newbuilder101

I just stumbled across your build, a very good job, well constructed and documented build! now I ask are you planning on masting and rigging her?
 

Not sure if this would be classed as cheating or resourcefulness, but when I saw these toothpicks a little light bulb turned on in my head!  
I needed to make some columns/pillars for the bow and these seemed to "fit the bill". Just had to cut the preformed tops off and sand them a bit and "voila" instant columns!
 

 
Here you can see the end result with the doors, moulding and columns.
 

 
I'm now working on the railings and have a couple of them installed:
 

 
 

I mixed and experimented with a few colour variations and finally decided on this:
 

 

 

 
This last couple of pictures shows where the ship stands currently.
I managed to get the poop deck in place.
I didn't want to totally cover up the captain's cabin and all the furniture, so I made a "trap door" of sorts with a mirror on the underside.
 

 

 
 

No more detours or distractions - the final planking is done!!! (YAY)
Spiling the planks at the bow took considerable time, but was well worth the effort. Thankfully, I had plenty of wide sheets of wood to allow for this technique.
 
Without further ado - an update!
 

 

 

 

 

 

Our family is off the cottage, up north, this weekend and we'll be staying for a week, so the build will be on hold.
I did manage to do a bit more work, but now have to prepare for holidays.
 
The stern has had a new addition, and the second planking is underway.
 

 

 
 I also decided to test the LED lighting. The "fireworks" above the ship is fibre optics that I installed earlier in the build for the stern lanterns.
 

 

 
 

The railing and strap look terrific. I'm quite sure your symmetry on both sides is spot on....I've not seen anything amiss yet!

I'm working on the topsails now...I'm excited to see it nearly finished, but disappointed at the same time. Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2013 12:49 pm


 
FINSIHED!
 



More photos of the finished work can be seen on the gallery page
FInished Mayflower






















 

The next two photos show a blunder I made with the mainstay. As you can see in the first photo, I had the stay over the rail. I'm still scratching my head over that one. I knew from the diagram that it did not go there, but I guess in my zeal to get some rigging in place, that's where it ended up. At any rate, the second photo shows it corrected. Originally Posted: Wed May 23, 2012
 

 
Fixed.
 

 
I used a jig to get the correct spacing for the mizzen shroud deadeyes, but found it hard to maneuver around it, so I did the main shroud deadeyes freehand - I think they turned out reasonably well.
 

 
I've just started working on the ratlines. I tried a couple of ways to finish the ends, and decided that seizing them was more time consuming and not very noticeable when finished. I decided to use the method that I had seen a couple of more experienced builders use. I've learned many useful methods from the many experienced builders here!
 

 

 
I am happy though to report that the ratlines are finally finished! Originally Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:03 pm
 

 

 
Main Yard. I have most of the yards rigged now and hope to soon move on to the sails. Originally Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2012
 

 
I was never really happy with my guns for the ship, so I decided to do them over. I have just started them and have quite a bit of work yet to do on them.
 
I'm using a trick of my father's. His galleon had guns made from pencils. Once the graphite is removed - I'll have perfect bore!

Maybe not as technical or perfect as some guns I've seen here on MSW, but a neat little trick I think anyway.
 

 

 

 

 
In retrospect, I'll call this the good, the bad and the ugly    with the ugly removed in the following photos.

 

 

 
I've managed to make a little more progress on my Mayflower - finally.
The spritsail yard and sail: Originally Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012
 

 
I had a hard time deciding how I wanted the sails displayed, and settled on furled (probably more acurately "clewed") at least for the lower sails.
 

 

 

 

 
 

Well, here goes……my first nervous steps into the world of the scratch build! This will be my second model and as such, I think POB is a wiser choice. Maybe the next build will be POF, but that’s in the distant future.
 
I really have admired the beautiful and ornate galleons of the 17th and 18th centuries and was finding it a hard decision as to which one to build. The problem was solved when I received the plans for the San Felipe. They were 1:75 and I changed the scale to 1:96 so it would not take up as much real estate in our home and thus be displayed more easily. I know it will be more challenging to achieve the detail I want at this scale, but I will give it my best and am sure I will have help along the way from the talented and knowledgeable members here!
 
While researching the San Felipe, I stumbled upon some doubt as to whether she really existed or not. My conclusion is this: I am satisfied that the evidence for both sides of the debate is sketchy at best, so I have no solid reason to believe she didn’t exist. At any rate, I feel she is a wonderful and beautiful example of the Spanish galleon of her time – real or not!
 
Here is some of the history I have found on her:
The SAN FELIPE, launched in 1690, was one of the most beautiful Spanish galleons of the XVII century. She was the lead ship of the famous Spanish Armada and able to take on the most formidable ships in the French and British navies. The San Felipe's was used in the war against the British and French to protect Spanish settlements and harbors, to transport treasures, and to safeguard the long and hazardous passage back to Spanish ports. In 1705, she participated in a furious and heroic battle between 12 Spanish ships and 35 British ships. After 24 hours of battle, she was captured by an English ship, but was so badly damaged that she could not be salvaged as a prize. She went down to the bottom of the ocean with several tons of gold.
 
The story goes that the ship model is based on reconstruction drawings published by the Italian Vincenzo Lusci in 1966 who referred to some 19th century Spanish historian. Lusci described the San Felipe as a first rate ship with 104 - 110 cannon that was launched in La Coruna in 1690 and was lost in 1705 after a battle with 35 English ships.

Great progress! Funny thing....the hull looked like that of a much larger ship until the pilot house was added. She's looking very good!

Okay...I thought I had it figured out before...that you did builds in your sleep. Now I think it must be that there are two Popeyes! Are you sure there aren't more hours in your day? Seriously, great to see another build. 

This is a family friendly forum, please refrain from using the "B" word!     

Doris, I can't find words that accurately describe or praise your work, other than to say absolutely stunningly beautiful model! You have certainly outdone yourself on this one and can be very proud of your accomplishments! I look forward to your nest build! 

Wow! Beautiful workmanship!

Well, here goes……my first nervous steps into the world of the scratch build! This will be my second model and as such, I think POB is a wiser choice. Maybe the next build will be POF, but that’s in the distant future.
 
I really have admired the beautiful and ornate galleons of the 17th and 18th centuries and was finding it a hard decision as to which one to build. The problem was solved when I received the plans for the San Felipe. They were 1:75 and I changed the scale to 1:96 so it would not take up as much real estate in our home and thus be displayed more easily. I know it will be more challenging to achieve the detail I want at this scale, but I will give it my best and am sure I will have help along the way from the talented and knowledgeable members here!
 
While researching the San Felipe, I stumbled upon some doubt as to whether she really existed or not. My conclusion is this: I am satisfied that the evidence for both sides of the debate is sketchy at best, so I have no solid reason to believe she didn’t exist. At any rate, I feel she is a wonderful and beautiful example of the Spanish galleon of her time – real or not!
 
Here is some of the history I have found on her:
The SAN FELIPE, launched in 1690, was one of the most beautiful Spanish galleons of the XVII century. She was the lead ship of the famous Spanish Armada and able to take on the most formidable ships in the French and British navies. The San Felipe's was used in the war against the British and French to protect Spanish settlements and harbors, to transport treasures, and to safeguard the long and hazardous passage back to Spanish ports. In 1705, she participated in a furious and heroic battle between 12 Spanish ships and 35 British ships. After 24 hours of battle, she was captured by an English ship, but was so badly damaged that she could not be salvaged as a prize. She went down to the bottom of the ocean with several tons of gold.
 
The story goes that the ship model is based on reconstruction drawings published by the Italian Vincenzo Lusci in 1966 who referred to some 19th century Spanish historian. Lusci described the San Felipe as a first rate ship with 104 - 110 cannon that was launched in La Coruna in 1690 and was lost in 1705 after a battle with 35 English ships.

Thank-you Frank! 
 
Well, I have another update. I've been working on the rudder with its pintles and gudgeons. 
I used copper plate and cut it into strips which I formed on a 'dummy' rudder. Soldering was tricky for me at this scale, but I managed. I still have to fine tune and add faux bolts.
 

 

 
I've also made and added the midship set of spiral stairs with railings, and belaying pins are in place here as well. There is one more set of spiral stairs fore, yet to be made.
 

 

 
Last, but not least, I made the beakhead rails and supports. I'm not totally happy with them and some adjustments may follow.....or a total redo, I just haven't decided yet.
 

 

 

I have found some wonderful information on carving figureheads, which woods to use etc. but I haven't managed to find anything on what type of finish to use.
 
I hand carved this figurehead from a small block of basswood and now I'm not sure how to proceed with the finishing. On the kit models of the San Felipe, the manufacturer provides a brass cast figurehead. Does this then mean that the originals were gilded wood, or brass, or is this just artistic license on behalf of the kit companies?
 
I'm torn as to whether I should just seal it with a satin poly, use a very light stain and then seal, or paint it with a gold paint and add accent colours for the flag portion on the "face"?
 
Any ideas, or suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

 

 

 

Thank-you Frank! 
 
Well, I have another update. I've been working on the rudder with its pintles and gudgeons. 
I used copper plate and cut it into strips which I formed on a 'dummy' rudder. Soldering was tricky for me at this scale, but I managed. I still have to fine tune and add faux bolts.
 

 

 
I've also made and added the midship set of spiral stairs with railings, and belaying pins are in place here as well. There is one more set of spiral stairs fore, yet to be made.
 

 

 
Last, but not least, I made the beakhead rails and supports. I'm not totally happy with them and some adjustments may follow.....or a total redo, I just haven't decided yet.
 

 

 

Small update in the overall scheme of things.
 
The new rudder is ready for the metal work and some additional holes.  For example the two tiller holes are drilled but need squaring up with some file work and a couple of small holes for the eyebolts/ringbolts need drilling   All things considered and compared to the elder brother rudder, I'm happy with this.  There is one minor defect that will be hidden by the rudder coat.  And no, i"m not going to forget this bit.....
 
The opening for the pintles is shaped now like the French ones and not like the English properly. I also used boxwood from three different sheets/scraps in order to have some variation between the three slabs of wood.
 
Edit:  Actually... I'm wrong.  Both the English and the French did that same way.  The square openings are the way many kits do them.   I have much to unlearn... as well as learn.
 
For the metal work, I'm going with smaller diameter pintles and cudgoens than on the first version. the irons (straps), I'll make from the same material as before.   Also, I'm considering right now eliminating the bolts holding the irons to the rudder and hull because even though the I'm using are the tiniest I can find, as this scale they are still too large.  i believe if my measurements and eyes are to be believed they work out to having the heads 3" in diameter and standing proud at out 1.5".
 
I'll be using epoxy for securing the metal to the wood, although I need to test first and make sure that it will hold.
 
 
 
 

Exscuse me, Mark....
 
 
why did you let all that space for pintles rudder?
 

 
 
 
Moreover, the pintles should be within the space, so the rudder remains in the stern straight wire; The rudder seems too far from the stern
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks for the likes, the comments, and the ideas.
 
Carl, I think you might be onto something. I never thought about coming in from the top.  I'll take another look this week and see.  
 
Pat, I seem to recall that build also... too many years ago,.. <sigh>  Oh yes, I'm logging the lessons.
 
 
Here's the rudder in it's not quite or maybe it is, final form.  (Rudder coat notwithstanding).  I've added the strop and the chains.   Now that's back in it's jig, I'm going to attend to several things...  the rudder coat install from the top, the carvings <takes a deep breath>, the quarter galleries, and a bit if finishing up the sanding on the inside of the hull.
 
And the pictures.  I'm pretty happy with it even with some issues that the macro brings up..  
 

 

 

The next animals are also back on the ship....  
The crowfeet are done.
Now I have to go to the shrouds and place a few other animals the rat(lines )
Next update can take a while but it will come ( one day )
 
Sjors
 
 

Thank you for the "likes" and the comments.
 
Well.. to paraphrase Clement Moore...  "The rudder was hung on the sternpost with care in hopes that I won't pull out my hair".   Yeah.. bad verse.. Oh well.
 
This part took some sorting out on exactly how to hang it properly rather than sort of cobbled like I did the kit models...   Thank heavens for the Optivisor as the holes for the bolts were pretty tiny.  I've half a mind to build the next one at 1:48 or 1:36 even just so I can see without eyestrain.  Like the Admiralty would be receptive to that.     
 
Next up will be the rudder coat (hopefully), the strop, and the chains.   Thanks to seeing Giampero's rudder coat, he gave me some ideas on how the Licorne's should look.  
 
Anyway, pictures.....
 
  

Thanks all for looking in  
 
@ Sam,
 
Quietly whispering ???????
What sound gives it when you yell ????????
But thank you !
 
@ Al,
 
You can spend your money only once.
So why not at the kit of the Aggy ??????  
Buy one and make us happy with your skills !
 
@ Johann,
 
Thank you very much and welcome on board.
 
@ Mark,
 
Also thanks !
 
@ Elijah,
 
Thanks !
I just love to do something else then work....and that is building.
Or is that not what you mean ????
And painting a house is not work....just a hobby !
Ask my private Moderator Anja       
 
And then I have make the bowsprit shrouds between the paint job.
 
Sjors
 
 
 
 
 

Ok,
 
No klompen but ....( drums ) I have make 3 stay's today.  
Especially for Sam !!!!
Be happy Sam and don't yel anymore now !!!!!!!!!!!
 
Sjors