md1400cs

Andy,
 
Finally got caught back up on your build Whoa looks awesome.
 
So in catching up;
 
1) have a nice trip
2) welcome back home
3) sorry about the trees
 
Your rope details are super nice to look at. Your build is magnificent. A real treat for the eyes.
 
Regards,
 
MIchael 

Matti,
 
Excellent comparisons. As Nigel said, you really got it right.
 
Michael

Matti,
 
Excellent comparisons. As Nigel said, you really got it right.
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Stunning. Your upgrades will be spectacular as well as adding so much to this already superlative example that you are building. Your skill set is awesome. We will certainly all look forward to your interior updates.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Thank you very much for your suggestion, as well as your time in thinking of this for me.
 
As it turns out I have purchased some gratings from Amati. (Pre-assembled Size:50 x 50 x 2 mm; 2 x 2 x 3/32 inches ) I am currently assembling the grating frames as well as cutting to size the new gratings themselves.
 
I am using the 1/10th, as well as some of the other Vasa builders, and the 1:1 photos as references. The finished effort will certainly improve on what I had originally installed; those were totally inappropriate.
 
I marvel at your work, and so appreciate your continued kindness, as well as your constructive comments on my build. I would have responded sooner, but I have been away for a few days.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Matti,
 
Happy B. Day as well. A good Nice round number. Your lighting will add a very special dimension to this already wonderful example that you are building. Kudos to you (:-)
 
R/   Michael

Hi Michael,
Thank you for your compliments!
I had made/adjusted my bow entry doors inspired by the pictures of the model in the Wasa museum and by the ones of your build !
 
The reference picture that you have found with seven musicians as pillars is actually of the interior. On page 108 of Landstroms book there is a very similar picture where he starts describing the interior cabins.

Ferit,
 
Brilliant as usual !!
 
R/  Michael

Hello,
 
Here is another "retro-update". I decided to remove the original, kit included, stairs so that I could replicate more closely what has been installed on the 1:1 in Stockholm.
 
The pics are self-explanatory (the first pic was my original installation). I purchased two sets of stairs and glued the step's vertical timbers together so that I could then reshape them with the curves.
 
The Stockholm Vasa ladders are, I think, new so I assume (that word again) that the museum historians copied ladders that were in use at the time that included those curves. I also noticed that some of the 1:1 photos have a curved deck cutout at the top of the stairs, so I did some cutting and fixing as well.
 
My center area between the two ladders is incorrect, but too late to deal with that. I may add some kind of figurine details on that center wall. Hmmmm
 
Moving on I will now start on the bow figures. They will be painted similarly to my stern figures. With these figures I will attempt to add some sort of slim framing that I see on the 1:1 photos. I have to think about how to do this.
 
Again, I so appreciate, and I am certainly motivated with your kind posts as well as those of you whom are kind enough to just visit this build in progress. Thanks everyone.
 
Regards,
 
Michael
 
 

Hi again (too soon I imagine)
 
J Pett, so nice of you to attach me with a hook of some kind. Your Rattlesnake is remarkable. If I was a minor catalyst, well I'm very honored, thanks for mentioning it; I think?
 
Mark, I look forward to your Segal Vasa updates. We all grow and learn from each other. My efforts here have been a wonderful growth experience by looking into other's builds on MSW and learning from their notations as they go along. All good !!.  This build, and how it is coming along is in great part because of what I have learned here. Thanks folks....
 
ZyXuz thanks for your, always, encouraging notations.
 
-----------------------------
 
So, in my zeal to retro-build this boat, here is my latest re-build.
 
I was not "comfortable" with the bow transverse railing, so I removed it. The pics are self-explanatory so no need to describe any of theses.
 
The first pic is obviously my original effort. The in-between pics are my re-model, and the last is, of course, a pic from our Vasa bible.
 
I don't have Clayton Johnson's gift, or anyone else’s for that matter in regard to sculpturing, so I purchased generic gilded stanchions and painted them. It's a compromise, but I'm more comfortable with this "look" than my original effort.
 
 
As I move on I will, however, try my hand at "sculpturing" I need to build to lower braces for the two catheads, and also fashion wooden trim pieces on each side of the flag pole just above the rounded gilded piece at the stern.  Thanks for stopping by, and for all of your super nice posts.
 
Regards,
 
 
Michael
 
 

21/07/2014 reloaded some deleted pics
 
 
Timothy, and NM Brook, thanks so much for your encouraging words, they are always appreciated. Ron, special thanks as well for your very detailed and informative prose (as well as your praise of my project, whoa, undeserved, but thanks a million).
 
Your prose was absolutely not too esoteric, on the contrary, from your input we, who are Vasa nuts have certainly learned a lot.  As I have posted previously, I regretted not painting the "clinker" panels [just learned that word (:-)] a bright red. Well your discovery is very sweet music to my eyes. It retrospectively rationalizes my not painting those timbers. I must have been visionary, when I decided to instead use darker wood for the highlights could they be terra cotta??? ha ha....
 
It does, however, open a can of worms; why would the 1/10th, then have such garish colors, if in fact they were actually much more muted, and much less intricate especially the gallery upper timbers that also have white scalloping? None-the-less it now makes us all more "relaxed" about the paint issue for our Wasas. Thanks.
 
Since the remodel, and enlargement of the museum, it must be even more spectacular. Ron, you certainly had a rare opportunity being hosted by one of its researchers. Yes that museum is a "monster" as it should be. I loved my visit there in the mid 90s. I NEED to go back. And yes Ron, I am familiar with Clayton's Vasa. I must have every pic, and seen every YouTube video about his project. This guy "walks on water" and the lake aint frozen !! Thanks for pointing him out. His build has been a wonderful catalyst for me.
 
-------------------
 
A current minor update;
 
I constructed and installed the four hull windows near the galleries. As you can see I used two sizes of grating for the frames. One caveat; as you know gratings are always loose and just crossed braced. I had to make sure that the "back sides" were firmly glued together, so that they would hold together when cut, and adjusted for fit. It took several attempts to get four that met my needs. I also added two hull drains that show up in occasional Vasa photos. It took me a long time to even "see" that little bit of detail.
 
Again thanks all of you who are kind enough to pass through and visit this build, with added huge thanks to those of you who take the time to leave feedback and encouragement. Thanks so much....Have moved forward by removing the bow lateral railing. Rebuilding it, mine was all wrong.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Ferit, very nice build. I have been to Istanbul, and really enjoyed the city....it is dynamic, and one of my favorite cities in the world.

Matti,
The railing at that section is not part of the Corel kit, nor is it present in the 1:10 model in the Stockholm museum. I had seen a shorter railing at that section in the build from Michael (md1400cs), and in my opinion it seemed a suitable location to have a small railing.

Matti,
 
Your boat is looking so awesome Whoa!!!  Your research is also just as impressive nice project. It seems as though you are really enjoying this ship's build. Good for you (:-)
 
R/   Michael

3 important things to look for:
 
A big motor to resist the pressure so that the motor does not stop
A 90 degrees angle even when applying strength while sanding meaning a strong table  so that there is no distorsion
A disk sander will leave ¼ round  prints on the wood while a belt sander  which is used in the same direction as the wood grain  will leave no marks

I had the sander from Micromark, and my biggest complaint was that the table for the disk sander would not stay square to the disk. I upgraded to the Byrnes sander and wish I had originally bought it - would have saved some money. Like all his tools it's very precise, which is very important at smaller scales.
 
Frank

Here are some of the details that I decided to incorporate on my Corel Wasa. The bobinettes from the kit were incorrect. I used photos of the original as reference. Also, the Corel gilded pieces are also incorrect as additions to the Galeries. Here are pics of my attempt. Again, thanks for looking
 

Nigel,
 
You are way too modest. What you have done is not carving (something I can barely do). You are a master sculptor, an art-form that is very difficult to achieve.  You have; "in spades". Beautifully crafted work.
 
PS: I was chuckling to myself as I noticed within one photo was an electric receptacle  I spent two years living in London and was shocked (no pun intended) at the size of those boxes when we first moved into our flat. Very funny. They, of course, include fuses, which is a very useful safety device. Something that should be incorporated into American standards IMO.
 
Regards,
 
MIchael

The mizzenmast...

Hello,
 
Matti, Ferit, and Zy thanks for your nice comments, always appreciated. Mark you are the lucky one, yes your kit included those complex looking braces. I really like the BB version of this ship. Good choice.
--------
An update; had the last of couple days off, and my sweetheart is out so I can very comfortably make noise with the dremel {and my music}(:-) I painted and installed the bow figures. I am very happy to be DONE with painting those tiny little creatures.
 
I wanted to also add the small pedestals, and small frames behind each figure as seen in the 1/10th, but there is no space, the pedestals would then hang down lower than that timber upon which those little feet are now perched. Looks better that way. Pics are self-explanatory.
 
A couple of thoughts;
They were lined up by height, with the tallest closest to the deck.
The blue figure at the tip has since been straightened out a bit. One might think that he was trying to dive off of the ship before it sank.
 
----------------------
 
Now onto those darned gratings. I did complete the most forward one. I'm comfortable with the results so far. I will post when completed.
 
Again I want to thank all of who have been so kind with your encouraging words, and thanks as well to those of you just looking in. Your time spent at my build is a personal kindness, thank you.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

I didn't see this message when posted, and it humbles me. Thank you Michael!!!. Your words are really encouraging. Too bad my work on my Vasa has been slow due to some other things I have to do. 

Andre,
 
Nice pics of the 1:1 You and Matti are so helpful...
 
Ulises is right, your resurrection of this almost destroyed example is really astonishing.
 
PS: Ulises is the MASTER with rigging for the Vasa. His work is beautiful and perfect. He also has one of those amazing rope making machines.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Nigel,
 
Always a huge pleasure looking in on your SOS. A kit that is arguably the most desired by builders. Your build is awesome, and will be a "Grand Slam" when finished (sorry a baseball term)
 
Your chat with Matti was super informative regarding the SOS and the Vasa. (:-)
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Hello,
 
Matti, Ferit, and Zy thanks for your nice comments, always appreciated. Mark you are the lucky one, yes your kit included those complex looking braces. I really like the BB version of this ship. Good choice.
--------
An update; had the last of couple days off, and my sweetheart is out so I can very comfortably make noise with the dremel {and my music}(:-) I painted and installed the bow figures. I am very happy to be DONE with painting those tiny little creatures.
 
I wanted to also add the small pedestals, and small frames behind each figure as seen in the 1/10th, but there is no space, the pedestals would then hang down lower than that timber upon which those little feet are now perched. Looks better that way. Pics are self-explanatory.
 
A couple of thoughts;
They were lined up by height, with the tallest closest to the deck.
The blue figure at the tip has since been straightened out a bit. One might think that he was trying to dive off of the ship before it sank.
 
----------------------
 
Now onto those darned gratings. I did complete the most forward one. I'm comfortable with the results so far. I will post when completed.
 
Again I want to thank all of who have been so kind with your encouraging words, and thanks as well to those of you just looking in. Your time spent at my build is a personal kindness, thank you.
 
Regards,
 
Michael

Hello,
 
Matti, Ferit, and Zy thanks for your nice comments, always appreciated. Mark you are the lucky one, yes your kit included those complex looking braces. I really like the BB version of this ship. Good choice.
--------
An update; had the last of couple days off, and my sweetheart is out so I can very comfortably make noise with the dremel {and my music}(:-) I painted and installed the bow figures. I am very happy to be DONE with painting those tiny little creatures.
 
I wanted to also add the small pedestals, and small frames behind each figure as seen in the 1/10th, but there is no space, the pedestals would then hang down lower than that timber upon which those little feet are now perched. Looks better that way. Pics are self-explanatory.
 
A couple of thoughts;
They were lined up by height, with the tallest closest to the deck.
The blue figure at the tip has since been straightened out a bit. One might think that he was trying to dive off of the ship before it sank.
 
----------------------
 
Now onto those darned gratings. I did complete the most forward one. I'm comfortable with the results so far. I will post when completed.
 
Again I want to thank all of who have been so kind with your encouraging words, and thanks as well to those of you just looking in. Your time spent at my build is a personal kindness, thank you.
 
Regards,
 
Michael