kruginmi

I finished the original quarterdeck planking.  Now I am moving on to the extension built on by the British.  This is complicated by needing to build the deck railing between it and the gun deck prior to the planking.
 


The British added this so that the required capstan addition was usable.  That this wasn't originally planned for the ship will be seen with the resultant cut away cap railing and exposed section of the extension where the ladders will be.  The railing will still end at its normal place and that was a head scratcher for me for awhile before I remembered the ratlines / shrouds for the main mast occupy this space and provide the same function (perils of not thinking about a fully rigged ship!).

Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Thanks Mark..
 
E

No problem Eamonn,  Seems like forever but it was back on page 2 of this build:
 
General Finishes
Gel Topcoat
Wipe on Urethane
Satin
 
Those top rails are the big builds left (forgetting the figure head for the moment).  Everything has a plan, just need to execute.  Maybe end of June.
 
Mark

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

Still working away when the time is available.  I continued with the lower capstan (very limited viewing) to try out some techniques and am pretty happy with the result.  I do have some build improvements for the upper one. I still have the bar partitions to construct.  The idea has popped into my head to install the bars in the upper capstan on the finished model.  The quarterdeck is a little 'empty' and I am thinking why not.  Of course, more time required to this already lengthy build but who is counting.....
 

 
I had a bit of an a-ha moment when I realized I did not need to finish these things prior to getting the quarterdeck planked, in fact it would be preferred not to have them in the way.  The important item was to have the raised platform for them roughed in.  Until I glue this platform in, I could take the assembly on and off.  So, on to the (last) bit of major planking on this ship.
 

 
I have settled on the lower half as the completed look I was looking for.  This was a bit of free style work.  What gap to keep is totally up to the builder.  Most that I have seen of this type is much smaller, but I wanted to have as good as possible look at the partitions and captain's cabin below (not to mention to even have a chance at the orlop deck work I did).  The plank divisions will pop when I gel coat this.
 
Still quite a few things on the list, but it is dwindling.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark
 
 

On to the quarterdeck.  First business was to get the sidewalls correct (width and height) to set the tone for the cap rail as well as planking.  BIG lesson learned here in regards to the ribs.  I should have left extra height on the ribs and did some extra measurements on target widths.  Luckily, there is a path to recovery which will be totally invisible once complete.
 
To highlight the issue the following photos is the current situation with a pencil line denoting the target width on the tops of the ribs.  This extra will be cut away down to the tops of the quarterdeck beams.  It will be noted that there essentially is no protruding ribs at the forward end of the quarterdeck.  To remedy this I removed the top layer of planking on the external hull (a partial width) and will replace with a wider plank.  I will attach pieces to this plank to replace the missing ribs and provide support to the internal wall. 
 

 
Now, we are talking millimeters not meters of missing material.  If you look at the previous picture and view across to the other side you can see where I have already done the necessary work.  It is important when sanding the resultant wood down to the finished dimensions that you use a piece of sanding block that stretches across the hull to insure a totally flat surface for the cap rail.  The forward end of the new wall ends up flush in height with the floor planking of the quarterdeck then does a gradual rise up to the stern wall.
 
When complete the pictures look much different:
 

 
The floor planking goes flush against this new material which will provide a finished look and clean join.  The cap rail covers all the ribs and support structures so all this work will disappear if done correctly.  Having a good foundation is essential for following up with all the finishing touches (and provides relief from stress)
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

On to the quarterdeck.  First business was to get the sidewalls correct (width and height) to set the tone for the cap rail as well as planking.  BIG lesson learned here in regards to the ribs.  I should have left extra height on the ribs and did some extra measurements on target widths.  Luckily, there is a path to recovery which will be totally invisible once complete.
 
To highlight the issue the following photos is the current situation with a pencil line denoting the target width on the tops of the ribs.  This extra will be cut away down to the tops of the quarterdeck beams.  It will be noted that there essentially is no protruding ribs at the forward end of the quarterdeck.  To remedy this I removed the top layer of planking on the external hull (a partial width) and will replace with a wider plank.  I will attach pieces to this plank to replace the missing ribs and provide support to the internal wall. 
 

 
Now, we are talking millimeters not meters of missing material.  If you look at the previous picture and view across to the other side you can see where I have already done the necessary work.  It is important when sanding the resultant wood down to the finished dimensions that you use a piece of sanding block that stretches across the hull to insure a totally flat surface for the cap rail.  The forward end of the new wall ends up flush in height with the floor planking of the quarterdeck then does a gradual rise up to the stern wall.
 
When complete the pictures look much different:
 

 
The floor planking goes flush against this new material which will provide a finished look and clean join.  The cap rail covers all the ribs and support structures so all this work will disappear if done correctly.  Having a good foundation is essential for following up with all the finishing touches (and provides relief from stress)
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Before I take a week hiatus I really felt pushed to try to get the cleats in on the forecastle.  I am sure if the ship were rigged there would be a lot more of these things around the hull but I have opted to just put 12 of them at the bow.
 
After figuring out the size I wanted to achieve I cut out a strip of wood to the rough dimensions, then used a Dremel to rough out the inverted arc on top.  I then used my razor saw to cut out the widths:
 

 
Just gluing these to the deck was asking for trouble with such a small glue area, so while I had some good flat surfaces I cut a hole for a dowel through the middle:
 

 
Now for the fun part - sanding.  Each cleat took 5-10 minutes of work to round all the corners and shape it to the desired configuration.  FIngertips are still sore from that.  I did take a sharp knife to expedite in some areas but very slow and steady.  Upon completion I checked the result against the ship and it seemed in harmony:
 

 
I arced in a line where these should reside then checked off their locations using my proportional dividers.  I glue tacked them to the deck:
 

 
Once they had dried pretty firm I drilled through the previous holes into the deck.  I followed this up with a dowel and some glue for a real solid bond.  Once that had time to dry, a light sanding to finish everything up.  Shortly after I gel coated the whole forecastle (the foremast is not fully seated in the following pics to allow it to dry).
 

 
Now when I stand off and look, that bow sure looks a whole lot better.  Still have that eking rail but that will be for another day.  Oh - I will carve a scroll piece to transition from the top rail to the gun deck rail to clean up that transition.
 

 
A good day in the shipyard!
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

An interesting approach and I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

nice trick. 

Very nice work Mark,
 
it`s amazing to follow the look with every Progress update..
 
Nils

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Before I take a week hiatus I really felt pushed to try to get the cleats in on the forecastle.  I am sure if the ship were rigged there would be a lot more of these things around the hull but I have opted to just put 12 of them at the bow.
 
After figuring out the size I wanted to achieve I cut out a strip of wood to the rough dimensions, then used a Dremel to rough out the inverted arc on top.  I then used my razor saw to cut out the widths:
 

 
Just gluing these to the deck was asking for trouble with such a small glue area, so while I had some good flat surfaces I cut a hole for a dowel through the middle:
 

 
Now for the fun part - sanding.  Each cleat took 5-10 minutes of work to round all the corners and shape it to the desired configuration.  FIngertips are still sore from that.  I did take a sharp knife to expedite in some areas but very slow and steady.  Upon completion I checked the result against the ship and it seemed in harmony:
 

 
I arced in a line where these should reside then checked off their locations using my proportional dividers.  I glue tacked them to the deck:
 

 
Once they had dried pretty firm I drilled through the previous holes into the deck.  I followed this up with a dowel and some glue for a real solid bond.  Once that had time to dry, a light sanding to finish everything up.  Shortly after I gel coated the whole forecastle (the foremast is not fully seated in the following pics to allow it to dry).
 

 
Now when I stand off and look, that bow sure looks a whole lot better.  Still have that eking rail but that will be for another day.  Oh - I will carve a scroll piece to transition from the top rail to the gun deck rail to clean up that transition.
 

 
A good day in the shipyard!
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

It seems like every day I add things that now make a significant difference in the look.  Yesterday was the timberheads, gluing the cap rails down and assembling and fastening the ladders.  I have talked / covered how this was done in other parts of the build so I just attach some new photos:
 

 
Boy, that camera angle sure makes those ladders look totally crazy width wise.  That is optics.  I have the cleats, blackening the chimney and the eking rails left before gel coating and moving back to the quarterdeck.
 
Stay Building my Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Okay, not trying to puff myself up but I am pretty proud of my capstan.  I did join a couple of hobbies in the process, bringing in my pen making side business.  The capstan is quite a few pieces most of which are cylindrical - not the easiest to construct well.  So....I thought long and hard and came up with a way to do all the round pieces on the lathe, which is what it is used for.  Both capstans will be made as one single piece.
 
I first cut blocks for the main axle as well as the component that holds the bars.  Then I cut a 7mm hole through the centers of each.  A brass tube will be glued in to this hole to provide structural rigidity (the pen side of things).  I did alternate grain directions for looks, but also to allow the bar area to be cleared out eventually.  All the pieces were then glued up, with the brass tube superglued in:
 

 
You can see in the drawings the targeted portions of the capstan to be turned on the lathe:
 

 
Then it is a 'simple' process of turning to the desired dimensions.  Since I have that brass tube I can mount the component on a steel rod and use bushings to lock it in place.  Very strong.
 

 
I drilled a hole in the base plate that the capstan fits down cleanly into.  I then cut another baseplate for the quarterdeck and cut another corresponding hole.  This plate needed to be split in half to fit around the tube and result was better than I expected:
 

 
I love it when a plan comes together.  I will lathe a small cap piece to cover the hole on the top of the capstan and then cut the other components required against the axle.  Very doable.  Always happy when you come up with a plan and it actually works.
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark