Overworked724

Cleaned up my deck a bit. Glued the last of the rope coils and glued the ladders, coamings with grates, companionway and capstan. Added the cannon shot racks and cannon balls. I used Caldercraft 2.5mm cannon balls to fit in with the upgraded cannons and carronades. I also added the eyebolts and rings that run across the deck behind each gun. 
 

 
 

Thanks Patrick and Wally (hope you don't mind) I used a Proxxon lathe and swiss files and 600 grit wet-n-dry sandpaper to do minor cleanup. I must confess I got the idea and help from Thomas Gahm. I saw them on his log and asked how he did such a nice job and he was kind enough to post the method on his Syren log. One thing he pointed out was he kept a drawing next to the work area to reference spacing and such. On his log is a photo of his lathe with a piece in progress so I keep it next to my work space. After a few it becomes much easier and faster. You could use almost anything a drill or dremel as long as they were secure to the work surface. Using the lathe has the advantage of the tool rest post but anything will do.
 
Thanks again for the nice comments and likes.
Stay well and stay safe
Will  

I agree. Love mine...turns your drill press into a mini milling machine!

finally caught up...read the whole log tonight..fascinating how your skills and confidence have grown....cant wait to get started
 
Ron

Your build is coming along nicely. Regarding the transom,  to avoid the problem curve, I trimmed the first counter plank (5/32” x 1/16”) to match the transom. I beveled the edge of the 5/32” plank that will abut the 1/8” x 1/16” plank.  The transom edge is already beveled. I know this is an after thought, but it may be helpful to others following your build. Keep up the good work and persevere.

Made (another) faux deck with boxwood. Same thing...just used a section of 1/32” basswood sheeting and laid out some planks using pencil to simulate caulking. No butt joints this time, just some trunnels (cedar) for effect. 
 
After I cut the piece down to slide easily (but snugly) into the second deck area...I added a dollop of natural stain to bring out the trunnels and the color. 
 
To be honest...the cedar deck (right) is still pretty damned nice. But I do like the butterscotch hue and clearly defined round shape of the trunnels of the boxwood deck (left). 
 

 
I’m going with boxwood this time. But it’s nice to have a backup using cedar and that wood is always available (So thankful Chuck’s model company Syren always keeps stock!)
 
Moving on...
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Yep...I had the same problem as did most.  There may be a slight discrepancy in the printout vs the actual physical frame.  The frames themselves are 'true'.  You can consider this as you try to line up the template against the frame - but for me, the most important thing was getting that batten aligned correctly and at the right height.  Everything evolves from the first batten - as your lower sills (gun port height above the deck) are based upon it.  Your gun port sills will evolve from the level and sweep of the batten. 
 
If your frames are squared properly, you should be ok.  I found lining up the template from the stern frame first was more helpful for me as mine didn't fit perfectly either.  The template is 2D from the side only - so the curvature at the bow is not included in the printout (at least that is what I am led to believe!) - so if you try to line up the template across the curve of the ship at the bow then the template doesn't line up and will come up short...at this point, I eyeballed some of it and relied on the measurements, as well as an understanding of where the gun ports exist in relation to the masts.  That's one reason why I put in the mast holes first - so I could pop in my faux masts and confirm my view of where I was putting in the upright sections which form the ports.  
 
If you observe the plans, the positioning of the gun ports are most critical at midships, where you need to account for the channels and the chain plate interference.  If the gun ports near the masts are offset, you could have some difficulty with the chain plates crossing in front of the gun ports.  
 
If you ensure symmetry of the port locations on both sides, and rely on the plans to ensure consistency in the location versus the masts, you can be pretty confident you won't have issues - I found the template useful in clarifying how the gun and sweep ports are built and aligned - but again, used it as a guide and not the rule.
 
Not sure if that helps.  

Made (another) faux deck with boxwood. Same thing...just used a section of 1/32” basswood sheeting and laid out some planks using pencil to simulate caulking. No butt joints this time, just some trunnels (cedar) for effect. 
 
After I cut the piece down to slide easily (but snugly) into the second deck area...I added a dollop of natural stain to bring out the trunnels and the color. 
 
To be honest...the cedar deck (right) is still pretty damned nice. But I do like the butterscotch hue and clearly defined round shape of the trunnels of the boxwood deck (left). 
 

 
I’m going with boxwood this time. But it’s nice to have a backup using cedar and that wood is always available (So thankful Chuck’s model company Syren always keeps stock!)
 
Moving on...
 

Took a break from the build to make a few decisions. Decided that now that I have some nice Swiss pear wood to attempt my deck furniture, I decided to rethink the wood for the deck. I was going to use cedar, but really think The contrast would be a bit stark. A Swiss pear deck would look sweet, but really want to save it for other things. Since the deck gets brutalized a lot, I’ve decided to got with boxwood which is harder than cedar. I won’t even consider basswood...the crap I got in the kit made it to the firewood scrap bucket...it’s just waiting it’s turn to burn. I have a stash of boxwood I have never used before....so what the hell. 
 
I went ahead and calculated out the rough square area of the deck (overestimating by about 20% since I figured the area as if the deck were rectangular) and milled my 1/8” wide (0.4mm thick) boxwood deck planks.  I think I should have enough. 
 
While I was doing that, I also made a little ‘plank edge jig’ to hold the planks when I need to clean up the edges or use pencil simulate deck caulking without smudging up other areas of the plank. 
 

 

 
I’m really just procrastinating. I needed a break from sanding...😣.
 
 

Thanks Glenn, Ill have to look into these and give them a try.   To be honest, painting is not my favorite thing to do to a wood model...   I think I may choose my next project based almost entirely on the how much paint is involved!

When I do treenails, IF I do treenails its almost always with a pinvise...   slower but more accurate I find.  Those power tools always backfire on me in one way or another, but good luck!   Very curious about your core job there...   what are the bits you are using, did I miss that in your log somewhere?

I agree the jig is a great idea...  gonna steal that one too!   Yes I think we are more or less around about the same stage.  I started painting my interior bulkheads this week and have been taking it very slow.   Im glad tp be setting aside the heavy sanding papers for a bit thats for sure!   Im looking forward to what you do with your decking, I havent given that as much thought as you and the others have and up until this point was planning to go ahead with the basswood, now youve got me thinking...    

Took a break from the build to make a few decisions. Decided that now that I have some nice Swiss pear wood to attempt my deck furniture, I decided to rethink the wood for the deck. I was going to use cedar, but really think The contrast would be a bit stark. A Swiss pear deck would look sweet, but really want to save it for other things. Since the deck gets brutalized a lot, I’ve decided to got with boxwood which is harder than cedar. I won’t even consider basswood...the crap I got in the kit made it to the firewood scrap bucket...it’s just waiting it’s turn to burn. I have a stash of boxwood I have never used before....so what the hell. 
 
I went ahead and calculated out the rough square area of the deck (overestimating by about 20% since I figured the area as if the deck were rectangular) and milled my 1/8” wide (0.4mm thick) boxwood deck planks.  I think I should have enough. 
 
While I was doing that, I also made a little ‘plank edge jig’ to hold the planks when I need to clean up the edges or use pencil simulate deck caulking without smudging up other areas of the plank. 
 

 

 
I’m really just procrastinating. I needed a break from sanding...😣.
 
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Those pins look great!! Did you use a lathe to make them? Or using a drill? 

Back from holiday. Had a great time in San Diego.
HMS Surprise Replica used in the movie "Master and Commander"

 
Star of India a iron hulled clipper ship made in 1863 and rerigged as a barque

 
OK travel show over I digressed.
 
finished starboard sled brackets and then onto pintails. More on pintails tomorrow but spent time on belaying pins. Using Thomas's method with toothpicks. I bought some birch wood toothpicks which turn nicely and hold stain well. I've made 25 today and 75 to go (oh yeh having some fun now} I'll probably make 20 to 25 extras for spares.
 

 
Darker ones are after a quick light stain.
 
Well touch red pain tomorrow and more belaying pins.
 
Stay well and stay safe
Will  

Jig was a great idea. When I did my deck o made somewhat of a mess with the graphite.
 
Never worked with boxwood or pear but I'm sure looking forward to it.
 
The hell with the sanding, you can do that when you feel like it. 😄😁

Looking good!  I think you’ll find the micro-engraver I use is ideal. It’s not cordless, but that’s really not an issue. It’s light, thin, and very easy to adjust speed. I use it for everything. 👍🏽
 
The one I use also works with Dremel collets so you can adjust the engraver to fit even the tiniest drill bit. If you don’t have a  collet assortment, you can order them on amazon for like 6$. 
 
Using the engraver with a mini drill bit will give you clean holes, but it will cut wood like butter...so you need to practice so you don’t pierce a bulkhead wall!!!  🤣

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!
 

Well...COVID shutdown #2 is now in progress in Illinois.  I'll refrain from political commentary or opinions on the matter, as my ship building hobby and the modeling community are truly an escape from real life!  I'll just say that I pray you all stay sane, healthy, and happy during the Holidays - and that we all find 2021 to be a year where we can stand outside in the sun and feel normal once again. 
 
I think it's amazing how many build logs are helping me make decisions as I (very slowly) progress.  I believe me and @Justin P. are at about the same stage in our builds.  Good on you, Mate - your build is looking brilliant!  The build logs from other Syren modelers - @NovaStorm @WalrusGuy @niwotwill @abelson @Gahm  are continual sources of information and inspiration!    As for me, I'm enjoying and learning and relearning from new Syren builds like @Redshadowrider & @Bill Gormley.  I'd like to personally thank you all for your continual posts...they really are the fuel that helps keep the motor of a new modeler going.  Keep up the great work and remember, it's marathon....not a sprint.
 
  
 
Text update only.  Completed the interior bulkhead planking.  The sanding part is now in front of me to clean up the interior prior to painting....and I'm trying to think happy thoughts...like never having to sand again!  But as I start the clean up work on the interior bulkheads, I'm thinking about the margin plank, nibbing/joggling the deck planks, the cap rails, the stern davits, the waterways along with the scuppers and haws holes for the anchor cables.  Funny...the Admiral says I forget myself when I'm in the shipyard...and I do.  My mind just gets filled with too many little side projects at are a ship model.  LOL - what a great hobby!
 
Moving on - with one small note ==> The fixed blocks are now locked into the bulkheads and I am very very happy with the additional time spent to make them!  One tiny success...I'll take it.
 
Moving on...damn the torpedoes!