Izzy Madd

Sorry to be picky but aren't the groves for the ropes on the wooden deadeye going the wrong way as the rope would have gone up not down. Just asking for my model as I'd rather do it right and if this is just a show and tell image rather than a final look then I know not to copy or to copy. No offence meant. Izzy

Also, if I'm understanding what your issue with the holes is they would have originally been grooved as well as holes. This can be recreated by usin a "brick saw" which is simply a twisted piece of wire. The twists in the wire are sufficient to create grooves but do so slowly and leave a very smooth finish. In the same way rope would. Obviously true brick saws used steel wire but fuse wire works great on this scale and can be used to enlarge holes that sould be irregular or even cut out hard to reach parts as the frame that's hold the "blade" is purpose made from strong rod for each use.

Hi, Have you ever tried pre applied solder pieces when doing this sort of thing? On this scale it's fiddly. And probably best to leave the solder on the work surface. But if you hammer the solder flat and pre cut just enough for each joint. Then it's possible to create a production line and solder them one after the other. With the solder under the metal, the metal pre flexed or fluxed solder. I used both. Then just hold each piece in place with a wooden coffee stirrer shaped just right the touch with the solder iron. Only needs a second or two as its so small but there is no unsightly lump of solder as only just enough is used and you can go along them doing perhaps twenty a minute. Without over soldering one of them. Izzy

Thanks for the link and I'll be reading your build with avid attention to date tail.

Hi, I'm very new to this site but tackled tall ships some thirty years ago. Nothing like this as there was only really airfix at the time. Your ageing a great job probably far better than i will as I'm just waiting for the kit to arrive. I'm using and areing over the etched parts. Not that there is anything wrong with them they are fab. It's just the cost. Could you share some advice/views about them. As they are something I'll be having to buy, if I do, as I go along. And was hopeful you could advise me in which order to get them? And any other tips please. Thanks

Hi. Thanks for that as it happens I've just got the book and leafed through it and as you say the drawings are brilliant. Especially the spaghetti sorry riging. So as you can all see I'm not just relying on you I am trying to get the information myself but please. Do comment.

One question I have is the etched parts. As they are actually more expensive than the model. Is the full set worth it or just a certain selection. And if they are the bees knees. I'll be buying them piecemeal. Which should I get in what order. Thanks again And I'm hopefully aiming to build something that looks like it's just about to slip into the water all shiny and new. I realise they never went into the water fully rigged but you know what I mean. Not much in the way of distressing. Just something to leave my name on with pride.

Hi. I'm just waiting for the arrival of my first model in 35 years. And I know this is a big leap from way back then. So I'm also doing an airfix H.M.S. Catty Sark in between. Hopefully to retain what's left of my insanity. The reason I'm starting this thread is, I suppose obvious in a way. Help advice and tips. But the real reason is decades ago I was young and able to conquer the world. As we all were. Now I'm in a slow slide of disability. And I suppose you could call this my Swan Song. Go out with a bang eh. At least I'll have a boat waiting at the end :-). But in the meantime I'm wanting to make this one to remember. And as I have issues with mobility, vision, and dexterity oh and memory. Any advice, as to what others have done or trick to make thing simpler. Will be gratefully welcomed. As well as a few other choice comments I'm sure I'll raise. Feel free to point out any pratfalls I make as I hope to share the build on here as well. If not here then in the appropriate part of the forum. (Moderators. Please feel free to move this where ever you feel it belongs. I apologise in advance for the many errors, and faux pars I'll make) So as Nelson said "England Expects" and with your kind help this jolly jack English man wil rise to the occasion. So please shout up and tell me whatever you feel needs saying that will make this journey simpler. Even if it's already been said. I don't mind being treated like a idiot it gives me something to reach for. But if I can avoid mistakes it's better than correcting them. Thanks in advance Izack(Izzy) Madd