md1400cs

Thank you Michael. If your rigging will be on par with what you are doing with your ship, I have no doubts it will be perfect. I just can't stop admiring how clean and detailed your ship looks.
 
I'm glad you liked my hometown. I was born and raised here!

Nigel,
 
Yes I did misunderstand. Thanks for the input input Well, for the four most rearward cannons, so be it. It seems as though, however, that I may not be the only Vasa kit builder with this dilemma irrespective of manufacturer.
 
So this issue is still to be resolved, and is a work in mental progress. I may opt for those smaller guns, and build small carriages. At this point I remain irritated, and may move on to an other area.
 
Also, when I look at photos of the 1/10th, that has some very long weather deck guns, It would seem to be a problem for them as well? As always thanks for your sage input.
 
Speaking of guns I finally received those four stern swivel guns that I had ordered. I may segue and install those in the interim. A nice part of this hobby; One can meander all over the place, exclusive of when it comes the time to rig. That needs to be specifically ordered.
 
 
Cheers,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Yes I did misunderstand. Thanks for the input input Well, for the four most rearward cannons, so be it. It seems as though, however, that I may not be the only Vasa kit builder with this dilemma irrespective of manufacturer.
 
So this issue is still to be resolved, and is a work in mental progress. I may opt for those smaller guns, and build small carriages. At this point I remain irritated, and may move on to an other area.
 
Also, when I look at photos of the 1/10th, that has some very long weather deck guns, It would seem to be a problem for them as well? As always thanks for your sage input.
 
Speaking of guns I finally received those four stern swivel guns that I had ordered. I may segue and install those in the interim. A nice part of this hobby; One can meander all over the place, exclusive of when it comes the time to rig. That needs to be specifically ordered.
 
 
Cheers,
 
Michael

In Wasa case and considering the hasty manner it was constructed - that couldn´t happen? I mean, canon´s carriages bigger than they should be?

Nigel,
 
Thanks for the clarification, and the information.  
 
I will follow your advice and assume 8mm as "enough scaled room". I will build two smaller carriages (oversizing them just a tad) and then position them at those last positions on each side of the weather deck, mounted with smaller cannons.
 
The larger guns just won't work, even with the Corel included smaller carriages. So a custom approach would have been needed in any case. The second pic. has an 8mm reference piece of wood.
 
As usual an always big thanks for your active visits, and suggestions to my build log, very kind of you.
 
Cheers,
 
Michael

Hi Mates,
 
Been still busy with the weather deck carriages, and of course there are issues (aren't there always)?
 
My intensions are to also attempt to include the metal framings. Time consuming but a pleasant diversion from previous labors. This first carriage is still the prototype, so nothing is firmed up. Oh, I will use the Brass Black before installing the metal bits.
 
Corel, again, or is it me? [Here is the issue issue] have not allowed for a wider weather deck waste, so the carriages that I build are, when fitted towards the stern, too big. As you can see they overlap the gratings.
 
I tried to replicate them with the overhang lip that Landström has in his book. These long curved half-circle lips are also framed in the Vasa museum carriage reconstructions (though not for the weather deck) there is a pronounced overhang beyond the cap end of the gun.
 
So, I have downsized a second carriage, this may be a solution, or I may use smaller cannons and build four appropriately sized carriages. I do note that the 1/10th weather deck carriages do not have long overhangs, Hmmmmm.??
 
Still a work in progress, but thought that I would share Thanks so much for your visits, they are always so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Thanks for the clarification, and the information.  
 
I will follow your advice and assume 8mm as "enough scaled room". I will build two smaller carriages (oversizing them just a tad) and then position them at those last positions on each side of the weather deck, mounted with smaller cannons.
 
The larger guns just won't work, even with the Corel included smaller carriages. So a custom approach would have been needed in any case. The second pic. has an 8mm reference piece of wood.
 
As usual an always big thanks for your active visits, and suggestions to my build log, very kind of you.
 
Cheers,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Thanks for the clarification, and the information.  
 
I will follow your advice and assume 8mm as "enough scaled room". I will build two smaller carriages (oversizing them just a tad) and then position them at those last positions on each side of the weather deck, mounted with smaller cannons.
 
The larger guns just won't work, even with the Corel included smaller carriages. So a custom approach would have been needed in any case. The second pic. has an 8mm reference piece of wood.
 
As usual an always big thanks for your active visits, and suggestions to my build log, very kind of you.
 
Cheers,
 
Michael

Mates,
 
Thanks for your input, and suggestions. I think that things will be sort-of salvageable.
 
Edwin: here is a pic of the carriages reversed. Much better, indeed. I will shorten it still at least 1 mm or so.
 
Ferit and Nigel: Yes, I knew (as I was building the new carriages) that, as a result, some of the ports would open too low. I initially intended on only purchasing after-market cannons, and using kit provided carriages. Then I evolved, learned more, studied source materials, and improved my skills. I was also going to install cannons of two different sizes. I don't remember why?? All things past come back to occasionally haunt when there is a lack of foresight.
 
Yes, I sadly realized, after the first new carriage, that I now have a new problem. I will need to lower the upper carriage frames a bit. But in doing so I will loose the proper carriage "boxy" proportions. As well as the proper positioning of a small transverse beam upon which the inboard end of the cannon rests (also used for aiming). See enclosed museum pic. Hmmm
 
I can't, at this point, heighten the existing ports so carriages will need to sit lower, and trimmed at the top. I can :Fudge" a bit with the wheels, as well as a minor thinning of the lower frame thickness. All of these compromises are just that.
 
Nigel: Yes, I also realized that on "push back" there was no room for re-loading.
 
But (Question?) did not cannons also have to be turned at an angle in order for the gunners to insert that long wooden-rammer with new balls or cleaning after the last firing? I'm ignorant of all of this.
 
If that were the case then my spacing after re-sizing the carriages (which I will shorten just a bit more) may not be such a big visual mistake? Just asking (:-) Oh, yes those smaller cannons won't work. I will use 14 all of the same size.
 
Thanks for your suggestions and comments, they are always very appreciated and kindly taken.
 
Michael

Mates,
 
Thanks for your input, and suggestions. I think that things will be sort-of salvageable.
 
Edwin: here is a pic of the carriages reversed. Much better, indeed. I will shorten it still at least 1 mm or so.
 
Ferit and Nigel: Yes, I knew (as I was building the new carriages) that, as a result, some of the ports would open too low. I initially intended on only purchasing after-market cannons, and using kit provided carriages. Then I evolved, learned more, studied source materials, and improved my skills. I was also going to install cannons of two different sizes. I don't remember why?? All things past come back to occasionally haunt when there is a lack of foresight.
 
Yes, I sadly realized, after the first new carriage, that I now have a new problem. I will need to lower the upper carriage frames a bit. But in doing so I will loose the proper carriage "boxy" proportions. As well as the proper positioning of a small transverse beam upon which the inboard end of the cannon rests (also used for aiming). See enclosed museum pic. Hmmm
 
I can't, at this point, heighten the existing ports so carriages will need to sit lower, and trimmed at the top. I can :Fudge" a bit with the wheels, as well as a minor thinning of the lower frame thickness. All of these compromises are just that.
 
Nigel: Yes, I also realized that on "push back" there was no room for re-loading.
 
But (Question?) did not cannons also have to be turned at an angle in order for the gunners to insert that long wooden-rammer with new balls or cleaning after the last firing? I'm ignorant of all of this.
 
If that were the case then my spacing after re-sizing the carriages (which I will shorten just a bit more) may not be such a big visual mistake? Just asking (:-) Oh, yes those smaller cannons won't work. I will use 14 all of the same size.
 
Thanks for your suggestions and comments, they are always very appreciated and kindly taken.
 
Michael

Update March 19 2014.
Finished rigging the Main mast. Only the mizzen and flags remain to do.
 
Thank you for watching.

Hi Mates,
 
Been still busy with the weather deck carriages, and of course there are issues (aren't there always)?
 
My intensions are to also attempt to include the metal framings. Time consuming but a pleasant diversion from previous labors. This first carriage is still the prototype, so nothing is firmed up. Oh, I will use the Brass Black before installing the metal bits.
 
Corel, again, or is it me? [Here is the issue issue] have not allowed for a wider weather deck waste, so the carriages that I build are, when fitted towards the stern, too big. As you can see they overlap the gratings.
 
I tried to replicate them with the overhang lip that Landström has in his book. These long curved half-circle lips are also framed in the Vasa museum carriage reconstructions (though not for the weather deck) there is a pronounced overhang beyond the cap end of the gun.
 
So, I have downsized a second carriage, this may be a solution, or I may use smaller cannons and build four appropriately sized carriages. I do note that the 1/10th weather deck carriages do not have long overhangs, Hmmmmm.??
 
Still a work in progress, but thought that I would share Thanks so much for your visits, they are always so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Hi Mates,
 
Been still busy with the weather deck carriages, and of course there are issues (aren't there always)?
 
My intensions are to also attempt to include the metal framings. Time consuming but a pleasant diversion from previous labors. This first carriage is still the prototype, so nothing is firmed up. Oh, I will use the Brass Black before installing the metal bits.
 
Corel, again, or is it me? [Here is the issue issue] have not allowed for a wider weather deck waste, so the carriages that I build are, when fitted towards the stern, too big. As you can see they overlap the gratings.
 
I tried to replicate them with the overhang lip that Landström has in his book. These long curved half-circle lips are also framed in the Vasa museum carriage reconstructions (though not for the weather deck) there is a pronounced overhang beyond the cap end of the gun.
 
So, I have downsized a second carriage, this may be a solution, or I may use smaller cannons and build four appropriately sized carriages. I do note that the 1/10th weather deck carriages do not have long overhangs, Hmmmmm.??
 
Still a work in progress, but thought that I would share Thanks so much for your visits, they are always so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Hi Mates,
 
Been still busy with the weather deck carriages, and of course there are issues (aren't there always)?
 
My intensions are to also attempt to include the metal framings. Time consuming but a pleasant diversion from previous labors. This first carriage is still the prototype, so nothing is firmed up. Oh, I will use the Brass Black before installing the metal bits.
 
Corel, again, or is it me? [Here is the issue issue] have not allowed for a wider weather deck waste, so the carriages that I build are, when fitted towards the stern, too big. As you can see they overlap the gratings.
 
I tried to replicate them with the overhang lip that Landström has in his book. These long curved half-circle lips are also framed in the Vasa museum carriage reconstructions (though not for the weather deck) there is a pronounced overhang beyond the cap end of the gun.
 
So, I have downsized a second carriage, this may be a solution, or I may use smaller cannons and build four appropriately sized carriages. I do note that the 1/10th weather deck carriages do not have long overhangs, Hmmmmm.??
 
Still a work in progress, but thought that I would share Thanks so much for your visits, they are always so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Lawrence,
 
Thanks for your encouraging remarks, I'm learning as I move along. Having fun with the cannon carriages. I'll post an update when I completely finish the first one. One which has already been modified several times just to get it just right. From that one, I can mirror the other thirteen, and really move forward.
 
Michael

Matti,
 
For your bow detail, try this. I cut some small pieces, glued them at an angle, and then drilled very small holes to have the appearance of nails. Close up in this pic it looks "weak" but just looking at it through normal vision the poor quality effort sort of goes away.
 
PS: I almost totally missed this small detail on the ship. After looking at so many photos I realized that the Vasa had these planks to allow the water sto slip under the bow. Your photo is spectacular the best I have seen. Please post more pics of your visit, I'm sure that they would be great to see.
 
Michael

Matti,
 
Your start looks so good. The Billings kit will allow you to build the Vasa very close to the original. Several of us are building this ship at this time. I noticed that even near the poop deck you have the benches on each side of the entry door. PERFECT just as it should be (Corel has stairs).
 
I will enjoy following your build. You may already know about this, but here is a link to the 1:10th from the museum. Many of the photos are super HD so you can enlarge them several times to get super close up details. Good Luck. Your start is really beautiful. I also visited the Vasa museum; What an Experience SO interesting....
 
http://www.modelships.de/Museums_and_replicas/Vasa-Museet-Stockholm/Photos-Vasa-model.htm
 
Michael 

Hello Hamilton. The build log was lost, but here are some photos. For some reason I can't find photos of the finished model.
Will try to post them later.
 

I am lost for words. Excellent work and detail, nice and clean. I could go on and on. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Keep the pictures coming.

Hello friends.
 
 C  Gun - Deck      /  Equipment complete.
 
  8    Sheep-pen   -   Schafspferch
  9    Main hutch   -   Hauptluke
10    Bread - oven  -  Brotofen
11    After ladder (for crew)    -  Treppe nach achtern für die Mannschaft
16    After -hatch    -  hintere Luke
12    Lower barrel of main capstan   -   unter Teil von dem Haupt-Gangspill
 
Karl 
 
 
T e i l   44
 

Hi Mates,
 
Gun carriages part one.
 
Moving forward knowing that I still needed to finish up some deadeye channel plates, but I needed a "fresh" task. I was in the doldrums.
 
So, since it's really time for thinking about the weather deck cannons, here are some preliminary details. Having fun with this.....
 
Choices were to install Corel issued cannons and carriages or disregard these. I had already purchased some decorative cannons so the real decision was; should I use Corel carriages or build some. Easy choice.
 
Pics are fairly self-explanatory.
 
First pic is what Corel offered.
Second pic is taken from the museum upper gun deck. Carriages are much boxier.
 
The "M” I used as a template for aligning the sides during gluing.
 
I did not have a wide enough piece of timber to make the bases so I glued two pieces together and then shaped them to the correct width.
 
The first semi-completed carriage is just a sample. I will need to adjust the cannon placement. Its a bit too far aft, but you get the idea. Also sanding and further detailing will follow, along with grooves for the axles. I will use smaller wheels for the rear.
 
I have all of the metal bits, hooks, wheel metal rings, and beautiful blocks and ropes that I just received from Chuck at Syren.
 
Yes, I know that the weather deck cannons are incorrect for the Vasa, but in this instance I don't care (:-)
 
Lastly I just received a set of 50 decorative cannons for the upper and lower gun decks. So all of the cannons will at least match. Again, thanks so much for dropping by it is so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Keith,
 
Hi, thanks so much for dropping by. When I started this log, I did not include the very early stages, as those tend to be very redundant for so many kit builds. However in the case of the Corel's Vasa it could be informative in that Corel very much miss-managed the shape of the stern. Here are some early pics of the build. I hope that they are helpful. I followed the kit plans to a "T".
 
With regard to adding 8 mm per side it would, I think create other issues.
 
1) it would sort of "Bow" outward the entire stern as you would need to add girth from the keel up to the weather deck. You would have to start a bit aft of mid-ship to still create proper longitudinal look to the hull
 
2) it would probably create larger gaps when you install the decorative pieces. Note on my build that I did not broaden the stern and there still are minor gaps in the spacing of the "wooden" decorative artwork. See the museum photo compared to mine, everything is tightly connected. Widening the stern may not look good, given the sizes of Corel's gilded parts.
 
The primary issue with this kit is the mis-shaped stern, which I did manage to fix after the fact. Now that is an area you could easily circumvent during the initial stages.
 
As I went along, I was very self critical with certain failures, on my part, that could have been avoided had I also referred to other sources during early build stages. I've learned a lot since. The Corel is a nice kit, though it is the least accurate of the three available commercially. With much extra detail work it will produce an acceptable and beautiful build. All of my friends who know nothing about this ship think its perfect--funny, only we fanatics here at MSW, especially Vasa builders will be able to see the errors among the kits. I've droned on a bit too long (:-)
 
If you have any other questions, please post them. I'm very happy to assist in any way I can. And as I said, if your scroll through what I've criticized of my work, it will certainly be helpful for you to  avoid if you decide on the Corel.
 
MIchael

Hi Mates,
 
Gun carriages part one.
 
Moving forward knowing that I still needed to finish up some deadeye channel plates, but I needed a "fresh" task. I was in the doldrums.
 
So, since it's really time for thinking about the weather deck cannons, here are some preliminary details. Having fun with this.....
 
Choices were to install Corel issued cannons and carriages or disregard these. I had already purchased some decorative cannons so the real decision was; should I use Corel carriages or build some. Easy choice.
 
Pics are fairly self-explanatory.
 
First pic is what Corel offered.
Second pic is taken from the museum upper gun deck. Carriages are much boxier.
 
The "M” I used as a template for aligning the sides during gluing.
 
I did not have a wide enough piece of timber to make the bases so I glued two pieces together and then shaped them to the correct width.
 
The first semi-completed carriage is just a sample. I will need to adjust the cannon placement. Its a bit too far aft, but you get the idea. Also sanding and further detailing will follow, along with grooves for the axles. I will use smaller wheels for the rear.
 
I have all of the metal bits, hooks, wheel metal rings, and beautiful blocks and ropes that I just received from Chuck at Syren.
 
Yes, I know that the weather deck cannons are incorrect for the Vasa, but in this instance I don't care (:-)
 
Lastly I just received a set of 50 decorative cannons for the upper and lower gun decks. So all of the cannons will at least match. Again, thanks so much for dropping by it is so appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
You are my hero, it's 23:15 in the UK and you're still awake (:-) !!
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
OMG these cannons are the very top of the pyramid. So beautiful. What an artist ! Thanks for the link. Won't work for the Vasa, but for an SOS build,  Hmmmm
 
Michael