FanfarePrint

Well, everything has now arrived for me to start my build but there'll probably be a few days yet before I'm ready to start anything worth photographing. I've spent the last week looking at every build on here (of Polaris, Swift and Virginia 1815), trying to gather as much detail as I can, about what to do and, more importantly, what not to do. This is my first build and so is a learning curve - though I'd still like to be able to produce something that I can put on the shelf and be pleased to say 'I built that'... What I don't want to do is build Polaris 'straight out the box' - I'm not intending to make massive changes (my thoughts of re-rigging her are, I think a little too ambitious for one who can only just tie his shoe laces and has never rigged a ship before!!) - Rigging is, at the moment, a dark art to me, though I'm reading as much as I can as well as looking at photos of similar vessels and, of course looking at all the builds in here. So, there are a few things I've been thinking about and I'd appreciate your thoughts. I've got to thank Bob Cleek for his thoughts on the Polaris in my earlier post which I've spent a long time pouring over, taking out as much detail as I can - really appreciate your help Bob (and would really appreciate any more you might have too!) Wooden hoops will replace the brass rings (well, paper, probably soaked in CA glue to be precise). I really don't like the eye bolts in the deck and would far prefer to replace them with a belaying ring around the mast (other than a fife rail?) what are your thoughts, also on the belaying bars on the frames? I've taken some inspiration from Giomun and his Swift build - I hope that's ok my friend? I would really have liked to cut the deck and frame work to give at least some idea of a hold, but I'm still thinking about this - too deep and it'll affect the integrity of the frame I think, to shallow and it won't have the effect I'm after. The coverings of the hold, I'd like to change to gratings (removable if I can sort out how to cut a hold that's worth looking into) and also the addition of a smaller piece of grating for'rard of the original. I'd really appreciate your thoughts, and suggestions - I'm always open to constructive critism and always have an open mind. Ive attached a couple of photos, the plan gives indications of my intended changes which, I hope makes sense. They're all quite small changes, but enough to keep me interested and to help make a slightly different model than that pictured on the front of the box. Thanks so much for your help and support - without it, this build - and the builds of many of the members here, especially us 'newbies' wouldn't get off the ground. Best wishes all Sam

Thanks so much for the wonderful welcomes guys!!

Having poured over the 3d pictures of Polaris, it's pretty evident there are quite a few differences between this and the original Occre model (which I will try and build into the model). There appear to be some belaying pin and rails attached to the bulwarks - sadly none of the pictures give a good view of these - has anyone a suggestion for a better view of something similar (actually, I'm not even sure if they are normal belaying pins - they almost look like they're fixed, and just used to store ropes tidily?). The rigging certainly looks more involved, and something I'd like to try (particularly the shrouds), however, I'd really like to be able to study the layout in detail (bearing in mind I have never attempted any rigging before) so am trying to find good sources that could almost walk me though the rigging layout - has anyone any ideas for sources that might help? I really appreciate your help guys Sam

Thank you so much for the welcome and thank you so much for your thoughts guys. I apologise for not having introduced myself properly before (a point I've now remedied!) - put it down to being a bit over eager! You're quite right allanyed my first name isn't Fanfare, but Sam. Bob, I really appreciate your in depth explanation of why not to include ratlines, which makes perfect sense. Time to do more reading, and research I think, before starting to make any changes! Sam

Good morning to you all from Cornwall, UK (and apologies to those who have read my post about rigging before having introduced myself!) I'm Sam, a total novice when it comes to building in wood, although not a total newbie when it comes to modelling, having quite a lot of experience in card and paper. I've been considering making an attempt on a wooden ship for some time, and have skirted around the edges of the facebook forums and sites such as this one and have now finally taken the plunge, ordering Occre's Polaris (rather than get my 'A's mixed up - Ambition and Ability - I thought it prudent to start with something that I have at least a good chance of finishing whilst also producing a passable model. I've already got a few ideas to make a few changes to the model (hence the rigging post), but we'll see how it goes. I am always open to constructive critism, and welcome the thoughts and ideas of fellow members - I'm here to learn, to question and to improve my own skills and, hopefully, share some of that with you all along the way. So, here goes - that start of a new hobby! Sam

Good afternoon to you all! Well, I've taken the plunge and ordered the Polaris - it'll either be the start of a new hobby or it'll put me off for life! Either way it will fulfil the long-term wish I've had to at least try. Although my first ship, I'd like to try some things other than make it straight out the box, and I'd be really grateful for your thoughts... Rather than have the rigging tied off to eye bolts, I'd like consider using belaying pins and pin rails, however, because there is only the minimum of rigging I'm not sure it'll a] work and b] look right. I note that amongst build threads i've been trawling through someone did something similar in their build of the Virginia 1819, however this seems to have more rigging. Secondly I'd like to add additional shrouds down to the chain plates to be able to add ratlines - looking at photos of similar vessels, some have them, some dont. I'd really appreciate your thoughts and ideas - please don't hold back, if you think it's all a daft idea tell me, but try and let me down gently guys!! Looking forward to you thoughts