thomaslambo

Yes, I know the feeling well.  
 
I had another revelation after re-reading The Armed Transport Bounty last night....here comes another 100 hour plus addition to my build once I figure out how to do it     
 
That pump is simply amazing 

Yes, I know the feeling well.  
 
I had another revelation after re-reading The Armed Transport Bounty last night....here comes another 100 hour plus addition to my build once I figure out how to do it     
 
That pump is simply amazing 

Thanks guys, it sounds like a great product 

Hi Keith,
 
I hope you get some good answers here.
 
This isn't exactly on topic but I'm really close to buying their table saw and was thinking I don't need the Auxiliary Tilting Table (what do you think)?  
 
I would use it primarily for cutting planks from stock sheets.  
 
Is this product as good as many say it is, I'm looking for perfect planks (consistent width)? 
 
I also have my eye on their Thickness sander as many of the sheets I purchased have inconsistent thickness (gotta love wood) 
 
Thanks,
 
Boyd

Yes, I know the feeling well.  
 
I had another revelation after re-reading The Armed Transport Bounty last night....here comes another 100 hour plus addition to my build once I figure out how to do it     
 
That pump is simply amazing 

Matt,
 
Spot on target my friend 
 
Have a great weekend 

Yes, I know the feeling well.  
 
I had another revelation after re-reading The Armed Transport Bounty last night....here comes another 100 hour plus addition to my build once I figure out how to do it     
 
That pump is simply amazing 

Matt,
 
Spot on target my friend 
 
Have a great weekend 

Thanks Buck, the work you've done has been such an inspiration. I've been really lucky to have a boss and fellow workers that aren't satisfied with "OK". Everyone everywhere has the potential of being great at what they do. It's all about doing your best, not being the best. It's really awe inspiring to look around at all the builds here, seeing work at everyone's best.

Bob,
 
Thanks much for the kind words, I really appreciate it....and I'm keeping an eye on your fine build as well 

Hello All,
 
I hope all your modeling projects are going according to plan and coming along nicely.
 
 A quick update.  I didn't like the rudder hinges supplied in the AL kit and thought that in some respects, they lacked detail and didn't match the vessel, so after a couple of months thinking this over a lot of time procrastinating, I decided to make my own hinges. Easier said than done, but not a difficult job.  I bought some brass shim stock from an engineering supplies shop nearby, made a jig to press the hinge pin recess into the hinge and then shaped the hinges and drilled the attachment holes. I'm about ready to fit the hinges to the rudder now and install it onto the hull.  No drum roll, please......  Depending on time, I might manage to get this done in the next evening or two and post some before and after photos.
 
Happy modeling and I'll update again soon,
 
Cheers,
 
Rowan D.

Hi Dave and All,
 
Some photos of the rudder hinges.  I "roughed" a male side of the hinge set up for the photos as I'd already made the hinge sets so it's just to show the way I did it...... It's a bit rough but I hope it's useful information.  I made the hinge sets in a male & female pair for each hinge location.  I used a fine file to cut the slot into the female side.  The female halves are all fairly similar but the male sides are made to fit the hull contour specifically at each location. 
 
Happy modelling and have a great day.
 
Cheers,
 
Rowan D.

Hi Dave,
I used 0.012" brass shim stock, same thickness as the kit supplied parts, using the Dremel, I routed a 3mm slot into some chipboard and used a polished 2 mm steel rod (bright steel nail cut to suit). I cut the brass into strips of desired length and width for the hinges, set the brass strip at 90 degrees to the slot in chipboard and held it in place with some very small nails that I used as guides.  I measured the halfway length of the brass strip, marked it and laid the mark dead centre over the centre-line of the slot. I used the polished steel rod (nail) and laid it over the brass strip so that it pressed down into the slot in the chipboard creating the hinge pin recess. This was all ably assisted by an aluminium drift and hammer to tap the steel rod down flush with the exposed (top) surface of the brass. I had to have a couple of goes at it but got the process right and it worked out pretty well. I finished off the shaping of the hinges to get the square edge lines of the hinge pin recess by clamping some suitable scrap timber inside the hinge and holding the hinge in the vice with the steel rod in the hinge pin recess, using a steel straight edge and light taps of the hammer, tapped down each side of the outer edge along the hinge pin recess to give a better (tighter) curve of the hinge pin recess.  I'll post a couple of pics up for you.
 
I hope that all makes sense.... Have a good one,
 
Cheers,
Rowan D.

Hi All,
 
Following on from the last couple of posts, here's some photos attached of latest progress on the model with the rudder fitted....
 
Have a great day,
 
Rowan D.

Thanks Bob and great video! This is my first 'off the chart' ship so the nonexistent Ranger seemed to be a good kit to bash the heck out of. The only thing left of the original kit is the frame. It's been an interesting ride and 'nutty' is what it's become. Stop in anytime.

Bob,
 
Thanks much for the kind words, I really appreciate it....and I'm keeping an eye on your fine build as well 

Thanks CaptainSteve, I'll try to teach him to be nice but with a 'don't make me mad' attitude!

Beautiful work on your pump, Matt !!
I think Tiny is in his element ... especially doing the detailing on the smaller parts. I reckon he'll come good.

Hey Mark, thank you for your uplifting words. Almost every time I'm searching for answers, either here or on the web, it always seems to lead back to you. Your knowledge boggles my mind!
 
Hey Buck, I'm reaching for your coat tails but can't get a grip yet! Your lantern man, so awesome!
 
Hey George, I'd love to have a great morning once in awhile. Is it too much to ask for? Tiny, he PC'd up the second he realized I threw him in with the big Bawlz! I think he liked being 'Tiny', I bet he'll get a new name soon!
 
Hey Ken, I'm not sure his life ain't ruined already with the name Tiny! I'll try to keep the big Bawlz at bay for now, but sooner or later, he's gotta be a man.

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

A couple of pictures of current status - finished the shrouds and ratlines and started on Stays. Couldnt get the ratlines completely straight and the lanyards and shrouds would sometimes twist - not sure how to avoid that. But all in all Im pretty happy with the result even if its not perfect - but hey - its my first ship this size...

I have now installed the masts, but as soon as I had done that I realized that there are some deadeyes that need to be attached to them. In the instructions that is done later, but it would have been a LOT easier to do before installing the masts. Just shows my inexperience and that I cant as yet determine the best sequence of doing things. I even have a book on how to do things, but that states to complete the masts with lots of the rigging before installing the masts - I dont know, that just seems very difficult to me for some reason.
But I'll manage - just hope I dont snap a mast trying to drill holes in it.


 
Also added the chains and deadeyes to the channels. It was rather tricky to twist the wire in both ends and end up with the right length, but got the hang of it after a few attempts. Found it easier to start with the small nail-end instead of the end with the deadye (which was how the instructions said to do it). Its not completely straight and perfect, but Im pretty happy with the result.


I haven't yet added the thin strip of wood to cover the channel in the last picture.

Brian
 
Don't buy if you can borrow!  You're welcome to use any of my accessories before you decide to buy them.

Thank you all for the encouraging comments and likes.  Appreciated, helps keep me motivated to make progress!
 
 
Thanks Frank,
 
I visited the Sherline site and looked at it.  I may add it to the stash one of these days, but for now I think I'm good without it, as I really don't have a 'thing' lined up that I need to use the lathe for anyway.
 
Based on tonight, I think I'll only be adding 1 or 2 out-haul tackles per night, it's just really tedious working with such small stuff under the magnifier and then fiddling trying to get it all set on the gun on deck.
 
I did 1 out-haul tonight, and also did a single rope coil on the previously completed gun.  The method I used was kind of clunky, so I need to go back through some other build logs and remind myself of some of the cool techniques that others have used.
 
I also built the riding bitts, although I didn't glue it down as I think it may be easier to deal with setting the mast later without this right next to that spot on the deck.  I've got it so that it's a very tight press fit into the deck, so should be quite easy to place even if I wait until the mast is permanently attached.
 
No photo's, I'll just include them in my next update, as I don't have time tonight to get them all processed.