BANYAN

Hi Dave, the two binnacle solution looks a goer. In this configuration you can still add the compass where you have the shelf and replace the desk top with a light locker? If you think a drawer necessary to hold the DR board etc you could add that and make an open shelf instead of the two door cupboards. in that configuration you can add a fold down desk top for chartwork if necessary? When I contemplated this issue for my build I went for the larger version as you would need a steering compass and, a conning and survey compass. I also thought a larger flat top might be required to hold the 'draft' survey charts etc when engaged in survey work? That said, you point about the skylight opening is very valid and in hindsight, I wish I had made my skylight with two part covers each side; you get the full benefit of light and can still open half for ventilation. cheers Pat

Hi Cristi, great to have you back and sorry to hear of the various issues you have had to face; I hope that all are well and truly settled down now. Nice production line you created for your carriage assembly - a very nice finished product to fit to the model. regards Pat

You achieve such clean crisp work Ed, a joy to see. Cheers Pat

Nope, not yet; you could make it look like one for me I am sure the Admiral won't mind too much cheers Pat

That is some very fine work Dave, you have done a really nice job on those ratlines. Your build is developing into a very good model of Endeavour. cheers Pat

Wonderful detailing Keith, the launch is a mini-project in its own right. cheers Pat

Looking sharp OC, you can come over and paint my place anytime you like cheers Pat

Very nice detail Greag and a good job on 'bashing' the very ordinary items into very presentable details. cheers Pat

I hope the new residence is all you desired, and you can settle down soon. cheers Pat

No mucking around with this build Denis, some rapid and great looking progress. cheers Pat

Hi John and Roger, I can only comment on what I have found that was relevant to HMCSS Victoria, a Gun Despatch Vessel or Screw-Sloop of 1855. The Contract for Victoria stated the provision of two 'cranes' for raising ash. I found a contemporary inboard arrangements diagram (dated 1860) for a contemporary vessel, HMS Harrier, which shows an ash chute which I presume there would have been one each side so that as weas disposed on the lee side. Contract: Iron cranes for hoisting up ashes, … I hope I am not breaching copyright (admins please delete if I am infringing) in showing this extract of the NMM plan (NPC6858), note the inboard side appears fixed with a curved 'mouth' to accept the wheelbarrow front. The outboard side appears to be hinged to bring it inboard clear of 'snagging' but lowers sufficiently to ensure the ash clears the ship's side. As to the cranes, these may have been simple goosenecks, or something a little more elaborate. Please PM if you wish more detail on those. As to coal bins I can only offer the following from the contract, but it offers some insight on the height of the coal dump: "The coal boxes to be constructed and arranged as may be hereafter determined, and sufficient details of the coal boxes in the engine rooms to be shown in the drawing, to enable a computation of their contents to be made in this computation; the space below the deck to the depth of 6 inches is to be excluded, to allow for the space occupied by the beams and for the difficulty of completely filling the boxes with coals. No part of the coal box plate to be less than 1/8 inch in thickness. Air tubes to be fixed in the coal boxes for ascertaining their temperature. A space of 13 inches to be left clear between the boilers and coal boxes in every part." I also found this info in Wikipedia: Coal trimmers worked inside the coal bunkers; they used shovels and wheelbarrows to move coal around the bunkers in order to keep the coal level, and to the firemen, who shoveled it into the furnaces. This could imply no bags? Could have been loaded in bags but emptied into the bunker? Also, reading through some of the related discussion on the web, there is inference that the coaling scuttle was a sort of box with a chute down to the bunker. From this I read that the coaling scuttle had a hatch type top that opened into a sort of small chamber which then had a chute attached at the bottom. Most of this related to the Titanic coaling arrangements so may not be directly applicable. I also found this site which provides some interesting background discussion and while of a later ship, the methods employed for coaling appear mixed (bags and bulk). Hope this helps rather than confuse the situation further? cheers Pat

That is one very fine looking model Greg, the paintwork effects are very realistic. if you placed a sea/sky background behind it it would be hard to tell the difference to the real thing. cheers Pat

I think Rob has stated that very well - the style and tone of your books, and the quality of your build logs help us less capable modellers learn to do exactly that - even if there is an occasional typo :). cheers Pat

Hi John, is there sufficient height in the coal bunker for an overhead 'spout' or shute like the swinging arm spout you see on the water tanks used to feed water to locomotives? This would have allowed the coal to be spread over a much wider area? In some recent reading, I noted comments that coal was usually separated into areas by mangers or cofferdams to form hoppers (bins). This allowed the coal to be moved about for managing the list among other things, and if there was a problem (e.g. a coal fire) to be able to isolate it. Coaling in the Victoria was via 4 scuttles, and the ash raised to the upper deck via two dedicated cranes for discharge overboard via two ash shutes. I don't know if any of this will be of much relevance to your build but may offer some food for thought? cheers Pat

All nice detail and should look great on the model on the model Greg; slow but good progress. cheers Pat

Nice carving; certainly a lot better than my efforts Toni. cheers Pat

That looks great Dave; good to see you back in the shipyard - Happy New Year! cheers Pat

She is rapidly taking shape Danny. You must be able to see the finish line now? Looks great! cheers Pat

Another rapid build Denis, if you go any faster you'll set fire to the thing! Looking good with the bulwark in place. cheers Pat

Perhaps we need to lend you some of these guys then; sorry we munch on them occasionally also Sorry to clutter your log, ditch as necessary. cheers Pat

Really taking shape now Danny, nice work with plenty of detail. Appreciate you showing your PE techniques for therails, that will come in handy for a future build (later this year). cheers Pat

A good base for the second layer or paint Denis cheers Pat

That is a great idea Keith, I have heard of modellers leaving such a note inside the hull - an 'easter egg' of sorts. Be sure to seal the paper and ink to ensure it is preserved as I think this model warrants such a 'provenance'. cheers Pat

Very nice machining Eberhard, shows what can be done with a bit of skill and knowhow. I love those vises and holding jigs you have manufactured (no, make that I am jealous :)) Enjoy that steak. cheers Pat

Looking good OC cheers Pat