Loracs

ok, I came across a small delay. I build, shaped and added the blocks to the spars few months ago... before starting the standing rigging. One thing I learned since (thanks Kirill4 for that) is that most of the blocks were set to spars and masts, even other fixtures using served lines. The reason THEN was to strengthen the rope in point of friction for durability. So, for realism, it is good to do that. However, there is a practical reason for modeler: When you fix in place small blocks to spars... the block's rope remains somewhat flexible (i.e. it can stretch a little). The problem is that we (or I) cut the block rope pretty close for esthetic. Adding CA glue to the end help keep it in place but the serving can still move a little under "stress" and the knot loosen. Sometime, even fall apart. Using a served rope for fixing blocks as two advantages: 1) serving harden significantly the rope, so it does not stretch much, 2) the serving act as grooves for the stitching of the knots, so there is far more resistance to pull and tug. Lastly, when serving a rope, I add a very thin layer of fabric glue to the rope using a toothpick. Thin enough so it is only under the serving and does not spill to the outside. It further helps to limit stretching, and help getting a clean serving that stay together when the rope is cut. Summary: I decided to cut and redo the blocks on the spars. Just guess how much pain having to redo a block that fall apart AFTER you have the spar set on the ship with ropes all around... not fun. FAR BETTTER to deal with it ahead of time. A small set back... but a mistake I won't be doing again.

Thank you both... really appreciate. ;_)

Ok... I keep changing my mind. I don't like a full sail display because it covers too much overall. However, although I like furled sails... the material is too thick to have a good roll. I may have found a middle ground that I will test later (need to attach the sails to the spar first): Display the model with sails set semi-furled as set when drying the sails. Saw a couple pictures and I think it worth a try.

a simplier version... maybe a little more elegant?

Furling top main sails: I cannot find much information about furling sails. Tried a few folding approaches (hopefully I will remember this one hehe!)... this one seems close. Am I on the right track? This is using the full sail (the one above top left). I don't really want to shorten them since they are all done now. This is only a test piece, please don't mind the ties (too big and wrong color), am just wondering about the overall shape? Let me know what you think?

Ratlines DONE!. My My that was tedious. Took several months, mainly because I just could not bring myself to do it. But the edge of starting a new ship motivates me to finish this one first. 1250 clove knots later... completed. Saw several approaches to the ratlines. For me, it was the simplest: a) tweeter and scissor, of course. b) a popsicle stick to adjust spacing as I go, c) a level to parallel to the water, and finally d) patience, a lot of it. This allowed me to easily reach behind to make the clove knots. Next step, more rigging and the sails. They were already made a few months ago.

Ratlines really up close.

@Knocklouder LOL LOL

Hello Kirill4, fantastic pictures. I did not know that the lanyard/shroud color. Great information. Not sure I can fix easily now. About the ratlines, at this scale 1:64, I'm using only 3-ply treats - the smallest I have. I did want to be very thin.

Stand: It is time to get back to "The Revenge" after some time off building a Greek bireme. It's difficult to come back since I left off with only a fifth of the ratlines done. I have to say that this is not my preferred activity... by far. For a change of pace, and to work with wood again, I decided to tackle the stand. Got some pretty wood pieces and got to work. I want a solid and heavy base for such a large ship. The bulk is handmade using a simple design, incorporating a few pieces from the kit. I may not do another update until the ratlines are done... which will take a while. In addition there are the coming holidays. Here it is, the stand: Note: I am having still few additional transversals with the ship picture. Forgot, those are extra for later if i ever need them final (not glue).

Thanks a lot all... now I need a good set of tutorials for blender, maybe one focusing on model ship modeling... but that may be a lot to ask. The learning curve seen very step though.

On this topic, any good reference on modeling ship with CAD software. I'm an utterly beginner planning to try using FreeCAD/blender, both of which I never really used. They are freeware and quite comprehensive though.

Thank you GrandpaPhil, always fun building a new ship.

I really like to keep the wood color... often going out of my way to try to model only with it. Thanks for the compliment, appreciate all. Indeed, a lot trickier than I initially thought. You need to be very patient with this one. I almost give up a couple times.

Final update: Completed the build by adding a few accessories and temporary rigging. I'm not sure if I will be adding the 42 paddles. Let's say that the ship was "converted" into a transport and/or reconnaissance ship. This little ship will travel with me at Christmas as a gift. Will set up the final rigging then. Hope you enjoy. It's always fun to do those weekly updates. Short term, I will be returning to "The Revenge" to complete the build with the addition of the sails.