Monarch

Hi Bruce
 
That's a very nice neat start to your build - bit like your shipyard. Best of luck with the build which I will follow with interest.
 
I do not have a keel clamp and would be interested to hear your comments on how practical it is when planking starts.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Someone might find this useful
 
http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
 

I've been keeping a note of these links for my own research but perhaps they are of interest to others.
They are in no particular order. Please add your own links to this thread if you like.
 
Ropewalk links
 
http://mysite.verizon.net/ELLshipmodeler/ropewalk.htm
 
http://www.thenrg.org/resources/articles/ropewalk.pdf
 
http://www.densmodelships.com/2.html
 
http://www.maritima-et-mechanika.org/maritime/tips/Ropewalk/Ropewalk.html
 
http://www.midwestmodelshipwrights.com/newsletters/Feb2011.pdf
 
http://www.shipmodels.8k.com/Ropewalk.htm
 
http://www.modelshipbuilder.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?7622.last
 
http://www.modelshipwrights.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=1954
 
http://scotts-workshop.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/how-to-make-rope.html
 
http://ropeandcanvas.blogspot.co.uk/p/tools.html
 
http://modelshipworldforum.com/resources/materials_and_tools/ropewalk.pdf
 
http://modelshipworldforum.com/resources/materials_and_tools/14frolich_style_ropewalk.pdf
 
http://www.naturecoast.com/hobby/ms110.pdf
 
Thread information.
 
http://modelshipworldforum.com/resources/Rigging_and_Sails/Understandingthread.pdf

Hoorah have actually spent time this evening in the shipyard but only to the extent of stropping blocks to the mast which is a bit time consuming. Very annoyed that having visited a model shop to buy .25mm black rigging thread they gave me .5mm which I already have. In future I will buy my supplies on line as retailers seem to always fulfill orders. The seizing on blocks using .5mm thread is too chunky for my liking but cannot change it all now. Have been using diluted PVA to keep thread in place which is much neater than CA but sometimes CA is unavoidable where thread needs to be secured but with a smaller syringe needle I can control the flow better.
 
Looking forward it finally finishing the masts.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hoi Remco, thanks for looking for your scrap box and the parts, no problem.  I'll do some browsing on the Internet and see what the model railroad folks have to offer.  I think that O gauge is 1:48 and on the old freight cars the hand brakes had similar hand wheels.
However, I have no problem with "home build" hand wheels that I can cement to the gun mount, not rotatable, just static.  It's all the other paraphernalia that comes with it.  See pic below.
 
Hi ho John, good to hear from you and thanks for your compliment - - - I lucked out with the hinges and lids.  I have been searching for your progress reports on your Morgan, where are they????  
Remco may need some wale oil for the lamps he should make for the captain's cabin 
 
Pretty much a lost day today, again a dental visit but the end is in sight   
I spend some time in fixing one minor hitch.  The snorkel intake guard was too far aft and interfered with the aft AA gun.  Then I made a bunch 1 X 1 mm slats for the deck planking.  Tedious work but it has to be done. 
Next step is to stain them in some teak looking stain.  I'm very curious in finding out how they'll look but according to the color chart it should be good, fingers crossed 
I also painted the decks again and the gun bun lids, they look quite nice 
 

This is a pic from the original factory drawings of the AA guns on the O19 when it was build.   To look at the pics Boris send they are a few pages back.
 

This is the same factory drawing with my gun model next to it for comparison.  As all yuns can see I need to do some modifying primarily on the top end.  I think I can do it and make it believable.  It'll be strictly stationary and as long as my guns kinda look similar then I'm a happy camper.
 
Cheers,

Have finally attached the bowsprit which I had to paint in walnut because I could not source birch dowel and the hardwood I used ended up being a bit too grainy just to dye. I am pleased with the latter blocks and deadeyes I attached as I used diluted PVA and not CA like the earlier ones which are really too rigid for my liking. Horrifies to find I somehow dripped CA onto the side of the mortar housing so might have to partially close the roof to hide it as there is no way I can remove the drip without causing too much damage.
 
Sorry about the quality of the photographs - must get better lighting.
 
On with the masts now.

I have not had a lot of time to spend in the shipyard for the last week or two because of work commitments which is frustrating
But he who pay the piper! I did however get to experiment with silver soldering which was very successful unfortunately
I oversized the seizing on the block so I have to do it all again which required fresh supplies of copper eyelets which I have now sourced. Hopefully will get some hours this week so I can finish the masts and move on.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hi Darr
 
Most of the tools used in model ship building are very easy to get hold of so I would not worry too much about waiting for weeks. It is better to start building with a very basic toolkit and buy or borrow as you go along or in some cases use the excellent tips that are available through this forum to use everyday objects as tools e.g. I use the Admiral's nail files (not the glass ones, not that stupid) to sand in small and difficult places as they can be cut down to virtually any shape.
 
I agree with those recommending Cornwall Model Boats but I also use Ebay and Amazon and other online stockists and delivery is usually within a couple of days.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hi Darr
 
Most of the tools used in model ship building are very easy to get hold of so I would not worry too much about waiting for weeks. It is better to start building with a very basic toolkit and buy or borrow as you go along or in some cases use the excellent tips that are available through this forum to use everyday objects as tools e.g. I use the Admiral's nail files (not the glass ones, not that stupid) to sand in small and difficult places as they can be cut down to virtually any shape.
 
I agree with those recommending Cornwall Model Boats but I also use Ebay and Amazon and other online stockists and delivery is usually within a couple of days.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hi Eamonn
 
Congratulations on starting your build log which I will follow with great interest, the very best of luck.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Darr,
 
Nature Coast Hobby Shop also sells this sort of kit/tool combo.  Personally, I would be cautious about buying something like this, as the tools included might or might not be something your dad would find useful, and for the prices listed you can probably buy a kit and some basic tools for less.  If your dad has not modeled anything in a while, I'd recommend one of the kits from Midwest Products to get old skills back up to speed.  These kits are inexpensive (and can usually be found on eBay for significantly less than retail), have good instructions, and always include a thorough list of needed tools, some of which are likely already in your dad's house somewhere.
 
Kind regards,

Have finally attached the bowsprit which I had to paint in walnut because I could not source birch dowel and the hardwood I used ended up being a bit too grainy just to dye. I am pleased with the latter blocks and deadeyes I attached as I used diluted PVA and not CA like the earlier ones which are really too rigid for my liking. Horrifies to find I somehow dripped CA onto the side of the mortar housing so might have to partially close the roof to hide it as there is no way I can remove the drip without causing too much damage.
 
Sorry about the quality of the photographs - must get better lighting.
 
On with the masts now.

Have finally attached the bowsprit which I had to paint in walnut because I could not source birch dowel and the hardwood I used ended up being a bit too grainy just to dye. I am pleased with the latter blocks and deadeyes I attached as I used diluted PVA and not CA like the earlier ones which are really too rigid for my liking. Horrifies to find I somehow dripped CA onto the side of the mortar housing so might have to partially close the roof to hide it as there is no way I can remove the drip without causing too much damage.
 
Sorry about the quality of the photographs - must get better lighting.
 
On with the masts now.

Have finally attached the bowsprit which I had to paint in walnut because I could not source birch dowel and the hardwood I used ended up being a bit too grainy just to dye. I am pleased with the latter blocks and deadeyes I attached as I used diluted PVA and not CA like the earlier ones which are really too rigid for my liking. Horrifies to find I somehow dripped CA onto the side of the mortar housing so might have to partially close the roof to hide it as there is no way I can remove the drip without causing too much damage.
 
Sorry about the quality of the photographs - must get better lighting.
 
On with the masts now.

Eamonn
 
I like your thinking and look forward to your build logs, 1 or 3? Be careful not to mix the bits up though, you could end up with the wrong mast on of of the boats.
 
Good luck
 
Glyn

I have finally plucked up the courage to post pictures of my 'Convulsion' which I have been working on since early in the year but took a break in the summer due to work, gardening and DIY. I have virtually finished the hull and deck fittings with only the anchors, pumps (which will be fitted post rigging, and bowsprit to complete. 
 
I would like to thank all those contributors to MSW both 1 & 2 who provided the inspiration for the hobby and also the tips & techniques to enable me to get as far as I have.
 
My first problem was that the false keel was twisted but this was overcome by wetting the wood and clamping it to a solid piece of flat oak for a week to straighten it out. It took a while to be brave enough to properly fair the bulkheads but once planking was started the need was readily understood. Overall I was pleased with the planking but too much filler led to the decision to paint the hull white and then the rest of the wood with walnut paint.
 
For the deck caulking I used a permanent marker on one edge of each plank, I think the effect is okay. The trickiest issue were the deadeyes and chainplates because I had got the wales too low. I will make my own chainplates and deadeye strops in future. Started off trying to paint the brass fittings but now use brass black again not a bad result but find most of the blackening comes off on my hands. I was too reliant on CA but more latterly have got to grips with pining and using titebond which provides much wore strength. 
 
Some of my work particularly at the start has been clumsy but the more I do the more I understand the value of reading other modeller's build logs. I wish I had drilled the holes for the deck rings earlier and taken more time to drill the hawser holes which are a bit of a mess.
 
The biggest problem is working out how to take decent and focussed pictures - not sure they  are that good but hopefully show her off so far. Tried as advised not to use a flash so the pitctures are a bit dark - as I wiork all day I can only take them at night and lighting in the shipyard is not the best for photography and is surrounded by dark furniture and the Admiral's shoes (I think she must be related to Imelda Marcos)
 
Best tools I purchased are the dremel multi tool, and a magnifying light - even used it to thread the Admiral's needles this evening so a tick in the box for me.
 
Happy to receive any constructive feedback.
 
Glyn
 
 

Hi Eamonn
 
Being my first build She is a very forgiving ship and the only issue I had with her was the false keel being warped so had to clamp it to a piece of straight oak to straighten it out. All the other issues I found we caused by me and my lack of knowledge and experience and perhaps not looking as closely at the drawings as I should have done. I put the wales too low which caused issues with the deadeyes and chain plates and too much reliance on CA.
 
I would recommend you pin all the deck fittings but make sure that they are square to centre, a couple of mine are slightly off.
 
If this is your first build, unless you are an experienced modeller or craftsman which I am not and have another kit in the locker get some spare dowels, gratings & belaying pins so that you can more easily recover from any mistakes rather than have to wait for spare bits to arrive. My biggest tip is to measure at least twice preferably three times before cutting once - hence my need for spare dowels which I borrowed from my Bounty which is waiting patiently for me.
 
Doubtless like me you will be your biggest critic and all errors will be blown out of proportion but despite what I think, everyone who sees my Convulsion goes 'Wow, you did that'.
 
I just enjoy building her and look to this site as your reference book because even though I think mine is the only Convulsion log, all other builds require the same work but with varying degrees of complexity and tasks -just imagine making 100 gun port lids and mounting them! the Convulsion is very kind in this regard but still attention to detail is still required.
 
If I can ever be of any assistance please ask although you might be better talking to Normanh whose Convulsion shown in MSW1 was my inspiration.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Oh forgot to mention had a visit by the admiral who complimented me on the tidiness and cleanliness of the shipyard and commented that I looked a bit cramped to which I suggested she removed her racks of shoes to give me more space. The reply is unprintable as was mine when she noticed the David plane and suggested she could use it to sharpen her eye liners. What she doesn't know is I have taken the Dyson hand held from the caravanand am using that to clean up the mess I make!!!! I'm sure a flogging will be ordered when she finds out.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Eamonn you're not going to build all three at the same time surely? If yes then you are one brave man.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hi Eamonn
 
Being my first build She is a very forgiving ship and the only issue I had with her was the false keel being warped so had to clamp it to a piece of straight oak to straighten it out. All the other issues I found we caused by me and my lack of knowledge and experience and perhaps not looking as closely at the drawings as I should have done. I put the wales too low which caused issues with the deadeyes and chain plates and too much reliance on CA.
 
I would recommend you pin all the deck fittings but make sure that they are square to centre, a couple of mine are slightly off.
 
If this is your first build, unless you are an experienced modeller or craftsman which I am not and have another kit in the locker get some spare dowels, gratings & belaying pins so that you can more easily recover from any mistakes rather than have to wait for spare bits to arrive. My biggest tip is to measure at least twice preferably three times before cutting once - hence my need for spare dowels which I borrowed from my Bounty which is waiting patiently for me.
 
Doubtless like me you will be your biggest critic and all errors will be blown out of proportion but despite what I think, everyone who sees my Convulsion goes 'Wow, you did that'.
 
I just enjoy building her and look to this site as your reference book because even though I think mine is the only Convulsion log, all other builds require the same work but with varying degrees of complexity and tasks -just imagine making 100 gun port lids and mounting them! the Convulsion is very kind in this regard but still attention to detail is still required.
 
If I can ever be of any assistance please ask although you might be better talking to Normanh whose Convulsion shown in MSW1 was my inspiration.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Oh forgot to mention had a visit by the admiral who complimented me on the tidiness and cleanliness of the shipyard and commented that I looked a bit cramped to which I suggested she removed her racks of shoes to give me more space. The reply is unprintable as was mine when she noticed the David plane and suggested she could use it to sharpen her eye liners. What she doesn't know is I have taken the Dyson hand held from the caravanand am using that to clean up the mess I make!!!! I'm sure a flogging will be ordered when she finds out.
 
Regards
 
Glyn

Hi Just finished tapering masts, spars and jib booms. used many methods including proxxon lathe but found using a David plane and hand sanding to round the easiest for me. disappointed with the quality of the birch dowel some of which tore badly and as a result have had to raid my Bounty kit for additional dowel which I will replace later.
 
Now i have to start the hard part of attaching blocks and deadeyes after painting and assembling the masts but all enjoyable.
 
Sorry about the quality of the pictures

I have finally plucked up the courage to post pictures of my 'Convulsion' which I have been working on since early in the year but took a break in the summer due to work, gardening and DIY. I have virtually finished the hull and deck fittings with only the anchors, pumps (which will be fitted post rigging, and bowsprit to complete. 
 
I would like to thank all those contributors to MSW both 1 & 2 who provided the inspiration for the hobby and also the tips & techniques to enable me to get as far as I have.
 
My first problem was that the false keel was twisted but this was overcome by wetting the wood and clamping it to a solid piece of flat oak for a week to straighten it out. It took a while to be brave enough to properly fair the bulkheads but once planking was started the need was readily understood. Overall I was pleased with the planking but too much filler led to the decision to paint the hull white and then the rest of the wood with walnut paint.
 
For the deck caulking I used a permanent marker on one edge of each plank, I think the effect is okay. The trickiest issue were the deadeyes and chainplates because I had got the wales too low. I will make my own chainplates and deadeye strops in future. Started off trying to paint the brass fittings but now use brass black again not a bad result but find most of the blackening comes off on my hands. I was too reliant on CA but more latterly have got to grips with pining and using titebond which provides much wore strength. 
 
Some of my work particularly at the start has been clumsy but the more I do the more I understand the value of reading other modeller's build logs. I wish I had drilled the holes for the deck rings earlier and taken more time to drill the hawser holes which are a bit of a mess.
 
The biggest problem is working out how to take decent and focussed pictures - not sure they  are that good but hopefully show her off so far. Tried as advised not to use a flash so the pitctures are a bit dark - as I wiork all day I can only take them at night and lighting in the shipyard is not the best for photography and is surrounded by dark furniture and the Admiral's shoes (I think she must be related to Imelda Marcos)
 
Best tools I purchased are the dremel multi tool, and a magnifying light - even used it to thread the Admiral's needles this evening so a tick in the box for me.
 
Happy to receive any constructive feedback.
 
Glyn
 
 

Hi Norman
 
Thanks, your lost build log was my inspiration.
 
Best wishes
 
Glyn

I have finally plucked up the courage to post pictures of my 'Convulsion' which I have been working on since early in the year but took a break in the summer due to work, gardening and DIY. I have virtually finished the hull and deck fittings with only the anchors, pumps (which will be fitted post rigging, and bowsprit to complete. 
 
I would like to thank all those contributors to MSW both 1 & 2 who provided the inspiration for the hobby and also the tips & techniques to enable me to get as far as I have.
 
My first problem was that the false keel was twisted but this was overcome by wetting the wood and clamping it to a solid piece of flat oak for a week to straighten it out. It took a while to be brave enough to properly fair the bulkheads but once planking was started the need was readily understood. Overall I was pleased with the planking but too much filler led to the decision to paint the hull white and then the rest of the wood with walnut paint.
 
For the deck caulking I used a permanent marker on one edge of each plank, I think the effect is okay. The trickiest issue were the deadeyes and chainplates because I had got the wales too low. I will make my own chainplates and deadeye strops in future. Started off trying to paint the brass fittings but now use brass black again not a bad result but find most of the blackening comes off on my hands. I was too reliant on CA but more latterly have got to grips with pining and using titebond which provides much wore strength. 
 
Some of my work particularly at the start has been clumsy but the more I do the more I understand the value of reading other modeller's build logs. I wish I had drilled the holes for the deck rings earlier and taken more time to drill the hawser holes which are a bit of a mess.
 
The biggest problem is working out how to take decent and focussed pictures - not sure they  are that good but hopefully show her off so far. Tried as advised not to use a flash so the pitctures are a bit dark - as I wiork all day I can only take them at night and lighting in the shipyard is not the best for photography and is surrounded by dark furniture and the Admiral's shoes (I think she must be related to Imelda Marcos)
 
Best tools I purchased are the dremel multi tool, and a magnifying light - even used it to thread the Admiral's needles this evening so a tick in the box for me.
 
Happy to receive any constructive feedback.
 
Glyn