TK1

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

Finally an update! 
 
This was going to be a quick build, but life got in the way, as it often does.  But I have a few weeks off work, and am house- and dog-sitting for a friend, so that gets me away from other demands, and leave time for some modelling at night. And why not build whilst watching Master and Commander? 🙂
 
So, initial progress made....the hull has been planked. First layer outside, and single layer inside. The instructions don't call for planking on the inner plywood bulwark, but I'll add that when I get the gun deck on.
 
Interior stained with a light walnut, and I'll probably paint the frame ends to cover the ply parts.
 
Stones (supplied with the kit) have been glued in for the ballast, and the orlop deck piece glued in place.
 
Next step is some hold storage items including a hawse cable and barrels.  I was going to add more, but bought limited supplies so may do more later.
 
Next update won't be quite so far away!
 
Darren

Hi TK1. I have tried using Black, Kiwi shoe polish with good success. good black color, gives you your lube for running through blocks, etc.

Funnily enough, I've decided to do cross-sections after doing full models.  So I'm a bit backwards (or maybe upside-down, being from Australia) 🙃.
 
But as others said, they are a great way to learn a lot of the techniques.  I see a lot of new builders struggle with planking a full ship (especially a bluff bow), and getting it right (fairing, tapering, spacing, etc) can be daunting - and take a lot of time.  With a cross-section, you get onto making fittings, doing masts, and rigging quicker - so a little bit of everything you may do in a full model.
 
Plus not being retired yet, and doing other types of models, it takes me years to do a full ship.  Also, my wife was sick of them being everywhere - they take up a fair bit of shelf space!

So, cross-sections should be quicker, some of the kits out there are good, and they offer a great intro to scratch-building as said above.  Plus I can display a few in the same space as a full ship.
 
I'm working on the Modelers Shipyard HMS Sirius at present - here's the build log:  
 
Like any kit, it's not perfect and can do with some improvement - again a god way to get into modifying and scratch-building some components.
 
I have the Hatchett (? part-series with books) sections for Victory and Endeavour, and a few scratch ones planned.  I have the AL San Francisco but I'd avoid it, see the build logs on here - hull frames are weirdly thick, ladders don't fit, etc.  So will be a lot of work to make it presentable.  The OcCre ST looks good.  I'll probably do the Model Shipways Constitution rather than the Mamoli one, as it's slightly larger.  With the Anatomy of the Ship books you can do a good job of scratchbuilding the ships they cover.
 
Dive in and give one a go - and do a build log 🙂.

Darren

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

Progress continues....whilst it's summer here in Australia, more rain than sunshine combined with a broken foot allowed me to spend the day on the next steps.
 
So, for now I've left the hold/lower deck with just a coil of rope.  The only other items included were a few barrels. I'll modify them by sanding off the wooden turned bands, and replacing with black tape for a more scale-like appearance.  I'll also add more barrels, plus some timbers and perhaps crates or sacks of supplies for the new colony.
 
One item I'll add when I get home is an upright piano - according to records I found, the Sirius carried the new Governor's piano. So I should add this!
 
Work then moved to the mess deck.  I replaced the laser-etched kit gratings with new ones built up, whilst still a bit oversized, the photo shows the comparison and improvement. 
The hold ladder was built, and posts and knees added to the hold. These will be painted later after a bit of putty has been applied to gaps.
 
Next step is the furniture and fittings for the mess deck - tables  hammocks, lockers, etc.
 
More updates soon hopefully! 

Thanks for watching, next updates should be more frequent. 
 
Darren
 

I can not explain how devastated I am to be announcing this.  My dear and close friend Jim Byrnes has passed away way too soon.   Many have you know and have met Jim.  He was a fantastic guy and true original.   Many of you own his tools which are second to none in the hobby.    I have been speaking with his wife Donna who many of you also know.  Jim was diagnosed with ALS in February.  ALS is a nasty disease and there is no cure.  Jim had a particularly aggressive type of ALS and he passed away last month in October.  He was just 64 years old.
 
This news will be devastating to many...but Donna has asked if everyone would have patience and give here and their family time to grieve.  As you might expect,  the business will continue to be shut down,  but will reopen at some time in the near future.  Donna will continue supporting the hobby and their customers when the time is right.   But please have patience and allow the family to grieve at this sad time.  Donna will let me know when the shop will reopen.  I will make an announcement at that time.  
 
I am so devastated by this...I just spoke to him not too long ago and it breaks my heart.  His obituary is below.
 
Jim is survived by his wife, Donna; son, James William (Krystal) and grandchildren Julian and Sloane; brother, Peter (Cindy) Byrnes and sisters, Mary (James) Hayman, Catherine Byrnes, Veronica Byrnes and Elaine Byrnes (Robert Campbell); brother-in-law, Eddie (Marcia) Grissom; brother-in-law, Frank Marzovilla, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Not to be forgotten is his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Becky, who is waiting every day for him to come home to her!

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lorraine Byrnes; brother, Robert Byrnes; nephew, Michael Byrnes; brother-in-law, Pete Stuffer; and mother-in-law, Opal Grissom.

Along with restoring vintage cars, from a very young age Jim had a true passion for model ship-building. For many years he had done extensive research on the U.S.S. Constitution and was in the final phase of completing his scratch build of the Constitution as it was originally launched in 1797. Following a career of working with Defense contract companies, Jim worked many years with and became a partner with Conceptual Engineering in Sanford FL. In 2002 Jim and Donna formed Model Machines LLC. Jim designed and developed small modeler’s machines that are now purchased worldwide and used in many high school and college machine shops and in museums for their restorations. There have been numerous reviews and articles written about Jim which were published in various modelers’ magazines. Modelers using Jim’s machines range from ship, railroad, doll houses, doll house furniture, pen turners, segmented bowls and architects. In recent years guitar, harp and violin makers were added to this list. Jim was a remarkable craftsman and had many more machines in development stage for modelers. He was always ready to help and mentor others, many of whom soon became his very close friends.

 Jim was also a member of the Nautical Research Guild and attended conferences throughout the U.S. for 20 years, developing many close friendships within this organization.

Jim was a humble, quiet man who was deeply loved and will be missed by so many. Our hearts, as a family, are broken. Thru this profound loss, if we can ask one thing from this place of despair, it would be to embrace your loved ones every chance you get.
 
 

Hi Greg,
 
Yes, good pick-up. Its definitely like aquarium gravel.  I decided to go with it as I didn't bring an alternative. I do think I'll add some scale ballast when I get home.  The gravel is just attached with white glue, so easy enough to remove some to replace it.
 
Thanks,
Darren

Finally an update! 
 
This was going to be a quick build, but life got in the way, as it often does.  But I have a few weeks off work, and am house- and dog-sitting for a friend, so that gets me away from other demands, and leave time for some modelling at night. And why not build whilst watching Master and Commander? 🙂
 
So, initial progress made....the hull has been planked. First layer outside, and single layer inside. The instructions don't call for planking on the inner plywood bulwark, but I'll add that when I get the gun deck on.
 
Interior stained with a light walnut, and I'll probably paint the frame ends to cover the ply parts.
 
Stones (supplied with the kit) have been glued in for the ballast, and the orlop deck piece glued in place.
 
Next step is some hold storage items including a hawse cable and barrels.  I was going to add more, but bought limited supplies so may do more later.
 
Next update won't be quite so far away!
 
Darren

Finally an update! 
 
This was going to be a quick build, but life got in the way, as it often does.  But I have a few weeks off work, and am house- and dog-sitting for a friend, so that gets me away from other demands, and leave time for some modelling at night. And why not build whilst watching Master and Commander? 🙂
 
So, initial progress made....the hull has been planked. First layer outside, and single layer inside. The instructions don't call for planking on the inner plywood bulwark, but I'll add that when I get the gun deck on.
 
Interior stained with a light walnut, and I'll probably paint the frame ends to cover the ply parts.
 
Stones (supplied with the kit) have been glued in for the ballast, and the orlop deck piece glued in place.
 
Next step is some hold storage items including a hawse cable and barrels.  I was going to add more, but bought limited supplies so may do more later.
 
Next update won't be quite so far away!
 
Darren

Hi Greg,
 
Yes, good pick-up. Its definitely like aquarium gravel.  I decided to go with it as I didn't bring an alternative. I do think I'll add some scale ballast when I get home.  The gravel is just attached with white glue, so easy enough to remove some to replace it.
 
Thanks,
Darren

Finally an update! 
 
This was going to be a quick build, but life got in the way, as it often does.  But I have a few weeks off work, and am house- and dog-sitting for a friend, so that gets me away from other demands, and leave time for some modelling at night. And why not build whilst watching Master and Commander? 🙂
 
So, initial progress made....the hull has been planked. First layer outside, and single layer inside. The instructions don't call for planking on the inner plywood bulwark, but I'll add that when I get the gun deck on.
 
Interior stained with a light walnut, and I'll probably paint the frame ends to cover the ply parts.
 
Stones (supplied with the kit) have been glued in for the ballast, and the orlop deck piece glued in place.
 
Next step is some hold storage items including a hawse cable and barrels.  I was going to add more, but bought limited supplies so may do more later.
 
Next update won't be quite so far away!
 
Darren

Made some minor but worthwhile process.  
 
All frames done and aligned, so I've started the first layer of planking - in limewood as is typical in kits.  Cut them a bit oversize and will then trim.
 
Still undecided on the amount of effort/detailing I'll do - depends if I'm at home or not during the build, and how long it takes.  It's intended to be a practice/ease me back into it, so don't want to get bogged down in too much extra work vs focus on a neat finish.  Will wait and see....
 
Anyway, here's the planking.  You can never have too many clamps, of course.
 
 
 

Right, finally on to the build!
 
A delayed start, since I'm away from home caring for my parents, but got my wife to bring me a care package including the kit.  And fitting as my father was a great wooden model ship builder, and this will be the last one built in his house and using some of his tools.  But, I digress...
 
The first few steps see you building up the keel from 3 pieces, then attaching the 3 frames and longitudinal beams.  Finally, bulwarks with gunport cut-outs are attached to each side.  All pretty simple so far, but without an alignment jig or proper baseboard, it was all a bit fiddly and required a couple of squares, a drill-press vise, a couple of levels, lots of measurements, and even more clamps.  
 
Here's the photos of the first few steps - apologies for the messy work area (he was recently doing plastic models so it's been a hunt for ship/wood tools but I'm making do!); and the large pics, I couldn't edit on his PC.
 
Next up, the first layer of planking and on to the lower decks.
 
Thanks for looking - early days but it'll get more interesting soon, I promise!
 
 

Hi all,
 
I decided to finally venture back into wooden ship models, after a long break where I focused on plastic kits (ships and other subjects).  But I have been getting into woodturning also, and love working with wood.  Having built my fair share of full-hull (mostly POB) models both kit and scratch, this time I have decided to focus on cross-sections.  This lets me focus on fittings, masting/rigging, and detailing a smaller model which is easier to display, won't (hopefully) take years, and less workspace to build.
 
So I thought - where to start?  I managed to pick up the cross-section kits from DeAgnosti of Victory (1/72) and Endeavour (1/48) off a builder who only did the main ship builds.  And I have a HMS Vanguard (1/72) with a damaged hull which I'll use as a basis for a cross-section of that, and there's some other nice kits and pracitums out there now.  But to start, I thought I'd go for something potentially simpler.  Enter, the Modeller's Shipyard HMS Sirius.
 
I won't go on too much about the ship itself, many are familiar with the flagship of the First Fleet which settled Australia.  But in short it started life as Berwick, built in 1780 then bought by the Royal Navy in 1781, she had a few adventures before being renamed Sirius in 1796 as a 6th-rate and prepared for the journey to New South Wales. Wrecked in 1790 off Norfolk Island.
 
As for the kit - some contents pics below before I get started.  All timber and fittings appear nicely done, with the deck planking laser-engraved sheets rather than initial planks.  I'm thinking of using these for simplicity this time around.  Mine weren't engraved very well, so I'm waiting on replacements.  Not as many parts as a proper kit, but all nicely packaged. I can't comment on accuracy at this point - I read some questioning of the full HMS Sirius kit by MS, but as I get the frames made I'll do a measure against drawings I have.  Instructions appear very good, but no actual scale plans are included.
 
In terms of improvements I plan, beyond individual planks TBC, I will aim to:
- add copper plates, since multiple sources describe the ship as being coppered
- add more items in the hold.  It comes with a few barrels and an (anchor?) cable, but records state she was heavily laden for the voyage so I'll add more barrels, sacks, etc - maybe even the ship's surgeon's piano it reportedly carried!
- replace engraved gratings with built-up wooden ones
- improve mess deck details like the hammocks, tables, etc and add lanterns (lanthorns?), maybe some gear, etc
- include additional cannon details and tools
- try to make nicer barrels
- and maybe other improvements like pumps, any identified missing rigging details, etc.
 
So, thanks if you've read this far!  I hope to make a start on it this weekend, along with setting up a space for "indoor" tools (any major surgery will be done in the shed).  Really this intro is just to motivate me to start, and complete, a build log 🙂
 
 
 

Right, finally on to the build!
 
A delayed start, since I'm away from home caring for my parents, but got my wife to bring me a care package including the kit.  And fitting as my father was a great wooden model ship builder, and this will be the last one built in his house and using some of his tools.  But, I digress...
 
The first few steps see you building up the keel from 3 pieces, then attaching the 3 frames and longitudinal beams.  Finally, bulwarks with gunport cut-outs are attached to each side.  All pretty simple so far, but without an alignment jig or proper baseboard, it was all a bit fiddly and required a couple of squares, a drill-press vise, a couple of levels, lots of measurements, and even more clamps.  
 
Here's the photos of the first few steps - apologies for the messy work area (he was recently doing plastic models so it's been a hunt for ship/wood tools but I'm making do!); and the large pics, I couldn't edit on his PC.
 
Next up, the first layer of planking and on to the lower decks.
 
Thanks for looking - early days but it'll get more interesting soon, I promise!
 
 

Finally an update! 
 
This was going to be a quick build, but life got in the way, as it often does.  But I have a few weeks off work, and am house- and dog-sitting for a friend, so that gets me away from other demands, and leave time for some modelling at night. And why not build whilst watching Master and Commander? 🙂
 
So, initial progress made....the hull has been planked. First layer outside, and single layer inside. The instructions don't call for planking on the inner plywood bulwark, but I'll add that when I get the gun deck on.
 
Interior stained with a light walnut, and I'll probably paint the frame ends to cover the ply parts.
 
Stones (supplied with the kit) have been glued in for the ballast, and the orlop deck piece glued in place.
 
Next step is some hold storage items including a hawse cable and barrels.  I was going to add more, but bought limited supplies so may do more later.
 
Next update won't be quite so far away!
 
Darren

Made some minor but worthwhile process.  
 
All frames done and aligned, so I've started the first layer of planking - in limewood as is typical in kits.  Cut them a bit oversize and will then trim.
 
Still undecided on the amount of effort/detailing I'll do - depends if I'm at home or not during the build, and how long it takes.  It's intended to be a practice/ease me back into it, so don't want to get bogged down in too much extra work vs focus on a neat finish.  Will wait and see....
 
Anyway, here's the planking.  You can never have too many clamps, of course.
 
 
 

Made some minor but worthwhile process.  
 
All frames done and aligned, so I've started the first layer of planking - in limewood as is typical in kits.  Cut them a bit oversize and will then trim.
 
Still undecided on the amount of effort/detailing I'll do - depends if I'm at home or not during the build, and how long it takes.  It's intended to be a practice/ease me back into it, so don't want to get bogged down in too much extra work vs focus on a neat finish.  Will wait and see....
 
Anyway, here's the planking.  You can never have too many clamps, of course.
 
 
 

Right, finally on to the build!
 
A delayed start, since I'm away from home caring for my parents, but got my wife to bring me a care package including the kit.  And fitting as my father was a great wooden model ship builder, and this will be the last one built in his house and using some of his tools.  But, I digress...
 
The first few steps see you building up the keel from 3 pieces, then attaching the 3 frames and longitudinal beams.  Finally, bulwarks with gunport cut-outs are attached to each side.  All pretty simple so far, but without an alignment jig or proper baseboard, it was all a bit fiddly and required a couple of squares, a drill-press vise, a couple of levels, lots of measurements, and even more clamps.  
 
Here's the photos of the first few steps - apologies for the messy work area (he was recently doing plastic models so it's been a hunt for ship/wood tools but I'm making do!); and the large pics, I couldn't edit on his PC.
 
Next up, the first layer of planking and on to the lower decks.
 
Thanks for looking - early days but it'll get more interesting soon, I promise!
 
 

Right, finally on to the build!
 
A delayed start, since I'm away from home caring for my parents, but got my wife to bring me a care package including the kit.  And fitting as my father was a great wooden model ship builder, and this will be the last one built in his house and using some of his tools.  But, I digress...
 
The first few steps see you building up the keel from 3 pieces, then attaching the 3 frames and longitudinal beams.  Finally, bulwarks with gunport cut-outs are attached to each side.  All pretty simple so far, but without an alignment jig or proper baseboard, it was all a bit fiddly and required a couple of squares, a drill-press vise, a couple of levels, lots of measurements, and even more clamps.  
 
Here's the photos of the first few steps - apologies for the messy work area (he was recently doing plastic models so it's been a hunt for ship/wood tools but I'm making do!); and the large pics, I couldn't edit on his PC.
 
Next up, the first layer of planking and on to the lower decks.
 
Thanks for looking - early days but it'll get more interesting soon, I promise!
 
 

Right, finally on to the build!
 
A delayed start, since I'm away from home caring for my parents, but got my wife to bring me a care package including the kit.  And fitting as my father was a great wooden model ship builder, and this will be the last one built in his house and using some of his tools.  But, I digress...
 
The first few steps see you building up the keel from 3 pieces, then attaching the 3 frames and longitudinal beams.  Finally, bulwarks with gunport cut-outs are attached to each side.  All pretty simple so far, but without an alignment jig or proper baseboard, it was all a bit fiddly and required a couple of squares, a drill-press vise, a couple of levels, lots of measurements, and even more clamps.  
 
Here's the photos of the first few steps - apologies for the messy work area (he was recently doing plastic models so it's been a hunt for ship/wood tools but I'm making do!); and the large pics, I couldn't edit on his PC.
 
Next up, the first layer of planking and on to the lower decks.
 
Thanks for looking - early days but it'll get more interesting soon, I promise!