RossR

There have been a number of very nice results from first time builders with this kit. I think you made a good choice. Good luck with your build.

looking forward to following along when you get back to the half Hull.

I have reached a milestone on the model today. I have added the driver topsail and the bow sprit sail. This completes the rigging on the ship. two items left. Adding the anchors and then adding a lot of rope coils.

I really enjoy your build logs. Your work is always great,

I made some more progress this last week. I have all of the braces completed along with the remaining back stays. Most important I have the driver completed also I have also prepped the anchors and they already to add to the model.

I love the result with steel wool, but hate the mess. I have tried other products like various grades of sand paper, and various brands and grades of “Scotchbrite” type products and the result is never as good as with steel wool. Has anyone found something less messy that produces a result like steel wool?

I use denatured alcohol from the hardware store with good results. If you live somewhere where Everclear (180 proof grain alcohol) is legally sold, that would probably be the best option. No additives would be present to prevent human consumption, just 90% alcohol. In Minnesota where I live it is not legally sold.

It has been quite awhile since my last post on this build. Since may last post my oldest daughter was married, I had a busy time at work, and I finished my other build. Now time to get back focused on the Frigate Diana. I have added the mizzen top sail and the mizzen top gallant sail. I should have the driver and driver top sail installed this week. I see the light at the end of the tunnel on finishing this project.

Tonight I finished my Santisima Trinidad Cross Section. As I mentioned in an earlier post I am only building the mast to the Cap on the main mast because of where it will be displayed. I am happy with how the futtock shrouds look. Even though it isn't exactly realistic with only four shrouds to connect 5 futtock shrouds to. It doesn't look as bad as I thought it might. Overall I am very happy with the results and my wife wants it displayed on our fireplace mantel which is a nice bonus. Next up will be finishing my Frigate Diana. I suspect it will be 4 - 6 weeks to finish that one, then I will start my NRG Half Hull.

I love the base you built. Looks fantastic.

I have had much better luck with a collet type vs a chuck. My chuck pin vise wasn’t very expensive, so a higher quality chuck may work better than what I experienced.

I have made some slow progress over the last month or so. I have secured most of the deck features both on the top deck and the lower decks. I have glued the ballast pieces that you see here to the bottom of the hold. I will add the remaining ballast after everything else is complete as it will not be glued in place. I assembled the main mast up to the cap. Based on where I plan to display this model, I am only building up to the cap on the main mast, without the main yard. For the top I added a piece of 1mm x 3mm limewood around the edge to conceal the plywood edge. Then I added the ribs to the top and the braces underneath the top. Then the main mast was assembled and the top was attached. Then the shrouds were attached. The first should is served for the entire length. Otherwise they are only served at the area that wraps around the mast. Next up will be the ratlines and futtock shrouds. I considered leaving the futtock shrouds off. The issue is the cross Section only has four of the main shrouds. I suspect the actual number would have been at least 12 and maybe more. I will have to condens the area were the futtock shrouds attach to the futtock stave compared to how the would be attached on a full model. This will not look realistic, but I think the model will look better with the futtock shrouds.

The quality of your rigging work is incredible. I will be building US Brig Syren soon and I will use your build as the standard I try to achieve. I suspect I won’t quite match your quality, but thank for giving me something to shoot for. great job

Nice job on the planking. Looks great. Definitely worth the time you put into it.

Thank for sharing all the detailed steps. This is really helpful to us that are still trying to figure out proper planking.