donrobinson

Beautiful build Ian, love what you are doing with this kit

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Oc: Thanks for stopping in
Dave: Thanks Dave
Frank; So good to hear from you Frank, Thanks so much
David: Thanks David, it is about the same size as your Titanic which you will have loads of fun with
Gary: Thanks Gary, they really are fine kits that are very well thought out. I highly recommend them
Ian: Thanks, there is a Massive amount of rigging coming, but not until after the massive amount of copper plates that is coming sooner!!!
Jim: Thanks. The sensitive drilling attachment is, in my mind, a must. It helps things go along so much faster and easier when using smaller bits. It would be a toss up as to whether I would buy the DRO or the sensitive drilling attachment first. I would say if you are serious enough to have a Sherline mill a/o lathe you should really have both. Christmas is coming, spoil yourself!!
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Should be a good one to watch David, what is the finished length?

Should be a good one to watch David, what is the finished length?

Should be a good one to watch David, what is the finished length?

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

I finally got the Stefano back on the bench this past week and made a little progress after a long break in progress on him. I took a short break to build the Liburnian Novilara as a little side diversion. A trip to North Carolina also used up some shipyard days but was well worth the time spent.
 It took me a little while to get back into the mindset again with Stefano, in case you are thinking not much got done in a week😉.
I always feel lots of pictures helps hide the lack of work and progress, so here we go.....
 

The goal last week was to  install pieces 40, 41, 42 and 43. I failed in this as I did not get the pin rails installed but they will be up next!!
The letters are showing you what colours to paint: BM=matte black, WM=matte white and WC= wood colour or varnished, poly etc.
 

First up was to bend the side stringer(40) and the top gallant bulwark(41) into shape. the side stringers are 1.5 x 4 mm strips and the top gallant bull warks are 1.5 x 5 mm strips. I gave these a light soaking in water then used a simple iron, as shown above, to bend them, The little indents on the inside of the curve are easily sanded smooth before installing.
 

Clamping the side stringer in place, pva glue was used to allow for positioning of the piece
 

Side stringers are installed and sanded, ready for painting. A little note here is that I sanded mine flush with the rail when in fact there should have been a slight overlap left. Not a big deal as everything will still work, just one of those things that happens when you leave something idle this long.
 

Here you can see the top gallant bulwark has been installed. I gave it several coats of diluted acrylic paint before gluing it into position. I used thin ca for this, I would hold it in place apply glue to a few cm`s of it hold until dry then move along applying glue until the end. There really is no other way of gluing a piece this long, pva will not work as there is no way of clamping. Shorter pieces could have been used and been easier to handle  but would not have looked as good.
 

 

Masking the top gallant bulwark in order to paint the main rail(37)
 

Tape removed. Here you can also see the top gallant rail is being installed. This is laser cut on a walnut billet
 


And here is how he sits with the top gallant rail completed.
 
Thanks for watching
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks to all for stopping in. the likes and comments all  are much appreciated. While not a lot got done this past while there is a little to report;
 

Drilling out pin rails, actually just slightly enlarging the existing holes using sensitive drilling attachment on Sherline mill
 

Pin rails installed
 

Starting to strop the deadeyes
 

Drilling holes for deadeyes, all measurements taken from plans
 

Cutting chain plates from photo etch sheet
 

Although I cleaned and prepped the chain plates for blackening in the end i went for painting instead. They were first primed with metal primer then painted with acrylic paint, there are no severe bends on these so paint cracking should not be an issue. The black ring is for the rudder opening on the bottom of the transom.
 

Rudder hole is up next so I thought making the rudder would be a good idea
 

The completed rudder
 

 And how he looks now. Belaying pins are installed just for the picture they are not glued in place.
 Thanks for stopping in.
 
 
 
 
 
 

I finally got the Stefano back on the bench this past week and made a little progress after a long break in progress on him. I took a short break to build the Liburnian Novilara as a little side diversion. A trip to North Carolina also used up some shipyard days but was well worth the time spent.
 It took me a little while to get back into the mindset again with Stefano, in case you are thinking not much got done in a week😉.
I always feel lots of pictures helps hide the lack of work and progress, so here we go.....
 

The goal last week was to  install pieces 40, 41, 42 and 43. I failed in this as I did not get the pin rails installed but they will be up next!!
The letters are showing you what colours to paint: BM=matte black, WM=matte white and WC= wood colour or varnished, poly etc.
 

First up was to bend the side stringer(40) and the top gallant bulwark(41) into shape. the side stringers are 1.5 x 4 mm strips and the top gallant bull warks are 1.5 x 5 mm strips. I gave these a light soaking in water then used a simple iron, as shown above, to bend them, The little indents on the inside of the curve are easily sanded smooth before installing.
 

Clamping the side stringer in place, pva glue was used to allow for positioning of the piece
 

Side stringers are installed and sanded, ready for painting. A little note here is that I sanded mine flush with the rail when in fact there should have been a slight overlap left. Not a big deal as everything will still work, just one of those things that happens when you leave something idle this long.
 

Here you can see the top gallant bulwark has been installed. I gave it several coats of diluted acrylic paint before gluing it into position. I used thin ca for this, I would hold it in place apply glue to a few cm`s of it hold until dry then move along applying glue until the end. There really is no other way of gluing a piece this long, pva will not work as there is no way of clamping. Shorter pieces could have been used and been easier to handle  but would not have looked as good.
 

 

Masking the top gallant bulwark in order to paint the main rail(37)
 

Tape removed. Here you can also see the top gallant rail is being installed. This is laser cut on a walnut billet
 


And here is how he sits with the top gallant rail completed.
 
Thanks for watching
 
 

Good to hear from you Mike. It does feel good to be back on the Stefano, and hope to make better progress on him

Hubac; Thanks for stopping in and for the gracious comment
 
Ian: I never really left the shipyard, I put the Stefano aside to build the Liburnian Novilara but it is done now so Stefano is back in the shipyard again. Thanks for dropping by