Glenn-UK

Main and Mizzen Mast Construction Over the last few days I have been constructing the main and mizzen lower masts. I still have to add some blocks / thimbles to these masts. There is some banding to add to the square sections of these masts. With the imminent birth of our 6th grandchild I am not sure when I can complete this work as my wife and I are on standby for baby sitting duties. A photo of the three lower masts is shown below Now a photo of the main and mizzen masts The main mast is shown in the next photo. The blocks have been added to the bottom of the main platform, as can be seen in the next photo The mizzen mast is shown in the next photo. And finally a photo of the mizzen mast platform.

Channels. Main and Mizzen Mast After a few days work I have completed adding the deadeyes, links and chainplates. The design of these parts made it reasonable easy to fit. I have taken a few pictures. It was a little bit fiddly to fit the two links and chain plates fitted with the aft most channel. Ideally they required a much shorter link so the chainplate can be secured to the hull above the gun port. I did experiment with making shorter links but opted to use the kit supplied parts. It is not pretty but once fully rigged I don't think it will not be that noticeable and is something I can live with. I then moved to building the platforms, starting with the main mast platform. I plan to follow the same approach for the main and mizzen mast that I used when constructing the foremast whereby I joined square stock material with the mast dowel material. Therefore I cut a suitable length of 8mm square walnut material and then made a check that this would fit through the platform's square hole. The same work was also carried for the mizzen mast platform and a check that the 6mm square section would fit.

She is a beast.

The Next Phase After due consideration I have decided that the next phase of my build will be to add the remaining channels to the hull and to then construct the main and mizzen masts so the associated shrouds and ratlines can be rigged. This will take a few weeks to complete. Before starting work in that respect I did touch up the figurehead and then I did a trial fit along with the bowsprit. Looking at the next photo perhaps the beard on the top lip needs a bit more work I have now added the remaining channels and knees to the hull. In readiness for adding the deadeyes to the channels the various deadeye strops were placed in their respective slots. Some of these PE parts still require to be blackened before the deadeyes, chain plates and links can be added. The captain has fallen over (alseep on duty?) in the next photo.

I'll be spoit for choice for my next project

Many thanks for all the kind comments and likes on my build log

Figurehead It is clear I lack the skills of a true artist together with poor close up vision and an unsteady hand but the figurehead has been painted to the best of my ability. I will redo the skin tones on the arms and legs

Spritsail Yard For the last few days I have been working on building the spritsail yard. It was an interesting element to construct and I am happy with the end result. The process I followed was as follows. Starting with a suitable length of dowel the tapers were applied. The central section is a hexadecagon, i.e. a 16 sided polygon. Using a simple jig to hold the dowel in place I was able to file and create the 16 flat edges required for the hexadecagon. Next I marked and drilled the holes required for the eyebolts and footrope stirrups. A hole was also drilled for the pin that would help secure the spritsail yard to the bowsprit. After the eyebolts and footrope stirrups had been blacked they were added to the spritsail yard along with the various cleats. The spritsail yard was then painted black. Next the various blocks and thimbles were seized and secured to the spritsail yard. You may note in the attached pictures that I did forget to add two blocks, which are located at either end of the spritsail yard. The final task was to add the footropes. The two outer footrope loops could have been more even with each other for a better symmetrical look. However once all the rigging has been added I do not think it will be that noticeable. I now have to decide what task to tackle next. My intention was to add the bowsprit to the Indy and the foremast stays and then continue with the adding the fore topmast and fore topgallant mast. On the other hand I might move on to constructing and installing the both main and mizzen channels and then adding the masts and their associated shrouds and ratlines. I also need to paint and fit the figurehead.

Many thanks.

Bowsprit Blocks and Deadeyes I have been unable too spend much time in the ship yard over the last few days however I have managed to add the various blocks and deadeyes. There are two blocks fitted to one side of the bowsprit. Before these were fitted I did check the 0.5mm black thread could be threaded through the block holes. In the next photo I have added an open heart block and 5mm deadeye assemble, a double 3mm block assembly. I have also started to add the final open heart block and the three remaining 5mm deadeyes are ready to be added. The following three photos were taken after the final three deadeyes were added. To complete the task I just needed to glue the bee's and end cap in place and also to double check that the fit of the spritsail yard. As you'll note I have drilled the holes in the end cap ready for the 11 off eyebolts which I will add during the rigging process. The dolphin striker also need to be added but I'll wait until the bowsprit is ready to be added to the Indy.

Bowsprit Topmast It has been a hectic few days with family staying and spent all my free time with the grandkids so no work in the shipyard. Peace and normality has returned to our household this morning although the peace will be shattered once again at the weekend when the grandkids return for a quick overnight visit. I was able to return to the shipyard this morning and decided that I should make the bowsprit topmast. I think it is important to make sure it will fit through the bowsprit end cap before the end cap is glued to the bowsprit. Starting with a length of 6mm dowel I reduced the diameter down until I could pass the end cap down to the required position. This was accomplished using my Proxxon mini lathe. Once I was happy I reduced the diameter of the end section so the PE part would fit over. Next I used a sharp blade to create the next section which is conical shaped. I was pleased with the work so far. The next task was to add a octagonal section. Using a simple jig which holds the dowel in place I was able to make a reasonable job of the octagonal section. After the first flat was filed I rotated the dowel through 90 degrees and then filed the next flat edge. Once I had repeated this two more times the dowel was then rotated through 45 degrees for the next flat edge. After three more 90 degree rotations the task was complete. It was then time for a dry fit check with the bowsprit and everything seems to match the plan sheet. I will need to shape the top and bottom edge of the edge cap, as indicated by the blue arrow. All that was left to do is to create an octangle section of the other end of the dowel. Using the same method as detailed above it was a simple task to complete. I did use a scrap piece of planking material, cut to the required width of the octagonal flat edges as a guide during the filing process. I also made the flying jib this morning and was very pleased with the dry test fit, as shown below. There is still plenty of work required to complete the bowsprit assembly, such as adding the various blocks to the bowsprit, making the spritsail yard, etc.

Thanks. I did make a jig to hold the dowel in place as I created the 3 flat edges. Have a great Christmas.

Bowsprit Endcap Musings I have started work on making the bowsprit. The dowel has been cut to the right length +10mm spare. The end of the bowsprit requires shaping for the bees and end cap. Using an offcut of the dowel material I made a bowsprit test piece. The bee sits perfectly on the top flatten section. The side sides which were also flattened are nice and even along the length. The end section required an oval shape for the end cap. Finally the required 25 degrees cut to the end was made. I am reasonably happy with the end result. After a bit of filing and sanding the end cap was a good fit, and could be set to the required angle. With the end cap test fitted and set to the required angle some filler would be required to fill the gaps, as can be seen below. This is not a problem as this area will be painted black. I also made a test end section piece which was a good tight fit in the end cap. In order to set the end cap at the required angle the hole requires tapering. This is what I have done on my previous models. If I do taper the end cap slot then the holes for positioning the dolphin striker could be comprised. With regards to the Indy build I am more inclined toward making the smaller oval shape and using filler as necessary. Before making a final decision on the way forward I will make a test bowsprit topmast piece so I can check it can be passed through the upper hole in the end cap.

Many thanks. It is my first model without shroud distortion, taking it very slow and steady was the key. I know what you mean about inking and I do like the look of the natural thread ratlines, so I might not ink. Having built a few models I am pleased that my modelling skills are slowly improving,

Lower Foremast Shrouds Completed After a few days work I have finally completed adding the ratlines to the lower foremast shrouds. There were a total of 588 clove hitch knots required to complete the task and I am pleased with the end result. They are not perfect but they are a marked improvement compared with my previous builds. I am now contemplating what I should tackle next. I am currently leaning toward constructing the bowsprit. The natural thread used for the ratlines will be coated with black Indian ink, but I will probably wait until all the ratlines have been added before I do this. I have included a few pictures of the decks.

Great progress, you'll soon be finishing the Indy.

Ratline Video's I have added two video to YouTube showing me adding some ratlines to the foremast shroud. I did record two videos, each taken from a different view point, in an attempt to keep the back of hands obscuring the view, but it was not always possible. Links to the two videos: Ratline Video 1 Ratline Video 2 As a general rule the I cut a length of thread that is approx. twice the width of the shroud for the ratline. The thread is then pulled through a block of beeswax a few times. I then use a hairdryer on the thread which helps the beeswax to flow. As each clove hitch knot is created I check the position with the template. Once I am happy I brush on some diluted wood glue to the knot and ratline

Ratline Video's I have added two video to YouTube showing me adding some ratlines to the foremast shroud. I recorded two videos, each taken from a different view point, in an attempt to keep the back of hands obscuring the view, but it was not always possible. Links to the two videos: Ratline Video 1 Ratline Video 2 As a general rule the I cut a length of thread that is approx. twice the width of the shroud for the ratline. The thread is then pulled through a block of beeswax a few times. I then use a hairdryer on the thread which helps the beeswax to flow. As each clove hitch knot is created I check the position with the template. Once I am happy I brush on some diluted wood glue to the knot and ratline .

Lower Foremast Shroud Progress Is Slow I am different to many of modellers as I actually like adding the ratlines. I find the repetitive nature of tying hundreds of clove hitch knots can be very therapeutic at times. Today I completed every 7th ratline on the left-hand side. These are the ratlines that are connected to each shroud line. Next I added a ratline to every 5th position as I find this helps to maintain the shroud shape. Also to help keep the shape I have also completed the first 5 ratlines at the bottom, as can be seen in the photo below. With regards to the pencil markings on the template the X's indicate every 5th ratline and the O's indicate the central ratline between each 5th pair. I also like to add a complete set of 5 ratlines near the top as this also helps to keep the shrouds line running true. The next photo shows the mid section of the shroud with some of the completed 5th (X) ratlines. I have now started to add the middle ratlines, as can be seen with ratline 7, marked with an O. In the past I have rushed through adding ratlines but I am taking much more time with this build and I can already see the benefit. I should have the left-hand shroud completed in the next couple of days. I then have to do it all again on the right-hand side.

Hello Dan In the past I have used a very small micro drill around the edges of a glued in part which normally enables me to release CA glued in parts. Once the part have been removed a bit of diluted filler can be used as necessary before the new part is fitted. Glenn-UK

Foremast Lower Shroud Ratlines - WIP I have started adding the ratlines to the foremast lower shroud. I started by printing out a template. Every 7th ratline is tied to every shroud line and all the remaining ratlines only tied to the leading 8 shroud lines. I indicated the full length ratline positions on the template using bold text. When adding the template I trimmed the top edge so it could positioned under the shrouds up to the bottom of the crosstrees. I started by adding the ratlines on lines 1, 10 20 30. I also added the one on ratline 35. Next I added the ratline for line 2 as this is one which needs to be carefully positioned with the shroud seizing's. The next photo shows the ratlines on lines 1,2 and 10. The 10th ratline looks to be out of position but this is not actually the case and is due to the position of the camera. By moving the camera for the next photo it can be seen that ratline 10 is correctly positioned but ratline 20 looked to be misaligned which is not the case. Ratlines 30 and 35.

Looks great

Foremast Shroud Work Continues I tied off the lanyards on the lefthand side this morning and then added a temporary thread which will be used to indicate the lower edge of the first shroud sizing. This also means I have left a bit of room to add the lowest ratline. Once the lower shroud seizing's were completed the lowest ratline was added. As can be seen in the photo below I also tied a thread around the first shroud to indicate the position of the lower edge for the next shroud sizing. You will also note that the first two shroud deadeyes (left hand side) have rotated anti clockwise and are now slightly misaligned. I will try to rotate them back to the correct position without removing the lanyards, but I suspect I will have to remove the lanyards to rotate the deadeyes. Of course I could just leave them as is.

Foremast Lower Shrouds I have continued with my work adding the lower fore shrouds and the deadeyes have now been added. The seizing still needs to be completed. I have done my best to get the shroud deadeyes to the same level and for the most part I am happy with how the shrouds are looking in that respect. There is a bit of room for adjusting the deadeye positions by adjusting the lanyards. My progress has been slow as I have been taking my time with positioning each of the shroud deadeyes. The method I have been using has yielded much better results compared with some of my previous builds.

I have not try fitting them as yet, but will have a look once I've finished with the initial fitting of the foremast lower shrouds.