NMBROOK

Hi Marc I use lime because not only is it easy to cut and shape,it has a fairly low density,so not making the model ridiculously heavy.You can use pine etc,but be wary of any excess moisture content before use.I would allow this timber to acclimatize to your workshop otherwise you will find it shrinks like mad.I never use balsa because it provides no structural strength.It helps with planking runs yes,but doesn't increase the hulls resistance to impact.I know this really is a belt and braces approach,but a hull will become badly damaged if dropped with balsa infills,whereas lime infills would result in superficial surface damage.Also the planking still has a little give when sanding with balsa whereas lime provides a solid base and therefore the planking is easier to sand.One last point,it is nearly impossible to sand balsa infills to shape as it is so much softer than the bulkheads,with lime the sanding rate is the same.Fairing balsa infills and covering with filler before planking defeats the object in my opinion.You cannot get a good bond to filler and the filler will always remain a weak point in the construction. Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you Marc Yes I am indeed a massive fan of Van de Velde's work and also the era of ships he portrays.I also have Lennox waiting in the wings for a later 'slot'.This will be scratchbuild using Richard Ensor's Restoration warship 'monograph'.Richard is a very talented artist and the book features many of his fantastic paintings of this era. Regarding infilling the hull,this is common practice for me.I can build it without,but I feel you end up with a superior model with greater resistance to environmental changes if done correctly.After following the works of the Russian masters and many of them using building techniques that do not rely on just planking for the hull form,I think there is a lot of mileage using this technique.I had one build that endured a six year period of extensive rework on my house.This model was built in a conventional manner and due to the changes of environment it went through,it gave me a lesson in what can happen due to changes in humidity and temperature.As well as some very minor separation of plank joints,'ghosting' was present in places where some of the bulkheads were.This is due to timber movement and produces very small 'facets' infilling the hull prevents this.The infilling also prevents the wood from drying out completely from the inside,which does happen over years and the timber is weakened as a result. The exception is my Caroline build.Because of the skeleton design,infilling would be very awkward.The hull is instead triple planked.My kit came with a choice of balsa or lime for the first planking.By planking first in balsa and saturating with thinned epoxy resin prior to fitting the second planking,this not only gave me rock solid base,but also a sealed skin to the inside of the planking to prevent drying out of the outer two layers. I know my explanation was a bit 'long winded' but I think your question warranted a detailed explanation of my reasoning Kind Regards Nigel

A great build and a truly lovely model Marc I don't know how comfortable I would feel though with one of my cats in close proximity to one of my models Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Nils I thought I had lots of build logs I am struggling to keep up my friend .This looks like a stunning kit from Billings and one I have never seen before.I look forward to following your postings immensely of this build.The hairline cracks on single planked RC are a fairly common problem.In the past I have always covered the outside with a coat of epoxy and the ultrathin woven matt.The insides I normal coat in epoxy as well.This does mean temporarily fitting the deck and removal after planking to allow access,because I know Billings like to suggest you fix the deck before planking,not always the best approach when you want a solid waterproof hull. Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Ed Not only have I signed the petition,I have also purchased Richards Ensor's Restoration Warship (posted an article in the book section).This book has masses of information on Deptford dockyard as well as the plans for Lennox.I didn't post a reply as the information is related to the late seventeenth century period rather than the time you intend portraying.Whether or not you would find it easier to focus on this time frame instead,I don't know,but there is a massive amount of information available due to the possible Lennox reconstruction project.Just hope developers don't get their hands on the land. Kind Regards Nigel

Tremendous work She is shaping up to be a stunning model and a benchmark for other Wasa builders mate! Kind Regards Nigel

Wonderful work Bob Yes I would also be tempted to do the guns in batches,doing them all in one go would be far too much.Great full profile picture too,I don't comment on there now,just use the like button.If you delete your old post when you post a new one then the comments don't make any sense Kind Regards Nigel

Wonderful work on the capstan mate!!As Lawrence says,you are really motoring along now.Probably because sanding bending and painting all those ornaments is now behind you Kind Regards Nigel

The satyrs look wonderful Doris I have mine to do soon.I have already reproduced the drawing to 1/47 and these things are small!!!Probably going to carve a master from boxwood and cast them in resin,at least then I only have to struggle once Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Brian To be honest I am still in a quandry as to whether I should build the model.The hull is a fair size being 1/64 scale and the castings are very nice.Whilst there are some inaccuracies historically,the model if far,far superior to the Constructo version.On top of the castings there are many decorative brass sections to purchase.These come in lengths and are cut to suit.It is worth googling Amati Hms Prince,there are many images online. Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Vince To be honest,I am not sure as the parts are so easily available in the UK.You will have to buy the plans first in order to compile the list of fittings.There is a table of quantities on the drawings for the fittings if I remember correctly.If you have any difficulty,you may find it easier to order items from either Cornwall model Boats or the model dockyard in the UK.One UK retailer many years ago did offer a complete package including timber after the kit was discontinued,I think it was the model dockyard but it is many years ago now and can't be sure.Nick Tomkin is a very helpful chap,you can always drop him an email,I dare say he would be able to advise if he did and still can sell you the complete package. Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Jaager I asked Chris Watton about the original Amati plans and he confirms they are not accurate. Subsequent investigation by myself revealed they are miles away from the builders model.Because of this I an awaiting to see if Chris's prototype goes into production at some point. Kind Regards Nigel

Waterway on top of the margin plank is far to early mate,that is typical 17th century practice.This would cover the planks ends anyhow i.e. no joggling buddy. Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Vince I have the amati plans,all parts are still available,just not in a box.The casting set is actually fairly inexpensive.Part numbers for other fittings are given on the drawings ,these again are currently listed in amati's catalogue.You would have to source the timber and scrollsaw the frames out.There are about 27 frames on this model!! Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Eamonn I think that a waterway would have been present.In reality this sits in the corner on top of the deck beams and up against the inside of the frames,however this can be represented by shaving some square section lengthwise at 45 degres to make a triangular fillet.This can then be glued into the corner.2 x 2mm will be about right at your scale.That's what I did on Caroline,albeit slightly larger as she is 1/48. Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you so much for your very kind words Michael I tend to have a vision of how I want a model to look.From this vision I plan my 'schedule of works'.Unfortunately because it is a vision,I can't really share it with everyone until it is built Kind Regards Nigel

Fabulous build Nils I hope your trapped nerve problems are soon resolved.My wife had a similar problem and had a course of physiotherapy.It did take a few visits but this did resolve it. Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you very much indeed Jase I decided to try an incorparate one or two rare features not very often modeled in an attempt to make the model a little different.The ornamentation is still in abeyance,ideally I would like to make changes to the stern and produce the carvings in boxwood,but this is subject to hopefully getting permission from the NMM to extensively photograph the original builders model.Unfortunately whilst the euromodels plans are exemplary,some simplification of the stern design has been carried out.I cannot find pictures of sufficient quality to replicate the ornaments.I have a number of photographs of this model in my reference material,but none good enough to carve from. Kind Regards Nigel

She is looking great mate I love the contrast of the black against the maple,top choice buddy Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you very much Nils There is quite a lot of preliminary 'boring' stuff to do before I get to the exciting bits but it will all make the job easier in the long run Kind Regards Nigel

Thanks Grant and it is nice you get to see Blackadder down in Oz Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you Jason all will be revealed in due course Kind Regards Nigel

Hi Salty Dog I agree with your comments completely.I did not buy the kit,but I have bought the plans which include the new instructions and also the laser etched pack for the stern.You are correct,the instructions are darn right misleading.You can't simply ignore them and use the plans though,because these haven't been revised in the kit revamp!!It was the same but to a much lesser extent on my Royal Caroline build.Very little has been 'upgraded' in this kit,but the plans are still for the old style kit!I would rather have decent plans and no instructions,but when both are incorrect,what do you do??Frankly not good enough when you spend this sort of money! Kind regards Nigel

Good to hear mate Postie no longer has to file that restraining order now Kind Regards Nigel

Thank you Chris I eat on the job Kind Regards Nigel