Kusawa2000

Thanks guys.  There will be a barge but I am taking a break from Winnie for a bit.  I am going to catch with with making inventory of blocks and rope once I get back and maybe start work on Speedwell.  
 
I also have to write the last chapter and cut parts for folks.

Hancing pieces and volutes....
 
I'm a little embarrassed that it has been so long that I've been away, somewhat from the shipyard but also this wonderful site.  With the weather starting to turn and a bit more available time it seemed a good time to get back into things and try to pick up from a point that I left a little disheartened so many months ago.  To be able to move forward, I had to come up with a solution for the hancing pieces which should then really allow much of the final hull form to be finalised.  The problem I faced stemmed from the fact that I had to come up with a hancing piece volute 6mm high (per NMM plans) to transition the upper rails into the waist, and following a profile already established for the other rails.  Although these are not large details, they are features that to my eye need to be sufficiently elegant and accurate to avoid detracting from the lines of the hull.  I tried many different approaches, but here is the one that worked best for me and provided a method of construction that allowed consistent results.  I'll apologize in advance for quality of the photographs, I was so focused on the work and forgot to check the photo quality as I progressed.
 
2.2 mm holes were drilled using a pin vise into some 2mm pear wood (actually 1.5mm + 0.5mm pear laminated together cross grain because I didn't have any 2mm sheet stock), this matches the starting thickness used for the upper rails which started as 2x2mm square strip.  (A 2.2mm hole was found through visual trial and error to introduce the gradual narrowing of the rail into the end of the volute).  A 1.5mm diameter recess was then carefully made at the edge using a round needle file at 45deg to the bottom of the hole.  Each 'blank' was then cut from the sheet, given a slight reduced profile using an exacto blade, and a thin cut made above the filed lobe (explanation below). 

Small sections of 1.5mm diameter pear dowel were then glued into the 1.5mm recess, so they very slightly protruded above the top of the block.  Sufficient PVA glue was used to ensure that these were well bonded.  Once dry, a the top of the blanks were gently cut back and carefully finished against a circular sander so that the top edge of the blank was tangential to the top of the 2.2mm drilled hole (the cut previously made above the recess allows this section to release easily as it will no longer be needed.

A length of 2x2mm pear wood strip was scraped with the same molding profile as used previously in the build, but care taken to leave an untouched section toward the end.  The volute blanks were then attached to the unfinished end of the scraped molding.  PVA glue was used generously, and left to dry overnight to ensure a full strength bond.  Once dry, the excess was then carefully cut away to give proportions pleasing to the eye (mine at least) and ensure that the final volute form would be 6mm high.  The rough cut was then very carefully reduced to its final shape using various grades of sanding sticks.

 
Once the final shape was achieved, a profile needed to be introduced to match, and transition as smoothly as possible from the molding strip into the curve of the volute.  To do this I needed to create a second scraper profile at the very edge of a razor blade to work on the volute curve effectively (the scraper profile used previously for strip had been centered to give best control on straight strip).  This was performed very slowly as catastrophic failure would be very easy!  While it is true that it took multiple experiments to get this method down, it did work well and the four needed volutes were all first time efforts with no rework, and despite the many imperfections highlighted by the macro lens, the results to the naked eye exceeded my expectations.

In position, the volutes will now allow final shaping of the hull profile.  Onto the next challenges!

Just a quick update on the Quarterdeck: 
 

 
The gratings are made with a special box that came with Session #4. Apparently, it is an "upgrade" kit, that contains all the hatched and grtings for the Bellona. These gratings are pre-cut, slightly convex and are ten times easier to assemble than the original hatches provided with Session #2. I did not know that, because there was no relationship between the instructions that came with my kit and that "upgrade" kit. Anyway, I will be using these gratings from now on and may even try to remove the visible ones, on the main deck and replace them with these. We will see.....
 

 
The fundamental problem with this Bellona kit is ..... THE INSTRUCTIONS or more precisely, the LACK of them.  I find myself spending a lot of time, figuring out what is going to be my next step and how I am going to do it. Honestly, I don't think you can finish the ship by following blindly the instructions and their sequence of order. Anyway, enough rambling.....
 
I am now working on trying to complete the rear quarterdeck. Before you can finish the planking, you have to install the poop windows: 
 

 
You absolutely need a finger on each side to position correctly these window frames. THEN, you can glue the sub-frame for the planking: 
 

 
And then you can plank.....
 

 

 
As usual, a couple of Wipe on Poly on the maple planks, to give it more depth and protect the wood (0.5 mm thick).
 

 
Above: that is a very big quarterdeck..... You could play bowling on it 
 
Oh, I forgot to mention: the lack of bulwarks in visible places such as this one (see below). The kit has nothing, so it is up to you to fabricate it: Yes, all this will be easily visible, as it surrounds the main wheel.
 

 
At this stage, I have done everything I could in the quarterdeck.... I have been trying to postpone the inevitable task of building the second gallery and the "pleasure" of cutting carefully 81 window panes.... Call me procrastinator if you want, but there is absolutely nothing fun in this process.
I am going to try to gather my courage and energy and do it again.... It is that story of needing one finger on each side..... to position perfectly these windows frames. If you follow the official instructions, you just cannot do it...... Every access you can get to the inner galleries is so precious.
 
Yves
 

It is now time to work on the rear quarterdeck. Below is the last picture of that part of the ship, never to be seen again: 
 

 
As usual, I am gluing each side separately: 
 

 
Planking can be started for the starboard side of the ship: 
 

 
The floor is treated with Wipe On Poly and you can see the demarcation where the wood has not yet been treated.
 
The kit offers some bulwarks, unfortunately too short, leaving an impressive gap between the floor and the bulwark.
 

 
I am thinking to remedy to that error with a strip of wood carved as a water channel: 
 

 
That strip of wood is 4 mm high/thick and will fill that enormous gap. The other side is glued and the planking is completed: 
 

 

 

 

 
Et voila, where we stand: 
 

 
Yves
 
 
 

For the internal arrangement, I am taking some inspirations from this picture: 
 

 
This is from a fantastic web site: https://blenderartists.org/t/hms-pegasus-full-ship-building-in-progress/696956/49
 
Yves

Yves: Tempting.. but I have the Winchelsea next in the lineup... 
 
MIKE

Yves: Tempting.. but I have the Winchelsea next in the lineup... 
 
MIKE

Really well done Mike!  Beautiful model!

Beautiful, Mike -- a majestic and inspiring piece of work!

Congratulations on finishing your Aggy.  It is a beautiful model and you did a masterful job building it.

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Chuck: All I can say.. is keep at it. Just delved into the first dozen pages of chapter 1 of the Winchelsea project and I can say I am definitely looking forward to this project!
 
Mike Draper

Chuck: Thanks for the "keep at it" approach.  There are often so many promises out there for a final product and the completion date keeps getting pushed back. Its nice to see the follow through. 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Chuck: All I can say.. is keep at it. Just delved into the first dozen pages of chapter 1 of the Winchelsea project and I can say I am definitely looking forward to this project!
 
Mike Draper

Chuck: Thanks for the "keep at it" approach.  There are often so many promises out there for a final product and the completion date keeps getting pushed back. Its nice to see the follow through. 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE

Everyone: Its done..... after 12 years of on again.. off again work, my HMS Agamemnon (Aggy) is finally completed. Im still waiting for a friend to make me a stand for it but the rigging is finally finished. Its bit surreal that I can say that but she no longer darken my shipyard but instead have a nice spot on a shelf in our living room. 
 
Did a lot of "kit bashing" with her.. milled maple planks for the deck and hull, treenailed the deck, have full guns and carriages on the gun deck either than the dummy guns supplied with the kit, rigged the guns, made my own flag, and added a "few" sails (made by friend Wendy!).  It was a great project. took a littl longer than planned but glad its done and I can now move onto my next project the HMS Winchelsea through Chuck Passaro's practicum. Definitely ready for a new project. 
 
Enjoy the pics! 
 
MIKE