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hollowneck

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Everything posted by hollowneck

  1. Congratulations, Dan. You've done a superb job with your model, including the rigging. I have the Adder box sitting in my shop and it will be my next up build when I'm done with my current one. Your Adder will be the Build log I refer too in just a few short weeks!
  2. This also one of my favorite reference books on sailing. It is expensive, but well worth the investment. Some libraries also have it available.
  3. I'm speculating, but I believe that once in a safe anchorage (port, a harbor) a squaresailer's upper yards were lowered with their sails still bent to them. I believe that most people saw these tall ships in this configuration, rather than seeing them on the open seas with yards raised, sails deployed. Also, it was a lot of work to remove and replace massive canvas sails. They were also expensive. By leaving them bent to their yards and lowered (at "rest" essentially), a Captain could then immediately "set sail" with favorable wind conditions to depart from an anchorage. Many times it was too difficult – if not impossible - for a sailing ship to haul anchor due to adverse wind conditions. Ships and their crews had to be ready at a moment's notice to depart. I've gleaned a lot of my knowledge about this subject by reading books about sailing, as well as the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey/Maturin series novels. I've also captained a 41' sailing ship (ketch) and learned a couple things about the physics of the wind, sea and gravity as they interact, in real-time.
  4. Bear in mind that the forward cannon's line of sight would be clear once the spritsail yard was raised. You can see this for yourself by getting down to a low viewing angle on the model and viewing the cannon's muzzles. Gunboats were often anchored when they went into action which means their sails would be slackened or furled, thus out of the way for the 24 pounders at the prow to do their work.
  5. I address this running rigging challenge by attaching small alligator clips to the falls (or halliards) temporarily on one side (say, Starboard), then I proceed on the larboard side with the complimentary lines and adjust these by hand and eye so there is visual symmetry and tighter runs for the opposing ropes - especially the lifts, braces and clew lines. In other words, I don't tie-off (secure) many rigging lines until both sides are nearly fully-rigged. I hope this description helps. I wish there were an online video on this process; I'm not aware of one. The "main yard" (also called a "course" whether on the fore or main mast), was fixed and wasn't raised or lowered while at sea. The topmast and topgallant yards were raised and lowered while sailing, but typically, these upper yards usually stayed fixed in their fully raised positions; their sails were furled (gathered and secured at the yard) or reefed (partially "reduced" or gathered) depending on the wind conditions. Also, the wind is much more forceful at greater heights above the water. Captains and sailing masters constantly worried about losing a topmast to its sail exerting a force that would break it. This was especially the case with the thinner topgallant masts. You've done an excellent job with your rigging. It looks "shipshape" to my eyes! Ron
  6. I agree, Andrew's sail looks great. In the attached, the Liquitex spray can and it's sister Liquitex soft body acrylic bottle - both in "unbleached titanium" color - are my go-to solution for approximating the color of working sail canvas.
  7. Bravo. Your Henriette Marie looks very good, a convincing rendition. I employ a slightly different implementation than Mr. Laurie's, but use the same material.
  8. I had the opportunity to visit Stockholm in 2016 with another member of my modeling club; it was an extraordinary experience to see the ship, first-hand as well as the extensive restoration that's still on-going. If this post catches you in-time, try to seek out a meeting Dr. Fred Hocker who is the Director of Research of the Vasa Museum. He's a friendly, outgoing American and is more than happy to meet with ship model makers:be sure to mention that you are one. The gift shop is worth a visit which has many very kool mementos, like Dr. Hocker's large, acclaimed research book on the Vasa's history and restoration project. While in Stockholm, try to go to the Swedish National Maritime Museum which is not far away from the Vasa. This museum has an extensive model collection and is well worth a day's visit. skål!
  9. Very nice work. The more I look at your photos the more I like the red color you've used. Can you please share this paint color and source? Thanks! I also use Vallejo black and then finish with a satin poly on the wales and cap rails, etc.
  10. You've done an excellent job with this model Andrew. Sorry for the loss of one of your companions. Glad to hear you're back in the proverbial saddle!
  11. Investing time and treasure with these 1:72 scale boats is a good move, Chris. As you're aware, there are quite a few kits from other manufacturers in this smaller scale (no names mentioned here) that need "upgrades." I'm almost certain that you'll continue to see orders for 1:72 figures for this same reason. 1:64 is the "sweet spot" for the majority of AOS kit builder/bashers; 1:72 comes in a close second. Good luck on moving house (and business!) and thank you for still paying close attention to your primary market!
  12. Captain Aubrey just texted me to say that he and Lt. Pullings are on the Far Side of The World, in the Galapagos Islands. Works for me. I probably have a little time to locate a map...
  13. Smart decision, Chris. The revised CAD drawings of the figure sculpts look excellent. For my figure set in 1:64, I'll design and print out a miniature, postage stamp sized color add-on to glue to the unfurled map. Where in the world might these officers be?
  14. Ditto!!! When you're ready to jump back in there are many great choices amongst Vanguard's range.
  15. Very well done. I sometimes break-up rigging tasks into non-linear chunks. Some ratlines, then another task, then back to ratlines. There's no First Place Award for the ship modeler who completes his rigging in record time!
  16. Chris, please consider this post as my order for one full set of this excellent and interesting 5-piece tableau in 1:64. Please also PM me with the cost, no questions asked. My advice: ignore the "fly specks amongst the pepper" silly-bugger posts here and proceed as you've indicated.
  17. Lovely 3D sculpts for Admiralty-style reveal builds, Chris. I'm assuming these can be had at 1:64. If so, there is some very delicate painting required as well as a removal of the base plinth.
  18. Dan, I'd recommend that you add the futtock shrouds and the catharpins, then do the upper shrouds. Do all the rats after all the shrouds are completed. I'm likely going to do an OOB for my Adder too. Thanks for the shout-out on my Grecian. The kit was a joy to build and more or less an OOB. I'm awaiting another larger Vanguard model to put into another diorama.
  19. I concur. Making new shrouds will go much more quickly a second time around. From personal experience, If you don't fix this it will haunt you. Your work has been excellent thus far; you've created a very nice-looking model of Adder -with more accurate rigging it can be an outstanding one. This kit is next-up for me this Fall; I'll likely be referencing your build for my own!
  20. Very well done, Rod! A unique treatment and coloration(s) for this kit from Vanguard. Also, a nice decision to have your model photographed by a pro. After all the work, countless hours involved, I don't consider any of my models completed until I've got a decent set of professional photos in-hand. Congratulations. What's next? Ron
  21. Dr PR, that's the material I use most.
  22. For all NRG members there will be a virtual "ZOOM" workshop presentation on crafting silkspan sails this Saturday morning, June 15. You should have received the ZOOM link information by email; check your inbox. In this two-part presentation, I will be presenting a method for creating realistic working sails while my colleague, Tom Ruggiero, will cover furled sail techniques. We both use silkspan. For the curious, you can click on the footnoted "Completed Builds" links below to my gallery photos that show several models with this material.
  23. The new 3D molds look really good, especially with the inclusion of the windlass and davit. The resin does paint well with only a simple base acrylic primer. I use a Tamiya rattlecan (grey) for this and it's compatible with Vallejo paints. ----- iPad screenshot: press the "Home" button and the "Power" button simultaneously and then release; a thumbnail will appear in the lower left corner which can then be tapped on to enlarge it with various file options (Save, share, delete, etc.). No "snipping tool" required.
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