trippwj

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

No worries there - Brett (my young starving artist son) will be handling the fine detail painting on this one!  I'll do the drinking while he paints.  May even have a piece of cake with the Jenever!

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

No worries there - Brett (my young starving artist son) will be handling the fine detail painting on this one!  I'll do the drinking while he paints.  May even have a piece of cake with the Jenever!

Thank you Patrick and Marc.
 
I seem to have finally made a bit of progress attaching string this weekend!
 
First up, here's the Mizzen Pinrail with lines attached.  
 

 
The mast cleats that I removed from here have been relocated to the Belfry, because reading ahead, I realised that I was going to need these and as usual the kit hadn't provided for them.
 
This weekend I have managed to fit:
Topsail Sheet and Clue Lines to both Fore and Main lower yards. Leech Lines and Bunt Lines (Fore Lower Yard) Spritsail Yard Brace Spritsail Topsail Yard Brace Topsail Yard Reef Tackle (Fore) Topsail Yard Buntlines (Fore) Topgallant Sheet and Clue Lines (Fore) Topgallant Bunt Lines (Fore) The kit plans aren't too bad, once you figure out which line you are looking at. The only real issue is the belaying points - because the kit omits both shroud and mast cleats, it takes a while to figure out where the lines really need to go. Longridge has been indispensable for this.  I also have to acknowledge Gil Middleton's excellent log.  On one occasion, he was able to save me when even Longridge let me down!  Thanks Gil.
 
Pics - starting with Topsail Sheets and Clue Lines
 
Edit: I put a number of labels on these pics, but when I resized the pics, I lost most of the annotations.     
 

 

 
Topsail Buntlines:
 

 
Topgallant Sheet and Clue Lines:
 

 
Topgallant Buntlines:
 

 
A close up showing the underside of the Fore Top - it's getting quite busy under there!
 

 
And finally, a couple of overview shots:
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Just a quick update, basically because the time clock has hit 450 hours.
 
Quarter gallery construction is moving along nicely.  They are basically done and painted.  Note the rabbet inside the window frames......these will support the windows in a bit so they won't topple into the galleries:
 

 
There are 4 beaded moldings that need to be installed before we get to the windows themselves (not to mention a veritable plethora of photoetched adornments).  This is the fun stuff!
 
 

Glad to see you managed to bring the keel back straight Wayne  
 
Kind Regards
 
Nigel

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Good work on the fix Wayne.... you never know it was there ( except you!)
Frank

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Nice Wayne....
 
Good luck with the painting.
Stay away from the Jenever, you need a steady hand !
 

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

She's done!         I decided to go with sails. This first model was supposed to be a learning experience, and I needed to learn how to do sails too!
My first attempt I ruined the sail fabric. This second set I used watered down Elmer's glue to seal the sail fabric. No stitching - just drew in pencil lines. I even went to buy some different fabric, but in the end I used these sails. I'm happy with the outcome. The next model I think I'll sew the sails on. 
Now my lovely wife has to get a spot in the curio cabinet cleared out.
 
Some pics-

Wayne is to busy with making snowman's       
 

I have been in contact with Marc at ME this week and will be sending down for production a final (hopefully) set of the bulkhead assembly. 
 
Once these are produced and tested (again) that should be it. I'll drop them into the drawings, and amend the manual as need be. By that time I would have completed a final look over of the remaining laser parts as well.
 
My final submission to ME will be of a full set of laser parts. That way there shouldn't be any "cross contamination" of original and corrected files. It's up to ME to keep them straight in production. As I've said before the proto-type went together fine.
 
Based on ME assertions that they will be upgrading their ply I will maintain dimensions of the proto-type's 3/16" stock. I can't  "chase" any future or possible stock discrepancies in dimension. That's a production issue - not design.
 
I have encouraged ME to maintain as high a possible standard in production of the castings and kit components moving forward. Although as with any designer I have no control over such matters.
 
I have discussed with ME a masting & rigging plan for the kit.  It's future release is questionable. In the interim there is more than enough source material for a builder to rig ESSEX on their own. 
 
As always I'm happy to help however I can but for now I am looking forward to my own builds, and to possibly designing future kits. Be it for ME or others.  
 
I'll keep you posted
 
Sam

I've been continuing with work on the bow end of the gun deck. Completed and installed are the fore jeer bitts and the fore topsail sheet bitts. These were made from boxwood strip with the sheaves "faked" in the same way that I did the bulwark sheaves ( two drilled holes with a scored line between them, blackened with a marker). I also made and installed the fore mast wedges. This was done with a single piece with the wedge lines marked in.
 
I then made up the base for the stove. This was done as discussed in the various recent posts. A metal base plate resting on wooden beams, set in a metal tray with a shallow lip. The parts were made of boxwood, with the beams left natural and the metal parts painted black. This was installed but the stove was stlll left off, although it's position, like that of the bitts , was determined by temporary fitting of the forecastle deck beams.
 
Lastly, I ran the anchor cable from the hawse holes back along the deck and around the riding bitts.With the exception of mounting the stove, this concluded the work under the forecastle deck. I am now working on the forecastle deck framing and will finish that before moving back along the gun deck.
 
By the way, I've noticed that some of the earlier posted photos in the log have now disappeared. Does anyone know how to retrieve them?
 
Bob
 
 
 
 
 

Coming along very nicely, Augie - impressive work on the thinning.  Now, what is this "Spring" of which you speak?????

No, it looks like Kevin's, and that looks mighty fine to me!
 
Re-work is just part of this process called model building Kevin (just take a look at mine for starters!). Don't let it get you down, you're doing a great job and will be well pleased you took the extra effort in the long run.

Good evening everyone - oh it him again  (rework kev)
 
port side is npw 90% completed - again - although it does not look much different in the pictures, the difference in the Gun port lanyards is much more grey, more hemp colour than the white ish colour i used first time, hope to start the starboard side next weekend
 
and apologies to not reading everyone's logs in the last few weeks

Managed to get a few things done before Spring drives me outdoors
 
Firstly, I talked about thinning the bulwarks.  The first two photos show the 'before' version.  You can see the thickness of the bulkhead frames, combined with the outer planking, gives me an overall thickness of 1/4" +. 
 

 

 
This needed to be brought down to an overall thickness of 5/32" at the caprail and 7/32" at deck level which is seen in the next two photos:
 

 

 
The transom had been previously done.
 
It was then time to add the cap rail to the transom.  Although it may have been possible to do this with one continuous piece (I tried but couldn't), the kit provides two laser cut pieces to handle the curves and a third section is added to the center.  This worked quite well although I need to work on the seams a bit.  They are actually perfectly smooth to the touch, but not to the eye.  Here it is depicted from a few different angles:
 

 

 
Finally, the quarter galleries are making progress.  The first layers have been added.  There is an overlaying layer and additional vertical area to be added.  But I'm pleased so far with the arrangement:
 

 
The interior areas of the QG were stained before it was closed up.  Not much will be visible once completed but this was a good time to get it done.
 
That's it for the time being.  Everyone grab your favorite beverage and sing out a toast to the long-awaited Spring, 2014!
 
 

Hot Breaking News... (Cue busy & Important music)...
 
2nd Planking Complete... More news and Photos to follow as soon as they come in..
 
 
(Cue Busy & Important Music again.. fade out) :mellow:  :mellow: