hamilton

She;s looking really good! 
hamilton

Hello again Hamilton, I'm so sorry I've been quiet for a long time, but I went into hospital for a routine procedure, and finished up 6 (?) months later just returning home, and nearly missing a leg.  I could have done my Long John Silver impression really well, but I still have both, although the left one's not working too well.  I'm so impressed with your progress and your craftsmanship I'm afraid to dust off my Bellona in case I make a mess of it.   I'll keep watching your progress with awe.

I am not familiar with the HMS Bellona or its history (74 guns?!?  😲), but just looked at your log and it's a beauty!  Your build there is looking great so far, as well! 

Thanks Gregg, Fubarelf and Paul - it's been a long and fun journey and still a little bit further to go - I have until April or May to finish it, really and considering how much making rope coils to hang off the belaying pins is dreary work (for me anyway), I'm happy to do 2-3 a week until then! 
 
With this stage of the Bluenose reached, I may turn my attention back to the HMS Bellona, which is currently at the stage of first planking. But given that Bluenose is the first model I've brought this close to completion since 2016 I'm pretty happy with the results so far! I think a bit of a hiatus from modelling has done me good and now I feel that old enthusiasm for it returning. 
hamilton

Thanks Gregg, Fubarelf and Paul - it's been a long and fun journey and still a little bit further to go - I have until April or May to finish it, really and considering how much making rope coils to hang off the belaying pins is dreary work (for me anyway), I'm happy to do 2-3 a week until then! 
 
With this stage of the Bluenose reached, I may turn my attention back to the HMS Bellona, which is currently at the stage of first planking. But given that Bluenose is the first model I've brought this close to completion since 2016 I'm pretty happy with the results so far! I think a bit of a hiatus from modelling has done me good and now I feel that old enthusiasm for it returning. 
hamilton

Nice!!!. Love those deck shots.

You’ve built a beautiful model Hamilton!

It all looks great, hamilton!  Your "finishing touches" list will be a nice completion!  Although, you mentioned rope coils on that list of final to-do's, but the picture of the rope coil/flake coming off the wood welp side of the windlass looks really sharp!

Hello there:
 
So the sails and running rigging on the Bluenose are now complete, though the model itself needs a number of finishing touches, namely:
 
1. The fore boom crutch - some quirks of the model as built will require me to position this differently than the plans, which presumably means it will differ from things on the actual vessel....oh well!
 
2. Barrels - there is room on the rack I made forward of the cabin for 2 more and I think this will look better than the 4 I currently have....
 
3. Sheer poles - on the lower shrouds - a pretty straightforward element
 
4. Running lights - I have to consider how to approach these - I had thought of doing what I did with the MS Phantom (my very first model) and banging something up that more or less suits the purpose, but after all the effort on Bluenose I feel like I need to try something more authentic....
 
5. Dorys - I had a go at these this past Spring, but I found it very difficult to get the basic parts of these together using the jig design included on the plans - I've seen other Bluenose builds using these to good effect, so I do plan on having another concerted go, but I feel like I need enough time and leisure to really focus on it - this is not the kind of thing (for me anyway) that I can just nibble at with 30 mins here or 1 hour there....
 
6. rope coils - I've never been to concerned with these in previous builds - though I did make an effort to add them to the Armed Virginia Sloop that I built was back in 2010 or something - one of the models of which I'm the proudest - and considering (once again) the effort put into Bluenose it seems appropriate to me to go a bit of extra distance with these details.
 
Here are a few photos of the model as it stands. The first one shows the 1:64 Bluenose next to the (now pretty ratty) 1:100 scale Amati version I built back in 2012. Enjoy and happy modelling
hamilton
 
 

Hello there:
 
So the sails and running rigging on the Bluenose are now complete, though the model itself needs a number of finishing touches, namely:
 
1. The fore boom crutch - some quirks of the model as built will require me to position this differently than the plans, which presumably means it will differ from things on the actual vessel....oh well!
 
2. Barrels - there is room on the rack I made forward of the cabin for 2 more and I think this will look better than the 4 I currently have....
 
3. Sheer poles - on the lower shrouds - a pretty straightforward element
 
4. Running lights - I have to consider how to approach these - I had thought of doing what I did with the MS Phantom (my very first model) and banging something up that more or less suits the purpose, but after all the effort on Bluenose I feel like I need to try something more authentic....
 
5. Dorys - I had a go at these this past Spring, but I found it very difficult to get the basic parts of these together using the jig design included on the plans - I've seen other Bluenose builds using these to good effect, so I do plan on having another concerted go, but I feel like I need enough time and leisure to really focus on it - this is not the kind of thing (for me anyway) that I can just nibble at with 30 mins here or 1 hour there....
 
6. rope coils - I've never been to concerned with these in previous builds - though I did make an effort to add them to the Armed Virginia Sloop that I built was back in 2010 or something - one of the models of which I'm the proudest - and considering (once again) the effort put into Bluenose it seems appropriate to me to go a bit of extra distance with these details.
 
Here are a few photos of the model as it stands. The first one shows the 1:64 Bluenose next to the (now pretty ratty) 1:100 scale Amati version I built back in 2012. Enjoy and happy modelling
hamilton
 
 

Hello there:
 
So the sails and running rigging on the Bluenose are now complete, though the model itself needs a number of finishing touches, namely:
 
1. The fore boom crutch - some quirks of the model as built will require me to position this differently than the plans, which presumably means it will differ from things on the actual vessel....oh well!
 
2. Barrels - there is room on the rack I made forward of the cabin for 2 more and I think this will look better than the 4 I currently have....
 
3. Sheer poles - on the lower shrouds - a pretty straightforward element
 
4. Running lights - I have to consider how to approach these - I had thought of doing what I did with the MS Phantom (my very first model) and banging something up that more or less suits the purpose, but after all the effort on Bluenose I feel like I need to try something more authentic....
 
5. Dorys - I had a go at these this past Spring, but I found it very difficult to get the basic parts of these together using the jig design included on the plans - I've seen other Bluenose builds using these to good effect, so I do plan on having another concerted go, but I feel like I need enough time and leisure to really focus on it - this is not the kind of thing (for me anyway) that I can just nibble at with 30 mins here or 1 hour there....
 
6. rope coils - I've never been to concerned with these in previous builds - though I did make an effort to add them to the Armed Virginia Sloop that I built was back in 2010 or something - one of the models of which I'm the proudest - and considering (once again) the effort put into Bluenose it seems appropriate to me to go a bit of extra distance with these details.
 
Here are a few photos of the model as it stands. The first one shows the 1:64 Bluenose next to the (now pretty ratty) 1:100 scale Amati version I built back in 2012. Enjoy and happy modelling
hamilton
 
 

Wow... Excellent plan, hamilton! One of those "why didn't I do that sooner" ideas.  Appreciate the awesome advice!  That may be warranted when I get to working on the mast hoops, as well.
 
 

Great work on these details - with these delicate laser cut parts, I've learned to finish them while they're still attached to the billets and then add a light coat of varnish to strengthen them before subjecting them to any kind of mechanical agitation.....scratching these parts (not always a possibility for all modellers) allows you to trace the pattern and drill the holes out before cutting out the shape (which still must be done quite carefully, but reduces breakage as well, especially with more open-grained woods like basswood). 
 
Regardless, great progress Gregg! Looking nice!
hamilton

A couple more progress updates... 
 
FIFE RAIL - Like many others' builds, the laser cut rail broke while trying to ream out the holes for the stanchions.  So, I traced and cut a new one using the 1/16" stock board.  I used the Proxxon bench drill press to ensure the holes were cut straight, since there was so little space to work with.  Primed and painted all the pieces white, except for the top bar, which I stained in order to give a bit of a color contrast.  As I have done on other deck furnishings, I drilled a hole in the bottom of the posts, not only to help hold while painting, but also to provide a more secure fit on the deck when it comes time to glue onto the deck.  I did shave off the bottom stubs of the stanchions that were designed to fit into holes in the deck.  I'll simply glue the bottoms to the deck.  I need to add the snatch blocks to the sides of the posts still.  Also, I noticed that I need to add a belaying pin just in front of the boom crutch.  Not sure if we've got enough room to do that without breaking the bar!  As others have done, I will hold off on permanently installing on deck until the main mast is placed.  
 
        
 
Samson Post & Bowsprit Bitts - This was pretty straight-forward.  The laser-cut platform had a super narrow and fragile outer edge, that I was sure would break during the construction.  Fortunately, though, it survived!  Everything else (post, bitts & support blocks) was cut from stock, and came together ok with no breaks.  Glued, sanded, primed, final sanding and paint (Picture is prior to painting).  Again, placed a small brass rod in bottom of samson post for securing to deck.  Plans call for a square hole on the post under the platform for the heel of the bowsprit.  I decided to just drill a hole and I will support the bowsprit with (another) brass rod in the end of the bowsprit when it comes time to work on it and install.  
 

 
Engine Box & Clutch Cover Box - Once again, another couple box builds.  Cut all sides and top covers from 1/16" stock sheets and supported the inside corners with 1/8" square strips.  Marked the locations for the lever opening, chain opening and shaft opening on clutch cover box. Drilled holes to start and then opened more and squared (as best I could) using files.  Glued the clutch cover box to the side of the engine box, sanded, filed, primed and painted all.  As it appears in the Nova Scotia Archives pictures, eyebolts were placed on the backside of the engine box.  Also need to work on the top cover hinge replication that others have also done.  I am still horrible at soldering!  Think I may have mentioned previously that I am trying the resistance soldering technique.  The brass strips that I soldered need to be cleaned up a bit.  We'll see how I do with that and then I will add to the top cover of the engine box.
 
            
 
Chain Box - Another box construction, but this one is a bit different, as it is lower on one side in order for crew to store and access chain, and since it is open, it has a visible bottom.  Rather than painting this white, I decided to stain this chain box darker, again as it appeared in the Nova Scotia Archives pictures.
 
     
 
Working now on all of the remaining machinery fittings and structures (windlass, etc.).  Once these are all complete, I will work on how these are all positioned on the deck, add the chain, etc.  Pretty exciting and intimidating all in all.  

Very quick update - with minimal time to spend on modelling each day, I managed to fabricate and rig the jib sail - there was nothing trickier about this than the other sails, though I did work out a better way to add the brass rings that lace the sail onto the jibstay - with the jumbo jib, I rigged the sail on the model first and then added the rings - a big mistake as this ended up putting a lot of pressure on the rig and I accidentally pulled a couple of things out of alignment and had to re-do them, which (as many of you will know) gets harder to do the more the model gets built up and the more you have to navigate the spider's web....this time, I opened the rings, added them off the model, and made temporary lines at the halliard and the tack to steady the sail in place. I could then easily pry the rings closed one-by-one, then add the rigging features. This proved to be much easier to accomplish without risking damage to the model.
 
In any case, here is a photo - I posted this already in the "state of the build" thread elsewhere on MSW, so if it looks familiar, that's why! Enjoy and bye for now
hamilton
 

Very quick update - with minimal time to spend on modelling each day, I managed to fabricate and rig the jib sail - there was nothing trickier about this than the other sails, though I did work out a better way to add the brass rings that lace the sail onto the jibstay - with the jumbo jib, I rigged the sail on the model first and then added the rings - a big mistake as this ended up putting a lot of pressure on the rig and I accidentally pulled a couple of things out of alignment and had to re-do them, which (as many of you will know) gets harder to do the more the model gets built up and the more you have to navigate the spider's web....this time, I opened the rings, added them off the model, and made temporary lines at the halliard and the tack to steady the sail in place. I could then easily pry the rings closed one-by-one, then add the rigging features. This proved to be much easier to accomplish without risking damage to the model.
 
In any case, here is a photo - I posted this already in the "state of the build" thread elsewhere on MSW, so if it looks familiar, that's why! Enjoy and bye for now
hamilton
 

Very quick update - with minimal time to spend on modelling each day, I managed to fabricate and rig the jib sail - there was nothing trickier about this than the other sails, though I did work out a better way to add the brass rings that lace the sail onto the jibstay - with the jumbo jib, I rigged the sail on the model first and then added the rings - a big mistake as this ended up putting a lot of pressure on the rig and I accidentally pulled a couple of things out of alignment and had to re-do them, which (as many of you will know) gets harder to do the more the model gets built up and the more you have to navigate the spider's web....this time, I opened the rings, added them off the model, and made temporary lines at the halliard and the tack to steady the sail in place. I could then easily pry the rings closed one-by-one, then add the rigging features. This proved to be much easier to accomplish without risking damage to the model.
 
In any case, here is a photo - I posted this already in the "state of the build" thread elsewhere on MSW, so if it looks familiar, that's why! Enjoy and bye for now
hamilton
 

Gregg - that envy goes both ways!! Yours is looking pretty fine
hamilton

Gregg - that envy goes both ways!! Yours is looking pretty fine
hamilton

Very quick update - with minimal time to spend on modelling each day, I managed to fabricate and rig the jib sail - there was nothing trickier about this than the other sails, though I did work out a better way to add the brass rings that lace the sail onto the jibstay - with the jumbo jib, I rigged the sail on the model first and then added the rings - a big mistake as this ended up putting a lot of pressure on the rig and I accidentally pulled a couple of things out of alignment and had to re-do them, which (as many of you will know) gets harder to do the more the model gets built up and the more you have to navigate the spider's web....this time, I opened the rings, added them off the model, and made temporary lines at the halliard and the tack to steady the sail in place. I could then easily pry the rings closed one-by-one, then add the rigging features. This proved to be much easier to accomplish without risking damage to the model.
 
In any case, here is a photo - I posted this already in the "state of the build" thread elsewhere on MSW, so if it looks familiar, that's why! Enjoy and bye for now
hamilton
 

Very quick update - with minimal time to spend on modelling each day, I managed to fabricate and rig the jib sail - there was nothing trickier about this than the other sails, though I did work out a better way to add the brass rings that lace the sail onto the jibstay - with the jumbo jib, I rigged the sail on the model first and then added the rings - a big mistake as this ended up putting a lot of pressure on the rig and I accidentally pulled a couple of things out of alignment and had to re-do them, which (as many of you will know) gets harder to do the more the model gets built up and the more you have to navigate the spider's web....this time, I opened the rings, added them off the model, and made temporary lines at the halliard and the tack to steady the sail in place. I could then easily pry the rings closed one-by-one, then add the rigging features. This proved to be much easier to accomplish without risking damage to the model.
 
In any case, here is a photo - I posted this already in the "state of the build" thread elsewhere on MSW, so if it looks familiar, that's why! Enjoy and bye for now
hamilton
 

Is this the model shipways Flying Fish (tea clipper of 1851) or the Corel Flying Fish (schooner of 1860) - mast lengths will be different for each of these models, so letting us know which you're working on will net a useful answer - I can't speak to the Corel model, but I have the MS one and can certainly help with mast lengths if that's the model you're working on
hamilton

Is this the model shipways Flying Fish (tea clipper of 1851) or the Corel Flying Fish (schooner of 1860) - mast lengths will be different for each of these models, so letting us know which you're working on will net a useful answer - I can't speak to the Corel model, but I have the MS one and can certainly help with mast lengths if that's the model you're working on
hamilton

Hello John
 
It's taken me way too long (shamefully long) to look through your build log - just did that this evening and WOW - no short cuts for you, huh? Some incredible work here - the bow works (windlass, etc.) look great and the finish on the deck superstructures is really nice. Those dory jigs have confounded me for months now...I had a go at making one, but lacked the patience to work with that thing - seeing you go through it has now inspired me to have another go....wonderful work!
hamilton

Hello John
 
It's taken me way too long (shamefully long) to look through your build log - just did that this evening and WOW - no short cuts for you, huh? Some incredible work here - the bow works (windlass, etc.) look great and the finish on the deck superstructures is really nice. Those dory jigs have confounded me for months now...I had a go at making one, but lacked the patience to work with that thing - seeing you go through it has now inspired me to have another go....wonderful work!
hamilton