rafine

That is really terrific work Ken. I'm not usually a fan of sails, but those furled sails of yours look great.

Bob

Welcome aboard to all. I'm looking forward to the pleasure of all your company in the months ahead.

John, some people are just more optimistic than others.  

Chuck, the frames are double and should go together in a straight forward way. We'll soon see.

Bob

Great work Elijah. It's a real accomplishment to get that first one under your belt, let alone to do it in the manner that you have. Congrats.

Bob

As I mentioned near the end of my Granado build, I have chosen to do the the colonial schooner Halifax as my next project. There are several reasons for this choice. To begin with, my age (77) and the diminishing capabilities of my hands and eyes are a major factor. I don't wish to start any project that I have doubts that I could complete. While the journey may be very important, I still like to see a finished product. This ruled out anything that is likely to take multiple years to build. I also have concluded that It will be better to do small vessels in a larger scale, rather than a larger ship in a smaller scale. I was very intrigued by the new Marisstella kit for the barque Stefano, but decided against it because it is a large ,complex ship in a smaller scale and would likely take at least two years to do.

In considering what to do, there were any number of possible choices, but the Lumberyard Halifax seemed to fit the criteria best. It is a true plank on frame model of a small vessel in 1:48 scale, which I really liked. Unlike the usual Lumberyard timbering set, the Halifax is offered in a version where the framing is laser cut. This was appealing to me because I have no power tools, other than a Dremel, and have no desire to hand cut all of the framing for a fully framed model. It also offers the opportunity for considerable scratch building and choice of presentation style, both of which are important to me.

I have chosen to post this build as a kit, rather than a scratch build because of the laser cut framing, and have labeled it as "semi-scratch", whatever that may mean. I have received the package from the Lumberyard in the past few days and am clearing away my work area and getting ready to start. Progress and photos will begin soon. I'm looking forward to the interaction and exchange that always accompanies a build on MSW.

Bob

Thanks so much Denis and the "likes". You caught me Denis. I did add the pictures shortly after the post had been made ( I'm old and I forgot them ).

bob

Thanks so much again to all for your kind words and "likes". While we all build for our own enjoyment and satisfaction, none of us can deny that it's great to have your peers offer praise for your efforts. 

Bob

Thanks so much to all who have followed this build and have provided their generous comments, encouragement and "likes" throughout and at it's conclusion. I greatly appreciate the support and the friendship.

B.E. and Erik: I am attaching a few more photos, but I'm not sure that they're any better. My point and shoot either can't or won't do any better on the overall shots.

Bob

Super job on the wires Nils. As always, you make it look so easy, when it's not.

Bob

Well, that's it. Granado is finished. I have made up and mounted the swivel guns and the anchors, completing the work.

The swivel guns were made up using the kit's brass barrels and PE mounts, as well as brass wire and small beads for the handles. They were painted black and installed with pins in holes previously drilled in the pedestals.

The anchors were all made using the kit castings, boxwood strip for the stocks, paper bands on the stocks and rings made from wire. Puddening was added to the rings by wrapping line around the wire. Cat blocks and falls and lashings were generally done as shown in AOTS.

Following photos of the final work are a few completion portraits of the model. I will be starting a log for Halifax in the next day or two.

Bob

Grant, I have to say that the wheel is beyond anything that I would even think about doing. Amazing.

Bob

Thanks so much Koen and the "likes".

Rich, I have been building for about 50 years. I have been retired for almost 20. Most of my recent builds have been in the 1 to 1 1/2 year category. My wife would agree that they have been multiplying like rabbits. 

Bob

Nils, this will be a semi-scratch build. I will probably post it as a kit build since much of the framing is laser cut. The scale is 1:48.

Rich, most of the models have been given to family and friends. I have donated a few to charitable auctions. I do still have 9 in the house.

Bob

Thanks so much Ken. I've enjoyed your Rattlesnake, as well.

Bob

Thanks so much Thomas, Martin and the "likes". Greatly appreciated.

Bob

Beautifully done Sjors. Your "spaghetti bowl" makes mine look very simple. 

Bob

Thanks so much Grant, Tim and the "likes". There's always a front row seat for you guys. 

Bob

Thanks so much Denis.

Bob

Thanks so much Dirk, Michael,Russ, Albert and Don for the generous words, and thanks also to the "likes".

Michael, Granado, like all my builds, will go in a case and will replace one of the models on display in my home. I'm on a "one in, one out" system, so one older model will have to go.

For those interested, my next build will be the schooner Halifax from a Lumberyard POF timbering set.

Bob

Rigging is now complete.I finished off the braces on the crojack and the mainmast yards and the main lower sheets and tacks. I also permanently tied off any lines that had only been done temporarily, and added rope coils to all remaining tie-off points.

All that remains now are the swivel guns and the anchors. These should be done within the next week.

Bob

You've been a busy guy, Denis. The cabins look very good.

Bob

Very nice work on the head, Joe.

Bob

Thanks so much Denis for the nice comments and the vote of confidence, but I think that I'll still go with stupid. 

Bob

Nils, each new set of photos is more incredible than the last. As always, I am blown away by your work.

Bob

Sam, it's good to see you back building and posting on MSW. Some interesting techniques and some very nice work. Do the words "under development" suggest that this is a project for a kit?

Bob

Super work on the gun rigging, Thomas.

Bob