NMBROOK

Hi Mates,
 Martyn, – so very nice of you thanks -- overwhelming !!
 
Patrick, Denis, Frank –thanks for your comments so appreciated as well.
 
And mates thanks for hitting the likes – so nice of you to click your thoughts as well
 
Continuing with the lower main. So it’s furled and almost ready for attaching to the mast.
 
I was looking at Anderson regarding the parrels and decided to challenge myself for this and the lower main mast, coming up next.
I will run a center parrel rope (only on one side) to simulate it as a working item. Will run the rope through that small block and run it to the weather deck.
 
Where it should be attached is not clear. I may also add another set of blocks to the end of the rope as noted on Anderson’s drawing. Fiddle blocks  - no - just a couple of single blocks and then a cleat at the deck next to the mast.
Probably overkill – but since all of the lower sails are furled this might be a nice bit of extra work that I will be happy about.
Anderson writes that he has problems with this particular set up – but so it goes. Parrel ropes certainly needed to allow for adjustments as a mast was lowered given the increase in mast diameter as a yard was lowered.
 
PS: I have noticed a BIG mistake that I have been making using tarred rope to attach some blocks to yards and sails. That said I just want to stay consistent in my errors for these bits. Grrrr.
 
Now for the really hard part -- installing the yard 
 
Regards,

 

E.J,.
 
Yes sails do add a nice finishing touch. That said get ready to spend a lot, lot of extra time with your build. They (sails) are filled with added work – much more than I had anticipated. Making the sails is easy compared with mounting and rigging them.
 
Not regretting this by any means. But I can work for hours and seem to get nothing done beyond preparing blocks, ropes and knots for one sail (;-) then trying to mount them to their respective masts along with all of the lines and ropes hanging limp to be secured later; so far so good. If I might suggest for your next build find a kit that comes with sail/rigging plans as part of the kit (mine did not). You will be glad that you took the challenge. I’m glad that I am. Thanks for your nice post 
 
In the aggregate it will be so worth the effort. My Santa Maria from so long ago was a walk in the park compared  to this build.
 
Cheers,

Hi Mates,
 
Here are a couple of full view rigging update views. The sail on the table is a reduced size lower fore. It will be furled - full size furls would have looked too thick
(thanks Frank for that tip)
 
Cheers,

Mark,- Too bad  well 2024 but not to be in your neighborhood at all - 2017 would have been awesome indeed.
Frank - No excuse for you, I don't think? -- ha ha 
Denis - 
Martyn - thanks ! funny as well
 
PS: Installed the first two parrels. 
 
Cheers,

Hi Mates,
 
Minor update – first effort at installing parrels; I will also remove top gallant fore and main sails in order to also add these bits.
I got a bit lazy with those two most upper yards.
This top fore sail broke the ice with parrels (that I intended to in any case add to lower yards.
SO;
Thought I would share what I think is a fairly easy way of doing this (for me in any case)
Photos go through sequences.
 
Anderson writes about parrel lines running down to the deck?? hmmm - Think I'll pass on that part.
 
================================
 
PS: last photo -- now need to see if my new glass is up for the job 
Oh and the Admiral – Not a fan – told me that actually when I drink I know very little and forget most things – She was not in on this Ha ha..
 
As always thanks so much for the likes, posts and just dropping by - as always.
 
Cheers,

 

Continuing work on installing sails – now onto  top gallant fore and mains first. Here are some updated pics.
 
My goal is to prepare at least one sail per week;
•Attach yards
•Make sailcloth edge reinforcements
•Make needed edge cringles
•Make head cringles
•Prepare/attach all needed blocks
•Attach all needed lines
•Prepare parrels
=============================
As always thanks so much for your continued and very encouraging support.
 
PS: I need to check my settings – since the software update I’m not getting notices from all of the logs that I also follow. Hmmm?
 
Cheers,

Hi mates,
 
Martyn - so kind thanks so much.
 
Minor update but big one for me.
 
Decided to “bite the bullet” and challenge myself to improve areas that were new and very uncomfortable (working with sail details) – so most of the day yesterday was trying to get these two particular sails acceptably ‘ok’ – feeling comfortable with the results;
 
The other nine are waiting in the wings, but I now have a direction.
 
PS: these two sprit sails are reduced by 30+% - they will be furled.
Would have been too bulky (scale wise )in full size --- Frank (fmodjr) thanks for that sage advice from your superb Vasa build log - I followed your build, and will furl all lower sails, but partially raising the lower main as you did- love that look that you created.
 
Cheers,
 

 

Hi Mates,
 
Frank thanks – nice of you to comment – much appreciated needed a “pep talk”…Denis Cheers as well !
 
Mates -Apologies for venting on my last post. Not a place in which to do this. Your kindness in following along, posting or just dropping in is not for some builder (me) complaining.
 
That said - after, I decided to go outside, smoke a nice Churchill (along with a Single Malt (or two) of course).  Listen to my baseball team on the radio, and also allow for some introspection. Cigar took care of any TV-  Admiral would have lowered the plank and pulled out her sword. Can't blame her actually...
 
It then struck me that to rush parts that are not “fun” will result, on the backside, with disappointment. Especially given the attention that I have spent trying to build it as best that I can “right” so far. Thanks Frank!!
 
So I will work in this area more carefully spending all of the time that I need to not feel that it is work, but instead as a new challenge in trying to improve my skills.
 
Minor update:
 
Found a way to add those reinforcement bits to the sails. Tea steeped some left over sailcloth to allow for a slightly darker tint.
 
Found that Gorilla Wood Glue is perfect for fixing those little cloth bits, and still allow flexing.
 
Added little dots trying to achieve the stitched look – not sure on that part. Too dark I think?
 
Won’t post until I really move forward – no point in boring you mates any further with this area.
 
As always thanks so much for the likes, posts or just dropping by……
 
 
Cheers,

Hi Mates,
 
Minor update. Working with some sections of the sails has proven to be – well not so much fun (for me)– venting here Hmmm---
 
I got through the boltropes – pleasant enough. Then came the need to add various cringles. Now those are really hard for me. So far the least enjoyable part of this build.
 
I am also not satisfied with the results. And  knowing that a reinforcement canvas wrap should also be included around each cringle has annoyed me.
 
Tried several glues on sailcloth bits and could not find a glue that “disappeared”. Also these cloth rectangles are to be sewed as well – just not happening.
 
I  re-did the martnets after buying some triangular deadeyes from WoodenModelShipKit (one of the vendors that advertises here). After fiddling around several times finally discovered how to lace without lines crossing over each other. Happy with the results.
 
So this area (sail details) is slowing me some.
 
Several of the other sails will not need so much extra work – and it will all be fun again (;-)

Hi Mates,
Well sails are all done. Now for attaching them to the yards, (adding all needed blocks etc.)

 
Here comes more learning. How to actually attach them. Anderson has this. I also looked at the 1/10th and each rope is separate and unto themselves with each having separate knots.
 

 
Then there is the Tack knot.

 
 
I did find this online
 

 
Along with this link
 
http://www.survivalworld.com/knots/manrope-knot.html#.WWJu_tPyuV4
 
That’s about it for now – glad that I went for the sails – very satisfied (well they are not installed ha ha)
 
Cheers,

Hi Mates,
 
Minor update–working on finishing up the first sail (lower main)
 
Then noticed (first pic of 1/10th) that a shoe block is used where I had already laced two deadeyes with a single block in-between.
PS: I know that you know where that is, just having fun adding red circles here and there……
 
Looked at Syren, and elsewhere could not find this type of block – so trying to make some. Prob. too much time spent here – may just use the single block instead. A work in progress ----======================
PS2: Joachim thanks for the post. I remember that extra extension. I saw it when I bought the lathe, but passed on it. I looked again at Proxxon and elsewhere no longer seems to be available (even eBay did not have one)
 
Cheers,

 

Hi Mates,
 
I had mentioned that I slightly tweak Chuck’s (Syren) already super excellent blocks. This how I do it. The changes are very subtle, but for me make it worth it.
 
1) enlarge the pre-drilled holes (I’m sure most of you already do this anyway)
 
2) using the same drill bit I now angle it to “round out” and deepen the pulley look further.

 
Using a file I add grooves to the upper and lower edges

 
Using a small sanding block I sand the four side edges a bit inward.

 
Last bit I just started “now” after going to Chuck’s site to order more rope I saw his new blocks that included the four pins that attach the two block sides together. Hmmm – that looked so great.
 
Granted his blocks are larger but nonetheless wanted to add that look as well.
 
Using a tiny drill bit just drilled eight holes.

 
Here are some comparisons. AGAIN absolutely NOT implying anything at all missing regarding Chuck’s super perfect blocks down to the smallest scale.

 
 
This pic is a perfect example of how amazing his super small blocks actually are without any of my obsessive tweaks (;-)

 
PS: whatever these are called I have to pull them all off. Again a novice with rigging when I made those it did not occur to me to be sure that ropes will be able to loop through – well they can’t – did not leave enough space grrrr.
 

 
Cheers,

Update;
 
Moving onto lathing the yards. First looked for dowels that had visible rings, in order to better replicate the yards looking as if they came from in scale real trees.

 
Example of sailcloth and initial stitching, as well as first turned yard. It looks thinner than 8mm – but it is as Corel sized it.

 
Returned to sewing center to finish up the sails. I’m so glad that I met Ivy – she was awesome. I did the cuttings. She (thankfully) did all of the machine work. The resulting stitching, and the hemming is 100% her great work. She also used an industrial steam iron to fold the double hems, then perfect stitching. Came out so well.
 
All of the following photos highlight her great work. Sewing center also had perfect cutting tools
 

I used an unbleached cotton muslin, that has those little black specks here and there - adds to the unrefined look too the sailcloth IMO - Last two are how I decided to add the reinforcement to the lower main sail. Copied what I saw on the 1/10th - As always thanks for dropping by
 
Cheers,

Denis – thanks, yes that does now look as it should. Also thanks for your continued support and kind thoughts.
 
Yup sails keep me up at night J  Would definitely add a big “bang” to this project.
 
EJ – just a thought; I had difficulty trying to properly scale the euphroe block threads taught. A bow seemed to always stay visual coming from each side of the blocks
 
I went from Chuck’s  .018 to his .012 and that helped a bit. But the real solution was to use a routing bit and add indented grooves to the blocks themselves. This allowed the rope bends to be better hidden within the block.
 
Now when pulled the ropes take on a better scaled toughness through the blocks to their respective shrouds.

Cheers,

EJ,
 
Thanks for your nice comments – Yes your advice is well taken. This happens to be something that I have the foresight of understanding. Most of the standing rigging won’t be secured until much latter.
 
I also assume that I will need “reaching room” when attaching yards, sails, and required running rigging. It is my goal to complete the Vasa in 2017.
 
============================
 
And then move backwards to 840 AD or thereabouts (Oseberg) I will, for that one, leave several sections open, including part of the deck, and the hull on one side – making visible construction details that would otherwise be all covered up. So the extra work will be with wood. An area that I like to work with.
 
Probably won’t add the sail, nor its simple rigging, but instead truncate the mast for a partial display. So it will be just basically a hull model.
 
I was just going to ignore this one (too big1/25th scale) but have reconsidered this in hindsight.
And so many actual photos of the Oseberg are available making the structural accuracy easier to replicate correctly.
 
Below is a replica of the Gokstad detail view– (the Oseberg was built as a burial shrine). But these two give great insight into their construction. Oseberg is the full view photo.
 
 

Hi Mates,
 
Continuing with standing rigging;
• Changing out the bowsprit lashing to correct – tarred ropes
 •First attempt at making Euphroe blocks, Found a more contemporary looking example online. May also incorporate  blocks with needed Euphros for mainmast backstay (as seen on that photo)
Funny PS; Word saw spelling error and wanted to change spelling to euphoria or euphoric ha ha
•Also making more fiddle blocks
Pics are self explanatory – so brief text here.
I can see that eventually tensioning all of these lines against each other will be complicated to get them all looking “right” That bridge is for later.
 
Cheers,

Hi Mates,
 
He are some updated full views as of today. Always thanks for dropping by.

Hola Michael:
Sure, if I can help you in anyway don´t doubt to ask.  All the stitches were made with my wife sewing machine after marking previously the lines.  About your specific question, for that sail i didn´t put any reinforcement, but I put it at the foremast lower sail. (picture) I took several pictures of the sails and don´t remember which of them I sent it to you, please tell me  if you want any in particular.
 
Saludos, Karl

Dave here you go
 
Tube pliers
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TUBE-CUTTING-PLIERS-HOLD-CUT-TUBES-RODS-3-SLOTS-2-10MM-HOLD-SQUARE-ROUND-/221178520670?hash=item337f44645e:m:mSLbCrYHyC5E5x6ThaElXhw
 
hole pliers
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mazbot-7-Hole-Punch-Pliers-5-SIZE-Jewelry-Metal-Leather-HIGH-GRADE-HPP06-/280775730493?hash=item415f89a53d:g:mqgAAOSwN6JY~8CG
 

Hi Mates,
 
Minor update, in a diff area, I’m still waiting to receive needed ropes from Chuck (snail mail –grrr J  )
 
So installed one of the anchors. Positioning will evolve as will - how they are attached.
 
Found a jpg that visually showed how to attach the rope.

 
Used Landström’s drawings as my guide from his The Royal Warship VASA.
 

 
Some general pics
 

 
Here are the new tools that I now use to make the needed rings. This has thankfully evolved from my early attempts at making these rings. Now so much easier. Using aluminium 
tubing that is much softer than brass - though I do like this tool for brass works very well. Both tools found on eBay. 

 
 
Also working on making needed Euphroe blocks (Thanks EJ for your help on this)
 
Cheers,
 
 

Hi Mates,
 
Continuing by installing the bowsprit mast. While deciding what size rope to use noticed my novice lack of rigging planning ahead. Easy fix (;-)
 
Also needed to decide if I should use tarred rope or not. There seems to not be a right answer with this.
The 1/10th installed tarred, and the 1:1 not. Clayton’s also did not use tarred. That said; the rope that I installed has a “shiny” tinge to it – not too comfortable with its look.  Here are some preliminary shots of the work so far.
 
PS: It would seem that these mast lashings, given the amount of moisture they receive, should be tarred?
 
Cheers,
 

Denis: thanks you are always so kind with your posts (;-)
 
Patrick: I used Landström for this bit. The only trouble I had was trying to locate falconets that matched the drawing from the book - I did not. I don't remember if F. Hocker mentions this in his books. As always thanks for your continued interest in this build.

Koen,
 
Thank you for your very nice remarks – very kind indeed.
 
Your comments regarding the cannons are correct. This has also been one of the issues with Corel’s Wasa kit. The hull framing is much too narrow as Peter mentioned resulting in the problem that you noted.
 
I wanted to create accurate gratings along with correct frames. As a result cannons have little room indeed. That was my choice of compromise.
 
Patrick’s photo is also very intriguing – The Vasa had extremely long cannon barrels on its weather deck. Yes! How could they possibly re-load those guns?? And Patrick thanks, as well for your comment.
 
EJ.
 
Thanks, your thoughts are much appreciated as well.  I got lucky with that extra bit of detailing, glad that you like it as well. This build is finally coming along. I hope to also start lathing the yards very shortly.
 
 

Part 2 of attempting to build and install catharpin for the lower main. First attempt was wrong, and out of scale.
 
Referred to Anderson, but the jpg that B.E. sent made it much easier to understand.
 
Again B.E. thanks for always being kind enough to also let me know when I’m doing something really wrong – always appreciated indeed.
 
As mentioned in an earlier post this bit seems to be an English type of construction. Though it is installed on the Vasa 1/10th with this type of assembly.
 

 
Put a positioning cradle to help with the install, and secured it into position. Then laced the middle ropes - on each side - to allow for proper tension as well proper alignment.
 

 
Then removed the basswood cradle and attached the other eight lines.
 

 
I’m very happy with this extra detailing – It was a stretch but nice bit of learning.
 

 
 
I looked up the word cat-harpin, apparently, it is – of course- nautical in nature (any number of short ropes gathering in shrouds near their tops) - but the etymology is uncertain. Hmmm.
 
=================
 
Standing rigging is coming along – hope to attach bowsprit mast this coming week.
 

 
A few more detail shots of latest rigging work
 

 
As always – thanks for your kind words, likes, and dropping by.
 
Cheers,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B.E.,
 
Thanks for your kind thoughts as well as your always very excellent advice.
Yes those blocks are indeed out of scale (and wrong). I woke up in the middle night, and my mind kept me awake thinking about how to do this correctly. I knew then that all of it was of the wrong scale.
 I actually wanted to return to my earlier pleasant dream of living a Gauguin style of life in the South Pacific, but no! my head kept spinning around the catharpins rigging issue.
 
I don’t have access to your source. I did Google it, available reference, but not that specific page.
 
My Roth, Mondfeld, Mansis, and Peterson sources were to no avail either, Anderson being the only one. Yes, in fact a deadeye is called for. Staring at the 1/10th I kept seeing triple blocks then squinted and saw the correct deadeyes.
 
I’m determined to (after two work sessions) to see this detail through. As a rigging novice I was stymied.
 
I will follow Anderson’s procedure. I think that I understand this now – my working vocabulary is still limited Hmmm. Ironically enough his explanation and drawings are perfect – I just did not understand all of it. I will also use one continuous strand through the deadeyes to the shrouds. 
B.E. thanks so much for still following along and always helping when you see something really wrong – so appreciated - As always,
 
Regards.
it at first read.