Blue Ensign

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Thanks Bob, I’ve not really considered internal lighting, a lot to do without bringing wiring into the mix.
 
Who knows tho’ it’s early days yet. 😉
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.

Thanks Bob, I’ve not really considered internal lighting, a lot to do without bringing wiring into the mix.
 
Who knows tho’ it’s early days yet. 😉
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.

I love how you are making all of these modifications so that many of the internal areas of the ship can be seen and keeping things to scale and authentically accurate at the same time. Amazing work, BE! 
 
 Are you considering adding any supplemental, internal, LED lighting?

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Post Nine
 
Mulling over a Stern modification.
 
With the deck beams now completed I need to consider the first major departure from the kit.

0244(2)
Those longitudinal deck beams slotted into place perfectly, beautifully accurate laser cutting.
 
The stern frames have a direct relationship to the internal fittings of the Great Cabin.

0242(2)
With the kit arrangement the inboard horizontal extensions form what will be the seat pattern extending from the stern lights. (instr114)
I suspect this is a simplification, but one which under normal circumstances would not be of great concern.
However, as I intend to have very little of the Quarter deck planking in place, this simplification becomes an issue.
The bench seat should be narrower, a little lower, and, in the centre, should be the Rudder head cover.

This shot from Chuck’s wonderful Winchelsea build shows a typical arrangement altho’ with Sphinx the head is octagonal and of smaller proportions.

0240(2)
This means that a quite drastic re-shaping of the stern frames is required, removing the sections that form the bench top and front.
It would then look as it would on a plank on frame set-up.

This photo of Chuck’s Winchelsea build demonstrates the change required.
 
There are drawings of the Rudder cover and bench arrangements in the Pandora book, one internal profile at 1:64 scale, and a plan at 1:128 scale.
I will use these as a guide for my modification.
 
The octagonal Rudder Head cover, which scales to a diameter of 30” (12mm) and a height of 35.3” (14mm) sits between the central stern frames and butts against the back edge of the kit upper deck.
 
The bench seat scales to a depth of 15” (6mm) and a height of 20” (8mm)
 
Stage one will be to modify the stern frames, stage two, extend the deck, stage three, create the Rudder head cover, and stage four, form the bench.
 
I also intend to open up the doorways to the Quarter galleries.
I did something similar with the Quarter Badges on Pegasus. With light being able to penetrate thro’ the gallery and stern lights, the appearance is far more natural in my opinion, and gives a view of the Great Cabin with its chequer sailcloth covering, and Rudder head trunk.
 
In the case of Sphinx the cabin area will also be open thro’ the deck beams of the Quarter deck.
 
It is likely to be some time before I actually get the Upper deck in place, and then it will have to be manually planked to match the part planking of the Foc’sle and Quarterdecks.
 
I will record my progress with this modification in the posts to follow.
 
B.E.
10/09/21


 

Thanks for looking in Radmancoop, and for your very kind comment.
The shipyard re-opens on Saturday, and hopefully some progress made.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

I would be a happy man to achieve that level of completed planking Glenn, very well done. 
 
B.E.

Why thank you BE, I’m always an admirer of your work as well. 

I would be a happy man to achieve that level of completed planking Glenn, very well done. 
 
B.E.

Post Eight
 
Upper deck supports
 
A couple of the support beam legs needed a little fettlin’ to get them to sit right down on the Bulkhead shoulder.
This only entailed sanding the leg bottoms by degrees until the beam was firmly down.
 
Depending on what arrangement I finally decide upon there may be a glimpse of the upper deck support beam legs.
In reality these are shaped columns and for those that may be seen thro’ the upper deck openings a little shaping is in order above coaming level.

0235(2)
This relates to support legs 4a thro’ to 10a.
Dry fit only at this point.

0237(2)
There is a risk of breaking the mdf legs so the shaping process was done very carefully using scalpel and light sanding strokes.

0229
Upper deck base temporarily in place.

0227
Whatever remains to be seen will link the two decks in a more realistic manner, all about smoke and mirrors below the Upper deck.

0231(2)
The shipyard is now closing for a week or so while I spend some time at the coast.
 
B.E.
01/09/21
 

Post Seven
 
Gunport patterns
 
These fitted perfectly in the slots altho’ there was a little spring in the patterns which gave me cause to think about the diluted glue joint brushing approach. I did it, but light clamping was required for several of the slots.
TheY feel very delicate and soft hands are required to fit them, whilst ensuring the rails fully fit into the slots.

03902(2)
To my annoyance the port side extension at the top end of Bulkhead 12 came away. (It’s the one with the yellow tape on it)
Nowt to do wi’ me Gov, I swear it fell off on its own accord; re-glued, but it remains to be seen what subsequent stresses it will be subject to.
With the rails in place the hull is beginning to look the part and with the glue set it is now a rigid structure.
Still need to be careful with those bulkhead extensions in the Quarter deck area.

03903
Finally, I removed the infill from Bulkhead 13. I took this very slowly and ensured that I could slip a scalpel blade between infill and bulkhead before I applied any pressure.
 
Fitting out the Lower Deck
I will be using the provided coaming/grating sets for the lower deck; they will only ever be viewed from above once the upper deck is fitted.
 
I note that there is no round-up to the head ledges, which appears to follow some of the drawings in the AotS book on Pandora.
Some of the general isometric and deck plan drawings in the book also show picture frame corner joints to the coamings, hmmn.
🤔
The cross section drawings do appear to show a round up, so this is an area I will re-visit when I get to the Upper deck fittings.
 
The Pearwood Laser cut coamings are cleanly cut, remember to apply glue to the top half of each set, helps to keep glue off the grating rebate.

0197
The gratings are accurately cut and are a perfect fit to the coamings.
 
At this point I can also add the ladders down to the Platforms.
I had run out of generic ladder sets and considered buying and converting the Pearwood set supplied for Speedy.

0190(2)
Chris was kind enough to knock me a set out from earlier Sphinx plans he had when he considered fitting out the ladderways.
He does not intend to generally include these as separate fittings but will supply them on request. (He tells me)

0194(2)

0201(2)

0205
Fore hatchway

0213(2)
I will leave the Fore lower deck hatch open.
 

0209
There will be a view of the Fore Platform down thro’ the Upper and lower decks and it will enhance the impression of a fully fitted out model.

0206
Aft hatchway.

0210
Here the grating will remain in place as it sits below the Capstan, and there is no open space below it.
Less will be seen of this ladderway as the Upper deck ladderway sits above it.
 
B.E.
31/08/21
 

2nd Planking - Part 2
 
I thought I’d provide a bit more detail than just the one photo in the prior post regarding the second planking.
 

 
I’ve written about lining the hull earlier in this log and in my Cheerful build. I’m not sure how I ever planked a hull without doing this, along with hot iron plank bending. I proved the point to myself again with the starboard side of Flirt. I figured I only needed to line forward of midships and run full width planks to the stern. That sorta worked but as it turns out it gets narrow at the 2nd and 3rd to last bulkhead and then flares out at the sternpost, at least on my hull, so I ended up doing some patch work on the underside. That’s fine on a hull I’ll later paint white, not so fine on my next project. Winging it doesn’t work out well when you’re single planking an unpainted hull. So on the port I completely lined the hull as I should have in the first place - the run of the planks is better than the angle shown in this photo - I’ll show you from the side in a minute. While I realize I’m fully in broken record mode I encourage everyone to learn and take the time to follow this method, even if you want to nail and clamp with PVA and heaven forbid soak your planks, you still need to know the right plank widths. I probably still don’t do it as well as I should, but I feel better getting one gold star as a Lining Evangelist.
 

 
Lots of ways to achieve those plank widths, mine involve digital calipers (to transfer widths from the planking fan and tick strips to the wood) a scalpel and a metal rule. Mark the planks, lay the rule over the plank, and cut with the scalpel (or any #11 blade). I had a little difficulty keeping the rule from sliding off the boxwood during the cut. That may be because I was working with three fingers on the holding hand, having sliced my index finger when the wood slipped (sliced, not cut off, I’m fine thanks for asking 🙂 ). So the 1 KG weight came in handy to keep things were they were supposed to be.
 

 
Bevel or chamfer has come up a couple of times on other logs, with diagrams and everything. Personally I thought the terms were interchangeable but I guess technically they aren’t. I plan to keep using the word bevel because chamfer is just a weird word. So what do I do - really neither after I read the definitions. After I taper and before I bend I bevel. See, I used bevel, because that is a fun sentence. The objective is a tight fit between planks. With proper beveling, oops, I mean edge softening and plank bending at my bending station (I won’t repeat all that part) I can get a tight fit. I use one of my little home made sanding blocks with 150 grit and knock the corner off the top inside edge of each plank, only the top. How much - well its a feel thing. Basically I just round off the edge and that’s enough, on tighter bends I may need a little more. Almost always I need more at the twist of the plank at the stern. The thing is to not get carried away, which is why neither the strict definition of bevel or chamfer really applies. After these planks are glued down they will be sanded heavily - if too much of the edge is removed or there is too great an angle I’d sand right to the frame between every plank. So I think of it more as turning an edge to a curb, or a hard edge to a soft shoulder. Anyway that’s what I do. I never edge glue, doing what I described makes that very unnecessary, especially for us CA planking guys. I hope that helps those that have asked and got a laugh from those that didn’t - why did he write so much on that topic, because that’s what I do. 
 

 
I don’t have a second planking photo of this. For both the first and second planking I shape for the stern post as I go. Much easier to do it a couple of planks at a time than trying to figure out at the end which one plank is screwing up the fit. This, as we all know, is a task that seems should be simple, but making the post fit involves a lot of fiddling (I love that British word, perfect description).
 

 
So with all that I completed the second planking. I don’t use stealers, whether real ships used them or not I don’t like the look. But as I said the width got narrow then faired out at the post, stealer opportunity right- so what I did instead was grab a 6mm billet from my small boxwood stash and cut a plank at the same 1mm thickness as the 4mm planks from the kit and tapered it to fit from the stern post to about 3 bulkheads in. Some may call that a stealer, I call it planking with all the wood available to me including what wasn’t in the kit. It's all getting painted white so why bother…good question.
 

 

 
I know others have commented they like my zebra colored boxwood hull. I think it’s growing on me.
 

 
I think I have a nice run of planks at the stem, I later added a little watered down PVA and boxwood sawdust to fill the areas that needed it. In retrospect I should have followed the instructions and not added the stem when I did. That sucker is very fragile, I've broken it off twice. As a result it will be painted white below the water line and black above, my dreams of a natural stem faded away at the crack of the wood and the ensuing repair.
 

 
With the second planking complete I finished up the stern with my cerulean blue painted counter. There are three small laser cut trim pieces included in the kit, I’ll probably add the upper two later. I elected to use my new found (from Cheerful) scrapping skills and made a bolder trim piece to marry the transom to the counter. Not the best photo, it has more definition than what’s showing.
 

 
I now turn to laying the deck, I’ll pick it up from here next post.  As always thanks for the likes and especially the comments.