JanV

Meanwhile also made the second large platform (on right side in photo). After making this one, I noticed that I have made it slightly different from the first platform (on left side): the spacing between the bended wooden around the outside is now 2 mm instead of 3 mm. I actually like the 2 mm better.. I will leave them like this.
The wooden 'discs' and the bended wood were very white in color, so I applied wood stain on them to make these parts darker. It was with 'dark oak' wood stain'. There remains some color difference with thr note wood other parts, but this is ok for me.

Hi Michael
 
Just found your build log for the first time (had a long break due to work in our new house)
I noticed the same high quality like with your Vasa.
 
You got me very good idea's which I also might use, I am planning to make an Cross Section of an Dutch 17Century ship from scratch.
Log to follow during 2019.

Hi Michael
 
Just found your build log for the first time (had a long break due to work in our new house)
I noticed the same high quality like with your Vasa.
 
You got me very good idea's which I also might use, I am planning to make an Cross Section of an Dutch 17Century ship from scratch.
Log to follow during 2019.

just before Christmas finished my new workshop area.
now to build an special table for sawing and sanding tools including automatic vacuum cleaner which start automatic when I start one of the tools
 
I will make some pictures when Vasa returns to the workshop.

Hi Michael
 
Just found your build log for the first time (had a long break due to work in our new house)
I noticed the same high quality like with your Vasa.
 
You got me very good idea's which I also might use, I am planning to make an Cross Section of an Dutch 17Century ship from scratch.
Log to follow during 2019.

just before Christmas finished my new workshop area.
now to build an special table for sawing and sanding tools including automatic vacuum cleaner which start automatic when I start one of the tools
 
I will make some pictures when Vasa returns to the workshop.

good to see you back Anja, I will follow you again

well done Sjors.
 
anything new scheduled already?
 

Just to show what great stuff this kit has:

64mm without the tail.
A great chunk of a figurehead!

Michael
 
I have enjoyed your build and have learned a lot for modifitications I have/am going to copy on my Vasa also.
Looking forward to your new build log.
 

Michael
 
I have enjoyed your build and have learned a lot for modifitications I have/am going to copy on my Vasa also.
Looking forward to your new build log.
 

Finally received the new bookcase with a nice place to show the Vasa already.
 

 
and also on an other bookcase a nice spot for my Statenjacht
 

Finally received the new bookcase with a nice place to show the Vasa already.
 

 
and also on an other bookcase a nice spot for my Statenjacht
 

Peter,
Fair question
Ah yes - those now, in this household, infamous Pegasus. As some of you may know, they got “planked” by the Admiral as soon as she saw them trying to be included as part of the base. (I may be sharing too much J
It turns out that with the small mounting braces that I made they crowded the area, and did not correctly fit under the ship.
Also, visually they took too much away from the minimalist case that I had intended.
So the Admiral was relieved that I did not place them inside the case. “It’s all good” - Oh well, I may put them on eBay.
 

 
 

Hi Mates,
 
Well she is done. Last pics for this log, a big thanks, especially to those of you who have followed along – for such a long time!! adding your kind and encouraging words, and all of your important advice. So many of your compliments have also helped me become a better builder – again thanks. Big thanks for so many of your Like clicks and visits as well.
 
Captain Steve: Up next, after much hand wringing –it was between the Billing Oseberg (1/25th) 
As much as I became obsesses with Vikings after watching all seasons of The Vikings this kit is just too big (my fault for not paying attention to its size during the purchase) Yes there are smaller size kits – could be…..
 
So having learned so much with Vasa, I will go with the OcCre Santisima Trinidad cross section. I intend to bash the heck out of it, including leaving some of the lower and upper gun deck planking bare, as well as poss. at the weather deck as well – showing the, to be added,  under framings. And trying my first at coppering the hull. 
 
Jörgen regarding the woods – those that came with the kit, along with wood from Corel’s Mirage. Then from Midwest products; some walnut, mahogany, Cherry, and beech. I did not use any finish on this build, nor do I intend to.
 
Again Mates THANKS SO MUCH for your kind words.
 
Regards,
 
 
 

Looks great Andre.

I have now started working on the bowsprit.
Making parts one-by-one. I will do the assembly later on.
For making the crows nest, I watched first the great examples by others on this website.
To ensure that the spacing between the wood (basswood 2 mm by 1 mm) of the 'fences' is equal, I used 2 mm thickness wood as spacers.

The basswood is still very white, but I will use some stain paint to darken it.

Hi Mates,
Last build update for this Vasa – the next (last one) will be some shots of her full views - completed. Hard for me to believe  
Just finished the flags better rigged. Henry, et al – thanks for your advice; pics of the three masts.
Tomorrow I go to pick up the case cover, and move her to her new room.
 

 
 

Hi Mates,
Well the flags came out as I had hoped. Using starch, as opposed to watered down glue has some advantages (for me in any case)
1) It dries flags into shape as soon as the starch dries within seconds (using a blow dryer-low heat low, speed – adjusting the distance)
Your fingers need to be part of the shaping as well when using the dryer – yup they can get a bit hot.
 
2) If the “shape” is unacceptable, you can always re-soak the area and reshape ( I had to do this for the large stern flag to get the final shape I wanted)
That said – Who knows it the shapes will hold over time?
 
Next post should be shots of the completed build along with its case.
 
Oh PS: that stern flag is incorrect but I sure like the looks of it - haha
 
Regards,
 

Martyn - nice touch
 
Working on the flags - My technique - might be of use to some---
 Use a wire to pre coil the ends. Add Elmer’s Glue, and now spool the end around the wire
 
 
 
Add  hobby masking tape, roll/twist the wire up and down then remove it before glue sets
 

 
After glue dries here is the tube shaped end
 

 
Now using CA Gel run a bit along the intended rope, double the length of the flag’s end let it harden
 

 
Run the stiff rope through, add a ring and then return the end back through the flag’s coil. BUT first add, Again CA Gel along both lengths of the rope. Pull through from the other side.
 

Next pics are self-explanatory.
 

 
 
 
WORK in progress. Now need to figure out a way not to have the whole thing fall apart when soaked in starch for the flags shaping’s.
BECAUSE when I initially experimented using only the Elmer’s Glue with a piece of extra flag material– the starch saturated coil just fell apart. It was as if starch removes any trace of glue – grrr  My reason for the above CA glue insurance.
 
I’ll post results of the next steps -- need to preserve the already done work _ (I have some ideas) Hmmmm
 
PS: I did make some mistakes by coiling the flag's ends on the wrong side. I had intended, when flags just hung, that the brighter colored face would be the face of the flag.
I know that I can still do that, but a couple of the coiled bits don’t look so good wanted to hide them when the flag hung around the mast.
 

 
Cheers,
 
 

That lantern looks great. I myself decided to skip this for the time being, but I will try to search some archives from Maritim Museums in the Netherlands to find pictures of paintings from that period which might give a good idea, but when I am in this stage that will take some years.
 
I can further agree with you concerning the quality of the blocks provided in the  kit, these are perfect to start the BBQ in the summer, and I bought the same type of blocks a few year back at a shop in Poland, which was easier for shipment within Europe and no risk for extra custom charges.
 
I am going to save a lot of your log for future use as I am starting to finalize the rigging shortly and can use a lot of your information.
 

Tom, Martyn, Jörgen – thanks so much for your comments !! and support about the now infamous lantern.
Denis, Yes and no haha –What is needed is a set of period correct flags.  See photos below;  1/10th-   the Billings kit (their official photo) – and a photo of Karl’s superb Billings Vasa - same scale as the Corel (and kit provided correct flags). PS: thanks for the offer, but will just use the kit-supplied sheet.
 
PS: Karl  again thanks, your help with my build has been so so apreciated. So kind of you sending me several (many) jpgs of your billing running rigging sheets so helpful (oh and posting the sail measurements in your build log as well), could not have done the sails without your help.  
 
Was your lantern the kit supplied example? May just order one if available as a single item.
 
 

 
Karl about the figures here's some info
 
http://www.agesofsail.com/ecommerce/figures/25mm-sailors/crew-8005-02-cast-metal-sailor-25mm.html
 
https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/8005-02-Cast-Metal-Sailor-25mm-A8005_02.html

Hi Michael I have got myself some crew for my Sol they are made by Red Box 16-17c British sailors 1.72 scale so should be just the right scale for your Vasa .
Hope this helps 
Martyn 

Hi Mates,
 EJ, Thanks so much – you are way too kind. Much appreciated. Your work with interior lighting I may need to explore in the future.
 
JanV: Nice to see you active again. Thanks for your very nice words. I’m so happy that my build will offer you some help with the rigging. Happy that my learning, and postings will assist you as well.
 
Huback: Yes the Vasa Museum is indeed one of the most astonishing museums. So looking forward to returning in early April.
The Mary Rose is another I would like to visit again. I have not, since its re-design. I worked in London for two years mid 90s so those two museums were in the neighborhood. Along with sooo much history all over the place. 
Regarding the cosmos – yes – happy thinking for the masses haha
……………………
 Well, did finish “that” lantern. Some points;
It came out ok as - a basic lantern.
NO – it does not work for the Vasa, It would be great on a much smaller ship; It will stay mounted temporarily – to be replaced. It now annoys me haha
In any case whatever lantern becomes part of this ship it will end up mostly covered by the stern flag. I intend to hang all flags limp (well my first attempt at this)
 
Again mates thanks so much for your sage, and correct advice regarding this part for my build, as well as for still following along, and your so nice posts.
 
Sincerely,
 

 
 

That lantern looks great. I myself decided to skip this for the time being, but I will try to search some archives from Maritim Museums in the Netherlands to find pictures of paintings from that period which might give a good idea, but when I am in this stage that will take some years.
 
I can further agree with you concerning the quality of the blocks provided in the  kit, these are perfect to start the BBQ in the summer, and I bought the same type of blocks a few year back at a shop in Poland, which was easier for shipment within Europe and no risk for extra custom charges.
 
I am going to save a lot of your log for future use as I am starting to finalize the rigging shortly and can use a lot of your information.