boat drawings at 1:48 scale in the AotS book The Frigate Diana, by David White, seem to have the set-up correctly done.
Had I been moved to replace the gunwales on the Pinnace I would have off-set the thole positions to reflect the single banking common to this boat type.
 To correct this on the kit one of the Gunwales  would need a slight re-working.
I say slight without any  knowledge of the technical issues/costs involved in changing the kit parts, but the lack of off-setting was the first thing I noticed on the Pinnace.
However, I suspect the finer points of single or double banking are lost on many kit builders, and even if recognised, are of less importance than just getting a nicely made boat, tricky enough with these bijou kits.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

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-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-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-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
 
 
 

That’s a sweet looking boat you have there, Allan.
 
I would agree with your thoughts about the relative numbers and locations of the tholes.
I think the kit designs have been influenced by the drawings in the AotS book Pandora by John McKay and Ron Coleman.
The boat allocation is the same; 28’ Pinnace, 24’ Launch, and 22’ Yawl.
Only the Launch is fitted for double banking on all thwarts, the Yawl is also set up for rowing on alternative thwarts.
 
The boat drawings at 1:48 scale in the AotS book The Frigate Diana, by David White, seem to have the set-up correctly done.
Had I been moved to replace the gunwales on the Pinnace I would have off-set the thole positions to reflect the single banking common to this boat type.
 To correct this on the kit one of the Gunwales  would need a slight re-working.
I say slight without any  knowledge of the technical issues/costs involved in changing the kit parts, but the lack of off-setting was the first thing I noticed on the Pinnace.
However, I suspect the finer points of single or double banking are lost on many kit builders, and even if recognised, are of less importance than just getting a nicely made boat, tricky enough with these bijou kits.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

A reasonable assumption Glenn, stowed on deck all the vulnerable  equipment would have been removed. 
Ps I don’t buy for one minute that you would make a mess of it, remember, I follow your logs.😉
 
B.E.

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-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
 
 
 

That’s a sweet looking boat you have there, Allan.
 
I would agree with your thoughts about the relative numbers and locations of the tholes.
I think the kit designs have been influenced by the drawings in the AotS book Pandora by John McKay and Ron Coleman.
The boat allocation is the same; 28’ Pinnace, 24’ Launch, and 22’ Yawl.
Only the Launch is fitted for double banking on all thwarts, the Yawl is also set up for rowing on alternative thwarts.
 
The boat drawings at 1:48 scale in the AotS book The Frigate Diana, by David White, seem to have the set-up correctly done.
Had I been moved to replace the gunwales on the Pinnace I would have off-set the thole positions to reflect the single banking common to this boat type.
 To correct this on the kit one of the Gunwales  would need a slight re-working.
I say slight without any  knowledge of the technical issues/costs involved in changing the kit parts, but the lack of off-setting was the first thing I noticed on the Pinnace.
However, I suspect the finer points of single or double banking are lost on many kit builders, and even if recognised, are of less importance than just getting a nicely made boat, tricky enough with these bijou kits.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.