Fernando E

In case it was missed on my thread, the Brodie Stove is now available as a complete mini kit:
 
Brodie Stove – VANGUARD MODELS
 
Microsoft Word - 1-64-Brodie.docx (vanguardmodels.co.uk)
 
I may have to get a ships cook (complete with wooden leg) done at some point...

Status of the History of the Lost Franklin Expedition of 1845 by Dr. M. John Roobol, Retired Geologist
 
Status_of_the_History_of_the_Lost_Frankl.pdf

No resin or 3D parts in that photo  🤫

Just checked stern windows - there will be options for open or closed...

Today I received the Indy sample photo etched sheets. These will be sent over to Jim soon!
 
I put together the PE for the stove (wrong glasses so very rough), the stove is an old prototype print, so doesn't look great, but you can see how the PE fits. This set will also be available to buy separately (64th only with the PE) soon. 

Tom of CAF Models was kind enough to send me some additional pictures to help the stern construction. They came a little bit late, as I had already started. I wish these pictures could have been included into the original instructions booklets: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And of course, the famous National Gallery model, source of inspiration for the CAF Model kit: 
 

 
I used that picture a lot for the decals placement and the overall shaping of the stern. There are some mis-labelling for the decals, in the CAF instructions (Session #5). Beware.....
 
Yves

Time for another update. I have been working on the galleries and the decoration of the stern.
 

 
It is very delicate work despite the use of 1/48th scale, due to multiple factors: 
The instructions are less than adequate and bring no precision to what has to be built. The parts are not exact in shape and dimensions. Because of these factors, a lot of research, creativity and building have to take place. Let's take a quick look at the instructions: 
 

 

 

 

 
I started with the installation of the balcony. This is essential in placing correctly both galleries (I am no longer following the CAF instructions overall).
 

 
The balcony is delicately cut from the quarterdeck floor, and put in place separately. I have verified that the flooring of the quarterdeck will align and match perfectly with the balcony floor. 
 

 

 
This phase is essential to position correctly the rear wardroom lights and the upcoming pilasters. Below, you can see the quarterdeck floor in place: 
 

 
The wardroom lights framing is then glued in place: 
 

 
At this point, the galleries construction can be started. 
 

 
A lot of adjustments have to be done and quite a few parts were created, as I decided to not use the kit supplied parts, that are not fitting.
 

 

 

 
After a lot of precise adjustment and work. Above, you can see how I increased the size of the 3D-8 parts, by adding four strips of 3x2 mm all around it.. Finally, we end up with something that looks like the stern of a Bellona: 
 

 

 

 
At that stage, we can start gluing the counter rails: 
 

 
And place a few decals. It is now coming to life: 
 

 
The wardroom lights will be installed later on as they are extremely delicate (carved in wood) and I still need to adjust the top fascia of the stern. For the time being let's enjoy some pictures of that delicate stage of the construction: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
I have added the "dot" after the name of the ship, as it was missing from the decal. The "drops" are made from resin (3D printed) and do require some filing to fit decently.
 
Yves

The rest of the keel is now added, and then the rudder post is fitted with its engraved facings and installed. This part sits into the notch in the keel and pushes tight up against the inner stern construction. No clamping needed!


 
 
 
The rest of the keel and prow engraved facings are added and copiously held with clamps. You can never, ever have enough of those.

 
 
 
The second layer of timber starts by fitting the outside forecastle bulwarks. When these are dry, the gun port blanks are removed and the hull starts to transform a little.


 
 
 
The rear outside bulwarks are now to be fitted. The quarter gallery frames are temporarily clamped into place and the parts glued. Note that I've remove the blank in the fore gun port hole.


 
 
The lower, outside counter is now glued, clamped and pinned in place.

 
 
 
Indy now looks like this. ☺️

 
 
 
Until next time.

Port side done too now…

Thinking about this a bit more… I think I’m still living and learning as I go. 
Following the abominable first planking I now understand the significance of tapering the planks (something which isn’t at all clear from the instructions or the on line videos) and the ramifications of not doing so!
Similarly, I can appreciate that the second planking isn’t ‘realistic’ and that If I want that realism on my next build, then I will need to lay the second planks on differently as well, rather than simply following what the instructions might say.
At this stage in my ‘career’ I’m still very much guided by the instructions. As my confidence grows then, in time, I’m sure I’ll be more willing to go off piste, and use the instructions as a ‘guide’ rather than something which must be followed to the letter.
 
Thank you all for the continued support. It really is appreciated.

Second planking on starboard side done

The delicate task of installing the four guns has been done: 
 

 
They are attached to the gun deck, by using a large drop of CA glue under each wheel.I am hoping that will be enough to hold these heavy pounders.
 

 

 
With these four guns in place, I can now start putting together the Main Deck Section "E" and continue building on top with the Quarter deck. This should allow me to have a better picture on how to install the galleries and all the ornaments on the stern. 
 

 
A few goofy pictures: 
 

 

 
I hope you are enjoying that complete departure from the CAF instructions.
 
Yves

"Alea Jacta Est" as the Romans used to say: The stern section of the ship has been covered with the main gun, and no access to the large guns is possible in this area: 
 

 

 

 
You can see how the Main deck section "E" had to be altered to fit the hull: 
 

 
Now, I will be working on the Quarterdeck positioning and hopefully get a clearer picture of the stern ornaments and galleries.
 
Yves
 
 

Second planking begun… 
Going ok so far. (I know I still need to remove the remainder of the strips over the gun ports.)

Adding the putty has enabled an much more rounded shape. I’m happy to start the second planking now.

Been doing a lot of sanding and it’s starting to look better… but still some nasty looking dips in the bow. It’s going to need some putty to build up the bulk a little.

another update, ships wheel is done! and yes it does turn. also added ladders to the poop deck.

Some new updates, did some more work on deck details. 
 
also thank you for the comments on the deadeyes, i will be sure to rotate them when the time comes to do the ratlines

another update on the aft deck details

and capstan done, as expected it doesnt have much movement, but i feel its worth it.

capstan is almost done, i did make it so it is turn-able but i believe the stairs going up to the forecastle will block it so it will have very little movement 

carronade & forecastle is done. now to work on the well deck

Hello all. Thanks for adding me. I have always been fascinated with model ship building and I joined this group to learn more and to share with you some of the things that my Uncle has created from scratch over the past several years. Is it OK to do that? I don't want to step on any toes here. Thanks again.

After working on the Bow of the ship, I feel that the Stern is requesting some attention. Nothing can be built yet, as I have to lay the floor of the main deck and also study a solution to control the rudder from the wheel (wishful thinking....). At this stage I can start building the main deck on the rear section only. But before that, I have to assemble at least four large guns, to go underneath the "E" section of the main deck.
 
Technically I have to build 28 large guns.....but I hate repetitive tasks. So, I am going to build what I need to move through one section at a time. That will offer a pleasant diversion from the repetitive assembly of 28 large guns at once.
 

 
The guns are made of a mixture of wood, brass barrel and PE parts. To build 28 guns represents a lot of parts: 
 

 

 
The guns are glued with CA glue. The barrels are cleaned in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and left soaking for 10-15 minutes. They are then rinsed in warm water and soaked for a couple of minute into the Black-Brass chemical. They are rinsed again and left to dry, before receiving a light coat of wax. Touch-ups are done with Black Barrel acrylic paint from Model Shipways.
 

 
Holes are pre-drilled where the black nails are located. I am not using the insanely small and fragile PE parts from CAF. Black nails are much more solid and safer for the heavy barrel.
 

 
Finally, we have our four guns, that will be placed in the stern section: 
 

 
Just 24 more large guns to go....  At this stage the barrel azimuth can be adjusted. Most likely, I will glue them to their chariot before long.
 
Yves
 

More work on the Head of the ship, with the installation of the hawse holes and cheeks.
 
At the beginning of Session #3, there are some recommendations regarding the drilling of the hawse holes. Being cautious, I went to my Session #5 box and pulled out the Hawse plates, set them in place on the bow and marked the holes with a pencil. Then I went back to the Session #3 instructions and compared the dimensions. I am glad I proceeded the way I did, as the indications given in Session #3, are not at all right. Again, we have reached a stage in this kit, where owning all Sessions (3 to 5) is essential to avoid major mistakes.
 

 

 
Then comes the assembly of the upper and lower cheeks. These are made of four parts: two are cut by laser and the other twos have to be carved, bent and refined for a decent fit. You can see below on pictures 35 and 36 how it is done.
 

 
This has been a tedious task, requiring a lot of precision, sanding, filing, painting and gluing. I am glad it is behind me and even though it is far from being perfect, this is the best I can do at this moment: 
 

 

 

 
Upper cheeks are now in place: 
 

 

 

 
I think I will go back to work on the stern, for a change of pace.....
 
Yves