GGibson

Great start on your Bluenose, Tim! I saw your "like" on my initial Bluenose build log post and had to acknowledge. Your build log here is one that I flagged to follow in order to lean on hints and advice. Look forward to watching your progress!

Well, no rest for the weary, as they say... Finished the Ballahoo and have three more ships waiting for shipyard clearance. As I had indicated in my signature section previously, my son gave me the Bluenose as a gift some 16-17 years ago, when I had never thought about doing shipbuilding as a hobby, and had way too busy of a working life to devote time to this hobby. I opened the box, read some of the instructions, and pretty much thought "Nope, looks too complicated. I'll put it away for another day." So, here we are 16-17 years later and I have found model shipbuilding as a fun and rewarding hobby after all. After three completed ships, it is now time to work on the Bluenose. I think I have learned enough skills in my three previous builds to make my Bluenose looking good. Time will tell. There are plenty of really good build logs for the Bluenose that should help guide me on my way. I look forward to digging into them and doing as much research and observations as I can. Since there have already been plenty of prior build logs, I won't post the obligatory "open the box and look at the contents" picture and post. But, I will point out the difference in the box covers from what it looked like 16-17 years ago (shown in my pic below) and how Model Shipways box cover looks like today. Thought that was interesting. In doing a quick comparison of the instructions included in my Bluenose box to the online pdf instructions available on Model Shipways' website, they look the same, so it doesn't appear the build process has changed much, if at all. So... here we go with another build log! Appreciate all the follows, likes, comments and criticisms that this build log will generate. Thanks!

Great input and info, David. Thanks!

As I usually start out my queries, I'll say "This is a silly question, but...". Going to start working on the Bluenose 1921 and noticed that the parts list includes deadeyes and blocks that are supplied and measured in inches. The parts in three previous builds I have worked on have all been measured in millimeters. And, in all due respect, I have found that the Model Shipways-supplied blocks and deadeyes are not as good as others available. With that said, in doing the conversions from inches to millimeters, for example, a 3/16" block converts to 4.76MM. Will a 5MM block look too big? Conversely, a 1/8" block converts to 3.175MM. Will the appropriate size line still fit thru a 3MM block? Do the holes significantly change that much? Finally, appreciate everyone's recommendations on what they use for alternative blocks and deadeyes. I have purchased the "Beautiful Blocks" from Model Expo, but have also looked at the "Realistic Blocks" from Ages of Sail, and the deadeye kits and specialty blocks from Syren Shipmodel. Thanks...

Well, it's been a busy few weeks working on the boom, gaffs, running rigging, etc. Cut the dowels to be used for the boom and gaffs to the appropriate lengths and shaped them in order to fit snugly in the jaws. They shaped pretty well and looked nice when painted. Attached most of the blocks for the throat halyards and peak halyards on both gaffs (but did not attach the blocks to the masts until the rigging had been threaded through the blocks to make it easier). As several other builders mentioned in their build logs, I placed a small wooden saddle/tack on the mast at the base of the boom to help support it. That helped a lot in holding it in place better. The two gaffs didn't seem to need a saddle, as the throat halyards kept them in place. Pulled out the 4-Hands again to help me hold the gaffs in their general location as I completed tying down the mast blocks and tightening all of the running rigging. Was even surprised how well the parrel beads went around the masts. Thought I'd have them all over the floor before I was done. Once that was done, I made a couple more rope coils to hang on the belaying pins that the backstays came down to. Still need to learn how to do a better job at those hanging rope coils. Also, placed the two hand pumps in place, as well as the tiller arm, which I had left off during construction to avoid snagging any of them and breaking. Also place the anchors on port and starboard sides and ran anchor cables to their deck holes. (What are those holes actually called?) So..... my version of the Ballahoo is now complete! Lots of things I wish I had done better, and many techniques I need to get a lot better at, but all-in-all still proud of what I accomplished. This is my 3rd ship I have now completed in my brief model shipbuilding post-retirement hobby, and am so grateful for the comments, likes and feedback I received in this build log, as well as a million kudos to those who had previous Ballahoo build logs that I was able to constantly refer back to. Special thanks to both @jim_smits and @egkb, whose logs were most helpful and both provided me with private feedback on questions I had. This MSW community is awesome. Thanks to all.

Appreciate the comment, Bob. Still consider myself an "experienced beginner" and continuing to learn from all you other builders.

Got a few more tasks accomplished... Firstly, I completed the two sets of backstays on each mast. Hadn't found a tremendously good purpose yet for the "four-hands helper" I acquired a few months back, but for holding the four backstay lines simultaneously while I secured each to their respective positions on the masts proved quite helpful! Have watched quite a few YouTube videos on how to make the rope hanks, and several previous Ballyhoo build logs had really good advice on their preparation. Tried making them using both the "bunch of nails in an oval shape" technique and the simple two-nail approach, and not sure if either of them were perfect for me. I just need some more practice. Also prepared a flat rope coil for the line coming from the front of the bowspirit, similar to the technique used in a video I watched by Olha Batchvarov (who is awesome in all of her shipbuilding videos). Finally, ran the line from the top of the aft mast to the top of the fore mast, through a block and down to a cleat. I have not belayed it to a cleat yet, though, as I want to confirm what other running rigging lines will be coming down the same fore mast so they don't all cross. It's now on to the booms and the running rigging. Getting closer to the end!

Nice work, David! And excellent tutorial! Coincidentally, I have been working on rope hanks for my Ballahoo, using both the 2-nail method and the "bunch of nails in an oval" method, and honestly was not really happy with either, but I settled. Have one more to make and I may give your method a shot, as well. Appreciate the info.

Completed the ratlines on all four sets of shrouds... not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but definitely monotonous. Got into a decent rhythm/routine. A couple came out a bit "slacky", but all-in-all I'm ok. Also completed the jib stay from the foremast to the end of the bowspirit and back to the boat. Will finish the rope coil and hang on one of the timberheads in a few days. Now on to the two sets of backstays.

Hi Tim - Saw this build log in the list of "Recent Replies" on the MSW home page, and obviously caught my eye! Hope you don't mind the follow and the encouragement. As indicated in my signature section below, the Bluenose was a gift from my son some 16 years ago when I knew nothing about ship modeling. Started it, but got frustrated and put it in the closet, where it became buried. It's in my shipyard waiting for the next build, so I'm anxious to see how you do, and learn from all that you do. Great start!

Appreciate the input, George. Yes, I am hitting each of the ratline knots with diluted PVA as I am progressing. One of the other recently completed Ballahoo builds used the natural thread for ratlines as a bit of a contrast, and I thought it looked nice, so doing that here, as well. I'll do the ratlines for both masts. Like you said, you get into a bit of a rhythm. Thanks for the feedback!

Started on the ratlines. Actually, the clove hitches are easier than I thought they'd be. Pretty monotonous, though! And I've only just begun... Whew!

Haven't been working in the shipyard too much this summer. Had a couple medical things I had to address, as well as three weeks of grandkids visiting, so work on the Ballahoo has been minimal. Back at it a bit, though, now, and am to the point of working on the shrouds and ratlines. Not all my deadeyes came out perfectly even when I tied the lanyards on them. But, for a first attempt, I'll take how they came out. Now on to securing the ratlines on the shrouds. As I have seen on some other build logs, I am using a note card to assist with the spacing and alignment for the ratlines. Simulating an approximate 14" spacing between ratlines and adjusting to scale, I drew lines at 6mm distances, and will use this as a guide. Guess this is about the best way to do it. Will take a while to do all of them, though!

Looks good so far, Bob! Meant to ask this on your earlier post... are those bulkheads thicker than "normal"? How were they for your fairing? Think they will be better to do the planking with?

This looks REALLY good! Love how you have put some additional touches on it, making it "your own". And I agree with Bob, the rigging on this one is fun. I think as the instructions suggest, though, I did most of it with the mast off the boat, laying on a flat surface. Hope the knee replacement went well! I had both knees replaced at the same time back in 2012, and they are doing great. Just stick with whatever rehab you have left, it pays off. And, finally... I love Olha Batchvarov's YouTube videos. They are inspiring!

This answers my question I just posted on your Harriet Lane build log! Ha! I received the Model Shipways email notification about this pre-sale, as well, and am intrigued by the look of this boat. But, with three ships already in the shipyard holding pattern, I probably need to pass. As you begin working on it, though, you may still convince me! Good vibes heading your way!

I purchased the set of Microbox drill bits that BenD showed in his post (mine are in a blue plastic box with a clear sliding case), but I also purchased a nice set of Gyros drill bits that have worked well for me. Gyros® Carbon Steel Wire Gauge Mini Twist Drill Bit Set |Includes 20 Micro Carbon Steel Bit Sizes #60 to #80 | with Convenient Clear Dome Storage Case (45-12010) (gyrostools.com)

Awesome job, Bob! Although I started following later in your build, it has been fun (and educational for me!) to watch your progress, your struggles, and your successes. Your Harriet Lane is finished! Are you going to encase it, as druxey suggests? And, of course, we have to ask... WHAT NEXT?!? Gregg

Looks like a fun build! Enjoy, Alf!

Hi Bob - Will watch for replies from experienced modelers on this topic, as well, since rope sizes for the various riggings have always interested/concerned me. I, too, have purchased rope from Syren, as well as Ropes of Scale, as I find both their qualities to be much better and more "authentic", if you will, than kit-supplied. I have a stash of multiple millimeters and colors to hopefully last me through my current build and those waiting in the shipyard. If not, I know how to get more! Ha! Your Harriet Lane looks awesome! Gregg

Looking good, Bob! I am jealous of your seizing abilities now, as I have a bunch of deadeyes and blocks to do on my Ballahoo (after the grandkids leave and I have some medical stuff attended to). But... back on topic, everything looks great! Doing well!

Hello sir! Will be following your progress on this classic, as I purchased the OcCre model a few months back when MS had it "on sale". So, it's in the shipyard waiting for build clearance. It may be awhile before it's turn, but definitely interested in watching how you do. I noticed in your pictures above, you display Peter Davies-Garner's RMS Titanic: A Modelmaker's Manual. Has it been helpful? Looks like you have the paperback version. Any thoughts on paperback vs. hardcover? I also ordered the electronic version of the book for only $2.99 from B&N. I am sure you have seen the 34-part YouTube videos on construction of this 1:300 model, as well. They make it look so easy! Ha! Curious if you heard anything back from Tom's Modelworks on a 1:300 version of the PE set? Thanks for allowing me to peek in! Gregg

Very sharp, Bob! Looking great!

Good job, Bob. Thanks for sharing. You are doing well on the Harriet! I'm to the blocks/deadeyes/shrouds point on my Ballahoo, and really concerned on how well I will do. What are you using for your backdrop for lining up the shrouds and ratlines? Looks to be a bit "sturdier" than the paper and cardboard I have seen in some other build logs. Appreciate your updates! Congrats on your success1 Gregg

Impressed with the small eyebolts, as well! What size did you make these?