JFMJr

On 4/15/2024 at 7:38 PM, RossR said:

Did you drill the hole for the bowsprit.  You will need to drill through the planking.  I attached a couple pics from the instruction where you can see the hole.  Not great pics of this in the instructions.  If I remember, there is a gap between two filler pieces on either side of the bulkhead former that you will drill into.  
 

 

Mission accomplished! Thanks

On 11/16/2023 at 6:50 AM, The Gimps Chimp said:

Here are some notes and thoughts about my build and the OcCre Beagle kit.

 

After I had finished my previous kit HMS Ballahoo (Caldercraft), which was my first ship build, I started looking around at what to build next.  To some extent I was overwhelmed by the choice available on the market. It therefore needed to be narrowed down to something which was within my capabilities.  Despite feeling very confident after completing Ballahoo I was conscious that I didn't want to make too big a leap forward and over-stretch myself.  Therefore, I restricted myself to looking within a certain price range, which was still toward the lower end (max £150/$185).

 

I considered many kits but eventually settled on the Beagle for a number of reasons.  First of all HMS Beagle was a very historically significant ship and this would be a good way of finding out more about her.  OcCre appeared to offer good value for money as a supplier and there were also good resources to help the build, OcCre's 130 videos of the entire build plus the AOTS book.

 

After ordering and receiving the kit I checked the parts and discovered the flags were missing.  I contacted OcCre about this and they immediately dispatched the missing parts without any issue. This would indicate that their after-sales service is very good. Unfortunately, after I received the missing parts I found the original parts within the kit placed under other parts.

 

The build has taken me nearly 3 years to complete so I'm not a fast builder, but as someone rightly commented "It's not a race".  Generally, the quality of the kit is good/reasonable.  Along the way I have had some issues with the kit, luckily nothing major. The main issue was the instructions on how to mount the fore channels, which supports the dead eyes for the fore mast. The instructions show the channels mounted the wrong way around (3 dead eyes followed by 2 as opposed to 2 followed by 3).  Luckily this has been picked up in other build logs so I was alerted to it before I also made the mistake.  It would be good if OcCre would amend their instructions or maybe just add an addendum note in the kit.

 

The kit material quality and quantity were generally fine.  Timber for first and second planking, I had enough to build two models.  Other timber and some brass wire I would have run short of if I hadn't been very careful.  My biggest gripe was the supplied thread for the rigging.  In my opinion I would say it was hopeless and I refused to use it.  The thread was 'hairy' and in my opinion would ruin the model.  In a way this was a blessing for me as I then acquired a ropewalk and made my own rope using Gutermann thread, which was far superior.  This will now carry forward onto future models.  I've not been aware of others complaining about the supplied thread so it might be that I had a particularly bad batch or maybe OcCre have improved their supply.  (or maybe I'm just too fussy).

 

The instructions for the kit were frustrating at times as there are multiple A3 sheets covering different areas, part identification, hull assembly, mast assembly, and rigging.  I don't have much space where I build my models and I always had problems finding the right page on the right set of instructions and ended up have to flick between different sheets time and time again. Then I would jump over to the video instructions on YouTube and check with the AOTS for the Beagle.  There did seem to be much cross referencing between different parts of the instructions.  By the time I had finished the build I knew where the different information was and it became a lot easier.  I know it sounds like a minor point and a failing on my part but when you're struggling with a particular part of the build the last thing you want is to be sent on a wild goose chase to find a piece of information.

 

I would say the scaling of some parts and accuracy of others (e.g. belaying pins, mast metalwork) may not be as accurately modelled as they could be but I guess this is a compromise for many reasons.

 

In hindsight I don't think I should have chosen the Beagle as my second build mainly because there is a lot of rigging, being a three masted ship and this was something which could have been too overwhelming.  Luckily my attitude of "As I had paid for it then I was going to build it" saw me through.  I'm sure this amount of rigging wouldn't be a problem for others.

 

Generally, I was happy with the kit and how the build progressed. Yes, the kit quality could have been better but it's very good value for money.  I've used the build as a learning process to try and improve my skills and in some way, not having perfect parts has made me think about how things could be improved.  The supplied thread/rope and my adventure into making my own rope is a good case in point.

 

My final comment is about this build log.  At first I was very apprehensive about writing a build log, thinking that my skills weren't good enough to showcase and it would be embarrassing to demonstrate my lack of skill.  Clearly I had no need to worry as nobody is judgmental here and everyone is immensely supportive and encouraging, which is a great motivator.  It's also good to get other peoples opinions which broadens your outlook and future approach to issues and can often trigger further research into subjects.  I would fully encourage anyone starting out in this hobby to start a build log, you will find it so rewarding.  I will definitely be writing a build log for my next build.

 

And finally, to anyone who has bothered to read this far, many thanks for your help and support during the build and I hope to see you on the next one .

 

Best regards

Chimp
 

My opinion is looks awesome...and intimidating...lol Just starting the bowsprit on my Beagle. As you stated the instructions are very little help. Those on here and videos I found are why I have made it this far. Again...looks amazing...great job sir.

On 2/19/2024 at 3:56 AM, Firs49 said:

Anything to delay planking which I must admit I am dreading.

Have you started planking yet ? How is it going? I found it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Awesome.  Will be attempting it this evening! Have followed John Aliprantis videos.  Had missed the beginning of video 33 where he does show the location.

Agree on the pitiful instructions, it's my first build. Are other models instructions any better?

A lot of the challenge with this build is figuring out how? 

Again thanks for the help. 

First build here..have been frustrated,  confused and at the same time...loved it.

Still a long way to go. 

Need help....have followed videos ,which are of great help.  Along with the instructions provided.  Can't find anything about how to actually install the bowsprit. Have made the bowsprit but trying to attach it to the ship. 

Thanks in advance! For any help. 

Need help....have followed videos ,which are of great help.  Along with the instructions provided.  Can't find anything about how to actually install the bowsprit. Have made the bowsprit but trying to attach it to the ship. 

Thanks in advance! For any help. 

On 4/11/2024 at 3:15 AM, JohnnyMorgan said:

Hello, 

you did a fantastic job so far. I'm around the point I'm quoting know on my own beagle. 

But I can't really decide at with distance I would like to have the individual posts of the bulwark decorations.  Where did you get the distance from?

Divided using the number needed by the space available.You can see in a picture how many will be used.

Maybe slightest adjustment for cannon ports. My opinion only but I think the planking was the most challenging. Enjoyed it. If your on the bulwarks, your done planking?

I am now at the point ... next up....start masts & rigging. See how that goes! lol

I am on my first build. Did start a build log. Many here were very helpful. The model I am building is made by Occre has a video for each model. Has been very helpful.  Planking is one of the first things you do and very important for the overall look of the ship. It is worth it to search videos on bending wood. And practice bending some planks. Was very beneficial for this rookie.  Start a build log. Would like to follow your progress.. Enjoy your build...I have. 

A little touch up paint.. And am I HMS Beagle is ready for masts and rigging.  My questions are I believe with the ship no longer on its side, permanently attach the stand to the ship? Now is the time to choose permanent stand? Any help greatly appreciated. 

All replies were educational..that is great. 

Appreciate the comments.. So bees wax? Yes or no? or no wax at all?

Rookie here. 1st Build.  I learned you wax the ropes for the rigging.  I  experimented with paraffin wax I had. Was amazed how much easier it was to work the ropes.  Is paraffin okay to use? I see bee's wax etc. 

I'm on my first build,  HMS Beagle.  My background,  have built all cabinetry for the 8 houses I built  (yeah, I'm an old guy.) Sanding is also a skill needing the proper type and gr. Your info here should be helpful to many! 

Saw your comment .....  I grew up  in MD ....  Knew the bridge well. Lots of family in Baltimore.

Horrible deal.  The size of those ships are amazing.

Making progress on my HMS Beagle. Getting closer to masts & rigging.. that looks quite intimidating!

My first build is moving along. When I purchased my model had no idea how involved this project is!

Love the challenge.

On 2/17/2024 at 9:41 PM, JFMJr said:

Hull is awesome. beautiful planking.

Your diamond cuts look as good as they get...

1 hour ago, LED said:

Came out great!!!

 

Little fix-ups needed here and there.  A little work on the stern, and some bleed of hull red into the hellgrau 51, but tiny stuff that can be fixed after the paint completely cures.  The only unhappiness is that the hull red - although I lightened it a bit - is very dark and the waterline is not contrasting very well.  Regardless...  

 

 

Couldn't be happier with the results.

 

Those drilled out portholes are pure happiness in the end.  It wasn't as much a task as I thought it would be.  Just a bit monotonous, but spread out over a few days it wasn't too bad.  Now to do the sharpened pencil thang, fix the minor flaws in the paint, and apply a matte clear coat.

 

Then off to either the superstructure or my first wooden deck.

Looks great

For a first time builder.. and new to this site...this looks amazing... awesome..

Looks great... May I ask what you are building?

On 2/16/2024 at 8:12 AM, Capella said:

Well, as I knew, once I got past the hull, progress would pick up.

 

I finished the hull and started on the strakes and inside "pretties":

I gotta tell you, cutting those diamond-shaped pieces to all match was a challenge - for me, at least. But, I know they'll be covered up and hidden by a lot of other stuff going on as things get added to the deck and rails.

 

Currently, I'm painting the hull and rails. I'll probably post updates on that this weekend.

 

Until then...

Capella

Hull is awesome. beautiful planking.

5 hours ago, The Gimps Chimp said:

How about mixing a new colour from those you have?  When I did mine I went with a dark blue/green.  I think I should have gone a little lighter though.

 

Chimp

I have been wondering about this myself. I personally don't think the blue can represent anything? Mine are currently black. What do you all think about a more realistic color like light coming through the window?

Making some progress. Gun port doors & bow complete. Those 16 doors are a tad tedious!

A little touch up painting left.

Not sure what's next... but here it goes!

6 hours ago, brunnels said:

Yes it did have copper plating, in fact from what I have read the Beagle even had it's copper plating replaced several times during its life.  There are a few ways to do it, you can buy kits from companies like Amati that are pre made copper tiles you glue on, or you can use copper tape from amazon which comes in a roll like masking tape.  I already have a few rolls of copper tape from building electric guitars so I am going that route.  I will share my process when I find what works best for me, but many people seem to use ponce wheels on the tape to simulate the nail dents.  I think sealing the hull before coppering should be fine, I will probably seal mine first just to add another layer of protection to the wood.  From my research the copper plates should be sized 20mm x 5mm.

Appreciate the information!

Going to update my build shortly