bhermann

Time to Start Making Sails
 
So, it’s time to start sewing sails!  The last time I sewed anything was to put a button on a shirt and that was a long time ago!  I didn’t think that experience would be much help toward this endeavor.  My wife got a sewing machine as a wedding gift.  In the past 40+ years, I know she’s made a few things, but it’s not something she would say she has any expertise in.  When I told her I needed to sew sails for this model I’ve been building, she pointed toward the corner of the basement and ‘said there’s the machine…good luck!’  She did show me how to perform some basic functions.  Being an analytical type of guy, I found a PDF of the original manual for our sewing machine model.  Between my one lesson with my wife, studying the manual and practicing on some scrap material, I gained enough confidence to try making my first sail.
 
I’ve mentioned numerous times that I’ve relied quite heavily on the website of Suburban Ship Modeler’s Bluenose build.  I have to give his website a ton of credit for helping me through this first ship build.  He described the exact same experience I had when it came time to sew sails.  He mentioned two things that made a lot of sense to me.  First, he purchased some extra sail cloth material from Model Shipways!  Sounds like a great idea…check, did that!  Second, he said he started on the Jumbo Jib Sail because it is small compared to the main sail or fore sail and if you messed up, you could start over without wasting a lot of material.  It took me 3 tries to get something that I felt was acceptable.
 
Between what I learned from SSM and from my own trials & errors, here is the method I ended up using to make my sails.  Each sail I made; I got a little bit better.  For me, getting the size of the sail just right is the hardest part!
 
 
MY PROCEDURE FOR MAKING SAILS
1.       Preparing the sail cloth – Wash, dry and iron the sail cloth before starting to work with it.  The cloth will shrink quite a bit and you will get rid of a bunch of initial frayed edges.
2.       Make a Tracing Paper Template – for each sail I made a paper template to get the size right.  There are differences between the plans and the size/shape of my ship.  Start out by laying tracing paper over the blueprint plans.  I marked each corner and a point in between the long side of the sail.  Use a ruler to draw lines between the marks to create the outline.  On some sails you have to trace any curved lines. 
 
Below: Making the template on tracing paper from the plans.  I started highlighting the outline of the sail on the plans to make it easier to see

 
3.       Make a Paper Template Using Carbon Paper – Next, I use the tracing paper template on top of a piece of copy paper with carbon paper sandwiched in between to make a paper version.  Paper clip the 3 layers together.  For the larger sails, I had to tape some paper together to make it big enough.  I used a ruler & my ball tip stylus to draw lines between the marks to create the outline on the paper.  Cut out the paper template.  Position the paper in place on the ship for the sail.  Adjust the size as necessary to fit the boom, gaff or stay line.  The hardest thing is to get the paper sail properly in position.
 
Below: Looking left to right; Completed paper template, Carbon paper, Tracing paper template taken from plans

 
 
4.       Mark the Sail Cloth – transfer the paper template marks to the sail cloth using a fabric marker.  Use corner point and mid-point dots to provide positioning of straight lines with a ruler.  Use the fabric marker to complete the outline from the paper template.  Next, I make a second line approximately 5/32” outside of the main outline.  This is for folding and sewing the hem.  Make a 3rd outer line for cutting out the sail cloth about 3/4“ from the 1st line. 
 
Below: Sail cloth outlined with the fabric marker and cut out around the third outline

 
5.       IMPORTANT: be sure to place the marker lines on the “display side”.  The excess cloth for the hem should fold over to the “non-display side”.  My display side is the Port Side, so the hem needed to be on the starboard side.
6.       Cut out the Sail – I use a rotary cutting tool to cut around the 3rd outline edge.  This cut doesn’t have to be perfect.  Cut a notch in each corner for folding the hem.
7.       Sewing – Fold over the hem line toward the starboard side.  Pin the cloth between the 5/32” line and the outside edge.  Make sure there is enough clearance for the sewing machine “foot”.  I used a “natural” color thread because I didn’t want my stitches to stand out too much.  I thought darker thread would show mistakes too easily.  Start stitching on the sewing machine.  Run forward then reverse to secure each end.  Use a short stitch length to maintain the proper scale on the ship.  After one side is stitched, cut off the extra cloth real close to the hem stitch with sharp scissors.  Move on to the next side and repeat for each edge.
 
Below: Hem on the edge of the sail after cutting off the excess cloth from near the hem

 
8.       Sewing Strip Lines – Sails on ships do not come in 1 huge piece of cloth.  Strips of cloth are stitched together.  The plans show the pattern for these stitches on each sail.  Use the same stitch type to put in the strip lines across each sail.  I drew in the strip lines with the fabric marker following the pattern in the plans.  I started just inside the hem.  I made the strip lines about 3/8” apart.
 
Below: Sewing the strip lines along the fabric marker lines

 
9.       Reef Bands – The main & fore sail also have 2 reef bands each.  I read that these are used to shorten the sail in rough weather.  I ran this right over the strip lines.  I used a zig-zag type stitch to make the wider looking railroad track pattern.  A 1-inch-long rope is inserted through the sail along the reef band. These are inserted where the strip line crosses the reef band.  I use a darker “Driftwood” thread for these to get a little more contrast.  I used some fabric glue to hold the ends flat against the sail.  I also used fabric glue around the hem line & corners to secure the stich ends.  This also helps prevent fraying at the ends of the cloth, which seemed to happen quite easily.
 
Below: Completed reef bands stitched over the strip lines

 
10.   Corner Brass Rings – Hand sew a small brass ring in almost every corner of the sail for attaching the halliards and sheets.  Check the plans to see where they are required.  There are a few corners that are not attached this way.
 
Below:  Hand sewing in the brass corner rings.  Note the ropes inserted into the reef band

 
11.   Hanks – hanks hold the jib sails to the stay rigging lines.  I used small rings made from the Artistic Wire.  See the separate section below for the procedure I use to make them.  Attach them to the long side of the sail by making a hole along the edge with a needle and slipping the hank into the hole.
 
Below: Hanks attached to the Jib Sail

 
12.   Finishing touches – Trim any loose threads.  I iron the sail again to get it flat and smooth.  Use a wet cloth or sponge to remove any leftover fabric marker.  Your sail is now ready to rig to the ship!
 
Below: The completed Fore Sail, including reef bands and corner rings


 
PROCEDURE FOR MAKING SPLIT RINGS USED FOR HANKS & CORNER RINGS
 
1.       Start with a length of 3/32” brass tube, a length of .025” brass wire and some pliers

 
2.       Wrap the wire around the 3/32” brass tube real tight

 
3.       Slip the coil of wire off the tube and cut it up one side with flush cut wire cutters

 
4.        You will end up with a bunch of split rings.  I then file the ends smooth and bend them into a neat ring shape

 
My next post will be specifically about making and installing the Jumbo Jib Sail.

After some sanding the gate turned out fair.

Completing Topmast Shrouds & Stays
 
I’m working extra hard to get caught up with my posts.  Currently, I am almost done with the sails!  Only 3 more to go.  I would like to complete the finished build log at the same time as I finish my Bluenose!
 
High-Level Pre-Rigging Plan steps
10.          GLUE the TOPMASTS permanently
11.          Fully Rig the Topmast Shrouds & Lifts (Topmast shrouds come before stays in the order at the top of both masts)
12.          Install all the Lower & Topmast Stays, except jibs (Pullback, Main Topmast and Flying Backstays)
13.          Install Ratlines for Topmasts
 
Now that the lower mast shrouds have been fully rigged, we can move on to the Topmasts.  I had attached the mast hoops to the topmasts in pre-rig step 6.  I tied a slice of rubber band to the topmast to hold the mast hoops in place.  This must be done before attaching the topmasts.  Now it’s time to glue the topmast into the trestle tree assembly on the lower mast.  The fit for the topmast on both the fore and main was pretty snug for me.  With the topmasts set in place, all I had to do was add a few drops of CA glue in the joints around the trestle trees, iron gates and mast caps.
 
Futtock Shrouds
There is one more thing that needs to be done, and I wish I had done this earlier.  The “Futtock Shrouds” need to be added to the main mast.  These are 4 pieces of brass wire that start as eyebolts above the trestle tree on the main mast only.  An eye needs to be formed in the top of the wire.  Then the wire end goes through the large spreader in the holes I made when the spreader was built.  The wires are bent toward the mast and then around the U-shaped hoops in the futtock band.  This was a more difficult task to accomplish at this point in time due to all of the other stuff that is now in the way.  But I managed to get them installed.  Although I accidently pulled out one of those u-shaped pieces while twisting and pulling on the futtock wires!  In hind-sight, I should have added these when I finished the trestle tree.  “Note to self” for future builds?
 
Below: Futtock Shrouds added to the main mast trestle tree

 
 
Attach Topmasts and install shrouds/spreaders
Fore Mast Spreader Lifts
1.       I started with the Fore Mast.  Here the shrouds are called “Spreader Lifts”.  Lanyards are used to attach these spreader lifts to the eyebolts on the wood spreaders.
2.       Use the medium weight 0.021 black line.  Loop this rope through the eyes on the Spring stay bail at the top of the mast cap.  I determined the length required to go from the eyebolt to where the lanyard will begin.
3.       I made a seized loop on one end of the rope and used some fine wire to temporarily attach it to the eyebolt at the length required for the lanyard. Then I laced the other end through the eyebolt and seized that end in place on the mast.
4.       A lanyard connects the loop end to the eyes on the spreader.  I started by tying a knot to the eyebolt.  Then laced the 0.008” tan rope around 2 – 3 times and tied it off on the eyebolt with another knot.  The same steps were used to tie the lanyard on the other side.
5.       The port side was installed the same way
 
Below: Port & Starboard Spreader Lifts prepared for adding ratlines

 
6.       Ratlines are attached between these 4 lines (P/S) similar to the lower shrouds
 
Below: Port side ratlines attached.  The top was seized to hold it snug to the eyebolt

 
Below: Starboard side same as the port

 
 
7.       Attach the final topmast shroud on the fore mast.  This starts at the top of the mast and runs through the brass clip at the ends of each large spreader, ending at the smaller deadeye on the main rail.
 
Below: Seizing the fore topmast shroud

 
Below: Fore topmast shroud lays over the shoulder that was carved at the top of the fore mast

 
Below: Shroud passes through the brass clips on the large spreader tips

 
Below: The fore topmast shrouds are laced to the small deadeyes on the main rail

 
Main Topmast Shrouds
1.       The Main topmast shrouds are the same as the fore mast with a couple of exceptions
a.       All 4 shrouds start at the top of the mainmast
b.       The lanyard is a little longer
c.       A Sheer pole is added for the main mast only
d.       Ratlines only go about half way up the topmast
2.       Use the 0.021 black line.  Loop the lines around the top of the topmast and seize them together.  I did this off the ship and made the hole just wide enough to slip it over the gilded ball & truck.  An eye splice is used on the lower end of each line.  A lanyard ties the loop end to the eyes on the spreader.  The lanyards connect the lower eye splices to the eyebolts on the spreader
3.       Make & install a Sheer pole in the same manner as with the lower shrouds.
4.       Ratlines are attached between these 4 lines (P/S).  I put in 13 ratlines to get to the same height as shown on the plans
5.       Attach the final topmast shroud which runs through the clip at the ends of each large spreader and ending at a deadeye near the deck.  Same process as with the fore mast
 
Install Pullback Stay, Main Topmast Stay and Flying Backstays
According to the kit plans there is a specific order to the stack of ropes at the top of each topmast.  Here is the order with the highest one being at the top of the list and then working down:
 
Rigging Order at the Top of the Fore Topmast
1.)    Pullback Stay (highest one)
2.)    Balloon Jib Stay
3.)    Topmast Spreader Shroud
 
Rigging Order at the Top of the Main Topmast
1.)    Flying Backstays (highest ones)
2.)    Main Topmast Stay
3.)    All 3 Topmast Shrouds
 
Now that both of the topmast shrouds and ratlines have been completed, we can install the next layers of stays at the top of both topmasts.  It’s very important not to pull the masts out of alignment with the installation of these stays.  At the same time these lines help keep the masts in place as we continue with the rest of the rigging.
 
Balloon Jib Stay – This stay runs from the top of the fore topmast to the end of the bowsprit.  A seized 0.028” black line is prepared off -ship for slipping over the ball & truck.  It ends at the front band on the bowsprit where it is connected with a shackle.  I did not permanently attach this because we have to slip the Hanks onto this line when the balloon jib sail is installed
 
Pullback Stay – The Pullback Stay runs from the top of the Fore Topmast to the link on the Main Mast Cap.  A seized 0.021” black line is prepared off-ship for slipping over the ball & truck on the fore topmast.  An eye splice is connected with a tan 0.008" lanyard to the small link on the side of the main mast cap. 
 
Main Topmast Stay – Similar to the pullback stay, the main topmast stay runs from the top of the main topmast to the fore mast cap.  A seized 0.021” black line is prepared off-ship for slipping over the ball & truck on the main topmast.  An eye splice is connected with a tan 0.008” lanyard to the small link on the side of the fore mast cap. 
 
Below: Pic of the Stays between the fore and main masts and also the Balloon Jib Stay

 
Below: Closer picture of the stays between the fore and main masts.  Also the upper pendants for the Flying Backstays

 
Flying Backstays – These are a lot more complicated than the other stays we’ve installed.  There are two of these, one each on the port & starboard sides of the main boom.  There are 3 parts to each one.
a.       Upper Pendant - The Flying Backstay starts as the highest rope above the band on the top of the main topmast.  Use one long black 0.028” line that is seized together to form pendants on the port and starboard sides.  An eye splice is connected to a 5/32” double block at the end of these lines.
b.       Middle Tackle - A tackle is rigged with tan 0.021” line.  At the lower end of the tackle a 5/32” single block is double stropped with an S-hook on the bottom side and the tan rigging line seized to the top side.  This line is laced between the single block and the double block on the upper pendant.  The fall goes to belaying pins 44 & 45.
c.       Lower Pendant - A short piece of black 0.021” rope forms another lower pendant.  It has the S-hook attached at the top.  The bottom end is connected to eyebolts that are glued to the deck.  I seized the eyebolts to the bottom end of this pendant and glued this rig to the deck by the eyebolts.
 
I slipped the S-hook out of the tackle block and left the lower pendant laying on the deck.  I coiled up the tackles, labelled them and set them aside.  The upper pendants were coiled up and left hanging at the top of the mast so I could work on the main sail more freely.
 
Below: The tackle & lower pendant rigging at the aft part of the ship for the Flying Backstays

 
This concludes the “Pre-Rigging” and Shrouds stage of my build.  Next up is making and installing the sails.  As each sail is installed there are pre-rigged ropes and new rigging that is connect to the sails that will be permanently set in place. This is the final stage of my build!!

Completing Lower Shrouds & Deadeyes
 
High-Level Pre-Rigging Plan steps
5.       Rig the deadeyes for the lower shrouds
6.       Install Sheer Poles, Ratlines & Running Lights for Lower Masts
 
Here are the steps I used to install the Deadeyes on the lower shrouds.
 
1.       Prepare the kit provided deadeyes
a.       First step is to cut the heart-shaped deadeyes from their laser cut sheet wood.  Some modelers buy 3rd party deadeyes. I used the ones from the kit.  There are two sizes.  18 Large Oval Deadeyes are found on 3/32” Thick set “E”.  A set of 6 smaller 1/16” are found on “F”.  These are for the topmast shrouds.  I prepped both at the same time.
b.        A groove was filed around the outside of all the deadeyes.  I learned that without this it is difficult to keep the shroud from slipping out of the deadeye.
c.       Finally, the deadeyes were stained using Minwax Natural.  This is the same as I used on the chainplate deadeyes that were attached to the railings quite a while back.
 
Below: Oval Deadeye pinned down to cork board to cut the groove with a file

 
2.       Rig the oval shaped deadeyes to the shrouds
a.       A “Lanyard” is used to lace the deadeyes together.  It is important to maintain the same distance between them so they all look even when done.  The kit instructions suggest a wire jig.  I took some of my Artistic Wire and twisted them to make this jig.  I carefully measured the distance and bent the 4 wire ends at a 90-degree angle.  I added a little extra length so that there is room to tighten the lanyard and end up with the correct height.
 
Below: Pic of the first shroud getting lined up using the wire jig

Below: Here is a later pic from the topsail shroud that shows the jig more clearly!

 
b.       The shroud is wrapped around the upper deadeye and I used plastic clips to hold it in place.  The shroud is wrapped with seizing in two places.  The space in between will be where the “Sheer Pole” is tied in place.  Keep this space level and consistent across the deadeyes.
c.       My seized wraps got better as I went.  I got the best results by counting the number of rows in the wrap.  I first tied an overhand knot tight to keep the thread tight against the top of the deadeye.  I left one end of the seizing rope long and the other end shorter.   The long rope I wrapped 4 more times going up and then 5 times back down.  I tied the longer line that was used to wrap with an overhand knot with the short end when I got back to the bottom.  I kept this knot facing the center of the ship to help hide it.
d.       The knot was secured with a small bit of CA glue to make sure it did not come apart.  The jig was removed.  I let the glue on that one dry while I worked on the next one.  Then I snipped the loose ends off
 
Below: Seizing finished on one of the deadeyes

 
3.       Lacing the “Lanyards” on the deadeyes
a.       When I first looked at how to lace the lanyards, I thought it looked very complicated.  But, it’s actually pretty simple.  The plans call for 0.008” line.  I never used the kit supplied .008”.  It seemed really flimsy.  I bought some spools of thread from the local fabric store that looked to be about the same weight.  I always use beeswax on all my rope.  For one thing, it helps the lines stick together while you’re tying them.
b.       Start out by making a wall knot in one end of a length of the line.  I apply a touch of CA and snip off the loose end.
c.       Then, looking at the pair of deadeyes, insert the other end through the right-hand hole in the upper deadeye from the back and pull it until the knot is flush with the deadeye.
d.       Now go in the front side of the right-hand hole in the lower deadeye.  Next come through the back of the middle hole in the upper, down to the middle hole in the front of the lower.
e.       Come up to through the back of the left-hand hole of the upper and back down to the front of the hole on the lower left-hand side.  So you’re always working upper to lower; lower to upper; right to left
f.        Now comes the tricky part.  You are supposed to wrap the end around the bottom seizing, just above the top deadeye.  I tied it off in the back to hide the knot.
g.       Finish off with a touch of CA to hold the knot.  Snip off the loose end when dry.
 
Below: Completed deadeyes with their lanyards

 
4.       Installing the Sheer Poles and Ratlines
a.       I read that Bluenose sometimes had ratlines across 3 shrouds and at other times all four.  Personally, I think that ratlines = sailing ship!  They are a significant feature of a sailing vessel.  A lot of modelers install 3.  I decided that I wanted to go across all four shrouds!  Even though that means tying a bunch more knots!!
b.       The first thing that needs to be done is to install the “Sheer Poles”.  This is a metal bar that is tied to the shrouds just above the deadeyes.  It sits in the space between the two seized ropes on the shrouds.  I made these from a length of brass rod.  I painted them with black enamel.  Once dry, I tied them to the shrouds with black thread and secured the knot with a dot of CA glue.
 
Below: Sheer Pole installed between the seizing ropes on the shrouds

 
c.       Installing the ratlines is simply a matter of tying over 550 knots!  I don’t know if the knots are technically called a half hitch?  I quickly got into a good technique for tying them.  I was able to make 6 ratlines per hour, once I got going!  Here are some tips:
           i.      Start from the bottom and work up
          ii.      Tie each knot the same way to keep them looking consistent
          iii.      Take the vertical distance between ratlines off the plans.  I used a small ruler and checked that they were even, after completing the row
          iv.      I waxed a long piece of thread and then cut a batch of 12 – 15 lengths at a time
          v.      Be careful to keep the tension between the knots consistent so the shrouds are not pulled or pushed unevenly
          vi.      Once a row is in place, I checked to see if they were level (also periodically checked with an actual level)
         vii.      Apply some CA glue to hold the knots.  The CA also helped to stiffen the lines and make the whole assembly feel more secure
         viii.      Once I had about 5 or so done, I would go back and trim the excess off the ends
 
Below: Ratlines installed on port foremast shrouds

Below: Reached the top of the lower shrouds with ratlines.  Ends not trimmed yet.

 
5.       Construct & Install the Running Lights
a.       The running lights on Bluenose were made with lanterns that were attached to a back board.  The back board was painted green for the starboard and red for the port side.  These were tied to the shrouds on the fore mast.
b.       The lanterns are provided as cast pieces in the kit.  These need to be cleaned up and painted.
c.       The backboards are made from strip wood.  I took the measurements off the plans and found suitable size pieces of strip wood in the kit.  These were cut to size and sanded to round off the corners.  I drilled a couple of pairs of holes with a pin vise and inserted some fine wire to tie them to the shrouds.  They were painted with black, red & green paint as can be seen below.
 
Below: Running lights ready to be attached to the fore mast shrouds

Below: Port side running light is red

Below: Starboard side running light is green

 

Thank you cisco.  Thank you, Johann--your model is extraordinary, and I can only aspire to the accuracy and detail that you are able to accomplish!
 
I have been working--very slowly.
 
First, I realized that I need to remove the carronades to make the breeching ropes.  Unfortunately, I had glued them to the deck!!  Fortune smiled though, and the upper part of the carriages were NOT glued to the lower bed (except for one), and I was able to remove the carronades--
 
 
Here they are, with breeching ropes partly done.  They need to have the correct knot and iron ring attached to each end of the rope.  The first five (including the one carronade that I had to forcibly remove from the deck) are done.  Beyond those are the rest which have the first end done, then the line threaded through the breeching ring, and the beginning loop of the second knot lightly glued to hold it for seizing--

 
This is my method for completing the breeching knot after the first seizing is done.  Using a short piece of line, and tweezers, form a simple overhand knot--
 

Get it oriented correctly--

Position it at the right spot and pull it tighter--

Finish up by giving it a good tug--

 
The loose ends are then wrapped a turn around, and glued with a dab of white glue.  After dry, the ends are snipped close.  It's a shortcut, I know, but looks fine.
 
Now the carronades can be reinstalled, and the eyelets glued into predrilled holes (done many years ago now!!) in the bulwarks--
 



 
Next, I will need to make about 30 more of these training tackles--

 
Closing with a couple photos of Oneida--


 
Ron
 
 
 

Miscellaneous Pre-Rig Steps Before Lower Shrouds & Deadeyes are Installed
 
High-Level Pre-Rigging Plan
3.       Pre-rig the Spring Stay, Jib Stay and Jumbo Jib Stay on the lower mast caps
4.       Pre-rig blocks, fairleads, eyebolts on lower masts, bowsprit & deck for sail halliards/downhauls.
5.       GLUE the LOWER MASTS (Not the topmasts, to leave room to work on lower shrouds)
 
Spring Stay – can be permanently attached at this time.  Use 0.028 Black rope.  Seize the fore end to the spring stay on the fore mast cap.  Seize the aft end to the spring stay on the main mast cap.  These must be seized in place.  I cut the rope longer then needed and use some small plastic clips to hold the ropes together while wrapping the seizing.
 
Sorry for the out-of-focus pic below.  That top rope is the spring stay!

Below: close-up of the foremast end of the spring stay in process of seizing.  The other end was similar.
Notice the miscellaneous blocks I attached here and elsewhere around the ship as part of pre-rigging.

 
Jumbo Jib Stay – cannot be permanently attached until the Jumbo Jib Sail is attached.  The stay must be slipped through the “Hanks” (brass wire split rings) on the edge of the sail, when it is time to be rigged.  However, we can pre-rig this stay to the top of the lower mast head.  Here are the steps I used:
1.       There are 2 ropes for the jumbo jib stay.  Start with the upper rope, which is called the “Bridle”.  Use 0.028” black line.  Cut a sufficient amount based on the plans and some rough measurements.
2.       The bridle wraps around the fore mast just above the trestle tree.  Only about 1 inch of rope is required between the trestle tree and the end of the bridle.  It rests on either side of the iron gate on the front of the trestle tree.  The top of the rope that wraps around the mast must be served.
3.       The two rope ends are connected with eye splices to a shackle.  I made up a shackle using my usual procedure (see post # 27 in this topic)
 
Below: My hand crafted shackle and the mini-bolt and nut used to close the open end 

 
4.       The lower end requires us to make a custom piece of hardware called the Jumbo Jib Stay Bail.  This is a brass saddle that straddles the bowsprit and is anchored to the deck.  According to the plans, it is attached to the deck using 2 shackles.  I did not see how I could make this very well, so I made mine a little different.
a.       I cut a piece of the kit supplied brass strip and bent it in a U shape so it fit around the bowsprit while sitting on the deck.
b.       I soldered a short piece of brass tubing on top.  I filled the gaps between the tube and the strip with solder to simulate the shape shown in the plans.  See pic below
c.       I replaced the shackles on the bottom ends with 2 pieces of 0.032” brass rod.  I soldered these so they formed pins that could be inserted into the deck to hold the bail in place.
d.       I used some brass enamel paint on the finished bail to cover the solder.
e.       I used the pin vise to make holes on either side of the bowsprit and glued the bail down
 
Below: completed Jumbo Jib Stay Bail

 
5.       I made an eye splice on one end of a 0.028” length of black line for lower rope #2.  This was inserted into the shackle at the end of the bridle.  The entire rig was coiled up and labelled for later.
 
Jib Stay – this too cannot be permanently attached until the Jib Sail is attached to it.  This one is pretty simple.  The upper end of the stay is seized to a shackle.  The shackle connects the stay to the jib stay bail at the top of the fore mast.  Later it will be seized to another shackle on a ring near the end of the bowsprit.  For now, it is coiled up and labelled for later.
 
Lower Masts – glued in place.  Theoretically, the masts do not need to be glued at all.  The rigging should hold them in place.  But this being my first model ship, I decided to make sure they were well secured and unable to move around while I’m doing the sails and rigging.

Pre-rigging the Lower Mast Shrouds:
 
In the last two posts I covered "High-Level Pre-rigging" Step #2: Booms & Gaffs.  On to Step, #3: Pre-rig both the fore & main lower mast shrouds.  FYI, here is a partial re-print from my plan that I covered in Post #46.
 
My High-Level Plan for doing Pre-Rigging
1.       Work from the Deck upward (booms then gaffs).  And inside-out from masts to railings
2.       Pre-rig the running rigging (sheets, tackles, lifts) on the Main Boom, Fore Boom, Jumbo Jib boom, Main & Fore Gaffs.  Temporarily rig the boom or gaff to the mast, one at a time.  Make the rigging lines for each spar and on the deck.  Remove the boom/gaff, coil up and label each rig.
3.       Pre-rig the lower mast shrouds at the top.  Coil them up for later.
4.       Pre-rig the Spring Stay, Jib Stay and Jumbo Jib Stay on the lower mast caps.  Coil for later.
                                                      And continuing…
 
The shrouds hold the masts up from the port & starboard sides of the ship.  Some of the heaviest ropes are used for this on the ship.  The ropes are “served” where they wrap around the top of the lower mast head.  Serving minimizes the wear & tear on the shrouds from rubbing against the masts.  Serving is basically wrapping a smaller rope around a larger rope to create a sleeve around it.  I bought the Syren Serve-O-Matic to make this job easier.  You don’t need this tool to wrap thread around the shroud, but it makes it go a lot faster and produces a nice tight & clean appearance.
 
Here are the steps I used to pre-rig the Shrouds:
 1. Measure the amount of 0.028 black rope required, add some extra for seizing around the deadeyes later, and then cut.  As always, apply beeswax.
2. Find the middle of the line, measure how far the serving is required and tag it there (I tie a small piece of thread on either side of the middle)
3. Use the Serve-O-Matic to serve the rope in the measured area
4. Wrap the rope around the lower mast above the Trestle Tree
5. Remove the mast from the ship and secure it in the rigging jig.  Seize the 2 ropes together.  The lines then run down between the spreaders
6. Coil the pair of lines up for use later
 
LOWER SHROUD SEQUENCE:  First wrap lines 1 and 2 around the mast, seize them together.  I started with the starboard side.  Then do the same with 1 and 2 on the port side.  Shroud 1 should always be the first one facing the bow.  Alternate sides.  Repeat the same sequence for 3 and 4.  Shroud 4 should be the last line facing the stern on both sides.
 
Below is my sketch showing the sequencing of the shrouds:
1 & 2 are the same line wrapped around the mast and then seized to make two shrouds.  3 & 4 are similar.
I installed 1 & 2 on the starboard side first.  Then alternate them as shown below.

Serving the rope on the Serve-O-Matic.  The excess line is coiled up on either side.  There is a handle on the right side for turning the rope while you hold the thread with your left hand.

Below: The completed shroud after serving

Below is the fore mast held in my rigging jig with some wire while I seize the two lines.  When done the lines are threaded into the space between the spreaders and the brass rod.  Alternate sides with each pair of shrouds.

The below pic was taken later when I was installing the ratlines.  But this is a good view of the 4 shrouds sitting in their position in the trestle tree.  If I were to do it over, I would have stopped the serving rope a little shorter then I did so there was more space for another ratline or two.

Pre-rigging the Main Gaff & How I Make S-Hooks
 
How I Make My S-Hooks
A lot of S-Hooks are used on the ship.  If you are interested in a method for making them, I thought I would share mine.  First off, you have to purchase a pair of round nose pliers.  I did not buy them until later.  I was trying to use needle nose pliers and having all kinds of trouble because the loop was not round and it was too big!  Since I had so much difficulty to start, I thought there might be other newbies out there struggling like I was!!  So, here is how I do it now…
 
1.       Cut a ¾” piece of the 0.025” Artistic Wire to begin.  Grasp one end in the pliers.  You can increase the size of the loop you want by moving the position deeper into the plier.  Push the wire around the nose of the plier until it is almost completely around, but not quite.  Pic #2 shows what it looks like after bending in my new favorite pliers.
 
Bending the wire to make the first loop:

After the first loop formed:

 
2.       I then switch to the type of pliers shown below.  Place the loop end into the tip of the pliers so it is laying in the grooves with the loop almost touching the side of the pliers.  Press the loop side down gently on something hard.  I use a small piece of red oak wood.  This bends the loop so it sits straight on top of the rest of the wire.
 
Wire in position in the regular pliers:

Bending the loop end back to center it over the straight part:

After bending the first loop back:

 
3.       Place the straight end back in the round nose pliers and using your fingers, push the wire back the opposite direction of the first loop.  You will end up with the following.
 
Wire back in round nose pliers positioned to make the second loop:

 
After the second loop is formed:

 
4.       Cut the excess off right where it reaches the first loop with flush cut wire cutters.  Adjust the loops a bit more as needed to get the loops the size and shape you require.  This method was such an improvement that I re-made most of my previous s-hooks!
 
Completed S-Hook and the straight end that was removed:

 
Pre-rigging the Main Gaff
The Halliards on the gaffs are two of the most complex riggings on the ship.  In a previous post I mentioned that I need to draw the rigging set up to visualize what I need to do and to get the details right.  This was especially true here. Perhaps you don't need this to do your rigging, but it helped me!  All the cross-outs for the belaying points were caused by the error in the blueprint plans (see notes in step 1) as I was trying to figure things out.
 
Here is a pic of my sketch for the Fore/Main Throat Halliard:

 
1.       The Main Throat Halliard holds up the fore end of the Main Gaff.  It attaches to the Crane at the top and has a long run of rope that drops straight down to the deck on the port side.  The starboard side forms a pendant that connects to a tackle that attaches to the main rail.  [I believe the belaying pin identified on the Belaying Plan in the kit blueprint is incorrect for this rig.  Belaying pin #23 should be “Main Throat Halliard” not “Peak”.  Peak should be on #22.  It has to be this way in order for the fairleads (on opposite sides of the trestle tree) to work properly for the Main Peak Halliard!]
Here are the notes from my rigging plan…
a.       Working down from the Crane -> Link -> Triple Block -> Double Block -> two long S-hooks -> two eyebolts on the gaff jaws.  This line needs to be long enough to cover all the Blocks involved
b.       Tackle Side: on the starboard side, comes more than halfway down to a 1/8" Dbl Blk that is roped to another 1/8" Dbl Blk below it which is connected to an eyebolt on the main rail.  The free end is tied off to belaying pin #34 on the main rail.
c.       Straight Side: On the port side of the ship, the halliard line runs straight down to the deck, right next to the main mast.  A 1/4" Sgl Blk is hooked to an eyebolt on the deck, and the line passes through the Blk and gets tied off to belaying pin #23 on the fife rail.
 
Stropping the triple block at the gaff jaws with long hooks:

Stropping the 2 double blocks for the tackle rig:

Seizing the double block to the end of the halliard pendant:

Completed Pre-rigged Main Throat Halliard;

Finished Throat Halliard labelled and secured until needed for final rigging step:

2.       The Main Peak Halliard holds the aft end of the Main Gaff.  This too is one of the more complex rigs on the ship.  6 blocks need to be stropped and prepared for this rig.
a.       Preparing the Blocks:  4 - 1/4" Sgl Blks are attached to bands on the main mast using an S Hook that is seized to the Block.  3 - 1/4"  Sgl Blks are attached with 0.021 black rigging line (called "Bridles") to the gaff. These lines loop around the gaff, the cleats keep these lines from slipping. The Blocks should move freely on the black bridle lines.  The bridle assembly sits on top of the gaff.
b.       At this point the ends of the rig are the mirror image of the Throat Halliard.
c.       The peak halliard line is 0.021 tan rope. Run this thru both sets of Blocks first. Start w/ the lowest Blk on the mast and zig-zag bottom to top.  This line needs to be centered in the blocks with enough line to cover the distance.
d.       Both ends of the halliard need to run through the fairleads on the ends of the spreader
e.       Tackle Side: this is the end that exits the lower block on the mast bands.  The upper pendant is rigged the same as the Throat Halliard, between the 2 - 1/8" Dbl Blks.  Except this time, it's on the Port side railing.  The loose end will be belayed to pin #35 when final rigging is completed.
f.        Straight Side: On the starboard side of the ship, the halliard line runs straight down to the deck, right next to the main mast.  A 1/4" Sgl Blk is hooked to an eyebolt on the deck, and the line passes through the Block and gets tied off to belaying pin #22 on the fife rail.
g.       Storing the rig for later:  When done, I left the blocks and halliard on the gaff.  I removed the blocks on the mast and left them hanging from the gaff.  I did not connect the upper block on the tackle to the halliard line.  This was necessary so we can thread the halliard through the fairlead on the spreader at the time of the final rigging.  On the straight side, I did not attach the lower block to the deck.  I left it hanging loose at the end of the halliard so this line could also be threaded through the fairlead.
 
I used my jig to seize the "bridles" to the gaff behind each cleat:

A Sneak Peek at the completed rigging on the Main Peak Halliard:

 

I've got another new post ready as I'm catching up on work that has been completed.
 
Pre-rigging the Main Boom
1.       While the boom was loose, I attached two pieces of rigging that can remain on the boom throughout.  First, I attached the 2 Footropes.  These are made with 0.008 black rigging line.  They are connected using eye splices.  They run from the eyebolts on the boom sheet band to the eyebolts on either side of the end band.
 
2.       Second, was my first piece of real running rigging; the Main Boom Tackle.  This is attached under the boom.  This also can be done off the ship.  Both the footropes and this entire assembly can be left on the boom when completed.  I have a few pictures of the stropped blocks that were required.  As this was very early on, the process I used was a bit different than what I described above.  This rigging consists of a single & a double block that are attached on the fore end with a Hook and the aft end with an S-hook and a link to a band.  The line gets tied off at the eyebolt on the port side of the main boom jaws.  I have a few good pics that show how I made this.
 
Below: Aft end of main boom tackle showing link -> hook -> seized double block

Finished Main Boom Tackle.  It actually gets tied off at the eyebolt on the port side jaw near the mast, not the cleat as shown below!

 
3.       I then “temporarily” attached the main boom to the mast.  We have to be able to remove the booms & gaffs to attach the sails later on.  I inserted some fine picture hanging wire through the holes at the end of the gaff jaws to hold it to the mast while doing the pre-rigging. 
 
4.       Then I pre-rigged the Quarter Lifts.  There are 2 of these.  One on each side of the main sail.  This needs to go next in the order to hold the boom up at the proper angle for rigging the Main Boom Sheet and 2 Crutch Tackles.  The Quarter Lifts start with a pair of double blocks, S-hooked to the U-shaped shackles under the main mast trestle tree.  The upper “Tackle” is made with tan 0.021” rigging line, secured to a single block and is laced to the double block.  The “Fall” (end of the rope that gets tied off on the deck) from the trestle tree is tied off at belaying pins 30 & 31.  The single block at the lower end of the tackle run is connected to a “Pendant” (typically the first piece of rigging at the mast, to which rigging tackles are attached; but in this case they are reversed).  The pendant is made with black 0.028” line and has eye splices at both ends.  These are attached to the Quarter Lift Band rings on the boom with an eye splice.
 
Below: Top view of upper tackles with S-Hooks to shackles under the trestle tree.  At the bottom are the tops of the black "Pendant" ropes.

Quarter Lifts attached to the sheet band using regular hooks (not S-hooks)

 
5.       I could work on the Main Boom Sheet next since the quarter lifts were holding up the boom at the correct angle.  This rigging uses 0.021 tan line and 3 large blocks.  At the boom is a Triple Block that is attached to the bail under the main sheet band.  I used a split ring to connect it to the bail.  There is not a lot of distance from the boom to the deck.  So, stropping had to be kept tight.  Next, a double block is attached to the main sheet buffer that we glued to the deck a long time ago.  I used a link to connect this block to the buffer ring.  The tan rope is laced between these 2 blocks.  The fall end of the line coming off the triple block runs down thru a single block just forward from the boom sheet buffer, on the deck.  The line gets tied off on either one of the port or starboard Bitts on the deck.  I detached the hook from the sheet bail and left this rig laying on the deck for final completion later.
 
Below: Main Boom Sheet is tied off to the starboard Bitts.

 
6.       There is a Crutch Tackle on the port and starboard sides of the sheet.  They keep the boom from moving side to side.  There are 2 blocks on each side.  A double block is attached using a split ring, to the sheet bail.  It is laced to a single block that is attached with an S-hook to an eyebolt on the railing.  When complete, I detached these from their split rings and left them hanging off the back of the ship.
 
Below: Port side Crutch Tackle

 
7.       Finally, I pre-rigged the Main Boom Topping Lift.  This holds up the aft end of the boom.  This looks like a really complicated piece of rigging, but isn’t too bad since you are starting to get the hang of things now!  Here are the details straight from my rigging plan spreadsheet:
a.       Starting at the top.    Eyebolt on main mast cap -> Shackle -> Long pendant using 0.028 Black line -> Eye splice -> S-Hook -> 3/16” Single Block
b.       Working up from the boom.  At the Main Boom an 0.021 tan rope starts at the eyebolt on the top end of the boom.  Working up: Eyebolt -> Shackle -> Eye splice -> thru the 3/16” Single Block in a. -> Eye splice -> 1/8" Double Block
c.       A 2nd tan rope starts at the next eyebolt inboard from the end of the boom.  Working in: Eyebolt -> Shackle -> Eye splice -> Thru Double Block -> Around outer sheeve -> Back to Block -> Down to the next sheeve in -> Out bottom of sheeve and across the boom -> through fairlead -> Belayed at pin #26 on starboard side of the main boom jaw
When completed, I disconnected the lower tackle and rolled up the upper pendant and left it on the mast.  I left the lower tackle hanging on the boom. 
I don’t have any original pics of the topping lift.  These are current pics as I attached this rigging permanently during installation of the main sail.
 
Below: Upper pendant of the Topping Lift is connected to the lower mast top band with an eye splice to a shackle

Lower end of topping lift with tackle lacing through blocks and sheaves at end of main boom

Fall end of the tackle runs down the boom and is tied off at a belaying pin on the boom jaw

A short update on the progress of the Fish. For some reason, the chain plates and deadeyes were turning into a bit of a blocker for me. However, I received the material for making the plates for the lower backstays from BlueJacket and so no excuse. I have finished channels and plates on the port (or as I called it earlier the non-display or "practice") side of the ship - 16 for the shrouds, 6 for lower backstays and 9 for the upper backstays. The starboard side should now follow pretty shortly. The photos below show them reasonably well. I started with the main, moved to the mizzen and then finished with the fore, and you can see that the practice helped. The mounts on the hull are a lot straighter by the time I got to the fore, so hopefully that will continue on the 'display side.
 

 
While that has been going on I've been continuing to work on the masts. As you can see in the image below I've added the cheeks to both the fore and main, and have begun putting on the mast bands prior to painting. I had thought about having the mast bands be black iron, but the available evidence (the Butterworth and Chinese painting) all suggest that the bands were painted with the lower masts, so white they will be. The main isn't fully banded yet because I ran out of brass of the right size - however, I got an email about an hour ago from Model Shipways indicating that they are shipping me some additional brass in response to my request, so that should be resolved pretty soon. I had earlier asked about people's experiences with their part replacement policy and it appears that I am another satisfied customer. 
 

 
Finally - as hinted in the above, I've been building the mast tops. The photo below shows the fore and main, more or less ready to mount on the cheeks. The mizzen just has the two laser cut pieces, I'll get it soon enough. The holes for the fairleads and the futtock shrouds are already in place. The real ship has an iron band on the outer edge of the upper side of the top, which I will add once it is painted. I'm debating using pre-bent 1/32 square stock or some 24 gauge black steel wire. The steel wire is about 1.5" at scale, the wood stock is 3" at scale. I'll probably try both and glue the one that looks best.
 

 
You can also see that I am working on the jibboom. It's drilled, it just needs another "iron" band and 3 eyebolts and it will be ready to mount.
 
So, the plan moving forward has three things going on at once - doing the chain plates on the starboard side, finishing the lower masts and tops, and starting to rig the bowsprit. I've chosen to conclude that this allows me to make progress in several areas while things are drying rather than suggesting that I have a disorganized mind and un-diagnosed ADHD. That is my story and I am sticking with it, plus I find that adding line tends to get me motivated to do more. Actually make that 4 - there are a few things left to do on the hull (a couple of ladders, lashing down the 3 ships boats, maybe emplacing the myriad belaying pins).
 
Anyway - thanks for looking in and for the encouragement and likes.
 
Regards,
George K
 
 
 

Hi everyone, 
 
Peter, thank you for your comments.  I'm always conflicted about the sails.  I like the way they look, but the amount of work is unbelievable.  Sometimes I think it takes as long to create and rig the sails as it does to build the rest of the ship.
 
In my March 14 post, I spoke about the main course and moving the buntline locations on the foot of the sail.  As I said a lot of work and not sure it made any difference.  I'm late on getting the images for you, but here they are. 
 
 Originally, I had the buntline locations on the foot of the sail proper aligned to be brought up for furling and had does these adjustments with the sail actually pulling the lines up as a dry run off the ship. Then I was looking at the oldest painting of the Cutty and Campbell's drawings and saw that the location of the blocks on my ship didn't line up with those sources.  So I decided to move the block locations to match those sources.  However, I forgot to move where the buntlines were attached to the sail.  The new locations of the blocks would now allow the foot of the sail to be pulled up to the blocks correctly. As I said this was a huge deal to me and I thought that it was obvious to the casual observer (whomever that might be.  Certainly no one who will actually see this in my house or the family member that inherits this model and tosses it in the garbage or sells in in a garage sail).   
 
Anyway, here is the photo of the old course buntline positions.

And now after a full day's work and several nights of researching the topic in several books, in the new locations.  This time I made sure that the lines will pull the foot up to the blocks as shown in my references on the topic.
 

On a topic of making sure that lines are actually long or short enough.  I thought that I'd share how I determine the length of the permanent lifts when the sails are set.  It's easy.  I determine the lengths of the lifts, by actually lowering the yard to the position where it would be with the furled sail. 
 
Here are images of the t'gallent sail with the yard hung in its lifts.  When I secure the lifts, I'll raise it up to the proper position.
please ignore the slack lines. The photos do show the fairlead planks pretty well. One word of advice using fairlead planks to to check, then check again, then again, that the all of the holes are drilled large enough to accommodate the lines. You don't want to have to drill these holes larger or chase them while they are on the ship with the rigging. Ask me how I know this wisdom. Answer is that I only checked twice.  I should have checked one more time with the mast in off the ship then again with it in place, but not rigged.
   
 
Thanks for looking, 
Marc

Begin Pre-Rigging for the Masts, Booms & Gaffs
 
There are various types of rigging on Bluenose.  I needed to break these down by what I could do off the ship (pre-rigging) and on the ship after the masts were set in place.  Here is what I found.
1.       Standing Rigging – these are the heavier black ropes that hold up the masts.  This includes the Shrouds that hold the masts from the sides.  They also hold the ratlines.  Stays are ropes that hold the masts in the fore and aft direction.
2.       Running Rigging for Spars – these are typically the tan rigging lines that control the Spars (booms and gaffs). These can be pre-rigged.  This includes the following:
  a.       Boom pre-rigging – 2 Boom Tackles, 3 Boom Sheets, 3 Tackles; 2 Crutch & 1 Inhaul, 3 Topping Lifts, 2 Quarter Lifts
  b.       Gaff pre-rigging – 2 Throat Halliards, 2 Peak Halliards
3.       Running Rigging for Sails – These tan rigging lines control the sails.  These have to wait until we make the sails.  No pre-rigging can be done.
4.       Miscellaneous – Ratlines are horizontal lines tied between the shrouds like rope ladders.  Footropes are used on the main boom & bowsprit.
5.       Mast Rigging Hardware – there are a number of blocks, s-hooks, shackles, etc. that can be pre-rigged on the masts
 
There are different pieces of hardware that you either have to make yourself or are supplied in the kit. Blocks are supplied in the kit.  They come in a variety of sizes and there are numerous ways to rig them.  Many builders purchase higher quality blocks elsewhere.  I decided to use the ones supplied in the Model Shipways kit.  I found these to be of decent quality and look good after some filing and staining.  I will probably consider something fancier on my next build.  Rope lines are also supplied in the kit.  Many builders replace this as well.  I decided to use what was provided.  I think I will definitely upgrade the rope next time.  The standard stuff frays easily and knots come undone.  They require lots of beeswax and glue.  S-Hooks, Shackles, Split Rings, Links & Deadeyes are some of the other items required.  I will cover these later.
 
 
Start Pre-rigging
The blocks need to be stained before using them.  I tested a couple of different stains and settled on Minwax “Natural”.  This enriched the color of the wood without making them too dark.  I just poured a little stain in a jar top and placed the blocks in batches by size, into the stain.  I rolled and pushed them around for a couple of minutes to allow the stain to penetrate and cover them evenly.  Then removed them to a paper towel to absorb the excess stain.  Let them dry overnight and poured them back into their Ziplock bags.  I continued this process until all of them were stained.
 
I started the pre-rigging step with the running rigging for the spars.  I discussed the order and rationale for this in my previous post.  I started with the Main Boom, since I made that one first.  I don’t have pictures of how I made every line of pre-rigging.  I have some examples here below.  You will be able to see the completed rigging lines in the upcoming posts.  Some of the pre-rigged lines are coiled up, labelled and left on the ship.  You can see these in many of my pics.  Others are removed, labelled, coiled up and set aside as shown in these pictures.
 
Pre-rigged Lines for Booms & Gaffs:

I used 3 jigs for most of my rigging.  I mentioned the first one with the building of the bowsprit.  I purchased the Syren Serving Machine.  I use this to serve rope and make eye splices.  Most serving is required for making the standing rigging, especially the shrouds.    Jig number two I made myself.  I built a homemade “helping hands” using a piece of red oak board, a couple of alligator clips and some electric wire.  I’ve used this jig more than any other.  The 3rd jig is just a small square of cork board, t-pins and straight pins for stropping blocks.  This also got a ton of use. 
Serving Machine:

Homemade Helping Hands:

Block Stropping Jig

How to Strop a Block - Stropping is simply wrapping a length of medium weight black or tan rope around the block.  I tried several methods for tying the line before I developed a technique of my own.   Here is my typical block stropping process.
·         Pin the block on the cork board through the sheave hole/s
·         Place a T-pin or two for an empty loop, S-Hook, etc. at one or both ends depending on the requirement for this rig
·         Cut a 3 – 5-inch length of medium (0.021”) black rope for the strop.  Sometimes tan is used.
·         Make a loop and lay it around the block
·         Make a strong tight knot in the loop around the block.  I normally place the knot at the end if only the one other end is in use.  If both ends are in use, place the knot on the side.
·         Dab CA glue around the strop knot.  Be sure to get glue between the strop & the wood block, otherwise it will slip out of the knot.  Had this happen a few times!
·         After drying, trim the loose ends off with a sharp hobby knife blade
·         After the blocks have been stropped, I use my “helping hands” jig to seize the other lines that are rigged to & through the blocks.
 
Stropping a double block with hooks for Fore Gaff Throat Halliard:

 
There are numerous types of block configurations.  Some need hardware like s-hooks or split rings attached.  Some require open loops seized on one or both ends.  I had some trouble with s-hooks that were seized to blocks being to long for the space allotment on the ship.  To remedy this, I stropped the hook directly to the block.  On my next build I plan on using 3/0 fly tying line for seizing.  I used regular thread on this build, which was perhaps too heavy.  But, it’s too late to change it up now! 
 
This post is getting too long.  I will cover the actual pre-rigging of the spars in the next post.

Started off making the battens for the jib stops. Had some scrap cherry so decided to use that.
 

Then, after consulting with my usual mentors, made the bands and eyes. My plan shows the eyes slanting toward the ship so I cut the eye pieces at an angle to achieve this and drilled holes in them.
 

This was the set up I used to solder the eyes to the bands. I found that using silver bearing solder paste worked great. It has a low flow temp, 450 degrees, and has flux mixed right in. I was able to place very small amounts where needed using a soldering pick. The brand I used was “Solder-It” but solder paste is much cheaper if purchased at a jewelers supply, like Rio Grande. The weights I used to hold the hemostats in place are just BB’s in small ziplock bags. I got 4 pounds of BB’s for 10 bucks on Amazon.
 

 

 

Mounted the band on a drill bit shaft. Then mounted the drill bit on a hand vice and the hand vice on a bench vice. This gave me a sturdy mount to file the eyes into a rounded shape.
 

Test fit before final cleaning and blackening
 

Hi Per thanks for your kind comment its quite tricky to make but just take your time.
 
 
Thanks Joe she's coming along slowly
 
 
Thanks for looking in Gary took awhile to think how I was going to do the scroll, but it has turned out how I envisioned,  Captains cabin is coming along just not sure if this was how it was in the Bluenose.
Regarding the work area, it is very comfortable work area, started with this
 

 
Then made all tables
 

 
 
 
Hi Dave thanks for your kind comment
 
 
Thanks Bob they have turned out how I wanted them to look
 
 
Hi Gary thanks for looking in, do like thinking how to make, then making/soldering small items 
 
Thanks to everyone for you comment do apricate it very much and also for all the likes
 
Regards
Richard

That is a really nice treatment for the scrollwork, much nicer than the free hand drawing I did!
 
Bob

Rigging Planning and Pre-Rigging
 
As I’ve done for the most part throughout this build, I followed the process outlined by Suburban Ship Modeler.  He decided to do what many shipwrights do…pre-rig as much rigging as possible before mounting the masts on the ship.  The advantage to doing it this way is you can get around the mast or spar more easily and at better angles.  You don’t have to reach around or through existing rigging lines.  You can seize lines off the ship.  The disadvantage is you need to use more rigging line because you can’t precisely measure the length required for each line.
 
Unfortunately, SSM does not explain too much about how he decided what can be pre-rigged or the order for doing the pre-rigging.  So, for this part I followed my own instincts.  Here was my thought process.
 
My General Rigging Plan
1.       Rigging Spreadsheet – I created an Excel spreadsheet identifying every rigging line on the plans.  (Below there is a pic of one page to show you what this looks like)  I made columns showing the line name, line type, color, size, high point start and attachment method, end point methods.  I also attempted to determine what could/should be pre-rigged ahead of time.  I spent a lot of time doing this but I didn’t end up using it as much as I thought I would.  However, it was a great learning tool that prepared me for the task ahead.  I did make labels for each line from this.  I attached the label to each line after making them.  What I ended up doing/using the most was a sketch of each line before I began making it.  I needed a visual picture to figure out how to actually set-up the stropping of each block, seizing for each line, the length needed for each line, etc. 
2.       Attach all the blocks, shackles, links, etc. to the masts, booms, gaffs and even the rails and decks with the masts off the ship
3.       Attach as many of the rigging lines as possible to the masts, booms, and gaffs
4.       Make each line with extra length, and either coil the lines up or leave them loose so they can be removed from the ship and stored until I needed them later
5.       Tag each line with a label based on the rigging spreadsheet
6.       When running pre-rigging is done, mount the lower masts to the ship.  Topmasts were mounted later.
7.       Install the shrouds and attach them to the deadeyes on the hull.
8.       Install the rest of the standing rigging (this varied depending on the line, more on this later)
9.       Install the Ratlines
10.   Install the running rigging for the booms & gaffs
11.   Install the running rigging for the sails at the time when I make each one
 
Sample of a page from my Rigging Spreadsheet:

 
My High-Level Plan for doing Pre-Rigging
1.       Work from the Deck upward (booms then gaffs).  And inside-out from masts to railings
2.       Pre-rig the running rigging (sheets, tackles, lifts) on the Main Boom, Fore Boom, Jumbo Jib boom, Main & Fore Gaffs.  Temporarily rig the boom or gaff to the mast, one at a time.  Make the rigging lines for each spar and on the deck.  Remove the boom/gaff, coil up and label each rig.
3.       Pre-rig the lower mast shrouds at the top.  Coil them up for later.
4.       Pre-rig the Spring Stay, Jib Stay and Jumbo Jib Stay on the lower mast caps.  Coil for later.
5.       Pre-rig blocks, fairleads, eyebolts on lower masts, bowsprit & deck for sail halliards/downhauls.
6.       GLUE the LOWER MASTS (Not the topmasts, to leave room to work on lower shrouds)
7.       Rig the deadeyes for the lower shrouds
8.       Install Shear Poles, Ratlines & Running Lights for Lower Mast shrouds
9.       Install the Spring Stay only.  All 3 Jib Stays need to be loose to thread the sail HANKS on.
10.   Install mast hoops for topmasts
11.   GLUE the TOPMASTS permanently
12.   Fully Rig the Topmast Shrouds & Lifts (Topmast shrouds go before stays in the order at top of mast)
13.   Install all the Lower & Topmast Stays, except jibs (Pullback, Main Topmast and Flying Backstays)
14.   Install Ratlines for Topmasts
15.   Finally, complete the rigging associated with each sail.  Complete all rigging one at the time when I connect each sail to its boom and gaff, then the ones without spars.
 
Next Step: Pre-rigging the Booms & Gaffs
I began pre-rigging the booms & gaffs.  I will explain what I did and the order in which it was done in future posts.  I took me over 100 hours and 40 calendar days to complete this pre-rig step.  This does not include study time!  The shrouds and standing rigging will be covered after the running rigging on the spars.

Thanks Bob!  I think that falls under the category of "even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then"!!  I kind of stumbled into that method through a lot of trials and errors.

That is some fine work, Ed.  I wish I had seen this before I did the hardware for the spars, particularly the sheet bands.  Folding the strip and keeping the top and bottom together until everything is in place looks so much easier than trying to hold the two parts in place while adding the bail.  Great thinking on your part!
 
Bob

Originally posted on Dec. 27, 2021
This completes the move of all my previous posts that were mistakenly added as Status Updates.  I need to create some new posts to catch my build log up to where I am actually at with Bluenose.
 
Building the Booms & Gaffs – Continued
 
Fore Boom
1.       Shape the fore boom with sanding tools according to the plans.  Use a 1/8” dowel.  Stained with Minwax Cherry stain.
2.       Bracket for gooseneck @ mast.  The fore boom doesn’t have jaws.  I used a piece of 1/16” brass strip and bent it into a U-shaped bracket that the gooseneck will be attached to with a nut & mini-bolt.  I attached the bracket to the tip of the boom with a mini-bolt & CA glue.  I purchased a roll of metallic gold tape on-line.  I wrapped this around the end to simulate an end cap.  It looks just like a brass band.

 
3.       Boom Tackle Band (per the plans this is similar to the jumbo jib boom clew band).  This is the fitting farthest inside the boom.  Use a 1/16” brass strip with a mini-bolt and nut on the flange.  I simply wrapped the strip around the boom and drilled a hole for the nut & mini-bolt.
 
The below pic shows my latest method for drilling holes to make pieces like the Boom Tackle Band. I cut the strip leaving some excess for folding over the ends.  Next, I shape the brass strip around the boom. Then, I wrap the excess ends with some Tamiya tape.  Make a pilot indentation with the fine point punch where the hole needs to go.  I clamp the taped end between a couple of pieces of 1/16” thick sheet wood.  The bottom sheet keeps the round end up off the XY table.  After making a pilot hole, drill it with a #64 drill bitt.
Next to it is the fore end of the Jumbo Jib Boom with the loops that connects it to the Traveller bar.  This boom is covered further below.

 
4.       Fore Sheet Band – this was made the same as the main sheet band, with a wire bail at the bottom.  I used the smaller Art Wire for this.  Below is a good pic of this in mid construction.

 
5.       Clew Band – Band with a mini-bolt and nut on the top flange.  This is made just like the Boom Tackle Band above.  
6.       Topping Lift Band – brass band at the aft end of the boom with an eye bolt on the top.  I wrapped the gold tape around the end of the boom and drilled the hole on top with my vise drill.
7.       Wooden Cleat – I made 2 cleats at the same time when I made the main boom.  I inserted the brass pin as before to hold the cleat more securely.  I glued it in place.
 
The completed aft end of the Fore Boom in order from forward (right side) to aft (left end) Boom Tackle Band, Fore Sheet Band, Clew Band & Topping Lift Band

 
 
Jumbo Jib Boom
1.       The jumbo jib boom requires minimal sanding according to the plans.  Use a 1/8” dowel.  I applied Minwax Cherry stain.
2.       Wrap the end of the boom with the gold tape.  This needs to be wider than the standard brass strip, so the tape worked perfectly.  Drill 4 holes in the bottom side of the boom, through the tape.  I formed 2 U shaped pieces of the “Artwire” and glued them into the holes.  This end will be attached to the traveler bar on top of the bowsprit.

 
I've spoken frequently about the 0.025 inch "Artistic Wire" that I use.  This stuff has been indispensable for me.  I've used it all over the ship.  I've been meaning to take a picture of it for you.  Found it on Amazon quite a while back in the build!
 
 
3.       Jumbo Jib Sheet Band – same as the fore sheet band, with a wire bail under the bottom.
4.       Clew Band – Band with a mini-bolt and nut on the top flange.  No flange on the bottom.
5.       Topping Lift Band – brass band at the end of the boom with an eye bolt on the top
 
Fore Gaff
1.       Shape the fore gaff with sanding tools according to the plans.  Use a 1/8” dowel.  Sand the jaws to remove laser char, make the clapper and drill holes before attaching the jaws and inserting the brass pins. Very similar to the main boom. Apply Minwax Cherry stain.
2.       Three bands are required:
a.       Peak Halliard Bands – 2 of these are needed.  Band with a mini-bolt and nut on the top flange.  No flange on bottom.  Similar to the clew band on the jumbo jib boom.
b.       End Band – simple band with eyebolts on the top and bottom
3.       Drill a small horizontal hole through the gaff, next to the end band, for attaching the topsail.
 
Main Gaff
1.       Shape the main gaff with sanding tools according to the plans.  Use a 5/32” dowel.  Also sand the jaws, make the clapper and drill holes same as the fore gaff.  Note the shape of the clapper.  It is rounded with the ends tapered where it faces the jaws.  Minwax Cherry stain after assembled.
2.       End Band – simple band with eyebolts on the top and bottom, same as fore gaff
3.       Stop Chocks for Peak Halliard Bridles (P/S) – These 2 are larger and have a hole drilled in the center.  I made these from 1/32” square strip wood.  Sand them to round off the outer edge toward the ends. 
4.       Small Stop Chocks – 10 smaller stop chocks run from the above toward the end of the gaff.  They are in pairs at 4 & 8 o’clock.  Glue them on first, then sand to shape.  The edge facing the jaws is tapered.

 
5.       Drill a small horizontal hole through the gaff, next to the end band, for attaching the sail.
Completed Main Gaff at the mast end.

 
Completed Booms and Gaffs


 
I purchased a few wooden barrels and wooden buckets from Modelers Central.  I also bought my “parrel beads” that go around the outside end of the jaws from them.  The barrels were 15 x 17mm.  The buckets I bought were 5 x 7mm.  I stained them with Minwax Natural stain and painted the hoops with black enamel.  I also sealed them with polyurethane.  I glued them to the deck and wrapped some rope around the barrels.  I think this adds a nice touch to the deck.

 
All the major "construction" steps are now complete.  Next up is rigging and sails!
 
 

Moving forward with the mast project.
The trestle is almost finished, the fit almost perfect.

 

Getting the cheeks parallel with the longitudinal line of the ship was tricky but I got the first two in place.
 

The trestle is just dry-fitted.
 

It's been about 3 weeks since I've done an update. A combination of things has slowed everything down, ranging from some extra efforts needed with work to training for the Cherry Blossom 10 mile race that was last weekend. As I age, the miles take longer and cost more. Plus, for some reason making the chain plates has been something of a blocker for me. 
 
As I mentioned in previous posts, there are three sizes of deadeyes attached to the chain plates for all three masts. The largest deadeyes use 1/16" wide brass strip which is wide enough to drill for the nails that are representing the bolts. They are 6 inches at scale and that seems about right for the size of the deadeyes. I'm using 1/32" wide brass (so 3" at scale) for the smallest of the deadeyes (these are for the backstays in the upper works). They seem right but I don't have either a drill press or other obvious means of cutting holes in the strip to push the nails through. I've worked out a method for dealing with those (more anon). There seemed to be no intermediate size of brass strip available for the lower backstays. However, @MrBlueJacket from sent me a small test strip of 1/16 by 1/64 Britannia strip. Even though it's the same width as the brass, it just looks different and somehow right for the intermediate size chain plates. Once my order arrives I'll start on those.
 

 
The pic above shows the chainplates on the port mizzen. The four large ones are in place, and the three smallest. What I wound up doing was stropping the deadeyes with some 34 gauge steel wire and then bending the 1/32 brass strip through the strop, covering the area where I wound the strop with the bend of the brass (if that makes sense). Then I put bent the brass, installed it in the channels, and cut it off where I wanted the top "bolt" (i.e. the nail) to sit. I used a bit of CA glue to attach the bottom of the plate to the hull. I then took a 5 mm strip of blackened 1/32" brass that represented the preventer and glued it to the hull about 1 mm from the bottom of the plate, and in line with the direction that the plate was facing. I could then drill two small holes, one between the plate and one below the "preventer", and glue nails into the holes. It's not perfect, but I think it works.
 
Where I am now with the plates is that I've done all of the shroud plates on the port side of the ship and the first three of the upper backstays. There are 6 lower backstay plates and another 6 of the upper backstay plates, but having worked out how to make them all, I feel more confident about moving forward. I expect to display the starboard side, so this was the "practice" side, and I've learned some good lessons for when I move to the other side of the ship. Below is a (terrible) photo of where she stands now. I couldn't get the light right, the point is that the chainplates are coming along, if slowly.
 

 
I've been doing some other steps as well. I've been adding the mast hoops to the fore mast, and will move to the main once that is done. I've also started fabricating the mast tops, that will be coming soon. I added the ladder from the main to forecastle, which I am oddly, and perhaps strangely proud. The ladder is a bit chunky (that's what happens when you don't use the fittings, I suppose), but what I'm proud of you can see in the photo below. I made the railing out of chain and 4 jackstay eyebolts. I don't know if the real ship had chain railings, but somehow I thought that they might, so I took some of the rigging chain and attached it to blackened eyebolts. As an aside, you can see the lowest of the mast hoops in the photo as well (all the paintings show the masts as painted white (including the hoops) so they are going on prior to painting.
 

 
As always, thanks for looking in!
 
Regards,
George K
 
 

Originally posted Dec. 23, 2021
 
Building the Booms & Gaffs – Main Boom
 
Construction Steps
The main boom is made with a tapered dowel rod.  Jaws and a “clapper” hold the end of the boom to the main mast.  The jaws are provided in the kit. It took a little measuring to determine which set of jaws belonged to which boom/gaff.  If you lay them down on the plans, you can distinguish the main boom from the matching jaws for the 2 gaffs because they are larger.  These need to be separated and then sanded to remove the laser char.  The plans for these 5 pieces are at the model scale.  So, I was able to use the measurements directly off the plans to position the various pieces on the boom.
 
1.       The dowel needs to be tapered toward both ends.  The two sides where the jaws are attached is flattened using files and sanding sticks.  Check the plans for tapering details.  The clapper is made from a 3/32” square x 3/8” long piece of strip wood.
 
2.       First thing I did after preparing the dowel was to install the Sheaves at the far end.  I was very worried about carving these holes in the dowel.  If things went badly, I didn’t want to ruin hours of work done beforehand.  So, I left the dowel intentionally long.  If I did mess it up, then I can cut the end off and try again without starting over!
a.       The Sheaves were made by drilling 2 holes close together, through the dowel.  Sorry I don't have any pictures of this step.
b.      I then filed out some of the wood in between the holes, but left a bit of wood in the center to simulate the “roller”.  I think they actually came out rather well!
 
3.       Before gluing on the jaws, I drilled all the holes:
a.       4 on outside edge of each jaw for the brass rod “pins” that will be inserted
b.       5th one on outside edge of jaw for the clapper needs to be aligned through both sides
c.       1 hole on top of each jaw for belaying pins
d.       1 hole goes in the dowel rod between the belaying pins for an eyebolt 
e.       Holes also need to go in at the outside of the jaw tips for the parrel beads.  These are angled slightly to wrap the rope with the parrel beads around the mast. 
4.       Once the 4 pieces were prepared, I glued on the jaws with PVA wood glue.  After the glue set, I extended the holes into the dowels and inserted brass rods for bolts.  I filled the holes with CA glue before inserting the rods to provide extra strength to hold the jaws.
5.       Stain everything with Minwax Cherry.  I actually did this in between gluing the jaws and inserting the pins.  After the stain dried, I inserted the pin that holds the clapper.  It needs to be able to tilt back and forth against the mast.  Make sure you work it back and forth occasionally as the glue dries.
 
Boom, Jaws & Clapper ready for assembly

Jaws glued in place and pin inserted for the clapper

Pic of the completed jaw end of the main boom

 
6.       Wooden Cleat is attached to the port side of boom.  I made it 15/64” long x 3/64” thick.  No dimension given for how tall, so used my best judgement.  After I knocked the cleat off while working, I inserted a brass pin made from a length of the cut-off end of an eyebolt.  This secured it better.  I made a couple since another is needed for the Fore Boom.
 
Carving the cleat from a piece of strip wood

 
7.       2 Brass Staples go on P/S sides near the cleat.  These are used to hold the “rope eyes” for the lazy jack line.  Insert a black rope with an eye splice on each end through the staples. Getting this to come out the correct length was a challenge.  A bit of CA glue was used to hold it in place.
 
Wooden Cleat attached & the brass staples

 
8.       2 Bullseye Fairleads go on P/S sides. Stbd one is for the Topping Lift line.  Plans show 3/32” D.  I made these from a piece of brass tube. I first filed a groove around the circumference of the tube to hold the rope.  Then I cut the slice of tubing off and repeated the process.  Each fairlead tube is held in place with a loop of rope, in the groove, and tied off around the boom.  CA glue is needed to hold everything in position.
 
2 Bullseye Fairleads carved and cut from brass tubing

 
9.       The Boom Tackle Band is made from brass strip, eyebolts, and a link.  I cut a length of 1/16” brass strip and folded it in half.  I drilled a hole just below the fold and inserted a brass rod pin.  The strip was spread open and fitted around the dowel.  Holes were drilled in the P/S sides for eyebolts.  Holes were also drilled in the bottom.  I used one of the brass bolts/nuts that I ordered some time ago from ModelMotorCars.com.  Add a link on the bolt between the sides of the brass strip.
 
Bullseye Fairlead & Boom Tackle Band installed on main boom

 
10.   Quarter Lift Band is the next piece in the line.  I used more brass strip.  Folded over on one side and soldered on the other.  Before soldering, I drilled holes on each side and inserted an eyebolt in each hole.  I soldered everything together and filed down the bottom a bit to hide the pointed end of the eyebolt.
 
11.   Main Sheet Band is made very similar to the quarter lift, except that it has a wire bail on the bottom for the boom sheet rigging.  I decided to use the heavier brass rod to make this one.  After the band was shaped and holes were drilled, I bent a piece of the rod to fit the shape required.  The ends were twisted into the eye rings that will be used to hold the footropes at the end of the boom.  The bail was soldered together with the sides of the band.  Below is a good pic of the completed band before it was slipped onto the boom.  I’ve been leaving the folded side with the fold.  The bands seem to be a lot sturdier, and I don’t think this will be noticeable on the completed ship.
 
Main Sheet Band ready for installation

Quarter Lift Band & Main Sheet Band

 
12.   Clew Band is made from brass strip with a mini-bolt & nut through the top flange. This hold the aft end of the main sail.
13.   End Band goes at the far end of the boom.  2 eyebolts are added P/S for footropes.  1 eyebolt is added at the top of the band for the topping lift line.  Add 1 more eyebolt in front of the end band
 
When everything was in place, I smoothed some of the scuffs and gouges created from scraping the bands on the boom.  I re-stained a few spots and gave the entire boom a protective coat of wipe-on-poly.  Since they are so similar, I did the rest of the booms and gaffs somewhat together.   More pictures of the main boom are found in the next post.
 

Thought I would post my building the bowsprit, even though it’s not totally finished.
 
First off I would like to thank all of those who were kind enough to detail how they built this piece, including Suburban Ship Modeler, Ed KU20, Retired Guy and many others. Never could have done it without their documentation.
 
I really wanted to build this part from scratch and decided to use poplar wood. It’s a step above basswood, cheap and readily available at big box stores like Lowes. But I fount still to be a bit too “fuzzy”, although it does give a bit better detail than basswood. Cherry would have been a better choice as it’s also readily available (at least where I live) not too expensive and allows much better detail than either poplar or basswood. When my skills progress further I will invest in more expensive wood types.
 
While the plans call for the bowsprit to be painted white inboard and black outboard, I decided that I might want to stain the outboard portion and cherry wouldn’t have worked for that unless I wanted to do the masts in the same wood, which I didn’t. The poplar allowed me the option of either painting or staining the outboard portion.
 
I started with a ¼ inch, square piece of poplar and turned it on the lathe

 
Then, after taking several measurements, I marked the spar in locations for the taper at each end.

 
Putting the spar on the mill, I cut grooves at the marked locations. The more the taper, the deeper the groove and vice versa. This would allow a guide when sanding to shape.

 
I locked the spar in a vice and carefully sanded the top and sides to the proper shape, leaving the bottom of the spar a straight line (per the ships plans)

 
Putting the spar back in the lathe, I cut the 2 stepped areas at the forward tip.

 
After trimming the square area to the proper length, I tapered the sides

 
I marked the square area for the chamfers

 
Then put the piece back in the mill to cut the chamfers

 
This is the finished square area. As you can see I didnt cut the tenon on the end as I didnt think far enough ahead and cut a mortise in the Samson post for it. But a test fit showed a nice snug fit between the deck and platform, and the tenon wouldn't show anyway.

 
And this is the top view of the finished bowsprit

 
All and all I was pretty happy with the shape, as it’s a bit tricky to get right with the bottom a straight line and the top kind of “humped”.
Now it’s on to “dress” the bowsprit, which will put my metal working and soldering skills to the test.

Originally posted Nov. 18, 2021
 
Brass Mast Bands, Cranes & Caps
This step involves making lots of metal bands, then drilling holes in them!  All are made from standard 1/16” brass strip from the kit.  Each one needs to be custom fit on the mast due to the tapering.  I slowly improved my soldering skills and ability to drill a precision hole with the drill press as I worked my way through these bands.
 
For all you newbies like me, here are a few tips I learned along the journey!  Make bands too large to begin and trim until it fits.  File the open ends square for more soldering surface area.  If you make little solder balls, your iron is too hot!  Solder goes where the flux is.  An iron that's too hot also melts the flux too fast.  Once I found the right temperature I taped the temp dial in place, so I didn't have to mess with it again!  Late in the game I learned how to apply a little solder to the tip of my soldering iron and then touch it to the brass joint.  My joints got a lot neater when I mastered that versus holding the solder with the spool against the brass and the soldering iron in the other hand.  Always make a pilot hole with a fine point punch before drilling your hole.
 
Construction Steps
1.       Mark the locations of all the bands according to the plans.  I recommend that you do this before assembling the trestle trees on the masts.  I laid the mast against the plan and marked each location
2.       Custom size each of the bands on the mast using these steps:
a.       I start by twisting the end of a brass strip with a pair of smooth pointed mini-pliers to get the curl started.  Then wrap it around the mast-sized dowel with my fingers to get the approximate shape and size.  Overlap the uncut end and cut the excess off, but make it larger than needed.

 
b.       Tighten the band around the mast and trim a little at a time until the fit is snug.  The final fitting is done with a metal file to get the ends square for soldering.

 
c.       Remove the band, apply flux and solder it shut.  Clean off the excess solder with a file, then a sanding stick and finally polish it with some 000-steel wool.

 
3.       I scotch taped the bands down on a sheet of card stock in the order they need to go moving up the masts

 
a.       The main mast has 5 bands: one for the crane and four for the peak halliard
b.       The fore mast has 5 bands: one crane, 3 peak halliard and one for the spring stay band
4.       Each band has one hole except for the spring stay band, which has two holes. I used lots of trial and error to get to this method for making the holes:
a.       Use a fine point punch to make a pilot impression to keep the drill bit from walking around
b.       Clamp the band down in a mini vise.  Position the #64 drill bit in the depression and drill the hole.

 
c.       File the jagged edges off and polish with steel wool again.
 
5.       When finished, slide the bands into position.  Note on the plan the “off-set” position for the eyebolts on each peak halliard band.  Use the pin vise to drill into the mast thru the hole in each band.  The eyebolts need a slightly smaller drill bit.  CA Glue eyebolts into the holes.  When done, I used a super fine brush to paint the solder with Model Masters brass enamel paint.

 
6.       Spring Stay Bail – is located near the top of the foremast.  It has a u-shaped band that is held in place by the two eyebolts.  The U should be loose/moveable after gluing.  Bend the eyebolts down slightly.

 
7.       Cranes – These are identical on both masts.  Only the links on the fore side are slightly different.
a.       Start with the back plates.  Made from brass strip with holes drilled/sized for brass wire.
b.       Glue the plates in position and pin vise a hole into the mast thru the hole in the plate

 
c.       Next are the links.  The one on the main mast has 2 holes and is slightly bent.  Attach with one of my small machine bolts on the opposite side from the back plate.

 
d.       The link for the Fore mast crane also has 2 holes, but then is twisted 180 degrees after drilling the holes.  Attach w/ another small brass bolt.

 
e.       The crane itself is made from brass wire.  Form a loop on the end of a short piece of wire. Then solder another longer wire to the top of this loop.  Trim to length and shape it to fit between the hole in the back plate and the hole in the band just above the trestle tree.  A perfect fit will place the crane right in the groove you cut into the small spreaders earlier.

 
8.       Mast caps – These sit at the top of the lower masts and hold the top masts in position.  The mast cap is made from a band around the very top of the lower mast and another band around the top mast that is adjacent to the lower mast.  These are both then wrapped in a larger band that holds them together.  The mast caps are very similar between the masts.  The differences are:
a.       The fore mast cap has two long ‘arms’, one on either side.  The main mast does not have these.
b.       The fore mast cap has a link on the port side, while the main mast cap has a link on the starboard side.
c.       The main mast has an eyebolt on the end opposite the bail.
 
Mast Cap Construction Steps
a.       First make the bands for the fore lower mast and top mast.
b.       Next is the tricky part.  You need to wrap another piece of brass strip around these 2 bands to form an outer band.  To do this I dry fit the top mast in place and used a wood block between the 2 masts and wrapped masking tape to hold the masts in the position they will need to be.  Then I very carefully fit the outer band around everything.  Solder all 3 pieces.
Fitting the outer band on the foremast cap:

All the brass parts for the Foremast cap:

 
c.       Make the link that goes on the port side the same way as the link for the main mast crane.
d.       Make the large U loop for the jib stay bail by bending more brass strip.  Long links are made from brass strip with curled ends to form the loops.  Measurements for each of these pieces were taken from the plans.  Drill all the holes as required.
e.       The pieces were then assembled on the masts and mini machine bolts were glued into the sides to secure everything.  The links and bail move freely, while the mast cap is held securely in place by the bolts.  Do not glue in the top mast yet.  It needs to be slipped into place and back out again for the work yet to be done on it.
 
Completed Foremast Cap:

 
f.        The main mast cap is made the same as the fore mast with two exceptions.  The link goes on the starboard side and there are no long links with the loops, which makes it a bit easier.
Completed Main Mast Cap:

 
When both masts were finished, I sanded, re-stained & applied wipe-on poly to fix the scuffs and gouges in the masts I made with the brass bands.  That finishes the lower masts.
 
Completed Lower Masts:

 
 

Originally posted Nov. 6, 2021
 
Constructing Trestle Trees
Trestle Trees are built near the top of the lower masts.  Their function is to hold the lower end of the top masts and contain the spreaders that keep certain rigging lines fixed in the correct places.
 
Construction Steps
1.       Before starting to build the trestle trees, I laid the mast on the plans and marked where all of the brass metal bands are supposed to go on both masts.  This will be easier to do now without wood parts sticking out all over the place!
2.       The first step I performed was to flatten the sides of the mast where the cheeks and trestle trees will go.  Some builders attach the Futtock Shroud Band on the Main Mast first. I waited to ensure the band will be in the proper position and have the correct diameter around the mast.  Mark the location on the masts where the dowel needs to be flattened and use a file to sand it down.  Be very careful to get it flat and straight.  The flat portions must be on the port and starboard side, and must run perfectly parallel with the hull, or the trestle trees won’t be straight.  Getting stuff like this straight has been one of my most challenging tasks.  If anybody has a secret technique for accomplishing this, I would love to hear it (for future builds)!!

 
3.       So, next step, I attached The Futtock Shroud Band which sits right below the cheeks that hold up the trestle tree.
a.       Make the band from kit supplied 1/16” brass strip. 
b.       Close the band by soldering.
c.       Drill a pair of holes in both the P/S sides of the band.  Slip the band onto the mast and CA glue the band in place. 
d.       Deepen the holes into the mast with #64 pin vise bit and insert a wire “staple” into the holes to simulate the shackle-like fitting that belongs here.
4.       Prepare the following pieces from strip wood.  Make 2 sets, one for each mast.  The wood parts are the same except for the size of the spreaders.
a.       Cheeks – provided as laser cut pieces.  Sand to clean them up and taper the bottom point.
b.       Bolsters – 1/16” square strip wood.  The top outside corners need to be rounded off
c.       Slabs – 1/32” thick sheet wood. 
d.       Trestle Trees – 1/8” square strip wood.  File them down to be narrower around mast and toward aft.  Before installation, drill the required holes in the spreaders.  Size these for eyebolts for the fore mast holes.
e.       Spreaders – 3/32” square strip wood.  The spreaders are tapered from the center to the ends.  The larger spreader is tapered on the fore side, by 1/32″.  The shorter spreader is tapered on the aft end by 1/32″.  Both are tapered on the bottom by 1/32″.  The lengths for both spreaders are longer for the main mast.  Check the plans. Carve a notch at the center aft position in both small spreaders.  This is used for the crane.
f.        Cross Blocks – This piece fills the space between the trestle trees, fore & aft sides, seated under the spreaders.  Therefore use 1/8” square.
All pieces ready to assemble:

 
 
5.       Assembling all the wood pieces
a.       Glue on the cheeks first, then the trestle trees.  The longer/wider ends of the trestle trees need to face FORWARD.  Fit the cross blocks in next between the trees.
b.       Glue on the spreaders next.  The longer ones need to face FORWARD.
c.       Finally, glue the slabs on top of the bolsters.
d.       Paint everything white
 
Completed Main Mast Trestle Tree:

Completed Fore Mast Trestle Tree: