druxey

Looking very nice indeed, Matiz!

A fresh eye in the morning helps!

Your theory that the eyebolts were for hoisting the capstan for repair or maintenance seems a reasonable one.

Stretch the SilkSpan on a frame and paint it with dilute acrylic first. The number of coats will control the degree of transparency or opacity.

Yes, the direction one threads line through a block makes a difference, but that's all part of the learning curve!

I'm not too familiar with construction of that era. Were the through beams really above deck level? Seem as if this would impede movement on deck and make it a hurdle race if one was in a hurry!

Very neat and workmanlike!

This is an excellent way to ease into scratch building, Tom. You have the necessary tools already, so you are off to a flying start.

I think, for model-making purposes, a straight taper is more practical. It is close enough and no-one can see any difference!

I've had success by drilling one central hole and then opening it out with the square file.

Hmm. Good question. The easy answer is 'tradition'. I assume you are referring to historical English ships. The early 'Navy Board' models of the later 1600's were painted in this style, also reflected in paintings of the period. This was apparently standard on ships of the day. 'Bright' wood was originally oiled, later painted ochre, to protect it. Deck furniture, bulwarks, etc, were red ochre. Again, this was for protection and ochre (earth) colors were inexpensive. The idea that would hide blood was, we now think, simply coincidental. Later models were not elaborately framed, and solid hull models showed a white or cream underwater body. This replicated 'white stuff', tallow and sulphur based, to deter underwater marine organisms and growth. The black rails and hatch coamings were painted black, I believe, not only as charcoal black was cheap, but because it stood out in sharp contrast to the decks for higher visibility at night as a safety measure. The black wales were not painted black, but coated with pitch for protection. Gold decorative carving is more controversial. Thinking today is that the carved work was picked out in yellow and varnished. Only models were gilded. Of course, there were exceptions for 'prestige' vessels where decorative work was gilded, sometimes with an ultramarine blue background (ultramarine being a very expensive pigment) or a greenish blue called smalt; a much less expensive substitute.

An interesting beginning, Steven!

It certainly would be a bit easier to hook blocks under the cap earlier, but they are very likely to fall off and get lost! BTW, the cleats for the slings will be a pain as you have them. Leave the top of the slots open until after the sling is installed. If the cap is a decent fit it won't need glue - just like the real thing!

That's very neat work on the grille at such small size. Nice idea for a non-skid surface as well!

Generally iron-shod wheels were used on land, not as sea; think forts.

Very nicely done, Paul. I take it that the tornado missed you?

Just catching up with your wrk. Terrific attention to detail!

I wonder whether this was for naval use at all. Imagine a heavy barrel and one person trying to maneuver it on a pitching deck. Also, I doubt any naval wheel or truck would be metal shod as the deck would get worn. I'd say is was used on land, perhaps on a fort or redoubt. Was it used simply to move ordnance?

Sweet!

Nice clean work. Don't forget the taper of the knee of the head!

That was a factoid that I didn't know! Thanks, John.

Yet another possibility(!) is that there was no tiller, but a yoke and two lines leading forward instead.

Beautiful splices!

A tiny gouge, aka hypodermic needle, suitable ground and sharpened does the trick.

Hull looks good, Steve, but wouldn't the masts be raked?