Tigersteve

Bulkheads are almost done. I just need to add the door handles, which have been a struggle. I purchased 3/64” cherry grating strips from Model Expo. You can see them on the Forward Cubbridge bulkhead.
 
It’a interesting how much is not seen with the naked eye, but all shows on the macro photos. 
Steve

Bulkheads are almost done. I just need to add the door handles, which have been a struggle. I purchased 3/64” cherry grating strips from Model Expo. You can see them on the Forward Cubbridge bulkhead.
 
It’a interesting how much is not seen with the naked eye, but all shows on the macro photos. 
Steve

Bulkheads are almost done. I just need to add the door handles, which have been a struggle. I purchased 3/64” cherry grating strips from Model Expo. You can see them on the Forward Cubbridge bulkhead.
 
It’a interesting how much is not seen with the naked eye, but all shows on the macro photos. 
Steve

Continuing on with another small update. The aft seats have been added to the ship. This was tricky stuff and there were a few attempts needed. So, yeah, Nothing new. I used a tapered a dowel inserted into the hole as a helping hand when test fitting and gluing them in. Only a small amount of PVA at the notch surrounding the moulding and along the edge that sits against the false rail.

Mike

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Hello everyone,

I have wanted to get into model ship building for a while now but could never really figure out the best way to start. I have fond memories of my grandfather’s ships on the shelves in his home and saw building one as a means to connect with him in that way. 

While I have absolutely no prior experience with model building nor wood working, this hobby does fit my skill set to some degree by involving fine motor control. That said, what some of you produce is beyond comprehension. 
 
A few months ago I joined this forum after purchasing the Model Shipways 3 kit combo, and had great intentions to start a build log of the first model. That didn’t end up happening, but I did finish the first build over the holidays.
 

 
I offer a huge thanks to both Prairie Sailor and Tigersteve who I took many ideas and much inspiration from (I hope my blatant plagiarism is acceptable) and whose build logs I found invaluable. I’m more than open to any critique or ideas for improvement. 
 
Next up is the Norwegian Sailing Pram which I am only just getting started on. SkiBee’s build log has already become a valuable reference point. 
 

 
That’s really what I wanted to say, I’m excited and happy to be here and pushing myself to actually become involved here because I’ve used the site as a resource and wanted to say (both broadly and specifically) thank you. 
 
A Wonderful Wizard,
Os

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Finally back to work on this project. Bulkhead construction in progress. You’ll see my new plank bending jig via Chuck’s design. It has been working well with the travel iron instead of a hair dryer. 
Steve

Thank you guys for very nice comments. Preparing to make these blocks was quite a challenge for me. But the result exceeded all my expectations. Uncritically, I have to admit that I myself am very satisfied with the result..
To Hsae - The blocks are made with a CNC milling machine, not from Proxxon, but a commonly available Chinese milling machine. The material for the blocks is pear.
The construction of the model moved to the next stage - rigging. I start by attaching the bowsprit.

@Nunnehi (Don)
@matiz
Hello,
thank you for the interest and the good comments, and thank you also the others for the many LIKES.
 
 
Continuation: Making the topgallant yards - Vergue de cacatois
In the meantime, I have started making the topgallant yards. As already written in the last report, the topgallant yards are even thinner and more filigree, like the topsail yards.
The dimensions from the plan documents of J. Boudriot were again compared by me with the data of a contemporary original document. This table shows the dimensions of the masts and yards of the La Blonde, which is identical in construction to the La Créole. All dimensions corresponded to the drawings, as is clearly shown in the following drawing.
 
I have already noted that with these dimensions at ø 1.4 mm it is no longer feasible without a steady rest. A toothpick, for example, has a diameter of 1.8 mm. In this respect, particular care should be taken here and not too much pressure should be exerted on the roundwood.


The shaping of the square edge with the octagonal yardarm also requires sensitive processing, which can be seen in the next picture.


At the end of this work, a comparison of yardarms:
Main yard, mizzen toppsail yard and mizzen topgallant yard
 
Now two lower studding sail booms have to be made to hang on the fore channels. 
With the gaff (upper spar) and the driver boom (lower boom) already made some time ago, all the sail-carrying spars for the French corvette are then ready. They will then be equipped with the necessary fittings (sheaves, boom irons, etc.).
To be continued ...

 

The start of my build log...always a very exciting moment for a model builder!!
 
I am assuming most of you are somewhat familiar with the Ketch Rigged English Sloop Speedwell - 1752.   David Antscherl and Greg Herbert have produced a wonderful series of books for model builders on how to build a great model of her.   Not only can you build one as a POF model,  but as a POB and lift model as well.
 
Why would I choose this as my subject.  Those of you that know me,  I have always selected a subject that was unique at the time.  Never been done!!!  The Syren, The Winnie, The Cheerful etc.  I chose this subject for several reasons actually, knowing full well that this would become a commercial laser cut kit like my other Syren projects.
 
First- I never really wanted to build a POF model.  I prefer the look of a fully planked hull myself.  But the craftsman side of me won out as I was looking for a challenge beyond just another POB project.  I can build those and sometimes it feels like I am just going through the formulaic motions with each of them.   This would certainly be a design and engineering challenge as much as a builder challenge.
 


Second-  I am always increasingly frustrated and disappointed to regularly see pirated kits come out almost monthly as of late.  Mostly all the rage are those POF kits from China. 
 
A coincidence??  That almost all of them released are also subjects of Ancre, Seawatch, or Anatomy of the Ship Books.  I think not.
 
You may have noticed the latest pirated kit produced from one of David Antscherl's designs, the Hayling Hoy is now making its rounds.  None of the parts fit as is typical and the instructions render this kit almost unbuildable....again very typical.  Just check out the build logs of pirated Hayling kit from China on other forums.  Its a complete disaster and a waste of money.  Literally unbuildable but they are still selling them to unsuspecting builders.
 
So I reached out to David and Greg and asked them if I could develop the Speedwell before a really bad pirated version is released (and one is actually on the way-surprised?)  They agreed and are as excited as I am about it.  I just dont want to see a crappy unbuildable version of Speedwell being sold to builders.   Hopefully they will wait until this one is released.  Maybe I should do one of Hayling as well. LOL.
 
My goal...to design a kit based on the books where the parts actually do fit.   One that would encourage POF building for folks who want to give it a try.   To also write a set of English instructions that are in depth and easy to understand.  In short, to make a legitimate kit of from a Seawatch book under license and permission from the author with the authors help and guidance.  Will this stop folks from building the knock-off version when it comes out.....probably not.  But at least you will now have a choice.  The pirated version of Speedwell is currently almost ready and being done by the same company who pirated Hayling.   Coincidence again??  I think not.
 
Also and I dont mean to digress....but a pirated version of yet another Seawatch book....Ed Tosti's Naiad Frigate is also set for release very soon as well.   Again a coincidence...I think Not.    Why dont you ever see a subject from these guys that wasnt first a Seawatch Book or Ancre book?   Honest inquiring minds want to know.
 
Anyway
 
There will be differences between my Speedwell of course.  I will be modifying it for simplicity so  you dont have to be a master builder with every expensive tool in shop.   The design concept for this POF model will be unique and allow a novice and intermediate builder to tackle it.   It will also be at 3/8" scale which should also make it much easier to build.  
 
Here is the preliminary framing plan which will show just how different it will be.
 

It will be planked from the wales upward so there is no reason to over complicate the project with bent frames....If you compared this to David's plan it is completely different.  BUT make no mistake.   Yes the folks who pirate these POF projects will claim its different and therefore original. 
 
BUT make no mistake.  This is a 100% copy of Davids work.   All of this is directly lifted from his plans and only modified to make production and building a bit easier.   But it is a copy...literally traced.  But the difference here is I give full credit to David and will be paying for the privilege to use his knowledge and expertise and hard work and years of research on this subject.  
 
I do hope you will swing over a chair and watch this new Speedwell project come to life.  A huge thank you to David and to Greg who will no doubt think I am pain in biscuit by the time this is completed.
 
speedwellsheetone.pdf
 
speedwellsheettwo.pdf
 
speedwellsheetthree.pdf
 
SpeedChapOneMono.pdf

SpeedChapTwoMono.pdf
 
 
 

Thanks Dave! I’m looking forward to getting back to this project in the coming months. 
Steve

A few progress photos. Getting closer to a completely smooth surface. Several sessions of wood filling and sanding. Checked the surface twice with a coat of primer. What’s been helpful is flipping the hull upright in the light to reveal surface inconsistencies. 
 
If I could go back I would have spent more time during hull planking to create tight plank joints. My haphazard (it’ll fill and sand fine) approach has created a lot of extra work. 
Steve

I finished coating the hull in white. After removing the tape, I sanded the unpainted strakes and applied another coat of Wipe-On-Poly. Building a cradle to hold the model is next. Chuck applied a thin wash of brown paint to his hull and quickly wiped it off to dull the brightness of the white. I will do the same after the keel is in place. 
Steve

Made a cradle out of some packing material I had saved from a 3D printer at work. This should be sufficient to hold the hull while I work on the deck planking. 
Steve

Forecastle and poop deck are completed. I laid the planks first then created the hatches off model. Hatches were sanded from 1/16” to 1/32” after installation. Hatches were placed according to plan sheet two, but I think they are a hair too close according to a late look at the other plan sheets. Too much risk of damage to remove the hatch at this point. I guess I’ll be the only one who notices this on the model aside from you trained modelers. I sanded the rest of the unpainted model to knock off the shine of the wipe-on-poly. Have to make sure to do a better application of poly next time. 
Steve

After applying the finish. 
Steve

Hull planking is complete. Several days of sanding and filling. I used 100 grit through 400 grit. After primer is applied I will see how much more work is necessary to achieve a smooth hull. The stern needs more sanding. I will sand more in that area after the keel and stern post are attached. 
 
A tip for those building this vessel in future. Add filler blocks for the first three bulkheads. This will show you if you have the correct shape and help with fairing and planking. I did not fair enough in some areas. The shape at the bow is tricky. Mine still needs work. 
Steve

Almost 5 years to the day....she is finally finished.   Always a bit anti climactic.   Thank you all for following along all these many years.  For those of you building her,  I hope you are having as much fun with it as I did.
 
Well here goes the final pics.  The top picture is of course of the Winnie contemporary model which inspired me as well as the Amazon.   I hope I did them justice.   Everyone should build a Georgian style model of an English frigate at least once in their lifetime.
 


 












 
 

Oh Steve, I overlooked your question. The case design is not yet clear. Currently I am collecting images of all case ideas, which I like. I should have a pretty good collection once I will need to answer this question 😊
 
Thomas