JRB9019

Hi Pete, Welcome to MSW and to the Pickle Farm!! I've started Pickle quite a few years ago now and am only half-way through as life keeps getting in the way. Apart from plastic modelling that I did in my younger days, Pickle was the first model that I have done, especially anything like this real wood type of stuff. There are many far better modellers on here who simply blow me away with their skill levels. Just one example, you certainly won't go far wrong by studying Flyer's build that's for sure. Feel free to check my build log out - it's not quite as 'professional' as others but you may never the less get some hints and tips from it - even it it's 'how not to do things'!!! Good Pickling. John

Well, to quote Sam Cooke back in the day "It's been a long time comin', but . . . ." I'm finally back in the Shipyard after a lenghty absence. The Shipyard has been opened up again, the covers are off Pickle, workers hired and so the next phase is starting. Interesting how the brain works. The first time I went back up on deck it seemed as if my fingers had swelled up 10 fold and all the ship equipment and tools had certainly shrunk by the same amount. It's taken a few days but things are (very) slowly coming back into focus. My dexterity in handling tiny items however will need a little more work it seems! My first (easy) task was to touch up the paint work, especially the black - and I then noticed that most of my paints had dried up from lack of use. So it was onto the the Jotika Website for a refit of the paint stores and and the same time I ordered some chain from Cornwall Boats so that I will be able to complete the (Non-standard) rudder fittings. First proper task was to complete the Companion Way and complete the doors and cover with all the hinges, handles and the like. Just about finished and now, all I have to do is fix them and then the Companion way, Skylights, Pawl and Fore-Bitts, Windlass and rudder. I'll post some photos once all is in position. Of course, I've been putting off trying to make the Channels and wonderful Deadeye Strops. My previous attempt ended up with me snapping 6 strops so had to order new ones!! These have also arrived and I won't be able to go much further without building them. Oh I can't wait!!

Hi there. Yes, I am still planning to add running rigging, sheets and sails. My current thoughts are to have all sails furled apart from perhaps the flysheet and possibly the jib which I want to show pulled 3/4 of the way down. Likewise I want to have the Gaffsail 1/2 way down. As you will see from my last posts, I had started to do some research but any definitive pics, details would be fantastic. There is a replica Pickle sailing around the north of England coast but I never seem to find out its next destination until its been and gone!!!

Hi Peter, Great build and photos. Looking forward to getting back to my Pickle this winter (I tend to stay outdoors during the summer months). Enjoyed your deck photograph of Pickle in an earlier post. So now I need to find a piece of rag to drape over the sheets for that real authentic look!! Quick question though. Did you happen to take any photos and/or notes about the exact fixtures and fittings positions for all the jibs/foresails? So not just the uphaul and downhauls but also the tie-off points for the jibs/foresails when they are in use. Many thanks Best wishes from a fellow Pickler!!

Wow - the quality of the planking is awesome. Anyone would think you've done it before!! Looking back at my Pickle's planking, one thing I did notice is how much of the bow and keel is still visible - I guess (hope!!) it's just the model and not my technique!!

Thanks for the advice - I went on the site and then to the Store but the only articles ready for sale/download are Volumes 20 - 40. Looks like I'm going to have to wait a while before articles from Volume 62 become available.. . . .

Any copys of this Journal and epecialy the specific article available - I would be interested in taking a look.

Many thanks Keith - I shall explore the kindly provided links and go and hold up a coach or two to garnish my funds chest!! Best wishes

Hi Rusty I will be using Dowel - as that is what the kit came with

Hi and a very Happy New Year to you all, So I am slowely getting to the part of my build when it will be time to tackle the necessary masts and spars. Having read many logs, I have come across many ways of tackling this but would be interested in your thoughts as to the best tools (and methods) for the job. I hasten to add that my shipyard is a humble affair and the yard's management have not seen fit to provide sufficiant funding for professional lathes and the like so hand-tools advice would be great such as mini-planes etc. Having said that, I see many comments about Dremler tools if that is something I should be considering. Also, if possible any reference to the appropriate UK stockist would be fantastic. Many thanks and I look forward to your responses. Best wishes

Many thanks to all of you for your very useful contributions. Certainly a lot of food for thought though. Fine-tuning the blocks I already have seems a good way forward for now. John

Thanks Grant, I'm going to have to do some calulations here! Right now, I'm building Pickle, and even that small model needs approx 130 blocks of various sizes. That's a lot of money over and above the cost of the kit. So, I've calculated that if I purchase from Syren, it will cost my $60 (£48) which for me is loads at the moment!! My next kit will be Granado which will no doubt have even more. So, perhaps I'll just have to stay with what has been provided and enjoy what I can make with those.. Thanks anyway. John

Really MarcM? I'm not very good at this modelling as it is!! I just can't see myself starting to make blocks as well - anyway, I wouln't know where to start and of course it all comes back to the same question - where would I get the correct wood from. The question about rigging line is still there - and no, I can't see myself starting to attempt making my own line, Bye the way, do you know the name of this Swiss company??? Thanks John

Hi all. This is a UK based question. I see many of the top modellers replacing thier kit blocks and rigging line, for example in Rafine's Granado build. I also read of critisim of Caldercraft's line and blocks being too large/cumbersome etc. and are also replaced. So, my first question is - are things really so bad? And my second question if these items are to be replaced to achieve top results, where are they sourced from in the UK? The company that crops up time and time again is the US Syren model company, trouble is, shipping costs are triple the cost of the item being purchased. E.g. 25 2mm rigging blocks cost $6.75 but shipping costs are $14.50 or £5.45 for the blocks plus £11.69 for the shipping. I guess my last question is - why aren't top companies such as Caldercraft not providing this quality in the first place? After all we pay enough for the kits in the first place don't we.... Anyway, any advice gratefully received. Many thanks John

Hi Herb My only other comment would be was that, as opposed to what the instructions say, I added the False Deck and planked and sealed it before going any further (see page 11 of your manual). The reason for this was that a) by doing it this way, I had easy access to 'below decks' which is obviously restricted when the gun port patterns are fixed in place.... and I could practice some 3-shift butting which, if I messed it up wouldn't be seen anyway!! Enjoy John

If anyone is wondering!! I've got a little sidetracked of late - life has been getting in the way of my modelling. I hope to be back on track early Autumn once all the other jobs have stopped getting in the way!! Have a great summer everyone - or winter if you in the Southern Hemisphere of course!! John

Many congratulations Peter A fantastic build - the whole log could be picked up and printed as a "How to build a model ship (properly)" book. For me, I like to have a goal - and your Pickle has shown the standards that can be achived so thanks for that... I think we all look forward to your new build - once you've recovered from this one ....... I think a good bottle of something Swiss would be in order!! Pröschtli !!!! John

Peter - Yes, I can now see what you mean with the sheets, Thanks for that. Nearly at the end for you. I've got to get back to my Pickle, but there is so much going on at present I only get to look at my shipyard and the pile of reference books for a minute or so before something else crops up! One day, one day - at least I'm getting my money's worth!!! John

Peter Many thanks for the detailed information as usual. Actually, I was referring to the lines that seem to be coming away from the Fore/Jib Stays. I've attached an extract from your photo to show what I mean - so NOT the sheets that are fed through the blocks, the other ones, if you see what I mean!!! Regards John

Peter - Pegasus looks interesting - at some time in future - in a galaxy far, far away!! I am still stuck on trying to work out and understand the running rigging for Pickle!!! Re running rigging, I was interesting in seeing the lines that you had set around the Jibs / Outer Jibs (posting 279 - pictures 2 & 5). Can you tell me more? John

Yes Peter, I was starting to wonder the same thing. With your skills, I can imagine you building Diane or Fly - they look fantastic. I saw a model of Diane at the Jotika factory - it's a beautiful thing indeed....

Peter, I've had another look at my photo's. I have enlarged one of the photo's as it shows how the sheet has been attached to the bolt-ring just behind the bow - and also shows the whipping of the rope. Hope it helps John

Peter Re. Wines - yes indeed there are some very fine Swiss wines - the white's are particulaly good - Aigle Murrailles, Yvonne spring to mind.... re Pickle - I noted your "splicing" comment. Are you saying that I am going to have to learn that now as well? I was just going to tie the sheet onto the ring - a Bowline sprung to mind - I think they had been invented by then!!!!

Peter, Pickle looks fantastic. I just found out that my Lee's book has arrived at the library, so I'll be picking that up tomorrow!!! Re the Cleats near the Carronades, you may remember I added a photo of this from my collection. I thought that the rings were belaying the sheets, so your posting has confirmed this. Thanks. Onwards and upwards. John

Well, there you go Martin - something to put on your 'Bucket List' - "Go to Switzerland, enjoy a bottle of Merlot del Ticino. Note - DO NOT jump in to Lago Maggiore unless it's mid-summer!!!!! P.S. Sorry for highjacking your log Peter!!