Erebus and Terror

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Mike Y,  thank you for your kind words.  I enjoy writing this log and glad you and others enjoy it.
 
This week, I have made steady, but slow progress on the Naiad.  I am about 90 hours into the build and still get in about an hour a day.  Its mostly in 20 minute blocks that I get to work or after the kids go down, so I am either distracted or tired.  But thats what it is and if I want to build, then I need to accept it.
 
Below are photos through frame s.  You will note that some of the cant frames now require two chocks each.  You will also note that the top timber is no longer the reference point for setting up the frames.  The maximum height  of breadth is used to do the intial placement of the frames at this point.  I simply fair the outside aft edge of the frame to the maximum height of breadth and line it up with the upright jig.  Once the glue has set, I use the frame template to make sure I am on track.
 
 
 
Spacers are added after the frame has set.  Using a triangle, I make sure the frame is perpendicular to the keel and aligned with the base drawing. 
 
The photo makes the frames look skewed on the port side, but they are actually in balance.  You will also note that there is a lot of wood still left between the upper and lower heights of breadth.  This will be faired after I install the gun port sills.  I dont want to thin them too much prior to this.  I will simply fair to the moulded dimension of the sills at that time.  I am tempted to cut the gun ports in now, but Ed advises against that.  I think it has a lot to do with alignment at the top timbers.  So, I will wait...
 
I purchased a set of mini cabinet scrapers that I use to fair the inside.  Again, everything is rough at this point.  As we all know, once you take it off, you cant put it back...  I expect to be done with the bow cant frames by the end of the week and will begin the stern transom and cant frames after that.  I have developed a pretty good rythm with building frames and use a just-in-time approach as Ed describes in his book, Naiad.  I find that building each frame one at a time is not the most efficient way to go, but it does lend to better quality for me and also allows me to keep the pieces all together. 
 
More next week.  Thanks for reading. Gary

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Hi E&T.
Nice research.. Down to the details as always.
And the ships skylights and wheel are stunning. What a brill idea for building the ships wheel.
The wheel spindles look good and you don't have a lathe. WOW
And it's nice to see you back on the forum
 
Regards Antony.

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS’ PATENT CAPSTAN
 
To this point, my build log has included detailed notes about my research into Franklin's ships, and is largely a mirror of my blog, Building HMS Terror. While I know some followers have enjoyed my research notes (thanks for all the kind words of encouragement), others find them tedious, and recreating them here every time I finish a part has become quite time consuming. 
 
 
For the remainder of my build log, I've decided to do something a little different, and keep this primarily as a photo essay of my build. I'll continue to post research notes, but those will only appear on my blog. This change will also allow me to post a few more photos here, for those who want to see more wood and metal. 
 
 
So, with that formality out of the way, here is my attempt to build plans and a model of an 1839 era improved capstan. For those interested in the historical research I conducted, please consult my blog!
 
 

An 1839 era Phillips, capstan, as I believe it may have been 
configured for use on HMS Erebus and Terror.
 

Cutting the capstan components on an Epilogue laser cutter. 
 

The completed pieces. 
 

Vellum was added to enhance the joints of the capstan.
 

The assembled capstan before sanding. 
 

Sanded to shape. 
 

Drilling the bolt locations. 
 

The completed drumhead. Some Phillips' capstan models 
show lined sockets, so I added boxwood liners. 
I admit that it was primarily an aesthetic choice. 
 

I cut the drumhead plate from an unused pipe fitting which I flared to the right size. 
 

I filed a lip into the plate by hand. 
 

I cut the pawl rim (ring) out of brass plate using a jeweler's coping saw.
 

I filed each stop by hand, after carefully scoring the brass
 

The pawl rims were each made from pipe fittings flared to the precise diameter. 
 

The pawl rim prior to soldering and sanding. 
 

The piece following soldering. I used  copper solder for the first
time on this piece - despite being very dirty, it worked well. 
 

To maintain the proper curvature, I cut the pawls from a copper fitting. 
 

The pawls cut roughly to length. 
 

Bolt holes were drilled before shaping. 
 

Each pawl was filed and shaped by hand. 
 

The completed pawl rim (ring) and pawls.
Two traits unique to Phillips' capstans can 
be seen here. First, the pawl rim was bolted through
each stop, rather than in the spaces.
Second, Phillips' capstans had between six and 
eight pawls, while earlier models typically had four. 
 

The pawlhead. 
 

The completed pawlhead with the top plate soldered in place.
Contemporary models show that the pawlheads on 
Phillips' capstans were made entirely of iron. 
 

Dry fitting the metal pieces. The pawls need some thinning here. 
 

Pieces prior to finishing and assembly. 
 

Blackening the metal parts. 
 

The metal pieces after blackening, buffing, and sealing 
(I use Krylon matte coat as a sealer). 
 

The completed capstan. The wooden pieces have been
treated with Minwax wipe-on poly. 
 
Detail of the pawl rim and pawls. 
 

The drumhead (the drop pins indicate it is in direct-drive mode).
 

Detail of the lower drop pins and drumhead plate (I couldn't find scale
chain small enough to model that feature). 
 

Mini-Crozier inspects his capstan, recalling his good times with  Parry. 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

That is a great looking wheel, E&T.  And an very interesting method of designing and building it.

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Just catching up on your progress over the last few weeks. Spectacular!

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Nice to see your return, E&T. I was beginning to wonder what had become of you and your model. Super result with the steering apparatus - particularly as you did this without a lathe!

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Michael, 
Sincere thanks for those very kind words. I've enjoyed following your beautiful builds (and learned a lot in the process). 

Just catching up on your progress over the last few weeks. Spectacular!

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Skylights and Ship's Wheel
 
I've been on a several month hiatus from model building, during which progress has been rather slow. However, over the last few weeks, I have been able to get back to my project. Here are the latest results....
 
  The Skylights
 
HMS Erebus and Terror each had two skylights located on the aft of the upper deck. Both follow a design originally adopted by HMS Terror in 1836.  The sides of the skylights were rimmed with panes of glass to allow sunlight into the captain’s cabin and officer’s mess. Unusually, their tops had no peak or even a slight camber – attributes confirmed by the daguerreotype and the NMM model of Erebus. Interestingly, the daguerreotype indicates that the panes were not protected by brass rods as was standard on many Royal Navy vessels of the era – an indication of the peaceful aims of  the expedition. In addition, the aft skylight on HMS Trincomalee, which is very similar to those used on HMS Erebus and Terror, provided important details for my recreation. 
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans for Terror/Erebus indicate the skylights may have had collapsible sides, at least on the starboard. This would have permitted ventilation, if necessary, though the plans seem to indicate the ultimate aim was to enable the skylights to be used as makeshift companionways.  In this scenario, it is likely the roofs of the skylights would have been removable. I opted not to model these aspects of the skylights, as I had no information on how these features were designed.
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 
 
Comparing the parts to the plans.
 

Preparing the plastic stock for the windows. I use electronic
blister packaging for this. It is crystal clear, quite thin, does not discolour
in the sun, and is easy to work. 
 

The window panes were inlaid as one strip. I 
scoured and sanded the interior to simulate
window frost (and to obscure the inside of the POB ship). 
 

The completed skylights.
 

 

Mini-Crozier stands next to the his skylights. 
 

 
 
The Ship’s Wheel
 
The 1836/1837 and 1839 plans of HMS Terror and Erebus show that their wheels were slightly smaller than those typically used on Royal Navy ships, being more consistent with those used on merchant vessels of similar size. The recently recovered portion of  Erebus’ wheel, as well as the Le Vesconte daguerreotype, reveal that the wheel itself was relatively plain and was held together by copper alloy screws or nails. Fine examples of this type of  wheel can be found today on HMS Unicorn and HMS Trincomalee. Trincomalee’s wheel isperhaps closest in design, with distinctive grooved felloes nearly identical to those on the HMS Erebus wheel found by Parks Canada.
 
Like most large Royal Navy vessels, Erebus and Terror’s wheels had ten spokes, each radiating at 36 degrees from the barrel. Usually, survey vessels ships of this size would have had an eight spoke wheel; the extra spokes would have substantially increased the strength of such a small wheel, and perhaps it was deemed necessary for arctic exploration.
 
The Le Vesconte daguerreotype indicates that the top of the wheel pedestals were protected by a very heavy moulded brass guard plate. This can be confirmed by the subtle reflections seen on the plate in the daguerreotype. HMS Trincomalee has similar heavy copper guard plates on its wheel pedestals.
 
 

Laser cutting the wheel components.
 

Th finished sheet. 
 

I used the wheel plan to assemble a building jig. 
 

The completed jig. 
 

Gluing the felloes. 
 

Creating the outer groove in the felloes. The same
procedure was used for the inner groove.
 

The rim was notched to receive the spokes. 
 

I don't own a lathe, so each spoke was laser cut 
from sheet stock, then filed into final shape. 
 

Assembling the wheel. The card stock allows for 
the spokes to be centered on the rim. 
 

Spokes in position. 
 

The completed wheel with a 10 cent piece for scale. 
 

The second wheel compared to the first. 
 

The barrel was made from three pieces of sheet stock, 
and filed to final shape. 
 

Gluing the barrel to a wheel, using the spindle as a guide. 
Note the damage on the barrel - caused by a dull blade. 
 

The completed pedestals, with the brass guards in place. Limited information 
on the pedestal hubs was available, so here they are made as simple brass tubes.
​They are barely visible in the completed assembly. 
 

The completed ship's wheel, after applying a coat of Minwax poly.
 

 
 
 
As always, for more content, please see my blog, Building HMS Terror.  
 
 

Thank you for the "likes" and the comments.
 
Well.. to paraphrase Clement Moore...  "The rudder was hung on the sternpost with care in hopes that I won't pull out my hair".   Yeah.. bad verse.. Oh well.
 
This part took some sorting out on exactly how to hang it properly rather than sort of cobbled like I did the kit models...   Thank heavens for the Optivisor as the holes for the bolts were pretty tiny.  I've half a mind to build the next one at 1:48 or 1:36 even just so I can see without eyestrain.  Like the Admiralty would be receptive to that.     
 
Next up will be the rudder coat (hopefully), the strop, and the chains.   Thanks to seeing Giampero's rudder coat, he gave me some ideas on how the Licorne's should look.  
 
Anyway, pictures.....
 
  

I should point out that there's several differences between the French rudder and the British/American besides the previously mentioned shape at least at the point of time of the Licorne and Belle Poule.
 
The French didn't use a spectacle plate as such.  It was two eyebolts either by themselves or as part of the uppermost rudder iron.  Since the uppermost rudder iron on Licorne will be too close or even covered by the rudder coat, I put them down lower "C".
 
On the British/American ships, the rudder was retained by lines to the spectacle plate.  On the French, there is a strop hole "A" that has a line from a ringbolt through the hole, and then to another ringbolt.
 
Also, there's two lifting rings "B" to aid in resetting a rudder that went adrift.
 

Thanks for the likes and comments and following along.
 
You guys are going to make this decision for the next ship hard, aren't you?         And I thought it would just be a simple decision.. Roebuck or something French like L'Orient.   I figure why not go for tough ones.... 
 
John, the Roebuck also juxtaposes with quite a few American ships according to the history, as I recall.
 
A bit of an update... the rudder is ready for hanging.  The macro shows the problems but in real life it looks pretty good to my eye.  I actually had another one made but it hit the floor without my knowing it.  The pup (hah!!!!  at 3 years old, not a pup but she thinks she is) picked it up, and gave it back with unfortunately some deep teeth marks.  I had to laugh as I call her "my helping bud". 
 
Anyway, I've got blue taped into position while I sort out the irons attached to the hull.
 

 

 
As always, critiques, comments, or general mayhem is welcome.