vossy

First off, would like to say thanks to Paul0367 and his amazing build so far, that hopefully I can avoid some of the pitfalls on this build.
 
Next I would like to add, that this is not a historical representation of the Victory but more a decorative interpretation of her. That being said, I hope to build the majority of the kit to be more accurate and in the end it’s all part of the fun.
 
Refference galore with all the usual suspects in there, Longbridge, McKay, Goodridge, etc Victory and man of war related as well as others.
 
Commenced the build at the end of February, so now have some build to start sharing.
 
 
Some framing



Using the 4 butt shift method for deck planking, instructions in the kit are basically to lay big long lengths.

On to the main deck 



Deviation here, decided to use walnut, narrower strips rather than the Sapely that is supplied. Also to add a little detail with the windows, as in the kit these are just left as blank bulkheads.

So onto the next stage, did find this keel clamp by Expotools at a 1/3 of the price of the Amati, must say have found it to be of decent construction and allows me to work on the model in many different angles.

 

you certainly are going a lot faster than me!
 
chris
 

I have continued to restore and repair the kit started by the previous builder. I am trying to keep as much as the original work and color as possible.
1.  resanded and stained the deck to match some of deck furniture colors. I am planning on doing one or two of wipe on Poly to blend in everything.

 
2. Added some trim to the main cabin to hide some of the huge gaps. They were everywhere,  all around the pilothouse and base of the platform.

 
3. Constructed the ropes and nets lifting mechanism.
I am planning on painting it black and dry brushing metal and rust.
 

you certainly are going a lot faster than me!
 
chris
 

looks really beautiful. I ummed and arred about painting my riverboat hull I must say. I really like the natural timber color, but decided to paint as most of them were painted I believe, plus I have heaps of natural wood on the decks and as mine is a massive size I think the white hull breaks it up nicely. anyway back to yours, as I said, it looks fantastic. are her deck structures going to be painted, or left natural like the hull? also, for what its worth, with your trial naming decals, I actually like the bottom one the best; yes, even the dice.
 
chris
 

continuing on with the very tedious louvre shutters for the starboard side windows.
  
they come on the fret as a dual piece that must first be cut in half. once cut the frames measure 40mm x 10mm
 
 

once cut and edges sanded I glue a tiny backing board to the frame. this board is 5mm x 0.3mm
 
 

pieces of very thin, 3mm x 0.3mm plank are then glued together in a step like fashion.
 

 
 
I use another backing board, slightly smaller than the area of the interior framework to glue these on. it makes them stronger and far easier to sand prior to fitting.
 

 

hopefully once all is glued, sanded and fitted, I end up with something like this to attach to the windows in the structure.
 

 
chris
 
 
 
 

yes....you made me chuckle.........thanks for the fine comments everyone     getting out of work @ 3:30 in the afternoon...{a little after 4:00,  I walk through the door} is kinda nice.  now if I can just get through with all the nuances that I've been fielding so far,  I might be able to think about doing something on the models again.   it's been a while since I've done anything during the work week.......always too dragged out and tired.
 
correct Lou........herringbone.   amazing how quickly the planking went doing it this way.
 
good idea Piet........for those who want to freefall,  strap on a 2 x 4..........it should work well      
 
thanks OC......all in the way I cut the planking.  I hardly made any adjustments at all  
 
thanks Michael!  I can't wait to see a finish on it!   for the calking,  I got the idea from our wonderful moderators,  John and Danny.......archive pens.   I get mine from Hobby Lobby,  and have a variety of different tips { I use three of them}.   one time,  I got stupid and left the cap loose,  and almost ruined the pen.  but I bought a bottle of India Ink,  and a couple of squirts revived the pen.

it won't soak into the wood like magic marker.   I stain the planking before I apply it to the edges.
 
I had to do a dry fit after the deck was trimmed.   I was also curious how much of the deck showed outside of the second level structure.   I like what shows  

I'm pretty sure that the center line is correct......although the dividing wall inside the structure doesn't agree.   I think it makes a nice floor pattern inside.

I may omit the window on both sides,   where the smoke stacks will be placed.  it doesn't make sense to have them showing.   I took these the other day.   thanks again for the kind comments........and thanks to all who hit the like button   

continuing on with the very tedious louvre shutters for the starboard side windows.
  
they come on the fret as a dual piece that must first be cut in half. once cut the frames measure 40mm x 10mm
 
 

once cut and edges sanded I glue a tiny backing board to the frame. this board is 5mm x 0.3mm
 
 

pieces of very thin, 3mm x 0.3mm plank are then glued together in a step like fashion.
 

 
 
I use another backing board, slightly smaller than the area of the interior framework to glue these on. it makes them stronger and far easier to sand prior to fitting.
 

 

hopefully once all is glued, sanded and fitted, I end up with something like this to attach to the windows in the structure.
 

 
chris
 
 
 
 

continuing on with the very tedious louvre shutters for the starboard side windows.
  
they come on the fret as a dual piece that must first be cut in half. once cut the frames measure 40mm x 10mm
 
 

once cut and edges sanded I glue a tiny backing board to the frame. this board is 5mm x 0.3mm
 
 

pieces of very thin, 3mm x 0.3mm plank are then glued together in a step like fashion.
 

 
 
I use another backing board, slightly smaller than the area of the interior framework to glue these on. it makes them stronger and far easier to sand prior to fitting.
 

 

hopefully once all is glued, sanded and fitted, I end up with something like this to attach to the windows in the structure.
 

 
chris
 
 
 
 

The fittings- All individually bagged photo-etched brass and tin cast. All look complete, at this stage. (I’ve registered my kit with the manufacturer, so I’m not worried about problems I may find later.) Most have burrs, flashing and cast marks, but a run-around with a file will clean them right up. 

The wood- First thing that struck me when I opened the kit was the amount of sawdust. Because these kits are CNC-cut (Computer Numeric Controlled 3-axis lathe) and not laser-cut, the wood is machined and not burnt, so sawdust is simply a byproduct of the process, not dodgy quality control. I figure I’ll make plenty more sawdust anyway. The gaps in the smaller cuttings are filled with tightly compressed sawdust. I’ll keep it all there until I cut out the piece to prevent breakage. 

G’day. I’m a new member, so this will be my first build log. I’ve been trying to decide whether to commit to a log, as there are already finished logs of the same kit here, but I’ll do this for a couple of reasons:
1: To possibly aid newcomers overcome self-doubt in starting a kit.
2: To force myself to pay more attention to my own processes, because I find myself looking at details of kits I’ve completed and wonder “How the hell did I do that bit?”
3: To benefit from other member’s advice and thereby improve my own skills. 
 
I’ll try to detail the planking process because I think it’s the bit that worries new builders. And I won’t try to hide my shoddy workmanship.
 
Feel free to pull up a pew. But grab a cushion, this may take a while. 

also made the lower main staircase. still undecided as to whether or not put down carpet stair runners as per the box art. if I do it certainly wont be the red sticker that comes with the kit!
 
Chris
 
 
 

Hoping to get this build and log going again in the next few days to run in conjunction with my build of the Mississippi Riverboat. Stay tuned.....
 
Chris
 

this really coming along nicely vinnie. I have the amati bounty I want to get back to after I move along a bit further with my current riverboat.
 
chris
 

Well I have glue drying and there’s not much I can do until it’s done...so now would be a good time to show you guys where I’m up to😁! 
So far I’ve taken some artistic liscence and added some treenails to the deck. And then gave it a thorough scrape and a light sand.
 I then gave it 2 coats of estapol polyurethane Matt varnish 
i then planked the keel..quite a fiddley job...but I’m happy with how it turned out. 
I then cut out the 4 gunports in the bulwarks...my hat comes off to all the man o’war builders out there who cut out anywhere approaching 100 plus of these buggers! Although I do look forward to the time when I can try and tackle that many 😁...one job that wasn’t particularly thrilling was marking the waterline. I spent nearly a whole weekend trying to keep the boat level both ways while trying to mark it with a fixed pencil 😥 I’m definitely going to do some research into how others mark their water lines when I do my next build 😃...notice I said “when” lol
I’m now in the process of adding a few feature strips to the hull. And also making the u shaped “hand rail” for the bow 

yepper folks!  it's true {head hang'in low}...........I'm a plank o holic.   lately,  everything I see,  I want to plank over it.  the second level deck is completely planked, trimmed,  and sanded around the edges.  I just need to lightly sand the surface,  go over it again lightly with the stain,  and give it the seal coat.   as seen in the earlier picture,  I came up with a different design for the deck.  I actually think I cut down on the odd cuts I'd would need to make,  to do per the instructions.   a bunch of planking was measured and cut to size.   I began to lay the planking aftward in the angle pattern.

as can be seen,  I already trimmed it around the edge,  to keep from nick'in it with a sleeve or anything that might pull it up.   I cut out the slots for the structure,  but I made a goof.....I cut out the one for the lower structure by mistake.  I filled it in with a piece of planking,  rather than pull the bad ones up.

the idea of going in the opposite direction towards the forward,  sounded like a good idea.   so,  when I got further towards the middle,  I drew a center lineand lines for the opposite angle.   I began the planking at the forward end.

I was running low on planking,  so I cut some more.

looking at the ends,  they are unique.  depending where they are to be placed,  the plank can be turned around to meet the angle needed.

I thought to even the center up,  so they will be equal when they reach the center line.  I worked inside the box,  as it started to take shape.

till finally,  I had a neat little box.  note that it's open slightly on both sides.   there is a reason.


so at this point,  I continued with the forward area,  working my way to the end.

I was cutting out the holes as I went along......still need to cut out the pole holes.  I'll do that later with a drill bit.  once finished,  and and a chance to dry,  the end was trimmed and sanded around the edges.

all that was left,  was the box.   it was planked a bit differently......the center butts will not be seen.   a center line plank was laid {a 3 mm plank},  and then both sides were filled in.   the right side is planked opposite the left side.  kind of gives it an optical look.



the only thing I haven't done,  is dry fit the structure on to see what can be seen along the sides.  my guess would be.....not much.   do me a favor though...... ..please don't stare into it for too long.  I'm not sure what effect it will have on humans   

thanks John!   still feel like a sow process.  there are a few more parts to be added before the second level can go on.   then I think it will gain momentum.   I love to plank.......but I think I'm getting planker's cramp!     
 
I do have a small update to show.   the forward structure doors are done and have been cemented in place.  I still need to put the hinges on them,  but I can do it on the model.  the structure is now cemented to the model.



it might be the way the rings are positioned,  but it looks like one may be larger than the other.  I will check that out     I took the rubber bands off the helm structure and removed the wall I didn't cement.   I can work on the interior now.

I had started to map out the planking for the second level deck.......first thing was to make the adjustment on the offending slot.  while I was doing that and cutting planking for the deck,  my x-actor rolled off the table.   I'd say it's a finely balanced tool.......good thing my foot wasn't there  

already happened to me once........I was wearing shoes {good thing}.   to finish off the slot adjustment,  a piece will be cemented in to lessen the gap that will be created.  I haven't done it yet.....

I decided that I would do something a little different with this deck.   seems like a lot of cutting and fitting.   it seems odd to me that they would plank a deck like that anyway.   so I mapped out whole planks going in one direction,  joining diagonally.   I may......I think it would look just as cool.....to go to the other end and do the same thing,  but in the opposite direction.   it will merge in the middle.   here is where I am now with the mapping.

go to the aft end........then plot the middle and draw in the other lines.

hello mate, you have some really nice builds there. I am sure you will find this site invaluable. good luck on your Supply, looking forward to watching her grow.
 
Chris
 

hello mate, you have some really nice builds there. I am sure you will find this site invaluable. good luck on your Supply, looking forward to watching her grow.
 
Chris
 

Update!   I’ve done most of the deck planking and I am actually quite happy with it...I think the simulated caulking looks decent 😁  
I’ve also got together some scrap wood and built the display stand to start experimenting with sanding and scraping in prep for different polyurethanes, to see what look is better for the hull
 
Now to finish placing a few of side planks and then the simulated tree nails with a needle and a sharp pencil. I suppose after that I’ll give it a scrape and then give it a protective coat of something...🤔  open to ideas anyone? 😁

Hello. Thrilled to have found this forum. I’ve built the Billing’s Boats Cutty Sark, the Artesania Latina Swift, the Aeropiccola HMS Prince (small) and the Panart Royal Yacht Caroline. About to begin the Caldercraft HM brig Supply. Can’t wait!

Thanks very much guys .
 
No, I've had enough of this model .
 
Well, this is it - Bismarck is FINISHED . Here are all the final pics - enjoy :






















 
Thanks to all those who followed this build, and especially those who commented. Now onto HMS Hood .
 
  Danny

yawwwwn.....what is it?   Gibbs got us up early this morning for an outing.   I kinda laughed {the admiral wasn't though}.......kind of a drill for the upcoming week,  for starting the new work schedule      so...while I'm up early,  I thought I'd get an early start {what a brilliant concept   } 
 
I though I'd show you the stand I made for it......I will be squaring the base off,  so it looks better.   it made sense to use the balsa......a really soft wood that won't mar the finished bottom.  I probably won't need to line it with felt.

I've forgotten what I bought the balsa for.....I had bought some 1/2 inch square stock too.   the length is good too,  lining a good length of the model.

I might try and repaint the paddle wheel brackets and the troughs.......not sure if I like them with a flat finish.   if I do anything,  I may leave the troughs flat,  and gloss up the brackets,  since they will be highly visible.

as I mentioned,  I received the figures!   I'm very impressed with the level of craftsmanship...the paint work is phenomenal    the admiral wanted to see how they would look on the model......she couldn't believe how small they are.   comparing them to the scale of the aft section doors,  they look right,  but seems to be out of scale with the overall look of the model.  I noticed that anyway........the ratio of the aft doors,  compared to the size of the doors on the forward structure,  one gets a sense of the imbalance.   the figures are made by Preiser of Germany....ordered from the Model Train Stuff website.   I wanted them to have the look of the deep South.......you know,  the Southern Belle thing.....puffy dresses,  parasols.......top hats and three piece suits...the gambler.

I chose a special guy for the helm......I hope he can be seen window height.   I may assemble the helm room to find out....possibly make adjustments,  if needed.        this figure is by Model tech studios......I was surprised to find that they are based in North Hampton,  New Hampshire.    they deal with nautical,  and action type figures.   If I was doing a diorama of a work shop scene,  I'd have found the perfect for it.   odd that this chap is the same scale as the others,  but seems a wee bit smaller in comparison.       http://modeltechstudios.com/hoscalepeople.aspx?page=3

I also got some uniformed crew members........there was another in the earlier package.......probably why I was drawn to these folks.

here are some more passengers........

I will likely need to get a couple more packs.......folks sitting.......some farmer looking folks.   I think the crew are a bit modern.....but I wanted anyone looking at the model to be able to pick them out easily.  .......not like they'd be thinking 'period people' anyway.   the figures will add a wide range of color to the model.. not sure what I'll use the rocking horse for.   I could cut off the rockers,  add a pole and a coin receiver,  and turn it into a 'dime store' amusement ride out of it   

from here,  I looked up Preiser figures,  to find their base site,  and I happened onto two other model train sites.   one of them has an even larger selection of figures,  so I have more to choose from.   with what I spent already...........I hope the admiral don't flip when I get more   

Hoping to get this build and log going again in the next few days to run in conjunction with my build of the Mississippi Riverboat. Stay tuned.....
 
Chris