mtaylor

I think the kit people got builders hocked on "black" as it's the color of tar.  Road tar that is.   Personally, I'd drop the black.   

As others have said, want black, it can be dyed.   I did use black on my Constellation since that was how she was rigged in the photos when I built her.   Hindsight, I should have went with browns or maybe off-white.   

So they assume the pigments didn't change over time or pick up some color from next layer of paint?  Interesting.  

If you're nuts, so are the rest of us.  At least we all gather in the same place. Birds of a feather and all that.

Good answer, OC.   I'll offer "majick".... in the sense of beyond normal.

Have a great holiday season, Pat.  Pumps look good.

That's great news, Frank!  I hope the new year brings more good news to you and yours.

Wow, doesn't it sum it up at all.  I'm speechless.  I think after looking over the exhibition I'm going to shut down my computer and wander off... totally overwhelming images of superb models.

Two ways that I know of Al.  The best probably is it pin the yard to the mast in the proper location.  The yard should at least be completely ready for it's rigging or even pre-rigged.  The other way, and I'm not a fan of it, is to rig the yard, hoist it aloft using the rigging and them a spot of glue to hold it to the mast.  You might have a look at way Rob is doing his:  

Very much not "small" Daniel.   I think Wow sums it up.  Looks like I'll be busy going through the exhibition for a day or two.

I'm 100% LED.   Replacement was easy, just a trip to the local home supply store and bought in "bulk" boxes of 10.   Depending on the room and need, I use both daylight and pure white.   Cost wasn't that bad compared to incandescent.  

Wonderful work on the lighting, Doris.  The warm glow captures the time period and the whole effect is amazing.

Looks fantastic from here, Daniel.   A coat of paint and finished.

Beautifully stunning, Alan.   Taking what Druxey said, I think someone at somepoint will comment that you were a trendsetter.   It may not be authentic but it does stand out.  

You need not be afraid.  Everyone has been where you are and the amount of help is incredible.

Hi Mike.  

Welcome to MSW.   That's the first time I've seen a model of one of those. I see them on Rogue here in Medford a lot and they just seem to be the peaceful way to fish... 

Bucklers were port lids that were installed and then lashed into placed.  No hinges or hardware to speak up.  

I hope the info helps.  Very confusing times on the details back then.   Even into the late 1700's, some French ships had port lids, others didn't.  May have been Captain's discretion? 

Marc,

As I've discovered, the French usually didn't arm the first port on any ship.  When no gun in place, they used it for ventilation and also during anchor handling.  On many vessels, this port was somewhat smaller than the gunports. It was also, speaking generically, the only gun port with a lid on the upper gundeck.  The other ports used bucklers.  As always, your mileage and research may vary.

Ah.. the original "check the scrap box, mate" when looking for lumber.

No worries, Eric.   I think I have the same disgust as you.

Jeff,

Just a gentle nudge to do a build log. Also I also see in the Index that there's 8 unless I miscounted Billings kits, with one completed.

Index is here (pick the ship kits):  

Can you find a larger photo or circle the area in question?   That whole area looks in shadow.

Welcome back, Keith and it's great the recovery went well.   The model looks great.