hof00

17 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Wonderful job...she is coming along nicely.  The attention to detailing the yards out with *ALL* their blocks, stirrups foot ropes , flemishhorses, and sheet blocks can be daunting.  Not to mention the jackstays.

Many modelers tend to forego many of these and keep the yard furniture to a minimum.  If you plan on adding leach and buntlines...you'll need these blocks as well. Not failing to mention those pesky jewel blocks for the reef tackle.   It can get pretty busy for sure.

 

Good luck.

 

Will you be adding sails...furled or otherwise?

 

Rob

Many thanks Rob.

I built the Mantua/Sergal Cutty Sark, (On this site), a few years ago, this now seems much simpler, (The Cutty that is), due to the bigger scale.

1/96 is much more challenging.

Anyway, the answer to you question regarding Sails, no. 🙂

Bare Bones will do nicely.

Incidentally, I have an A/L 1/96 Cutty in the cupboard with sails. After the FC I might be tempted....

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

Hi All,

Bit of an update seeing that it's been a few weeks....

Working on Spars, Blocks and Hooks tiring to get my "Recipe" correct for these items. 🙂

I have completed Block installation for the Mainsail yards. For the Blocks that attach directly to the yards I first made up "Pigtails" with the Block siezed to one end using a "Slidey" Siezing secured with a dab of CA.

I then wrapped the "Pigtail" around the Yarad and used the same Siezing to secure the Block and "Pigtail."

After much Gnashing of teeth and brow beating the method works for me, a little more work but the results are more acceptable than other methods attempted. I also utilized the Jack Stay installation to line up Blocks along the center of the Yard. (Blocks for Boom and Gaff a similar approach for Block installation.

The Stunsail Booms are not yet glued in position as I need to develop a method for Footropes and Stirrups. While I experiment, it will be nice to remove any "Clutter." (I have some ideas for Stirrups and Footropes.)

I took some time to have a think about Hooks for Blocks and Rigging and developed a simple Jig to create 5.0mm Hooks. (I need quite a few of these as I am thinking that allot of the Running Rigging will eventually be secured to "Hooked" Blocks with Eyebolts on the Deck.)

Next was to think about attaching the Hooks to the Blocks.... These Blocks require a Becket, no problem to create these but I was disappointed with the result after tying the Siezing on the "Hook" side of the Block. (Even with 0.15mm Rigging Thread, the result was disappointing.)

I decided to resort to 0.4mm Black "Art Wire" More acceptable results and much easier.

Next tasks:

• Stirrups and Footropes
• Topsail Yard Furniture

That's me for the mo.

Comments/suggestions always welcome.

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

Good Stuff!! 🙂

Unsure if you already know of this resource....

sobco.com/ship_model/fc/Flying_Cloud_plans_bradner.html

I have found it very useful.

(There is sod all information out there it would seem.)

Cheers.... HOF.

I sincerely hope that you have enough material(s) in your kit.

As you may have read in my log, I was rather frustrated by the lack thereof in mine.

Take care of the small components as I found that there were just enough....

I am finding, at this juncture, that there are not nearly enough Blocks, I am glad I have plenty from other builds.

Cheers....HOF.

Nice Build!!

I really like the color scheme.

Cheers.... HOF.

Nice start Chap!! (Brings back some memories....)

I think that I am two years into my Flying Cloud build?

Happy to share any insights if you require.

I'll be watching you progress with interest.

Cheers....HOF.

8 hours ago, Rick310 said:

Nice job on the bell and binnacle, look’s really good!  
your Flying Cloud is coming along nicely!!

Check the lengths of your chai plates, in the picture they look a bit long.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thank you for your kind comments, appreciated.

Regarding Chain Plate lengths, I'll definitely have a look-see. I do think that it's a little too late to adjust the lengths.

(They are quite a bit shorter when the bottom Link of the Shroud Chainplate is held on the Wales.)

I will have a wee break from proceedings while I ponder suggestions by yourself and Rob.

(Maybe do some Yard and Mast work? 🙂)

Comments and suggestions very welcome thank you.

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

13 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Fine work....but McKay clippers utilized, double channel chainplates...not single.  Before you get too far.

 

Rob 

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the "Heads-Up."

I am aware of the Double Channel set-up used.

The Kit does not supply secondary Channels. The do however instruct the modeler to install a 2.0mm? strip to represent the secondary Channels.

Yup, I have been thinking about these items and am considering "Scratching" something. (It's not too late, the Channel Caps are not fixed yet, just pinned. 🙂)

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

Hi All,

Time for a small update:

For some time, I have been struggling with tying my Stropped Blocks on to my first Yard, Fore Main Course. Several attempts later I think I have the correct "Recipe", one that seems to work for me anyway. I will post my fourth attempt after the Blocks are on.... 🙂

One of my issues was lining up the Blocks along the length of the Yard. I have some 0.5mm Brass Rod on order for the Jackstays, my plan is to utilize these to assist.

Anyway, I digress, I decided to make my own Binnacle, the Kit supplied one was a "Later" 19th Century, Similar to a small pillar. Photos show my second attempt. I turned a Bell, also my second attempt as the first was way too large.

I added "Brass" Caps to the Vertical Capstans. The material is actually Gold Bare Metal Foil but I think it does the job.

This morning, I decided to have a bash at mounting the Chain plates. For the Channel Capping I cut 1.5 X 1.5 strips, pinned middle and both ends.

Photos show unpainted capping strip. This will be painted Black before affixing.

Anyway, that's about it for the day.

Cheers.... HOF.

Photos:

Hi All,

Time for a small update....

• Fitting of Deck Funiture progresses, only a few Deck Eye Bolts yet to place and a couple of Blocks on the Aft side of the Catheads.
• Thanks to @petervisser for his suggestion on Anchor Stowage. (I have done one up and one down.)
• I removed the Focsle Mooring Bitts in order to be a little more accurate with the Capstan placement, I also decided to install Capstan Bars for a little added interest. (Vertical Capstans are A/L as the kit supplied ones were pretty nasty.)
• I made up a couple of Gratings, one in front of the Ships Wheel and one for the Aft Companionway.
• The only things left unattached at the mo. are the Vertical Capstans and the Skylight structure/block. The Skylight continues to be a point of indecision for me as I am not happy with the way the Roof Windows look. (Photos show structure with a Brass frame around these and one without for comparison, feel free to comment. I have a couple of ideas yet to represent these Roof Windows a little better perhaps? (I might just be better to leave well alone.... 🙂))
• Shroud Chainplates and Deadeyes assembled, (No photo sorry), and I'll assemble the Backstay Chainplates soonish. The Chainplate material is a "Soft" white Metal, and I overstressed a couple of these so had to replace with ones made from Brass wire.

I think that's it for the mo. If I remember anything else, I'll update.

Apologies for a couple of "Out of focus" pictures but I think that you'll get the idea. 🙂

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

6 hours ago, petervisser said:

Hi HOF. Just saw your latest post and see that you're rigging anchors. You might want to take a look at Prince de Neufchatel by Coyote_6 – Constructo – 1/58 scale - American privateer. I ran across his build log and he has rigged his just recently. I will be following his procedure which appears to me as being the most accurate method. 

Cheers,

Peter

Thanks Peter,

I'll have a look.

Many thanks.

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

Hi All,

Small update:

Progressing with Fittings, I realized the Anchors were not correct, the kit supplied Anchors were "Admiralty" pattern, i.e.. Anchor Stock was a bar not a wooden Stock. What made things difficult, the Bar was cast as part of the Anchor.

I had a look on-line, Model Expo sold the correct size and pattern, (Corel?), but the shipping was just way too expensive.

So, making my own Stock and some careful surgery seemed the only course of action.

I was reasonably happy with the results.... (Photos)

Prior to this, the Anchor Chain/Cable/Spurling holes drilled on the Deck, Chains fitted to the Capstan and installed. (Kit supplied Hawse/Spurling fittings would not accommodate the Chain Diameter, so I found suitable replacements in my parts boxes.)

This morning, I fitted the Anchors/Chains, but I have not determined how to mount/tie them to the Hull sides.

Plenty of time.... 🙂

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

49 minutes ago, neuman5022 said:

Hello guys, 

 

My name is Isaac Neuman, almost 72 years old and I am happy to be here. 

 

My hobby life always revolved around flying, simulated and real life, which with the years made me to build a real flight simulator (sold already) CNC machines and Laser cuttings one too. 

 

Years ago I have purchased with a friend a small ship model from China (a 1:100 Halcon) which came with only one page of instructions and some. I was too busy with other stuff - so this project was shelved for few years. When my good friend passed away I thought it will be good idea to finish it.  I let my imagination loose, and with some help from a Russian guy - I was able to finish it to my liking. 

 

Few weeks ago I went to a toy shop to buy something for my grandkids,  and low and behold I cam across a big box which said Heller HMS Victory which was about half price. I could not resist and brought it home, not knowing what will come ahead...

 

Anyway, I am good for a real challenge, eager to learn new thinks and skills - and hopefully utilize the vast knowledge of the members here to move me foeward to the right direction. 

 

Thank you in advance.

 

 

 

24 minutes ago, Brian Tonks said:

Isaac Hi.

I am Brian from Wellington, new on this site and still finding how to use it.  I am a few years on from you but have built and sailed model boats for most of my life, currently building Caldercraft's Mary Rose.  Have found reports from other members on that model extremely helpful and have got me through a few sticky points, I'm sure you will find the same with HMS Victory.

Good luck with your build.

 

Brian

Hi Gentlemen,

My name is Harry. (Taranaki) I have been knocking around for quite a few years on this site.

You will find very good advice and comradeship here no matter what ship you are modeling.

Nice to have some fellow New Zealanders on board!! 🙂

Cheers....HOF.

Hi All,

Not much of an update but update, nonetheless.

Poop Boomkins installed.

These were a bit of a bother to install although I thought that I had mitigated any issues prior to installation.

I am pleased that they are done, I feel I can now move on with remaining Deck fixtures.

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

On 4/12/2025 at 4:33 AM, petervisser said:

Great model so far HOF. As Ian mentioned in an earlier post, Underhill’s masting and rigging book may be a really good investment at this point in your project. I have been using it with my own model and it has really helped. I see it listed on Abe Books for less than $20US. With your model at the very early stages of rigging, it will make your life much easier and you can rig it with greater accuracy and confidence. All the best going forward!

Peter

Thanks Peter,

Appreciated.

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

Hi All,

Small Update....

@rwiederrich Rob had stated a few posts back that my Bowsprit Shrouds were terminated too far aft on the Hull.

I needed a second opinion so reached out to Mr. Scott Bradner who advised that this was correct.

So, armed with this knowledge I decided to "Adjust" the Shrouds.

(I think I am a little happier with the result.)

I have to polish the Copper again, too many grubby finger marks....

(Thanks, Rob, I just needed the second opinion.)

Hopefully things are a little more accurate.

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

18 hours ago, Ian_Grant said:

Too bad you're on the opposite side of the world......I have two copies!  I thought I'd lost the first, bought the second, then found the first months later. I suppose I should try to sell it on. It's a limited market.

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your consideration, appreciated. 🙂

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

7 hours ago, Ian_Grant said:

Harry, do you have a copy of Underhill's  "Masting and Rigging the Clipper Ship and Ocean Carrier"?

 

A great reference for such ships.  I bought it to help with rigging my Preussen.

Thanks Ian,

The answer is no I don't.

It is something that I have thought about 

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

8 hours ago, Rick310 said:

I found rigging the bowsprit a challenge.  Hopefully the rest will be easier, although not sure about that!

Rick

Thanks Rick,

Bowsprit/Jibboom was better the second time around.... 🙂

I had to glue the Bowsprit into its location as it kit does not allow enough penetration into the Hull. (I prefer Rigging to hold things in place, not in this case though.)

I am working my way slowly with this one, My Cutty was easer at 1/78 scale.

Once firmly located, it is not so much of an issue to tension things.

(And, I ran out of kit supplied Chain, not surprising as this kit is more than a little "Light" on materials. It is fortunate that I have a few meters of the correct size chain in hand. 🙂)

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

7 hours ago, Ian_Grant said:

Rigging looks daunting, but as you go through it in manageable pieces it all comes together in the end, so long as you have good instructions. 😏

Thanks Ian,

The instructions are not good, Terrible would be a better word.... 🙂

Plans for Rigging are "Piecemeal" so not great at all, however, it is my intention to try and do justice in modeling this iconic Clipper.

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

3 hours ago, rwiederrich said:

Harry...fine work, however, I don't mean to be a Debbie downer, but your chain guys, port and starboard are too long.  They should terminate on the hull, just in front of the catheads.  Otherwise, the anchor would become fouled in them.  They are behind the Catheads and cross right under the catheads.  Making raising and lowering the anchors very problematic.  Do you see?  Sorry.

 

Rob

Hi Rob,

Thanks for that, much appreciated!!

I was using this: Flying_Cloud_Bradner_rigging-side-view.graffle to gauge the positioning of the Bowsprit Shrouds.

There is no photographic record of Flying Cloud so I turned to Scott Bradner's plans that clearly show the Bowsprit Shrouds behind the Catheads.

The Anchor Hawse Hole is also well clear of the Shrouds.

In saying the above, I could relocate the items without too much trouble.

I'll have a further think about the positioning.

Looking forward to further feedback/comments from yourself and also from anyone else following this thread.

I regard this too important not to have a discussion about it. 🙂

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

2 hours ago, Rick310 said:

Nice job on the bowsprit rigging!

Rick

Thanks Chap!!

Plenty more to go....

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.

Hi All,

Update:

Moving on with the build....

Bowsprit, Chain Stays and Shrouds installed. (I must thank @rwiederrich once again for his input and photos, assisting with placement of Shroud/Stay termination points on the Hull..) (Kit plans were very confusing and not at all logical.)

This took me two attempts, the first I just could not live with. The Rake of the Bowsprit/Jibboom was not in any way enough.

I removed everything and started over, reaming out the Bowsprit mounting hole with a rotary tool.

Second attempt I think much improved. ((The only downside, my grubby fingers on the Copper, not a huge issue, another polish will fix this.

I have not quite completed this, I have left the Deadeye Lanyards loose at the mo. to enable further tensioning and Jibboom Guys are yet to be installed. 

I can now continue with installing the remainder of various Blocks/Eyebolts on the Deck followed by the remainder of Deck Furniture.

Cheers....HOF.

Photos:

On 3/25/2025 at 6:10 AM, rwiederrich said:

Just remember....there are no photos of Flying cloud....just models and speculation.  Duncan McLean describes her hull and deck furniture the best.....however.  The photos I provided of Glory of the Seas...McKay's last clipper

Must be your best option.  I cannot assume he would have done things differently.  These images are *EVIDENCE*.

 

Will you be correcting the kits cutwater and stem to replicate as she was originally built.  Utilizing McKay's secret *Naval Hood* design? Contemporary paintings and models clearly get her bow wrong...simply sticking the figurehead on the stem.  This photograph of Glory of the Seas....depicts McKay's famous *Naval Hood*.  Note the location of the figurehead...on the Hood under the bowsprit!

 

Drawing by Clipperfan.

Rob

 

Hi Rob,

Many thanks for that.

I think that it is already too late to embellish the Stem at this juncture.

I have already attached the Bowsprit/Jibboom and am proceeding with associated Chin Rigging. 

I could try and modify thigs but i do not want to risk damage on what I have achieved over the past few days.

I am however ensuring that Bobstays and Shrouds are Doubled up, the Kit only allows for one Bobstay, one shroud per side.

Once again,

Thank you for your assistance, very much appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Harry.

@rwiederrich

Hi Rob,

I found the following:

Flying_Cloud_Bradner_rigging-side-view.graffle

I think this goes some way to solving my issues.

Onward and upward perhaps.... 🙂

Thank you for your continued assistance and awesome photo references!!

Cheers and Regards,

Harry.