gjdale

Just outstanding Alexandru - what a treat to view your updates! :)

Yep, gotta agree Mobbsie, the planking looks great where it counts. Looking forward to seeing your next layer go on, and am very interested to read about your ebonising trials.

She looks lovely Mark - well done! I don't envy you the sanding job ahead, but it will be worth the effort.

Thanks Mobbsie. I used the Sherline lathe for this job, not the wood lathe.

Well, another month has passed since my last update - where does the time go? It seems that work, life, family, and Christmas have all taken priority for the last several weeks, but I have at last managed to find some time to make a little more progress. 4-lb Guns After fitting out the gun carriages with the requisite ring-bolts and eye-bolts, I decided it was time to have a go at turning the gun barrels. I had been putting this off as I had never attempted to turn a tapered gun barrel before and I only had sufficient ebony of the correct size to have one go – it was get it right first time, or think about other alternatives. I spent some time studying the drawings, taking measurements, and reviewing any instructions I could find for turning gun barrels on the lathe, as well as reviewing the instructions for using the compound slide on the lathe to cut tapers. I was so focused on each step in the process, that I forgot to take any “in progress” shots. You’ll just have to take my word for it that all went according to plan, and in the end turned out to be somewhat easier than I’d feared. The only “oops” I had was when I tried to get a bit too clever with forming the button on the end of the cascobel, and it parted off by itself. To fix this, I drilled a hole in the base of the gun, along the axis of the gun, to receive some 3/32” brass rod. I rounded the end of the rod by filing and sanding, and then blackened it and epoxied it in place. I’m pretty happy with the way this “fix” turned out too, as it is quite difficult to tell the difference between the “good” one and the “fixed” one now. Here’s a picture of the two turned guns. To ensure that the trunnion was correctly placed below the centreline of the gun, I drilled the hole for this in the square stock before I started turning. The trunnions themselves are 3/32” brass rod, chemically blackened with Jax Pewter Black. Here is a comparison shot with one of the brass guns that Danny gave me (these are the ones he imported from Russia). While I took all my measurements from Jeff’s drawings, you can see that the overall size and shape is pretty close. Finally, here is a couple of shots of the guns placed on their carriages. I still need to make the cap squares to go over the trunnions, and that will complete this section. Hopefully, it won't be another month before the next update!

That's a nice looking rear end you've got there Steve! ... On the ship, that is!

Congratulations Erik, a truly lovely build. Like many others, I look forward to seeing your next build.

Great work Ken - you're setting a high bar again!

Congratulations on finishing a very fine build John. You can be justifiably proud of your results. Looking forward to following your next project.

Great news all round Paul. I look forward to resumption of work on your magnificent build in the New Year.

Nice start Gary, think I'll pull up a front row seat for this one too!

Looks fabulous Mark.

Fabulous work, as always, and wonderful photography as well Karl. Looking forward to continuing to follow your progress in 2016.

Congratulations Bug. A truly fine model of which you can be justifiably proud.

Great photos John - nice and sharp and very clear. Looks like you've given yourself a beaut Xmas present there!

Tedious maybe, Bob, but your execution is superb.

Nice to you see you back in the shipyard. Looks like you're almost done - and looking terrific too.

What about making a wooden cap or sleeve to go over the end of the punch? That might protect it a bit without losing the impact force. Very cool pick up by the way!

Sweet! And yup, stray from Admitalty instructions at your peril..................

Nicely done Cathead, she's really taking shape now.

Happy Birthday Frank. I trust you were duly spoiled all round!

Wise move to consult with the Admiralty, Bug! That might have saved you a flogging or three!!!

Great to see you back at the workbench Sjors. Looking good.

Sherline make a high speed pulley set for the mill (available as an accessory). Fitting it is a relatively simple job.

Happy Birthday Remco! I hope you were suitably spoiled.