gjdale

Thanks B.E. - much appreciated.

Okay, now the not so good news - Shroud Cleats. Again, something I picked up reading through Gil's log, and again conveniently neglected in my kit. Longridge is again scanty on information, once again giving a sketch diagram with no dimensions and stating simply (pg 215) that: "Shroud Cleats have two arms, or horns, like an ordinary belaying cleat and the base is grooved to fit onto the shroud; scores are cut on the base for the seizings which lash it to the shroud. They are made in several different sizes from 18 inches to 8 inches and are attached to the inner side of the fore and mizzen shrouds." Another PM conversation with Gil, in which Gil advised me that, not being satisfied with the Jotika supplied cleats he used ones from the ME Constitution kit and modified them slightly to suit his eye. Unfortunately, that meant I couldn't simply copy his method. Having thought about if for a day or so, I came up with a cunning plan......or so I thought..... I found in my Warrior Practicum (Romero) the pattern for shroud cleats for the Warrior, in 1:64 scale. "Beaut!" says I - all I need to do is to scale those down to 1:90 scale and I've got a useable pattern. So off I go. Now, I recall reading in Robert's HMS Mars log recently, how he'd made these beautiful gun carriages but hadn't made a prototype before going into mass production, with the result that the end product didn't fit the guns at the right height, thereby entailing a significant amount of rework. I should have listened.......but we'll get to that! So here's my starting pattern, neatly scaled down to 1:90. Thinking "mass production", the plan was to cut strips of stock and glue them up in gangs prior to cutting/shaping. So, into the stash of lovely Hobbymill Boxwood - using 3/64"thick sheet stock to roughly match the diameter of the shrouds. And cut into 1/4" wide strips, approximately 4 1/2" long on the Brynes Saw: Then spot glue gangs of five strips using the smallest amount of glue possible to facilitate easier separation later: And clamped and left to dry overnight: The pattern was then cut into strips, with each pattern strip carrying six cleat patterns, and attached to the glued up gangs: After trimming up to the "flat" edge of the pattern on the Brynes Disc Sander, the "curved" edge was achieved using the newest acquisition - the Oscillating Spindle Sander. This step could have been done with a Dremel and sanding drum, or even by hand with a half round file. But I do like my toys, and this one is ripper! The final cutting shaping was done with the scroll saw, and the pieces then given a bath in isopropyl alcohol to debond the glue and separate them. Here is the final (unsatisfactory) result : Apart from some dodgy cutting by the scroll saw operator (stop his rum ration for a week), the overall method worked very well. What I'm really not happy with is the overall size/proportions - they look far too long and flimsy; grossly out of proportion for the ship. I went back and checked the Warrior Practicum, and relatively speaking, they are the same proportion (a photo in that book shows the cleats spanning three ratlines - it just doesn't look right). So, back to the drawing board. I went back over some photos that dear Sjors and Anja had sent me some time ago and I found these two photos that show a little of the real thing: From what I can make out from these, the overall length of the cleats seems to be just a little longer than the diameter of the deadeye on that shroud. Given that my deadeyes on the Foremast shrouds are 5mm, an overall length of about 6mm would seem about right - that's about half the length of my failed attempt. The length also appears to divided into roughly three equal segments - one third each for the arms (or horns), and one third for the middle section. The overall front to rear "depth" dimension is difficult to tell from the photos, but I'd guess that it is about one half the length, which would make it 3mm for me (again, half the size of my fist batch). The thickness would stay the same, as that matches the shroud diameter. With those reduced dimensions, my sense is that the cleat would not look (or be) nearly as flimsy, and would look about right in terms of overall size compared to other aspects of the model (e.g. the deadeyes). Again I have no other reference than some guesswork based on Sjors's photos. Even Lees does not give any further direction on dimensions. So, once again, any and all opinions on the overall dimensions and ratios as I've described them here would be most welcome. Oh, and I'll make a cardboard prototype this time around!

Thank you one and all for the various kind comments and the "likes". I appreciate each and every one of them. So, you know how I said "now I'm ready to continue re-installing the yards"? Hmmmmm.......... might have been a bit pre-emptive with that. Four words: Shroud Trucks, Shroud Cleats. More on that in a moment. First of all, the Kevel Blocks are now completed and ready for installation: Note the brass pin to be used for insertion into the deck. These will be glued in with epoxy. I'm quite please with the way these turned out. So, I was just going back over Gil Middleton's log to see if there was anything else I'd missed and to steal shamelessly any good ideas he had while I was at it. There I came across the Shroud Trucks - conveniently omitted by my kit. Longridge is very scant on discussion of these, giving a sketch diagram with no dimensions, and saying only (pg 215) that "... Trucks are small short cylinders of wood with a hole bored through the long axis, and a score on the outside also on the long axis. They are lashed to the shrouds and various lines are led through them." He doesn't even say which lines. So I've had a bit of a conversation with Gil via PM and he advised that the Jotika instructions say to pass the Topmast Tyes through the shroud trucks on all three masts, though he opted to do so only on the main and fore masts. Gil's method of making trucks is posted on his log (pg 7, post #100 if you'd like to check it out). He used styrene tubing and presents a nice diagram of how he approached it. Having thought about it, I decided to have a crack at making them from wood. Using Gil's styrene O.D. as a guide, I started with some 3mm diameter dowel and cut them into roughly 20 mm lengths. The final length of each truck was to be 4 - 5mm, but working with a slightly longer piece to start with makes life much easier. Then, using a micro chisel with a round end, I cut the score on the outside of the long axis (this is where it will sit against the shroud, so the shroud will seat into the truck). Here's another view after the chisel work: I then bored a 0.8mm hole using the Proxxon Drill Press (did I mention I really like this little tool ) Then I cut the 20mm length into four roughly equal segments, and chamfered the ends with a light touch of a file: These are to be stained dark brown, so to make that process easier, I gave each one a "handle" of copper wire with a couple of twists to stop it from falling off. The idea is to "dunk" the truck into the stain like a tea bag. After dunking, the trucks on their handles are returned to the polystyrene block to dry. Again, I'm quite happy with the way these turned out. I'm still not sure how many I need. Although Jotika say to only pass the topmast tyes through these, it would make sense to me that any line that is tied off to a shroud cleat would first pass through a truck. Going from Longridge's belaying plan, that means I would need a total of 24 tucks. I've no reference for that, so any and all opinions on the subject are most welcome. Next up - Shroud Cleats.

Sorry to hear about the setback Robert. I'll bet that's a lesson you won't forget in a hurry though! Good on you for your perseverance to get it right. I'm sure you will be very happy with the final result.

Paul, Just be aware that this kit is smaller of the two versions that Mamoli offer. This one is 1:150 scale. Their other one (which I'm building) is 1:90 scale. If you want to go with a larger version, I would suggest saving your pennies and going for the Jotika / Caldercraft version (1:72 scale). It's arguably the best Victory kit on the market at the moment. There are plenty of build logs here to see this kit, but if you check just one, have a look at Gil Middleton's log - it's probably the "Gold Standard". Or, if you wait a little longer yet (and save even more pennies), Amati are about to release a new version designed by our very own (MSW's that is) Chris Watton. It looks to be a real beauty!

Hi Derek, I've been quietly following your progress for some time but haven't left a comment before. Please allow me to rectify that right now! You're doing a terric job on this build. You have my absolute heartfelt sympathy on your bowsprit mishap. I recently had a similar mishap with my Fore a topgallant mast. And I've knocked the bowsprit so many times I'm surprised it hasn't snapped on at least a haf dozen occasions! Still, as you've just discovered, these mishaps do set us back a little, and most certainly expand the vocabulary of those within earshot at the time, but they are repairable. Keep up the great work.

This a lovely little project J. I've become quite enamoured of this little boat, and so have just acquired the plan set to add to my ever growing "one day" scratch build list. They arrived in the mail today I'll certainly be following along with your build from here. Keep up the great work.

Hi Ben, I somehow missed the start of this build log, but I'll pull up a chair in the front row and follow along from here. Looks like you're off to a great start.

Gee Mark, this is reading better than a "whodunnit"!!! Glad to hear you've solved the mystery though. Great work.

I'm with Colin on this one Mark. Of course, I'm sure you are now going to come up with something totally inspirational, that does not require the use of stealers!

Little by little we creep inexorably closer. Not long now John until string is in the air. Great job my friend.

Nice job on the cleats Bug. I've just been grappling with a similar issue for my Vic - Shroud Cleats to be exact. I've come up with a similar method, though slightly different. I'll post pics in my log tomorrow if successful. If not, I might just have to copy your method.

She dresses up very nicely Augie! As for the lower planking, I'm sure you will do an outstanding job. Between your skills and Chuck's jig/guidance, there can be little doubt as to the outcome.

Wow Danny! Already it's hard to believe that's the same model. Can't wait to see the full set of pics. You're doing a great job (as usual), and all jokes aside, your generosity of spirit towards almost total strangers sets an example to us all. Well done.

Absolutely fantastic work on the stove Gary! I'm salivating already just thinking about the roast pork you're about to serve up!

Now I was ready to fit the yards, or so I thought........... Re-fitting of the Fore Lower Yard went pretty much according to plan. Here's a few shots showing how it looks now. Note the the addition of Brace Pendants, and also the change of the Yard Tackle Pendants to include Long Tackle Blocks in lieu of standard double blocks: It doesn't really show in the pictures, but two 7" (3/32" scale) blocks are attached to the first shroud at the futtock staves on both fore and main mast. These are the tricing line blocks that we discussed some posts back. Still haven't finally decided on how the Yard Tackle Pendants will be displayed, but now I have some options and will have a play with these in the next few days. The lifts are not yet belayed as when I re-read Longridge on belaying, it seems that the Kevel blocks to which these are belayed had been omitted by my kit, the kit instructions suggesting they be belayed directly to the timber heads. Having thought about it overnight, I decided that I would just have to manufacture some Kevel blocks and do it right. The basic design is pretty simple - I took the dimensions from the diagrams in AOTS as Longridge is scanty on dimensions for these. Initially, I just drilled some holes to represent the sheaves: Then I thought, what the heck, why don't I have a bash at making some working sheaves - another opportunity to play with some of my toys I had some 6mm diameter Aluminium bar stock on hand, so I turned this down on the lathe to approx a 3mm diameter and then bored a 1mm hole through it for the sheave pin. Then I sliced off sections about 1.3 mm thick: The Kevel blocks were then adjusted by milling out the full sheave space using a 1.5mm end mill mounted in my Proxxon drill press: And here are the resultant pieces waiting for final finishing and assembly. Now I'm ready to continue with the yard re-installation.

Thanks John and Ben, and also all of those who "liked" my earlier posts. I mentioned previously that in re-doing the yards, I had decided that the parrals for the Topgallant were too large, so a visit to the local beading shop turned up some nice very small beads, and with the aid of Turbo CAD, I redrafted some patterns for the parral ribs at a more appropriate size, printed them on sticky label paper and stuck them onto some 1/64" boxwood stock: I then drilled the holes for the parral ropes and filed the general "B" shape into them using first a triangular file, and then a round file: The resultant ribs look like this: And beside their big brothers for the Topsail yard: And here they are ready to go:

Mike, This also from Lees (pg62): "Halliards were used for hoisting up the flags. Usually a sheave was fitted on each side of the truck and the Halliards hitched to any convenient point on the bulwarks". He also mentions that this arrangement was common to Fore, Main and Mizzen masts. Cheers, Grant

Hi Mike, Really nice work on the davits my friend! I may (read definitely will) copy your method with these. Re your flag attachment question,I would simply make the halyard in a similar fashion, with a loop in one end and a toggle in the other, making attachment of the flag quick and easy, and being able to secure on itself when the flag is not in use. I think I said in a previous post that my understanding is that the haliards were rove through sheaves in the mast trucks. The only refernce for this I can find in Longridge is on pg 182 (about the middle of the last paragraph). He is describing the making of the Fore topgallant mast and says, "... then fit the truck...and bore in it two small holes for the flag haliard." Hope this helps.

Thanks Bug and Mike, it's nice to know I'm not the only klutz in the class! Mike - that looks like an interesting fix. I considered using a brass pin, but was just too scared to start trying to drill more holes in situ, especially with rope in the way. Clearly, you found a way to do so! So far, the epoxy repair looks to be holding up well - I have a lot more confidence in this joint than I would using CA or other glue types - and the repair itself is hardly noticeable. I managed to get the Fore lower yard reinstalled yesterday, but was dragged off to take the Admiral out for dinner before I could take extra photos and post pics for an update. It seemed a little easier doing this the second time around (rigging, not dinner, that is ). I guess it's the benefit of all that practice! One thing I did discover in re-doing this bit though. Re-reading Longridge's instructions on belaying, I realised that the kit had completely neglected to use/provide Kevel blocks, incorrectly belaying the lower lifts directly to the timber heads instead. Guess I'll be making a few of those today (nine in total required by my count). I have a cunning plan.................... I will try to ensure a full pictorial update tonight before you-know-who comes bashing on the door.

Yep, me too Anja! It's a New Year - time to get back in the shipyard, tell Sjors to move over (after he's made the coffee), and get on with your lovely build. Looking forward to an update soon

Very nice work on the pumps Bug, very nice indeed!

Great work Sherry. I like the way you approached the curved railings - I've filed that one away for future reference (pun intended )

Very nicely done Augie - looking really sharp.

Thanks Lawrence, Patrick and Colin, Got distracted with household duties yesterday, but did manage to finish off the new parrals. All fore and main yards now ready for fitting - hopefully today.