CaptainSteve

After posting the last message above, I went ahead and threaded the lines through the blocks. That then reminded me of this trick I had learned from another ship modeler.
 
I used to thread blocks using one of those needle threaders that you can buy in fabric shops. Then I learned that if you take a drop of CA adhesive, smear it along the end of the line, it will stiffen the end. Then if you cut the very tip off with a razor blade or exacto knife you get a nice point. Threading blocks is now much easier.

Another update. I am continuing to work on deck details. I have finished with the capstan and the mast boots and I'm now assembling carronades. The practicum was really confusing for carronades. It suggested edge gluing 2 pieces of 3/16 stock to make the center piece and then glue the sides to the top of the center piece. The plans show that the side pieces are glued to the edges of the center piece and not the top. Also the centerpiece should be 1/4" stock. I went with the plans. The assembly is pretty straight forward so I won't go into great detail. I have all of them built and painted now and I'm currently adding the casters and barrels. I had a heck of a time finding a color that looked right but settled on what you see in the pictures. I still need to build the ships wheel and will need to rig the carronades. There are 80 blocks that need to be rigged. I need minions to do that stuff. The blocks provided in the kit are a bit large and honestly just look plain ugly, so I will order some replacements. Thats it for now.
 
These are the parts for the carronades.

 
Parts with one assembled and painted. My adviser has suggested I leave the brass unpainted since its pretty.

 
Some partially assembled. You can also see the capstan and one of the mast boots.

 
The following is my highly technical way of painting a bunch of little things. These are the casters for the carronades.
 
Two-sided tape on card stock.

 
Primed.

 
Painted.

 
 

I didnt even think about putting the knees in. Now that you mention it, I think I will have to. I decided that I just couldnt justify the excuse for a cabin that I built....so I rebuilt it today. Enjoy.

Most of them are 3mm normal shape LEDs mounted between the inner and outer planking
 

Between every other gun-port I place one
 

They are coverer up with lanterns.
 

 

Finally looking like this
 

One other type
 

And a candle on the table on the cabin
 
The last two were made using the smalles one I could get 1x0.5 mm with 0.1mm wiring already attached.
 
Best,
Michiel

Anthony, I'm looking forward to following your build log on here. I will be building the Connie as well soon, but it will be the Model Shipways kit. Regardless of what you think about your model and pictures, it's probably not as bad as you think. All of us on here are way more critical of our own work than others. It's just a result of sitting with something for so much time and knowing of your mistakes whereas the casual observer can only look on from a distance. There are many things about my current ship I would change if only I could find the keys to my Delorian time machine, but I have only gotten encouragement from the other members on the forum. 

I have been taking pictures of the build from the start  for my own records ( and to show friends how much work goes into one of these ships) never with the intent of doing a build log  but maybe I should post them and help get the sites inventory back up

Hi guys
Thank you for your feedback I appreciate it very much ! I think I will go with a combination of furled and unfurled .This way I can show both methods and also keep a clear view of the deck .Thank you again for taking time to pass on your informaton ...steve

On a slightly different vein,  does anyone have any experience fitting sails so that they can be worked, i.e. being able to change the set of the sails from clewed up to fully set?

I decided to plank using boxwood purchased from Jeff at Hobby Mill...he is the best!
 
     Bob R.

Before the site was rebuilt I had posted the starting of my current project. I am attempting to build the model shipways constitution largely after the Isaac Hull Model. The plan is to have the gun deck gratings open for a view of the main gun deck. I will also be building complete stern quarters.  I decided to get back at it over the last day or two and I have posted the photos of my progress on the stern. As you can see I am going to have to do some touch up with the height of the uprights because i tried to bevel the deck of the counter by eyesight, in short im an idiot, but thats and easy fix. I will put some more photos of the whole ship up soon.

To complete the model...the grapnel was painted and rigged. I made mine from scratch using boxwood.  I think they replaced the one in the kit with a cast metal version they had in stock,  It was added to the model so the rope looked natural.  I made some oars and placed them in there as well.  They were just cut from a 1/16" sheet and the handles rounded off.  Then they were painted.
 
That is essentially the end of the project.
 
Chuck 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until now, I have never been a big fan of power-tools combined with ship-building. I have always been terrified of making a tiny slip which would irreparably damage my hard work.
 
However, in just two hours with this little toy - essentially an engraving tool with an assortment of sanding/grinding bits - I've managed to shape out the hulls of all four ship's boats !!!
 
Call me a convert !!
 

Thanks Harv. I see your build is coming along nicely.
 
I'm taking baby-steps for the time being as I cannot set-up a more permanent work-station until approx halfway thru the year - still have one more "residential adjustment" to be made.
So, for now, I plan to work on the small stuff - ship's boats; coamings; carronades; false gun-decks; degree in Electronics Engineering (for the LED candles).
That should kill a few months of spare time.
 
Long live the FakeCaptainsClub !!

Great to see you back on deck, CapnHarv !!!
 
Looks like the FakeCaptainsClub is alive and well.

Bob's back !!!!

One more set of pictures and then I am where I left off a couple weeks ago. What I have not covered are the rope-walk I made for the rigging lines, a fixture to make rope coils, nor a lot of other details that are covered on my web site.

I have made the masts and spars using an old Shopsmith. The picture below shows how I adapted a ‘follower’ to support the center and an end plate for the thin dowels. The dowels were too flexible so I did not use gouges to form the tapers. A lot of filing took care of that. This was before I got a mini lathe for Christmas.


 
I made six sails for the Conny. They include the spanker, three top sails and two jibs. Since the spanker is easy to install before the shrouds and stays are in place, I went ahead with the rigging. Right now the mizzen mast is glued in place and next comes the lower section of the main. Obviously I will have to add the shrouds before the upper parts of the masts are installed.


 
Strangely enough I still have not made the bowsprit nor the rail netting. I will have to buckle down and get going again. But first I need to learn how to use this new format!!!!

Bob, I'm happy to see you on the website again. Your build log was invaluable both as an inspiration and a practical guide.

Thanks guys.  "Never give up the ship".
 
          Bob R.

This is just an introduction to the new build log for my Conny. I will shortly add details about my current status and highlights of my past log. Please, bear with me while I am getting used to the new format and revisit my memory banks.