Pygothian

I decided the decking was way too dark and after looking at some interiors of other ships of similar era i decided it needed to match the top deck, so into the wood pile and I hand cut strips down with a craft knife that resemble the kit supplied decking very well.. quite happy now..
 
I presume decks below are almost identical to those above? anyway this is what is going in now.. 
 
The barrels are done now... moving forward.. Thanks all, happy crafting.. Ollie

Very impressive, I am still considering buying this kit to start on before embarking on the other two I've just purchased.
 
Cheers
Rowan

The lower shrouds of the main mast are rigged and I am now starting the rattlings. Clove hitches by the hundreds again.
 
Vince P.

photos

Beautiful work!
 
There are a lot of great tips I'm going to find handy for when I start my build.
 
I was actually tossing up on getting the Norfolk or Mermaid from model shipyard. After seeing your log, now I wish I did!
 
 
Ohh well, I know what my second build will be
 
 
Cheers
Rowan

Books say that the first planking should be done carefully enough to be displayed as the final planking, and as I look at the logs of other builders it seems to be possible. I simply am not there yet. I have finally completed the first planking of the Sovereign, and all I can say is,  "Three cheers for wood filler!"
 
With this ship my biggest problem was clamping the ends of the planks, particularly at the stern. I have many different types of clamps, but nothing seemed to work well. Regardless, I have built a firm and smooth base and hope the second planking will be easier. I managed not to do any damage to the work already completed.
 

I was away for a week in Phoenix visiting family. When I got back the ship was still here, and I began cutting out gun ports and working on the upper level second planking. I was about to make a major mistake on the locations of the gun ports, but thanks to Denis Pink, who spotted the error from one of the above pictures, I was saved from a potential disaster. Like Vince P. mentioned in his build log, I think it is weird to be working on the upper level second planking before completing the first planking, but that is what the instruction manual says to do to.
 
As I write this New Zealand is one win away from taking the America's Cup back to New Zealand, and really has the superior boat. I am fortunate enough to live near San Francisco and actually viewed one of the races live. Any relationship between the America's Cup yachts and the ships we build is purely coincidental. They are more like fighter jets. Perhaps premature, but congratulations to New Zealand.
 

 

 

Wow! It's looking fantastic, I love the colour, and your workmanship is making me envious.
 
Cheers
Rowan

Just a couple of pics to keep everybody's appetite satiated ....
 
Firstly, the replacement whale-boat as it stands now. I'll probably skip any further pics of this until it is back to where it was previously.
 

 
 
Next are some of the fenders whilst in production:
 

 
After pre-soaking and bending, each strip was slightly grooved at precisely measured intervals (16mm). This allowed for exactly 9 loops along the length of each fender.
Short lengths of black cotton were cut to 25mm lengths, the idea being to make each hanging loop roughly the same size.
It was a bit fiddly trying to fit these, but with two sets of tweezers (one set are the self-closing type), numerous glueing of fingers to the fenders, and copious use of sea-faring language, I got there in the end.
 
And this is the pinnace with fenders fitted ...
 

not if David but when you will finish

I've got a 5 bedroom house for 3 of us, so I guess that gives me 2 rooms for ships if the other half lets me!

I couldn't even spot the mistake! You are well above my level ! Hehe it's like listening to guys at work talk cryptic crosswords

I've got a 5 bedroom house for 3 of us, so I guess that gives me 2 rooms for ships if the other half lets me!

Looking immaculate. Beautiful lines and so smooth

finished more of the gratings tonight
 

 
i am still practicing the spray painting. i was going to show some parts but the photo turned out blurry. i cheated with this part as instead of removing the previous paint i just turned it over (the back wont be seen once the model is finished)
 
 
 
 

Started on the deck planking using boxwood from HobbyMill.  I used a #2 pencil to shade the plank edges to simulate caulking.
 
I'm using Bob Hunt's practicum method of planking around the coamings.  I think this is a good method, but since I'm cutting the planks around the coamings I have to be absolutely sure the planks are aligned.  To do this I found and marked the centerline with 1/4" tape (thanks Chuck P.!!) and glued temporary guides on the bulkheads on the centerline, and used a steel rule as a guide for the planks.  
I offset 3 planks to get the edge of the steps over the bowsprit.  These first planks set the baseline for all the planking so they must me accurate!


I glued this section of planking off the model so I could straighten the edges with my true sander and bevel the edge that fits over the steps.


Fitted in place.

The next section around the mast was first glued as three planks, trued up, and then cut the opening for the mast



Glued on the other three planks then finished the mast opening.  
 
BTW, I realized the green cutting mat is messing up the color in my pics so I need to avoid that!

Hi All,
 
After filling and sanding the hull to get a nice smooth surface for the second layer of planks my next job was to mark out and cut the gunports. The instructions tell you to do this after the second layer of planks has been completed but I think that if I cut them now any small errors or minor damage to the planks while cutting them out can be covered by the second layer.
 
I made up a small tool to ensure the ports are all the same size. I got the sizes from the brass inserts that are to be glued into the ports
 

 

 
I also made up one of each of the cannons so I could get the height to the lower sill from the deck correct. Unfortunately the kit only supplies two sizes of cannon so the larger 32 pounder gun will go on the lower and middle gun decks and the smaller 12 pounder gun will go on the upper gun deck
 

 

 

 
The next pics are of the gunports marked out . I thought I had a picture with the gunport pattern attached to the hull but I can't find it, probably deleted it  
 

 

 

It was $179.00 with paint a couple days ago! I have 6 or 7 kits that were 80% off. Every now and then they discount so cheap I can not help myself!

Thanks for the input Druxey and John. Point noted about the small amount of weight the beam would have carried.
 
The problem I could see was how they would have bolted the Lodging Knees to the beam. Maybe I went with "overkill", but that's the way I would have done it if I were building the ship   .
 
Quarterdeck Hatch Coamings
 
I've made and fitted the Coamings for the quarterdeck hatches and companions, along with the "packers" for the Capstan Step (pic 2 below). The hatches taper slightly in width from fore to aft.
 

 

 

 
All the coamings have a 2" roundup except the aftmost one. This one will have a clerestory light fitted above it and is therefore straight on top, although the bottom has a roundup to match the beam (as they all do).
 

 
The foremost coaming hasn't been finished yet - I took the pic now to show my method of ensuring a perfect fit in the corners. Each lapped joint has been cut slightly oversize, the pieces glued in, and then trimmed to align with the sides of the head ledges and coamings. This coaming is slightly wider than the others.
 

 
  Danny

Hi Anja
Well I do cheat a bit in that the instructions on the Italian site are six months infront of those here in GB.It gives me a preview of whats to come and how little of the original partwork I will be using.To be honest I am changing so much that the instructions become almost redundant.
I include a few pics of progress to date.I am concentrating on one side at a time to relieve the tedium of constantly treenailing.You will notice the alterations to the upper gunports.These have been altered to accomodate the decorations.The kits supplied directions  are incorrect.I have acquired some black pre dyed boxwood strips to plank the upper hull where the ornamentation sits.This will cover all the alterations I have to make in this area, to create a more accurate representation of the original.
Kind Regards Nigel

Thursday, May 17th 2012

I decided to remove the bow filler segments and replace them with larger ones, so they will fill the front of the bow and make it easier for me when I start planking.

This was not a very productive week for the Half Moon.  But I made some progress.


I glued the transom on the frame, keeping the lower surface leveled for the triangular connecting board, which is also glued in place, secured with the help of a rubber band. Could not find a place to use a clamp for this one.


I was not happy with the small bow filler segments the kit provided, so I removed them and replaced them for larger ones, made out of balsa.
Did a lot of sanding to get them in the right shape.  They are glued in place, but need a little more sanding to get them just right.

The beak head platform is still not glued. I will wait until I'm sure it is not in the way for my new 'bashed' bow.

I fitted the masts, but they won't stand in line. Only when I give them a little help with toothpicks, they will continue to stand up straight and in line.
I can shape the bottom of the deck, so they will come in line. But that's a too narrow space to work. Instead I will use sticky paper or tape to wind round the bottom of the masts, so they will fit better before I glue them in place.

Sorry, no pictures of that yet     Later, I promise.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Monday, May 28th 2012
 
From the deck planks, provided in the kit, about 11 of them weren't straight. That was a bit too much   So I did away with them, into the spare wood parts section.
From the left over wood parts I found other planks which were straight, but of a lightly darker color.

I tried to do the caulking on the main deck with thread, but that wasn't a success. After sanding the thread kept coming loose and fuzzy. So I removed the thread. The decks now all have their layer of varnish. The lines are clearly visible, so I'm not sure if I will caulk the deck.

As you can clearly see in the pictures the main mast was made from a different type of wood then the other masts. So I did away with this one as well. And yes, I also found a new one in the spare wood parts sectionwhich was made from the same wood and had the correct size. I'm happy   

While the decks are drying I made the gun ports. But no, I will not place them yet. First I have to fare the hull.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Friday, June 1st 2012
 
No update yet. But I came across a picture of the deck of the Half Moon. Just wanted to share with you.
 

 
 
Sunday, June 3rd 2012
 
The main deck looked good at first sight. But when you look closely, you can see that the horizontal lines aren't straight. And after a second layer of varnish, it looked even worse   I knew it was going to irritate me when I left
it like that. So, I decided to strip the deck from it's planks. But no more spare ones to choose from. So, I had to go and buy new planks for the main deck. And then I will plank it with straight lines. Let's just say it's good practice for planking and cutting planks straight.

Yes, I did mark of the deck. But my problem is I can't seem to cut straight.  For cutting straight lines I now use my cuttingboard. It has horizontal and vertical lines. So no more 'excuses' to not cut straight.

The shop only had dark strips of wood (mahogany), so I ended up having to replace the planking of the other three little decks as well.
I stripped the main deck and sanded it for a smooth surface. The three little decks were sanded smooth with the sander.

After the first layer of varnish was dry, I rubbed a thin layer of dark stain on the decks.
The decks are in place, but not glued yet. I first had to make sure the masts will still fit the holes.


 

 

 

 

 
 

Monday, June 25th 2012
 
From one frame I had to remove the tops. The tops were straight on the outside, instead of obliquely to the other frames. So I removed them and made new ones. They turned out ok.

I glued the gun ports in place and measured them to the right size. The edges of the gun ports still need more sanding to make them  the right size.

I dreaded having to do it, but I could no longer postpone it. I now, had to begin the first planking. The planks are 1.5 mm thick and 5 mm wide. The planks that cover the gun ports were measured and cut to the approximate size before gluing them in place. Because I also used short planks at the bow, a few planks tore. The likely cause is that the planks were too short to enable the forces acting on the flexure to spread out. The other planks that were placed on top and under the gun ports were used in full length and they didn’t tore. But it is still an adventure in itself.

In between cutting, wetting, drying and gluing the planks, I made the ladders, gratings, capstan and the boat. In my opinion I think the boat is a little to big for the deck. It's hard to tell, because not
all the deck fittings are made. So I will see.

I also found myself a new wood filler to use. It's from Deluxe, a model lite wood filler that is extremely lightweight and sands easily.

I really don't know why I'm telling you this, but the can of stain is so darn hard to open ...... The last time I used it, my hands were all covered with the brown stain. I grabbed an empty jar of applesauce and
poured the stain in. This jar is so easy to open. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Sunday, August 12th 2012
 
First planking is finally finished. I made mistakes and errors in judgement with this planking. It isn't looking the way it should, and it has given me a lot of headaches  especially the bow section.
That is also why you see lines of demarcation in the planking there instead of just one plank length.  This has become a 1st degree 'haphazard planking job'.

It will need a lot of sanding, filling, more sanding and modeling to get a nice smooth surface for my second planking.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Sunday, September 2nd 2012
 
Filling and sanding is finished.

I painted the inside of the gunports. I’m a miserable painter, I know and I’m sorry.   That is why the gunports don’t look square anymore, but they are.

The bow does look terrible, I know, but it has a smooth surface for the second planking.
I didn’t want to show you this at first, but I thought, what the heck. You may all know and see that the bow was the hardest part to do.
And after the second planking ...... no one will ever know how bad it looked, except for us here.

I sorted out all the planks so I will not make a mistake placing them in the correct order. Made a picture of how it will look.
 
I have planked the stern (upper, middle and lower part). The different woods used is difficult to see (tanganika, walnut, tanganika).
But that might change after a layer of varnish. Edges still need to be sanded. That’s my chore for today.

For the wale there is only one peace of walnut board 2x2 mm. That is one short. But I will find another one somewhere in the spare parts section.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Sunday, January 6th 2013
 
The edges of the stern planking are sanded.
The side strips and the stem and stem knee are glued in place.

Second planking on the port side lower hull is finished. It went better then expected.
But I ran out of tanganika board for the starboard side. So I have to email Corel if they will send me some.

The color of the lower hull is to light for my liking, so I will stain it in a darker color.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Friday, January 11nd 2013
 
Today I received my package from Corel. Talking about great service....  
The new strips are even better then the ones supplied with the kit. 
 
Now I can continue the planking.
 
Sunday, February 17th 2013
 
YES, Finished uploading my build log 
 
To be continued ……….
 

 

All,

The build continues, and as promised, a small update.  Here is where I am today.

Finished second planking on the portside.  Glued the ornamental strips (inlay board and sky-blue lime board).
I wasn't planning to use the inlay board and sky-blue lime board, but I don't have any matching wood left anymore.  But it looks ok.
Still have to finish the rough edges.

I also made a start with the second planking on the starboard side.
 
Enjoy and thank you for watching.
 
Take care,
 
Anja
 

 

 

 
 

 

Buildlog will follow.

Just a few more touch-ups and I will be ready to install the red stringer planks P and S, and then it's on to the outside...
 
Patrick:  I will be pre-painting the planks immediately below the gunport sills, and pre-painting and cutting the yellow planks, as well as the top outside stringers.  I will then proceed to plank the rest of the hull fully before sanding and painting in it's entirety.  The dying technique sounds interesting;  I may have to experiment with that on my next build...
 
Cheers,
 
Bob

Thanks for the B-day wishes, I've only turned 22 twice in my life....