robdurant

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
I've carried on working on the tops, masts, and I've turned the yards. At the moment, I've put them in place using loom bands (courtesy of my daughter), which helps me to keep tabs of which yards I've turned, and which I still need to do. Some of them still have the stubs on each end where the lathe was clamped, but most of them (due to lack of excess dowel) were cut precisely to length.
 
Detailing on tops:
 

 
Jibboom and bowsprit:
 

 
Yards ready to be turned
 

 
Yards so far... (all over the place, but at least roughly in place on the masts to help me remember which I've already done)
 

 
You can see I've begun putting some detail on the first yard (cleats and blocks), as per below. I also went over the rigging plan and marked the different types of sheets / lines with different colours to try and make it a little clearer.
 
Detailing the yards...
 

 
I'm hoping to get all the blocks onto the yards before they're attached to make the whole process somewhat simpler.
 
Take care
 
Rob

Greetings, 
 
Here are a couple of pictures of the starboard side, completed. I'm pretty happy with the result. The waterline is pretty sharp but I do have a couple of issues. First, since I'm using 5-minute epoxy, I had a very hard time getting the slight curvature needed in the tiles to conform nicely to the hull. If I had used CA glue it would have been easier to keep the plates right against the hull as the glue set. However, I am allergic to the stuff and have no intention of wearing a mask for modelling. So, I'm settling for the slight imperfections. 
 
I can use help with a solution, if someone has anything. 
 
Second, I find the size the plates quite large for the scale. They scale out to something like 48" x 18", which seems pretty large. Next time, I will tap down the round heads a little to make them more like the tops of nails. I didn't think of that until I was well into the installation.
 
Overall, if the material was a thinner (doubtful that thinner sheets are available) and if the plates were a bit smaller (yikes, if you are building Victory), they would look a little more accurate. 
 
However, overall, I would say this was quite a challenge. 
 
OK, now for the port side!
 
Cheers, 
 
Rick

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks so much for the likes. Always an encouragement.
 
I've spent a good part of today working on the masts... Built the structure that supports the main-top and mizzen-top, turned the maintopmast, mizzen-topmast and made some caps, although two of the caps will need making again, as the plywood disintegrated as I drilled it... They work, but they ain't pretty... Next time, I'll drill before I cut them out of the plywood sheet, and drill through on to an extra sheet of wood so that the ply is supported as the drill comes out of it...
 

 

 
Once the masts are turned and dry-fitting okay, I'll take it all apart again and add the detailing onto the tops, and make sure all the holes are drilled ready for rigging.
 
The keen-eyed amongst you may spot that the main topmast is a little too long. I made it oversized, and haven't cut it down yet... it's probably about 2cm too long, but I guess, that's almost a metre on the real thing... Being my first three-masted model, I'm not quite sure whether it looks right or not... I'll cut it down and forge ahead as per plans and we'll see how it turns out. I'm planning on following Panart's option with the mizzen-top-gallant, hence the long mizzen-top-mast. That's as high as that mast gets now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
A little progress on the masts, tops and crosstrees:
 
Fore top detailing (I ran out of the walnut strip, but I've got some more on order from Cornwall Model Boats)
 

 
In the meantime I started making up the crosstrees:
 

 

 
I finally managed to drill some passable mast caps by drilling from both sides, and added some detailing to the fore and main masts:
 

 
And the progress so far...
 

 
Having made it through the frustration of making the mast caps (which was a patience-building exercise as I seemed to lack the ability to drill a simple hole no matter how many ways I tried!), it's all going quite well again
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
A little progress on the masts, tops and crosstrees:
 
Fore top detailing (I ran out of the walnut strip, but I've got some more on order from Cornwall Model Boats)
 

 
In the meantime I started making up the crosstrees:
 

 

 
I finally managed to drill some passable mast caps by drilling from both sides, and added some detailing to the fore and main masts:
 

 
And the progress so far...
 

 
Having made it through the frustration of making the mast caps (which was a patience-building exercise as I seemed to lack the ability to drill a simple hole no matter how many ways I tried!), it's all going quite well again
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
A little progress on the masts, tops and crosstrees:
 
Fore top detailing (I ran out of the walnut strip, but I've got some more on order from Cornwall Model Boats)
 

 
In the meantime I started making up the crosstrees:
 

 

 
I finally managed to drill some passable mast caps by drilling from both sides, and added some detailing to the fore and main masts:
 

 
And the progress so far...
 

 
Having made it through the frustration of making the mast caps (which was a patience-building exercise as I seemed to lack the ability to drill a simple hole no matter how many ways I tried!), it's all going quite well again
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
A little progress on the masts, tops and crosstrees:
 
Fore top detailing (I ran out of the walnut strip, but I've got some more on order from Cornwall Model Boats)
 

 
In the meantime I started making up the crosstrees:
 

 

 
I finally managed to drill some passable mast caps by drilling from both sides, and added some detailing to the fore and main masts:
 

 
And the progress so far...
 

 
Having made it through the frustration of making the mast caps (which was a patience-building exercise as I seemed to lack the ability to drill a simple hole no matter how many ways I tried!), it's all going quite well again
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks for the likes.
 
A little progress on the masts, tops and crosstrees:
 
Fore top detailing (I ran out of the walnut strip, but I've got some more on order from Cornwall Model Boats)
 

 
In the meantime I started making up the crosstrees:
 

 

 
I finally managed to drill some passable mast caps by drilling from both sides, and added some detailing to the fore and main masts:
 

 
And the progress so far...
 

 
Having made it through the frustration of making the mast caps (which was a patience-building exercise as I seemed to lack the ability to drill a simple hole no matter how many ways I tried!), it's all going quite well again
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks so much for the likes. Always an encouragement.
 
I've spent a good part of today working on the masts... Built the structure that supports the main-top and mizzen-top, turned the maintopmast, mizzen-topmast and made some caps, although two of the caps will need making again, as the plywood disintegrated as I drilled it... They work, but they ain't pretty... Next time, I'll drill before I cut them out of the plywood sheet, and drill through on to an extra sheet of wood so that the ply is supported as the drill comes out of it...
 

 

 
Once the masts are turned and dry-fitting okay, I'll take it all apart again and add the detailing onto the tops, and make sure all the holes are drilled ready for rigging.
 
The keen-eyed amongst you may spot that the main topmast is a little too long. I made it oversized, and haven't cut it down yet... it's probably about 2cm too long, but I guess, that's almost a metre on the real thing... Being my first three-masted model, I'm not quite sure whether it looks right or not... I'll cut it down and forge ahead as per plans and we'll see how it turns out. I'm planning on following Panart's option with the mizzen-top-gallant, hence the long mizzen-top-mast. That's as high as that mast gets now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks so much for the likes. Always an encouragement.
 
I've spent a good part of today working on the masts... Built the structure that supports the main-top and mizzen-top, turned the maintopmast, mizzen-topmast and made some caps, although two of the caps will need making again, as the plywood disintegrated as I drilled it... They work, but they ain't pretty... Next time, I'll drill before I cut them out of the plywood sheet, and drill through on to an extra sheet of wood so that the ply is supported as the drill comes out of it...
 

 

 
Once the masts are turned and dry-fitting okay, I'll take it all apart again and add the detailing onto the tops, and make sure all the holes are drilled ready for rigging.
 
The keen-eyed amongst you may spot that the main topmast is a little too long. I made it oversized, and haven't cut it down yet... it's probably about 2cm too long, but I guess, that's almost a metre on the real thing... Being my first three-masted model, I'm not quite sure whether it looks right or not... I'll cut it down and forge ahead as per plans and we'll see how it turns out. I'm planning on following Panart's option with the mizzen-top-gallant, hence the long mizzen-top-mast. That's as high as that mast gets now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks so much for the likes. Always an encouragement.
 
I've spent a good part of today working on the masts... Built the structure that supports the main-top and mizzen-top, turned the maintopmast, mizzen-topmast and made some caps, although two of the caps will need making again, as the plywood disintegrated as I drilled it... They work, but they ain't pretty... Next time, I'll drill before I cut them out of the plywood sheet, and drill through on to an extra sheet of wood so that the ply is supported as the drill comes out of it...
 

 

 
Once the masts are turned and dry-fitting okay, I'll take it all apart again and add the detailing onto the tops, and make sure all the holes are drilled ready for rigging.
 
The keen-eyed amongst you may spot that the main topmast is a little too long. I made it oversized, and haven't cut it down yet... it's probably about 2cm too long, but I guess, that's almost a metre on the real thing... Being my first three-masted model, I'm not quite sure whether it looks right or not... I'll cut it down and forge ahead as per plans and we'll see how it turns out. I'm planning on following Panart's option with the mizzen-top-gallant, hence the long mizzen-top-mast. That's as high as that mast gets now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
Thanks so much for the likes. Always an encouragement.
 
I've spent a good part of today working on the masts... Built the structure that supports the main-top and mizzen-top, turned the maintopmast, mizzen-topmast and made some caps, although two of the caps will need making again, as the plywood disintegrated as I drilled it... They work, but they ain't pretty... Next time, I'll drill before I cut them out of the plywood sheet, and drill through on to an extra sheet of wood so that the ply is supported as the drill comes out of it...
 

 

 
Once the masts are turned and dry-fitting okay, I'll take it all apart again and add the detailing onto the tops, and make sure all the holes are drilled ready for rigging.
 
The keen-eyed amongst you may spot that the main topmast is a little too long. I made it oversized, and haven't cut it down yet... it's probably about 2cm too long, but I guess, that's almost a metre on the real thing... Being my first three-masted model, I'm not quite sure whether it looks right or not... I'll cut it down and forge ahead as per plans and we'll see how it turns out. I'm planning on following Panart's option with the mizzen-top-gallant, hence the long mizzen-top-mast. That's as high as that mast gets now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Mike - I know I'm looking enviously at your work, yup, we're in step (at least until you shoot past  )
 
Ray - you're so right.  What I actually really like about this kit is that it allows you to try things that maybe aren't necessary, but is a good proving ground for the future.  One thing I know, I won't be spiling a full hull until I'm retired!  The planking udner what will be copper will 'utilitarian' - i.e. something best covered by copper - which of course is as much work, if not more, than another layer of planking.
 
Here's how I dealt with the planking at the tricky plank at the counter.  I'm planning to use strip for most of the planking where I can but the first one required a spiled one.  Shaping planks with a steam iron is definitely something that helps.
 
Spiled planking at the bow pretty much done, walnut will be used below here.  Without wishing to waste any boxwood, I'm going about 8-10mm below where the waterline will be just to be on safe side.  This has had a quick surface sand to convince myself it will look OK in the end...
 

 
The tricky transition at the counter and the wale.  Spiled plank next to a 4x1mm strip for comparison.
 

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Thanks Dimitris
 
A small update on the ship's launch. It's starting to come together a bit better now:
 
I ditched several ideas along the way here... The .5 x 3mm strip for the ribs is far too grainy to bend, and seemed to me to be too thick to look scale, so I used some veneer instead. I also decided to use ply from the pickle kit for the wales, as then I could cut and sand it to shape rather than trying to bend a 2mm strip (again, too thick?) against the widest dimension. By my reckoning the ribs end up about 6mm apart. I also ditched the former at the front and the "bench"? at the back as being way too thick. I've just planked the front with walnut, and I'll do the same at the back for the "bench".
 

 

 
 

 
The wales need a bit more sanding to make them more uniform, but otherwise I'm pleased with the progress so far. Next step, the "bench" at the back and then the 1x1mm strip and the brass decoration with the blue behind. Soon be onto the masts and spars
 
Has anyone turned the masts and spars for RYC on a Proxxon DB250 - I'm considering buying one to replace the mantua lathe I have (which really isn't man enough, and is dying slowly: not least, because the home-brew power supply I've been using has been providing too many volts to the motor - 14 instead of 12), but I'm wondering whether it's the best way to spend the money
 
Rob

Time for another update. Thanks for the kind comments
 
Still working on the ship's boat:
 

 
Planking completed...
 

 
I decided one planking would be sufficient, as I wanted to try and get the thin-ness of the hull, and I wasn't planning on varnishing the wood, but painting it... I bit the bullet and put some wood filler on it, ready to sand down...
 

 
Then the first sanding (I suspect it'll take a couple of turns to get a really nice finish.
 

 

 
And then it was the most scary bit... to remove the upper frames... I was really pleased how that went. Now I just need to trim the transom back and get tidying up.
 

 
Happy building!
 
Rob

So, another week, and a little more done.
 
I started the launch, which posed a few interesting questions.
 
Mainly, the part no. 7 is shown on the plans as extending from frame 1 right back to either side of the keel, but in practice it stops some way short. Hopefully the pictures will make more sense of this than my description. (It's all dry fitted at this stage):
 

 
I wasn't quite sure whether it was the keel (8) or the former (7) that was the wrong length, so I thought I'd take a look at AOTS (Anatomy of the Ship book), and see what it showed. It's worth pointing out at this stage that this kit is over 15 years old, so it is quite possible that Panart have fixed this is more recent versions. Some of the other Caroline builders may well be able to answer that question
 
Well, looking at AOTS was a revelation. It turns out that the launch in AOTS is just over 18cm (even taking the 1:47 (kit) - 1:48 (AOTS) conversion), whereas, the model is only 14.4cm or 13.7cm if you cut out the spare keel... The picture  below gives some idea of the difference... model placed on top of AOTS:
 

 
That being the case, it seems that this is simply an area where the kit differs from AOTS, but it does help to answer the question should the keel be shortened... I certainly don't want to make the model differ any more from AOTS by shortening the boat even more, so I've decided to leave the keel as is, and accept that the former (which will be disposed of later in the process) is simply short.
 
That decision having been made, I cut the notches into the frames to allow them to be snapped off once the planking is complete, put electrical insulation tape on the edges of the frames above the notch, and glued the frames on to the keel (putting the former in place, but not gluing it, as it will need to be removed later... Then I began the first planking...
 

 
It did occur to me that with a picture like that, someone could get the wrong idea about my hobby :S
 
Anyway - suffice it to say the pins are only for the purpose of keeping the planks in place and flat to the frames as they glue. You can see the red insulation tape sticking out - that's simply to stop any glue sticking the planks to the frames above the notches... Hopefully it will keep life simple when the time comes to remove those later.
 

 
That's it for now.
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all!
 
Thanks for the kind words Don.
 
I've done a little more work on the launch:
 
I added a tiller from brass rod (painted with Caldercraft Walnut acrylic paint)... I also used this walnut paint to paint along the edges of the ply wales. I added the wale strips (4mm below the wale) from 1x1 walnut strip. Then painted in the 4mm band with blue acrylic (Humbrol 25), and added the brass etch gilding.
 

 

 
You can see a small spot on the rear corner where the blue needs touching up. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the results I'm planning to put some matt varnish on the brass to stop it tarnishing.
 
Still to do: I need to add the rowlocks, oars (waiting for my new lathe to arrive - yes, I finally took the plunge and have bought a Proxxon DB250 - and "benches".
 
I've spent a couple of hours drawing up individual plans for each of the mast sections ready to start shaping them. I'm creating these from the plans, and then I'll take a look at AOTS and see if there are any changes I want to make. They're not to scale, but they do give some idea of how those masts are going to be built up. It also begins to give me some idea of where caps, crosstrees, tops and masts meet, and how they're going to go together.
 

 

 
Thanks again for the likes and kind words. Such an encouragement!
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all,
 
I've started work on the foremast and foretop.
 

 

 

 
It's all dry-fitted at the moment, and the top has more detail to go on. I want to try and assemble the whole mast, dry-fitted before the mast is stepped.
 
More soon
 
Rob

Hi all!
 
Thanks for the kind words Don.
 
I've done a little more work on the launch:
 
I added a tiller from brass rod (painted with Caldercraft Walnut acrylic paint)... I also used this walnut paint to paint along the edges of the ply wales. I added the wale strips (4mm below the wale) from 1x1 walnut strip. Then painted in the 4mm band with blue acrylic (Humbrol 25), and added the brass etch gilding.
 

 

 
You can see a small spot on the rear corner where the blue needs touching up. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the results I'm planning to put some matt varnish on the brass to stop it tarnishing.
 
Still to do: I need to add the rowlocks, oars (waiting for my new lathe to arrive - yes, I finally took the plunge and have bought a Proxxon DB250 - and "benches".
 
I've spent a couple of hours drawing up individual plans for each of the mast sections ready to start shaping them. I'm creating these from the plans, and then I'll take a look at AOTS and see if there are any changes I want to make. They're not to scale, but they do give some idea of how those masts are going to be built up. It also begins to give me some idea of where caps, crosstrees, tops and masts meet, and how they're going to go together.
 

 

 
Thanks again for the likes and kind words. Such an encouragement!
 
Happy building
 
Rob

Hi all!
 
Thanks for the kind words Don.
 
I've done a little more work on the launch:
 
I added a tiller from brass rod (painted with Caldercraft Walnut acrylic paint)... I also used this walnut paint to paint along the edges of the ply wales. I added the wale strips (4mm below the wale) from 1x1 walnut strip. Then painted in the 4mm band with blue acrylic (Humbrol 25), and added the brass etch gilding.
 

 

 
You can see a small spot on the rear corner where the blue needs touching up. Otherwise, I'm very happy with the results I'm planning to put some matt varnish on the brass to stop it tarnishing.
 
Still to do: I need to add the rowlocks, oars (waiting for my new lathe to arrive - yes, I finally took the plunge and have bought a Proxxon DB250 - and "benches".
 
I've spent a couple of hours drawing up individual plans for each of the mast sections ready to start shaping them. I'm creating these from the plans, and then I'll take a look at AOTS and see if there are any changes I want to make. They're not to scale, but they do give some idea of how those masts are going to be built up. It also begins to give me some idea of where caps, crosstrees, tops and masts meet, and how they're going to go together.
 

 

 
Thanks again for the likes and kind words. Such an encouragement!
 
Happy building
 
Rob