Blue Ensign

From Le Superbe to Le Praetorian – A  Heller Seventy-four, after Boudriot

This is a summarised record of my attempt to modify a small scale plastic
kit by reference to the works of Jean Boudriot. Very few of the original kit
fittings were used in the build.
 
This was to be a first attempt at fully detailing a model of this scale,
adding sails and displaying in a waterline setting.

Early progress
 

 

Lower deck detail.
 

Upperdeck showing Galley and Pastry oven.
One unfortunate fellow is spending time in the bilboes, for swearing on a Sunday.


Restyling the Foc’sle rail.
 

 

Modified waist railings using brass strip.
 
 
 


 
 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty – nine
 
Progressing the 24’ cutter
The floor of the cutter is covered by gratings at the stern, open boarded footwaling for the body, and a small close board platform at the bow.

4265
I changed the footwaling to a close boarded version as shown in the AotS book Diana which contains 1:48 scale drawings of a 24’ cutter.
 
Before I add the ‘false’ ribs I use a copy of the kit plan to mark the positions of the thwarts.
Positioning the ribs really needs to take into consideration the position of the thwarts and the related rowlocks for the oars, which are cut into the wash strake.

4268
The AotS drawings show the 24’ cutter arranged for single banked rowing. This is the arrangement I will follow, apart from any other consideration, there are less rowlocks to cut.

4270
I firstly fix only those ribs that fit aft of the thwarts before fixing the Rising, (thwart support strips) The remaining ribs can be slotted behind the Risings in the correct positions.
The risings are fitted using a 4mm depth gauge but in fact follow the line of the second strake down from the top.
 
Once fitted it is useful to check both the levels and the correct height of the thwarts above the footwaling.

4273
My 1:64 scale figures are useful for this purpose.

4275
I would like to see a sitting figure produced by Vanguard. A sitting Captain would serve well to give scale to the splendid Vanguard cabin furniture, and also the stern sheets of the boat range.

4277
I like to add small features to the boats such as here; the cap square for the Mainmast and step to take the mast heel on the Keelson.

4279

4280

4281

4280
Needs cleaning up now before finishing.
 
B.E.
15/04/2024
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I have the second in my new line up of alternative printed resin boats almost ready. This is a 24 and 26 foot launch, complete with windlass and davit.

Post One Hundred and Fifty- four
This post follows on from Post 152 having a close relationship to anchors.
 
One of the reasons I made up the anchors is that I have also been thinking about anchor linings and billboards.
These do not feature with the kit and do not tend to appear on contemporary plans.

Many contemporary models show them, as on Amazon above. 
They were an important feature on ships of the period to protect the hull from the anchor flukes.

Chuck’s Winnie
My go to reference, here you can see the lining running over the wale.

7396
I added billboards to my Sphinx build as above.

3906
Having an anchor made up is useful in that the arc made by the anchor as it is swung horizontal from the cathead for securing, determines the position of the lining and billboards.
 
In considering Bolsters and Billboards for Indy I am hamstrung by the absence of specific sizes of timber to use. With Sphinx it was relatively easy having the TFFM book to refer to.
I know where these fittings were placed so it is basically down to what looks good to my eye.
 
I firstly made the Bolsters using some Boxwood square stock of 2.75mm. This was topped by some 3.5 x 0.7mm  boxwood strip.

3910
The length of the bolster worked out at 26mm. 
Notches were cut out of the back side to fit over the first two preventer plates of the Fore channels and a slight curve was induced to match the curve of the bow.
The bolster was fixed to the Black strake only with pins.
 

3913
With the bolsters  in place the Billboards can be made. For this I use some 1mm Boxwood scrap inscribed with 3mm wide boards which reflect the topsides planking.
 
The Linings

3914
These cover the main wale in the case of Indy and scribe an arc at the fore end that follows that of the anchor swing.
I settled on using some 0.6mm Pearwood scrap which suits my eye.
 

3917
3919

3929
In fixing the linings  I have used double sided tape. This gives me the option of easy removal if I decide I don’t like them, and the jury is still out on that.
 
Altho’ I’m not fitting the anchors I don’t think it will be an easy fit to get the bowers to look right.

3923

3924
If the bill is to rest on the Fore channel there is little room between the deadeyes.

3930
A possible fixing with the arm atop the fore end of the channel secured with shank painters around the timberheads.
 
I will be interested to see how others tackle the anchor rigging.🤔
 
 
B.E.
07/03/2024

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Thank you  Nils and Nipper.
 
@ Nils - the figures  are  industrial workers  which I found suitable  for my Fishing boat models, but don't really fit naval figures of the early 19th century.
 
@ Nipper -  I don't really like action figures on my models, but I do like figures to demonstrate scale on a model. I agree the cook and the Pellew/Hornblower figures fit that bill perfectly.
 
Others that would appeal to me would be a Helmsman standing by the wheel, and a Marine Sentry to post outside the Captains Quarters.
 
I'm not holding my breath tho'😉
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Sixty – nine
 
Progressing the 24’ cutter
The floor of the cutter is covered by gratings at the stern, open boarded footwaling for the body, and a small close board platform at the bow.

4265
I changed the footwaling to a close boarded version as shown in the AotS book Diana which contains 1:48 scale drawings of a 24’ cutter.
 
Before I add the ‘false’ ribs I use a copy of the kit plan to mark the positions of the thwarts.
Positioning the ribs really needs to take into consideration the position of the thwarts and the related rowlocks for the oars, which are cut into the wash strake.

4268
The AotS drawings show the 24’ cutter arranged for single banked rowing. This is the arrangement I will follow, apart from any other consideration, there are less rowlocks to cut.

4270
I firstly fix only those ribs that fit aft of the thwarts before fixing the Rising, (thwart support strips) The remaining ribs can be slotted behind the Risings in the correct positions.
The risings are fitted using a 4mm depth gauge but in fact follow the line of the second strake down from the top.
 
Once fitted it is useful to check both the levels and the correct height of the thwarts above the footwaling.

4273
My 1:64 scale figures are useful for this purpose.

4275
I would like to see a sitting figure produced by Vanguard. A sitting Captain would serve well to give scale to the splendid Vanguard cabin furniture, and also the stern sheets of the boat range.

4277
I like to add small features to the boats such as here; the cap square for the Mainmast and step to take the mast heel on the Keelson.

4279

4280

4281

4280
Needs cleaning up now before finishing.
 
B.E.
15/04/2024
 
 

Magnificent work Jason, that is truly impressive.
 
B.E.

A great result Jason, very nicely worked out, you have  reproduced that elegant shape perfectly.
 
B.E.

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Finally done with the stays and backstays. Yards are next. I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Thank you  Nils and Nipper.
 
@ Nils - the figures  are  industrial workers  which I found suitable  for my Fishing boat models, but don't really fit naval figures of the early 19th century.
 
@ Nipper -  I don't really like action figures on my models, but I do like figures to demonstrate scale on a model. I agree the cook and the Pellew/Hornblower figures fit that bill perfectly.
 
Others that would appeal to me would be a Helmsman standing by the wheel, and a Marine Sentry to post outside the Captains Quarters.
 
I'm not holding my breath tho'😉
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Sixty – nine
 
Progressing the 24’ cutter
The floor of the cutter is covered by gratings at the stern, open boarded footwaling for the body, and a small close board platform at the bow.

4265
I changed the footwaling to a close boarded version as shown in the AotS book Diana which contains 1:48 scale drawings of a 24’ cutter.
 
Before I add the ‘false’ ribs I use a copy of the kit plan to mark the positions of the thwarts.
Positioning the ribs really needs to take into consideration the position of the thwarts and the related rowlocks for the oars, which are cut into the wash strake.

4268
The AotS drawings show the 24’ cutter arranged for single banked rowing. This is the arrangement I will follow, apart from any other consideration, there are less rowlocks to cut.

4270
I firstly fix only those ribs that fit aft of the thwarts before fixing the Rising, (thwart support strips) The remaining ribs can be slotted behind the Risings in the correct positions.
The risings are fitted using a 4mm depth gauge but in fact follow the line of the second strake down from the top.
 
Once fitted it is useful to check both the levels and the correct height of the thwarts above the footwaling.

4273
My 1:64 scale figures are useful for this purpose.

4275
I would like to see a sitting figure produced by Vanguard. A sitting Captain would serve well to give scale to the splendid Vanguard cabin furniture, and also the stern sheets of the boat range.

4277
I like to add small features to the boats such as here; the cap square for the Mainmast and step to take the mast heel on the Keelson.

4279

4280

4281

4280
Needs cleaning up now before finishing.
 
B.E.
15/04/2024
 
 

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Thanks Mike, Vol 111 arrived this morning, quick delivery across the pond.
Quite a hefty tome, I look forward to savouring its contents  in the coming days.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Seventy
 
Completing the Cutter.
 
Apart from painting the bottom Ivory, and the wale Black/grey, the boat will be finished using w-o-p only.
 
The rudder is a plain laser cut affair intended I think to simply display in the sternsheets of the boat. There are no fixings to hang the rudder either on the stern post, transom, or rudder.
 
I chose to add these fittings including a tiller of the yoke type.

4287
Still requires a little further fining down, this is the third attempt which may still break.

4289
Trial fitting the rudder.; a few tweaks required.
 
One consequence of changing the rowing arrangement from double to single banking is that the provided oars are too short for purpose.

4290
They are fairly easily modified but it does require using two oars to produce one. 
To improve the look of the oars the blades should really be thinned towards the tip.

4295

4298

4299

4311
Set -up for single banked rowing.

4302

4306

4307
I quite like the look of her on the skids and the Pinnace and Cutter don’t obscure much of the Main deck.
 
B.E.
16/04/2024

Looks like the perfect balance to my eye...1 too few, 3 too many 🙂  The different paint tones really catch the eye and enhance the whole, very much to my taste as well.  Wonderful model you have there, very well done indeed!