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jim_smits

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  1. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jonny 007 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Decking is now complete!
     
    Had a minor issue on the port side. After dry fitting multiple times and being happy with all the plank shaping, I proceeded to glue all the pieces in place. Got to the final plank that was to fit against the amidships margin plank and suddenly there is a gap....! Only about 0.5mm but seemed to appear from nowhere after all the dry fitting had been very snug. It's not very noticeable so I have gone with it and fitted the plank so that the gap is on either side and so makes it less noticeable.
     
    Filed the gaps for the anchor rope and the masts and given a coat of satin varnish. Will give it another couple of coats tonight and then move onto the bulwark capping rails.


  2. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Beef Wellington in HMS Snake by Beef Wellington - FINISHED - Caldercraft - Scale 1: 64 - First wooden ship build   
    Looks like a great show. Going to a model fair of sorts here in SW UK this weekend. Interesting to see if there are any kits on display.
     
    Just received some blocks and line from chuck to use on my Ballahoo kit and they look top notch!
  3. Like
    jim_smits reacted to Ray in HMS Diana 1794 by Ray - FINISHED - Caldercraft - A 38 gun Heavy Frigate   
    All the quarter deck guns have now been rigged slow progress due to other comittments and a bout of flu, the only other work has been on some of the deck fittings. I will update on the fitting soon, I will also add the pin-rails, I think they will be fixed to the top of the bulwark below the open rail,I will also fit the cleats plus the eye’s to the rear half of the ship, at this moment I am also thinking the sky light will be painted red ochre and the barricade black as all the wooden components in its construction are different colours.
     

     

     

     

     

     
    All the quarter deck guns rigged
     

     

     
     
  4. Like
    jim_smits reacted to drtrap in HMS Snake by drtrap - Caldercraft   
    Almost finished with the carronades rigging....
    Some pics from the relative progress...
    Next step water-diluted pva to seal the "frapping"...
    Thanks
     
    Stergios




  5. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jonny 007 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Planks between the deck fittings have been replaced as per advice - thanks Jason.
     
    Also, added the nibbling and planking at the port bow section. as before replaced the margin plank amidships. Still need to finish the stern section and then sand down the deck for a fully smooth finish.

  6. Like
    jim_smits reacted to egkb in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Will say it again Jim.. Beautiful Stuff !
     
    Eamonn
  7. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from michael mott in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    It's interesting the journey that I have made since starting the Snake build in Dec 2012.
     
    I've gone from very much being a 'follow the instructions' type of builder, where I wouldn't question the manual and plans as I assumed they would be correct to being more confident and experienced. I now have no qualms of venturing away from the plans if it seems like they could be improved upon are are indeed just plain wrong.
     
    The 'cat and heavy object' incident gave me a reason to start scratch building parts, as a requirement to replace damage, and this has helped me no end.
     
    And finally, simply reading builds like yours, BeefWellingtons and Gil Middletons are just inspiring.
  8. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Dee_Dee in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Planks between the deck fittings have been replaced as per advice - thanks Jason.
     
    Also, added the nibbling and planking at the port bow section. as before replaced the margin plank amidships. Still need to finish the stern section and then sand down the deck for a fully smooth finish.

  9. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jonny 007 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Crazy decking fun today!
     
    Completed the starboard side of the deck. Nibbing and joggling initially went well and got the first few sets of planks fitted properly. However ran into a potential problem with the planks amidships, with the last plank laid leaving a gap of only 2mm. Gave it some thought, and decided to redo the margin planks from amidships back to the stern. Used a wider plank, shaped to fit the bulwark but left the other side flat to fit against the existing planking. This gave a good result but took a while to redo.
     
    Dry fitted all the pieces and ensured everything was correct, and then removed them all, varnished the edges and coloured with a sharpie. Then glued all the pieces back into place starting with the margins.
     
    Just need to repeat with the port side of the decking.
     





  10. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jonny 007 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Some good progress on deck planking last night.
     
    I'm using 120mm deck planks, sanded to size and to give a smooth finish, then a coat of satin varnish is applied to the edges and allowed to dry before using a sharpie to colour the edges black to simulate caulking.
     
    I've started with the centre line of the deck and gradually working my way out towards the margin planks. The margins are not yet glued in place as I want to be able to cut the nibbles and 'caulk' the margins outside of the ship before fixing in place.
     

     
    Made a start on nibbling the foremost margin plank on the starboard side. Using test deck planks for the moment, but got the first three nibbles cut in place. Used a heavy duty x-acto blade and VERY carefully cut the nibble. I used the test planks to mark the two points at which the deck plank 'intercepts' the margin to mark out the size of cuts to make. The test planks were then shaped to fit for a final check on the shape. Minor adjustments made using a needle file.
     
    Happy so far with the process but it is quite stressful the more nibbles are cut as there is more work to lose if an error is made. If in doubt, cut less and then file to shape.....!
     
    Once all the nibbles are finalised for each margin plank, it will be varnished, 'caulked' and glued in place. The proper deck pieces can then be cut to fit and glued in.
     

  11. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Dee_Dee in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Crazy decking fun today!
     
    Completed the starboard side of the deck. Nibbing and joggling initially went well and got the first few sets of planks fitted properly. However ran into a potential problem with the planks amidships, with the last plank laid leaving a gap of only 2mm. Gave it some thought, and decided to redo the margin planks from amidships back to the stern. Used a wider plank, shaped to fit the bulwark but left the other side flat to fit against the existing planking. This gave a good result but took a while to redo.
     
    Dry fitted all the pieces and ensured everything was correct, and then removed them all, varnished the edges and coloured with a sharpie. Then glued all the pieces back into place starting with the margins.
     
    Just need to repeat with the port side of the decking.
     





  12. Like
    jim_smits reacted to egkb in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Brilliant stuff Jim, that looks absolutely deadly !
     
    All The Best
     
    Eamonn
  13. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jonny 007 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Another update.
     
    I've now marked the waterline and painted the lower hull in white stuff.
     
    I used my helping hands to hold a B pencil at the desired height and carefully marked the waterline onto the ship.
     

     

     
    Mixed up a paint for coating 'white stuff' onto the hull using 80/20 white to yellow ochre to give a off white cream colour. Gave the hull a three coats to give an even finish. Need to smooth the finish with some ultra fine grit sandpaper but essentially ready to start the decking process.
     

     

     

  14. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Aussie048 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Crazy decking fun today!
     
    Completed the starboard side of the deck. Nibbing and joggling initially went well and got the first few sets of planks fitted properly. However ran into a potential problem with the planks amidships, with the last plank laid leaving a gap of only 2mm. Gave it some thought, and decided to redo the margin planks from amidships back to the stern. Used a wider plank, shaped to fit the bulwark but left the other side flat to fit against the existing planking. This gave a good result but took a while to redo.
     
    Dry fitted all the pieces and ensured everything was correct, and then removed them all, varnished the edges and coloured with a sharpie. Then glued all the pieces back into place starting with the margins.
     
    Just need to repeat with the port side of the decking.
     





  15. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Jay 1 in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    It's interesting the journey that I have made since starting the Snake build in Dec 2012.
     
    I've gone from very much being a 'follow the instructions' type of builder, where I wouldn't question the manual and plans as I assumed they would be correct to being more confident and experienced. I now have no qualms of venturing away from the plans if it seems like they could be improved upon are are indeed just plain wrong.
     
    The 'cat and heavy object' incident gave me a reason to start scratch building parts, as a requirement to replace damage, and this has helped me no end.
     
    And finally, simply reading builds like yours, BeefWellingtons and Gil Middletons are just inspiring.
  16. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from GuntherMT in HMS Snake by jim_smits - Caldercraft - First Build   
    Good building session today and over the last week; I have now completed all of the standing rigging as per the plans and this feels like another big step towards completion.
     
    Completed the Main Topstay and preventer stay after deciding to belay to two of the spare mast cleats. It was a touch tricky to complete the rigging of the sister block and single block, as I needed to hook the single blocks to the deck eyelets that were between the foremast and pinrail.
     

     

     
    Also completed the top gallant fore stay, and thanks to Jason, by use of a pair of thimbles to rig the end to one of the forestay heart blocks.
     

     
    The ship really does start to come alive with all of the extra rigging in place.
     

     

     
    Need to check all of the running rigging plans and add any remaining blocks required to the masts. Next main steps will be to put together all of the spars. Change of pace first perhaps, and to complete the second planking of the Ballahoo kit.
  17. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Gregor in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    It's interesting the journey that I have made since starting the Snake build in Dec 2012.
     
    I've gone from very much being a 'follow the instructions' type of builder, where I wouldn't question the manual and plans as I assumed they would be correct to being more confident and experienced. I now have no qualms of venturing away from the plans if it seems like they could be improved upon are are indeed just plain wrong.
     
    The 'cat and heavy object' incident gave me a reason to start scratch building parts, as a requirement to replace damage, and this has helped me no end.
     
    And finally, simply reading builds like yours, BeefWellingtons and Gil Middletons are just inspiring.
  18. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from egkb in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    It's interesting the journey that I have made since starting the Snake build in Dec 2012.
     
    I've gone from very much being a 'follow the instructions' type of builder, where I wouldn't question the manual and plans as I assumed they would be correct to being more confident and experienced. I now have no qualms of venturing away from the plans if it seems like they could be improved upon are are indeed just plain wrong.
     
    The 'cat and heavy object' incident gave me a reason to start scratch building parts, as a requirement to replace damage, and this has helped me no end.
     
    And finally, simply reading builds like yours, BeefWellingtons and Gil Middletons are just inspiring.
  19. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from tkay11 in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    It's interesting the journey that I have made since starting the Snake build in Dec 2012.
     
    I've gone from very much being a 'follow the instructions' type of builder, where I wouldn't question the manual and plans as I assumed they would be correct to being more confident and experienced. I now have no qualms of venturing away from the plans if it seems like they could be improved upon are are indeed just plain wrong.
     
    The 'cat and heavy object' incident gave me a reason to start scratch building parts, as a requirement to replace damage, and this has helped me no end.
     
    And finally, simply reading builds like yours, BeefWellingtons and Gil Middletons are just inspiring.
  20. Like
    jim_smits reacted to tkay11 in HMC Sherbourne 1763 by tkay11 - FINISHED – Caldercraft – Scale 1:64 - A Novice’s Build   
    Thanks, Jim, for the encouragement. I've been following your Ballahoo with interest, but I hadn't seen your build of the Snake until I noticed it in your signature. Very nice work indeed.
     
    As for my build, it really should be kept in the context of how a complete newbie to this game can make the build more interesting by taking the time to learn from others (be it from the forum, from books, or museums and the internet) as well as just jumping in and learning by attempting. As with others who have expressed the same, I am constantly surprised that I can do something that I thought would have been beyond my competence -- just by having a go, making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes. I hope to make this process as transparent as possible to any others who are coming to grips with this hobby and who may feel that they'll never achieve the craftmanship that some builders display. I want to show that for many of us it's just a case of step by step, building up skills and confidence. Patience is everything in this game, but I suspect that many of those who, like myself, start very late in life, feel that their years are numbered and have to rush!
     
    Tony
  21. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from ulrich in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Some good progress on deck planking last night.
     
    I'm using 120mm deck planks, sanded to size and to give a smooth finish, then a coat of satin varnish is applied to the edges and allowed to dry before using a sharpie to colour the edges black to simulate caulking.
     
    I've started with the centre line of the deck and gradually working my way out towards the margin planks. The margins are not yet glued in place as I want to be able to cut the nibbles and 'caulk' the margins outside of the ship before fixing in place.
     

     
    Made a start on nibbling the foremost margin plank on the starboard side. Using test deck planks for the moment, but got the first three nibbles cut in place. Used a heavy duty x-acto blade and VERY carefully cut the nibble. I used the test planks to mark the two points at which the deck plank 'intercepts' the margin to mark out the size of cuts to make. The test planks were then shaped to fit for a final check on the shape. Minor adjustments made using a needle file.
     
    Happy so far with the process but it is quite stressful the more nibbles are cut as there is more work to lose if an error is made. If in doubt, cut less and then file to shape.....!
     
    Once all the nibbles are finalised for each margin plank, it will be varnished, 'caulked' and glued in place. The proper deck pieces can then be cut to fit and glued in.
     

  22. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Dee_Dee in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Some good progress on deck planking last night.
     
    I'm using 120mm deck planks, sanded to size and to give a smooth finish, then a coat of satin varnish is applied to the edges and allowed to dry before using a sharpie to colour the edges black to simulate caulking.
     
    I've started with the centre line of the deck and gradually working my way out towards the margin planks. The margins are not yet glued in place as I want to be able to cut the nibbles and 'caulk' the margins outside of the ship before fixing in place.
     

     
    Made a start on nibbling the foremost margin plank on the starboard side. Using test deck planks for the moment, but got the first three nibbles cut in place. Used a heavy duty x-acto blade and VERY carefully cut the nibble. I used the test planks to mark the two points at which the deck plank 'intercepts' the margin to mark out the size of cuts to make. The test planks were then shaped to fit for a final check on the shape. Minor adjustments made using a needle file.
     
    Happy so far with the process but it is quite stressful the more nibbles are cut as there is more work to lose if an error is made. If in doubt, cut less and then file to shape.....!
     
    Once all the nibbles are finalised for each margin plank, it will be varnished, 'caulked' and glued in place. The proper deck pieces can then be cut to fit and glued in.
     

  23. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from Aussie048 in HMS Ballahoo by jim_smits - FINISHED - Caldercraft   
    Some good progress on deck planking last night.
     
    I'm using 120mm deck planks, sanded to size and to give a smooth finish, then a coat of satin varnish is applied to the edges and allowed to dry before using a sharpie to colour the edges black to simulate caulking.
     
    I've started with the centre line of the deck and gradually working my way out towards the margin planks. The margins are not yet glued in place as I want to be able to cut the nibbles and 'caulk' the margins outside of the ship before fixing in place.
     

     
    Made a start on nibbling the foremost margin plank on the starboard side. Using test deck planks for the moment, but got the first three nibbles cut in place. Used a heavy duty x-acto blade and VERY carefully cut the nibble. I used the test planks to mark the two points at which the deck plank 'intercepts' the margin to mark out the size of cuts to make. The test planks were then shaped to fit for a final check on the shape. Minor adjustments made using a needle file.
     
    Happy so far with the process but it is quite stressful the more nibbles are cut as there is more work to lose if an error is made. If in doubt, cut less and then file to shape.....!
     
    Once all the nibbles are finalised for each margin plank, it will be varnished, 'caulked' and glued in place. The proper deck pieces can then be cut to fit and glued in.
     

  24. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from egkb in HM Schooner Ballahoo by egkb - FINISHED - Caldercraft - 1:64 Scale - First Proper Wood Build   
    But looking good btw....!
  25. Like
    jim_smits got a reaction from egkb in HM Schooner Ballahoo by egkb - FINISHED - Caldercraft - 1:64 Scale - First Proper Wood Build   
    If you thought that was scary you've still got nibbling to go yet......
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