Glenn-UK

8 minutes ago, Craigie65 said:

You are not hanging around, are you!  

I reckon the practice on Nisha will stand you in good stead for the Indy.  

Looking at the first two or three planks on the starboard side they seem to be encroaching at the stem (pic number 8).  Will that give you an issue for the second planking?

I don't think there issue with the 2nd planking as I have test fitted the stem outer patterns after fitting the first two planks. When I built the Erycina and Saucy Jack I did end up trimming some of the 1st planking back a bit so the 2nd planking would fit in the rabbet.

007 - 1st Planking Band 1

Having decided to try using a banding technique for the first 4 planks I tapered some planks, based on my bulkhead measurements. The taper would start from bulkhead 5 tapering to 4mm at bulkhead 3 and 3mm. I tapered four planks and did a test fit. In the photo below you can see where I marked the positions of the bulkheads.

The next set of photo's show the progress made after the first two plank were fitted. Each plank was test fitted and I did slightly sand some of the bulkheads before gluing the planking in place  so the plank height looked level with the adjacent plank.

In the next photo you will note the method I used to hold the plank in place on bulkhead 11 to ensure it was in full contact with the bulkhead.

The next set of photos is after the completion of planking in the first band. I did also dry fit some planks in the gap to verify the infill at the widest point was 9 planks in total.

The next plank to be fitted to the stern counter required a bit of shaping. The next photo shows me checking the shaping

As the plank required a bend I did slightly wet the plank and then pinned it in place hopefully retaining the bend once the plank has had time to dry out.

006 - Start of 1st Planking

One of the reasons for buying this model was so I could use it as a practice piece for some aspects of model building which I need to get better at. Planking is one such area which I would like to improve on. With that in mind, and after reading several different methods, my head is now full of different ideas, such as:

a) simply follow the build manual instructions with regards to tapering

b) Create different banding areas for planking and taper the planks as per the banding requirements

c) use Chuck's lateral edge bending method

Starting with the basics. I have measured the distance from the bottom of the bulwarks to the keel and recorded them in a table. At the widest point 9 planks will be required. The planks are 5mm wide so with a very simple bit of maths the required plank width at each bulkhead has been calculated.

After a little bit of careful consideration I have opted to followed the build manual for the first plank which has been split in two with a joint at bulkhead 6. This also means the rest of the planking can be split into 2 x 4 planking bands should I decide to the taper the planks to fit into these bands.

I have plenty of spare planking material so I think I will test fit the next 4 planks with the required taper from bulkhead 5 to bulkhead 1 which is 5mm down to 2.9mm. Depending on how the planks look when test fitted I may also look at experimenting with Chuck's lateral plank bend.

The taper for the first plank has been marked and is now ready to be trimmed. I will will provide further updates once I have made more progress with the planking.

005 - Stern Counter and Bulwarks

I spent a bit of time fairing the hull. I started off with 180-grit sanding sticks and 120-grit sandpaper. I then used 400-grit sanding sticks. I have checked the hull with a test plank and as far as I can tell there is good contact for the planks. I did try a few different planking runs

The stem, keel and stern posts were then added. To help ensure I had a good adhesion I did brush a diluted titebond solution into the joints

I did test fit the outer stem post patterns and drew a line on the stem post so I know where thew second planking needs to terminate.

The stern counter pattern was soaked in hot water for 30 min and then clamped to the stern frames and left to dry overnight. The dried stern counter pattern was a nice fit as it was glued into place.

Next was to add the two bulwark patterns. I did bevel the bow end leading edges and aligned  the lower marked line with the deck level. I am at a loss to explain why the right-hand bulwark does not line up properly with the stern frame. The deck is firmly resting on the framework. The stern frame parts were fully pushed into the locating slots. The bulwark bottom line is aligned with with the deck. I am not going to worry about it at the moment. I will decided on what needs to be done when the bulwarks are ready to be painted and the stern gunwale is ready to be fitted.

I am now ready to start adding the first planking layer. As can be seen in the photo below and have marked some 5mm steps which indicates I should be fitting 8 planks at the widest point. I have checked and believe 5 planks (per side) will be required to cover the distance between the bulwark and the stern post.

1 hour ago, JpR62 said:

Great work. Thank you for presenting it to us in such detail. It is a pleasure to follow this build !

Many thanks for your kind comments.

004 - Hull Construction Work Continues

The next task is to fit the main deck plywood base. This part should slip over the bulkheads and locate into slots. Before fitting the deck I did sand the area where the deck would sit to ensure it was a nice flat surface.

It is essential to check the deck fully engages with the locating slots on each bulkhead w hen it is installed, noting there is a nice click when this happens. There was no issues with aligning the deck and after clicking it into place I was pleased that it was sitting nice and flush on top of the bulkhead assembly.

After double checking the deck was fully engaged I brushed a diluted titebond solution into the joints. I also fitted the outer stern filler patterns.

Before moving on to the next task, which is fairing the hull, I decided it would be prudent to check some of the deck items which pass through the main deck and locate in slots on the lower deck. This is always a worthwhile task prior to the planking in my opinion. The various parts were test fitted and located in the lower deck slots without any issues.

I can now turn my attention to fairing the hull.

003 - Hull Construction and Deck Items (highlighting a slight snag with the companionway jig)

The bulkheads were positioned along the keel along with the lower deck pattern.

The bow and stern planking edge patterns were next to be added, using the 4 off locating pegs to ensure they were correctly positioned.

The clamps parts for bulkheads 4 and 7 were then added using the locating pegs to ensure the correct alignment.

Next the two longitudinal brace patterns were slotted in place. These patterns help to align and lock the bulkheads in position from position 3 to 12. Finally the 6 stern frame patterns, 2 inner, 2 middle and 2 outer were slotted in to place.

Once I was happy everything was in place and fully engaged I brushed a diluted titebond glue solution into all the joints. The hull assembly will now be left for 24 hours to ensure the glue has fully cured. I did add a clamp between bulkhead 2 and 3 on the right hand side to keep bulkhead 2 in the correct position.

With a bit of time to kill before I can continue with the tasks on the hull construction I decided to make a start with some of the small sub-assemblies.

Rudder Sub-Assembly

There are two decorative patterns to be added to the rudder.

The two patterns were glued and clamped in place. I used a couple of brass pins to ensure the patterns were correctly aligned. The 6 off PE hinges will be added later on.

Fore and Aft Fish Hatch Sub-Assembly

Each fish hatch has an upper and lower frame which were glued together and then clamped. Once the glue had been given time to cure the laser char was removed from the visible edges using a 180 grit sanding stick then a 1000 grit standing stick. The fish hatch covers were then test fitted. I will add the 0.5mm thread to the fish hatch covers later on in the build process.

Companionway Sub-Assembly

The first task was to build the jig. The side pieces were slotted in place on the base plate followed by the jig's cross beam.

I then took the two side pieces of the companionway and glued them to the companionway cross beam. Once the glue had time to cure I tried to place the companionway assembly over the jig so the curved canopy could be added. This is when I hit a snag as the companionway assembly would not fit over the jig. With a little bit of investigation I noted the jig was fractional oversized, as can be seen in the next photo. In order to resolve this I will need to sand the outside edges of the companionway jig to reduce the overall dimension which I believe should be 11mm, but currently measures 11.4mm. 

002 - Start of Hull Construction

I am taking a slightly different approach to this build. This time, after review of the build manual instructions, I am making my own build notes. I think this will help me visual the build process better and it hopefully it will help me reduce my normal array of build errors.

My first set of build notes is a bit sparse as they relate to building the temporary cradle.

I am now ready to start work on building the cradle.

The 4 cradle parts were removed removed from the MDF sheet. I then clean up the tab ends from the bottom edges. I did this by simply rubbing the edges over a piece of 120-grit sandpaper. The four cradle parts slotted together without any problems, the slots were a good tight fit. I now have a completed cradle. I think I need to go for a rest now.😂

The next task was to remove the 12 off bulkheads from the 3mm MDF sheet. I noted that bulkheads 1, 2, 3, 10, 11 and 12 have laser etched lines for the pre-beveling of the edges.

Before starting the pre-bevelling I decided to check that the bulkheads would fit on the keel. I also checked the fitting of the stern counter patterns (inner, middle and outer) and planking edge patterns (bow and stern). Everything seems to fit together very well so I now have confidence to move on to the pre-bevelling phase.

I used my Gilmour rotary tool for the initial pre-bevelling. I then used a sanding stick on the bevelled edges and finally completed the process with some 120-grit sandpaper. I also pre-bevelled the planking edge patterns.

I have made a good start today, with limited time in the shipyard due to grandparent duties. I am now ready to start the initial hull assembly steps. I don't think it will take too long before the basic hull frame is built.

001 - The Fleet

My next venture with Vanguard Models starts today with the arrival of the Nisha Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' kit. The plan for this build is for a test piece so I can work on improving some of my techniques in readiness for the Indy build, especially the planking and painting aspects. I think this build will fill the time nicely before the eagerly waited release of the Indy, hopefully late Feb early March.

The existing fishing fleet (Eyrcina and Saucy jack) are both excited about a new arrival to the shipyard.

The bigger ships in the fleet also showed a passing interest, Speedy not included as she was only a part build.

The Alert

The Duchess

Sphinx

The fleet in unison

Thanks for all the comments and likes. The shipyard has now been cleaned and tidied up ready for the Nisha build.

The kit should arrive in the next day or two.

024 - The Completed Saucy Jack

All good things must come to an end and this morning I completed the final task so the Saucy Jack is now complete and will be added to my ever expanding Vanguard fleet. To date I have built Speedy, Alert, DOK, Sphinx, Erycina and Saucy Jack. The Indy, when released will be a major undertaking and I expect it will take 2 to 3 years to complete.

Thanks to everyone who has been following this build and for all the kind comments and likes. It is greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Chris and James for all the the work they have put in to developing and producing a brilliant range of models.

Until the Indy kit is released, which I have pre-ordered, I need another small project so I have now ordered the Nisha – Brixham ‘Mumble Bee’. My plan for the Nisha is to use it as a practise piece to try to hone some of my weaker skills, especially the planking aspect which needs great improvement.

I have attached a few pictures of the completed Saucy Jack.

023 - Adding the Inner and Outer Jibsails

I started with the inner jibsail which was installed without too much fuss. I used the same method for the installation of the inner jibsail as detailed for the outer jibsail, later on in this post.

As with the inner jibsail I started the installation process for the outer jibsail by making the various blocks, as can be seen in the three photos below.

The outer jibsail was then attached to the lower main mast end cap, via the eyebolt and double block arrangement, as can be seen in the next photo.

The lower fastenings were then added, but not belayed, so the position of the outer jibsail could be adjusted as necessary

The outer jibsail has now been positioned and is ready to be belayed.

I am using a couple of reverse action tweezers to hold the two of the three unbelayed lines in place in the photo below which shows the current the current state of the Saucy Jack build. Once the three outer jibsail lines have been belayed I will make the stand and the build process will then be complete.

17 hours ago, Craigie65 said:

Hi Glenn,

Looking excellent.  

 

For the rigging do you have rigging tools?  I bought a set from CMB and find them invaluable in getting into hard to reach spots. Especially when paired with a fine pair of long tweezers.

Thanks, I use reverse action tweezers, straight and right angled. I did buy a set of rigging tools many years ago from CMB's when build HMS Victory but I never used them. Perhaps they can help, I will give them a try.

18 hours ago, DB789 said:

Looking great Glenn.
 

I had exactly the same difficulties belaying some of the rigging to the belaying pins just behind the mast and below the shrouds. I didn’t mention it as it seemed a bit feeble compared the the intricacies of rigging on most of the models on MSW! It’s one of the reasons I found this one a little harder than any others in Vanguard’s excellent fishing boat range. 

Compared to my other boats this seemed much more difficult, especially accessing the belaying pins under the shrouds. I have plenty of tools. I find reverse action tweezers are usually the most useful, both straight and right-angled versions.

022 - Main Sail and Top Sail Rigging

I have been able to spend a little bit more time in the shipyard and I have now completed the work related to adding the main and top sails. The photo below shows the current state of play. The top mast stay has been added but I have not belayed the free end which is why it looks wrong after passing through the bowsprit thimble.

The next few photos are a collection of various aspects of the main and top sail work, in no particular order. I have rigged a few model boats but I have found some of the belaying to the bitts very tricky due to the limited space.

It took me the best part of an hour to belay the line shown in the next photo as I found it almost impossible to hook the rigging line around the bottom of the belay pin.

Some of the belaying block arrangements are shown in the next photo.

The boom looks a bit long. I did double check the measurement and it is as per the plan sheet.

021 - Ratlines

I printed out a template and added my usual 0, 1 and 2 markers. The ratline sequence I follow is to add all the 0's first. Then I add all the 1's. The job is completed by filling in the gaps by adding all the 2's. As can be seen in the photo below I have positioned the template behind the shrouds and I ready to start adding the ratlines.

As can be seen in the next photo I have added all the 0's. The more observant will note I actually added the bottom 2 rather than the bottom 0 ratline. I will add the bottom 0 ratline once all the other ratlines have been added so I can then repositioned the bottom clamp.

In the next photo I have added the 1's ratlines, except the one at the top which can be added when the top clamp is repositioned. 

In the next photo I have added the all the 2 ratlines.

In  the final few photo's all the ratlines have now been added and all the ends trimmed. I now have to repeat this process for the other side. It does not take me to long to complete this process.

1 hour ago, Craigie65 said:

Slow down Glenn!  It’s at least 2 months before you get your Indy.

 

This one is looking good and will be a nice addition to your fleet.

I am going quite slow at the moment for me. I might have to build another fishing boat in the new year before I get the Indy kit.🤣

020 - Main Mast and Back Stays

The shrouds have been fitted and tied off and are now ready to have the ratlines added. Before adding the ratlines I decided to add the main mast stay and back stays. The main mast stay was a very easy line to rig.

The main stay is belayed to an eyebolt located on top of the bow, as can be seen below.

The other end of the main mast stay is looped around the main mast. I added a small mouse to main stay line which stops the line running through the loop end.

Moving on to the backs stays. These are a little be more involved, with each back stay comprising a three block arrangement. A single 5mm block was added to the end of each back stay.

I then prepared the other blocks and mast rigging straps. One block is seized to one of the rigging straps. the other block requires two threads adding, 0.25mm and 0.1mm natural.

The rigging straps were added to the hull and the threads rigged through the three blocks. The final free end is ready to be belayed to a cleat.

The next photo shows the rigging straps.

The final photo shows the other two blocks.

019 - Shrouds WIP

Time for another quick update as I have now started rigging the shrouds. In the first photo I have added the deadeyes and lanyards to first shroud pair. I have not tied off the lanyard or trimmed the end shrouds in case I need to remove the lanyards and release the shroud seizing to readjust the position of the deadeye. I have also added the first shroud pair to the other side of the main mast.

In the next photo I have added the deadeyes and lanyards to the second shroud pair. I did have to release and redo the final (left end) deadeye as it was sat to low compared with the other deadeyes when the lanyard was tensioned. They look much better now. Once I have made the final adjustments to the lanyards and I am happy with the deadeye alignment I will trim the excess shroud thread and tie off the lanyard free ends.

018 - Main Sail

With regards to work on the main sail I started by adding 8 off mast rings. Once they were in place I started to secure the sail to the main gaff. With the main gaff held in the quad hands I positioned the sail and secured it to the gaff at each end as can be seen in the photo below.

I then continued the process gradually working toward the centre from both ends as can be seen in the next photo. 

With the sail had been secured to the main gaff I threaded the mast rings over the main mast and then did a test fit to get an idea of how the sail would look as can be seen in the photo below. You will also note I have added a 4mm double block to the eyebolt located behind the tiller. I also checked and marked the position of the main boom on the main mast.

Once I have glued the main mast in place I can start rigging process starting with the shrouds.

40 minutes ago, chris watton said:

OK, finally, Indefatigable pre order is now live:

 

HMS Indefatigable – 1794 – VANGUARD MODELS

 

The first batch will be ready to ship mid-late February.

I have placed my order and looking forward to the challenge of lifting the big heavy box from the courier to my shipyard. Seriously I am excited about the challenge of building the indy.

017 - Getting Ready for the Rigging Phase and Sails

 After carefully adding a slot on the starboard side for the bowsprit it is was glued in place.

With regards to the next photo, the blue arrow shows where I went a bit off line with the drill when adding the cleat. This will be touched up. The yellow arrow shows the opened up anchor hole.

Some of my surplus pear wood deadeyes were added to the strops and placed in the channels. I will add the pins when I ready to rig the shroud lines.

With regards to the shroud lines and forestay I have made a start and these lines area ready to be rigged, which will be later as I need to add the main sail to the main mast.

I dyed the sails using a cocoa brown dye which was the same process I used for the Erycina. I then added the topsail to the top yard / top mast. It is possible to move the top yard/sail up and down the top mast so it's final position can be set later on.

Here is a picture of all the sails in roughly the right position. I am very happy with the sail colour.

016 - Deck Items

Following in my my earlier post I have not glued all the deck items in place, with the exception of the PE parts. I also drilled out the two holes for the anchor cables, using a 1.6mmD drill.

Next on the build process will be fitting the belay pins, adding the deadeyes to the strops and then placing them in the channels, I also have to file a slot in the right side gunwale for the bowsprit.

Here is a selection of photos of the Saucy Jack with the all deck items glued in place. The mast and bowsprit are included in these photo's but they have not been glued.

After a good clean in soapy water and acetone baths the various PE parts were chemically blackened. I have shown a selection of these in the final photo of this post.

I also have the sail set to dye which I will probably do in the next day or two.

I am hoping to have completed this build by the end of the year or maybe early in the new year given my shipyard time might be reduced due to the forthcoming (bah humbug!) Christmas festivities. MY next planned build will be the HMS Indefatigable. The Indy kit is due to be released by the end of February with pre-orders  available next week. I might have to build another small fishing boat to fill the void such as the Nisa or maybe I should decorate the house as it does need doing.

21 minutes ago, dunnock said:

A very nice colour scheme Glenn and the hull looks very smooth now.

Thank you very much.

015 - Gunwales and Rudder

Time for another Saucy jack update. I have now fitted the belay pin racks, deadeye channels, gunwales and rudder assembly to the hull. The first couple of photos shows the current build state of the Saucy Jack. She is now ready to have all the deck items added. The various pieces of PE parts (eyebolts, belaying pins, hooks, strops, etc.) are currently being cleaned in hot soapy water and acetone baths so they can be blackened.

The next photo is shows the gunwales in place.

The next photo is a close up of the tiller and stern area.

The one area I am not totally happy with is the stern counter pattern area, as can be seen in the next photo. I tried to be clever with the engraved Saucy Jack by adding a red infill. It almost worked.

I did paint the inner stern area black, which I think made a big difference, noting the odd splash of unwanted black paint on the deck, which I might be able to clean off.

The next photo shows the the left side belay pin rack in place. As mentioned in an earlier post I think painting the inner bulwark support patterns black was a good choice.

The final photo in this post shows left side channel, which has been pinned and glued in place.