Beef Wellington

Shipyard Update:
Ratlings:
Finished the Port Mizzen Ratline.
 
A few pictures along the way below.

 
Below is my Magnifier which has been used for every knot for the ratlins. 


 
Both Mizzen sides completed.

 

Hi all!
I am halfway second planking. Till now it looks ok to mee
 
 

Beautiful results as to be expected, really nice to see the side by side comparison.

Beautiful results as to be expected, really nice to see the side by side comparison.

Hi, know very little about the subject matter so have been following but not commenting.  Good to see things have worked out as well as they have, well done!  You were certainly brave to tackle the bow the way that you did.  Now that I've seen what you had been intending, I wonder gluing the grey hawse hole pieces into the 'extended bow' position initially would have made the alignment of the bow extension pieces to be a little easier? -  of course theses would need a filling piece at rear in that case.

Hi, know very little about the subject matter so have been following but not commenting.  Good to see things have worked out as well as they have, well done!  You were certainly brave to tackle the bow the way that you did.  Now that I've seen what you had been intending, I wonder gluing the grey hawse hole pieces into the 'extended bow' position initially would have made the alignment of the bow extension pieces to be a little easier? -  of course theses would need a filling piece at rear in that case.

Hi, know very little about the subject matter so have been following but not commenting.  Good to see things have worked out as well as they have, well done!  You were certainly brave to tackle the bow the way that you did.  Now that I've seen what you had been intending, I wonder gluing the grey hawse hole pieces into the 'extended bow' position initially would have made the alignment of the bow extension pieces to be a little easier? -  of course theses would need a filling piece at rear in that case.

THE GREAT PLANKING OF 2017 (Part 1)
 
Special attention was paid to HMS Terror’s planking; originally, to protect her from the recoil of her massive mortars within, and later to protect her from the immense force of polar ice without. These combined pressures resulted in the construction of perhaps the toughest wooden sailing vessel the world has ever seen. She was, in her way, the pinnacle of the wooden shipwright’s art - embodied in a squat, slab-sided bomb, with the lines and dull sailing qualities of a merchantman. How can you not love HMS Terror?
 

My reconstruction of Terror's 1845 planking plan.
 
Please visit my blog for the complete description of Terror's planking desgn and history. 
 
I made two fundamental mistakes when planning to plank Terror’s hull in 2013. The first of these was deciding to double-plank her hull, just like the real ship. I began planking my model in the fall of 2016. In a previous post, I showed how I planked Terror’s topside weatherworks above the chocks. I followed a similar methodology for the hull, but rather than edge-bending planks, I had to carefully spile them, as this was necessary to plank the bluffer parts of Terror’s bow. 
 

The first strake added to the hull. The white line was my first inadequate
 attempt to line off the bottom of the wales. I fixed the run shortly after this picture was taken. 
 

The first strake at the bow. This image reveals how bluff Terror was just above the waterline.
Again, this was taken before I adjusted the reference line on the hull. 
 
Spiling greatly slowed my progress, and I was only able to complete one or two strakes in an evening. With 120 strakes necessary for both layers of hull planking, not including the ice chocks, stern, and upper deck, I rapidly realized that I was facing a crisis. The deadline to deliver my model for the Death in the Ice exhibition was in June of 2017, and it quickly became apparent that I would not make that deadline if I did not increase my output. Thus, I began the great planking of 2017.
 
It began with a compromise. To speed up the first layer of planking, I decided to double the width of each of the lower hull strakes and to not follow the accurate plank shift pattern (which requires more cutting). While this layer will never be visible, I regret not having completed it to scale; in addition, not having a photograph of Terror’s original planking configuration remains a sincere source of dissatisfaction for me.  
 
My second mistake was to plank the second layer of my model using accurate scale plank thicknesses. Some of the planks on Terror’s wales are 8 inches thick, representing a daunting task at 1:48th scale. While the three and four-inch scale planks could easily be bent with a crimping tool and some heat from a blow dryer, this technique simply would not work on planks thicker than five scale inches. Every thick plank had to be soaked in near-boiling water for 20 minutes, carefully crimped with a plank bender, and then pressed into shape using a bending iron and a curved jig. On top of that, each plank had to be carefully spiled before bending, and the distortion caused by swelling wood and heat treatment caused no end of difficulty. An added complication was that the thickest strakes, at the wales, had to be laid top and butt fashion, which further complicated the spiling process.
 
The second layer of planking in progress. You can see here where I made the decision to
widen each strake on the first layer (about January 2017).
 
 

Detail showing the transition to 8" strakes at wales. The upper two 8" stakes were sanded 
to provide a smooth run to the 6" planks above them.    
 
 
 

The third strake of  8" top and butt planking at the bow. Notice the
 drop strake below it in the first layer of planking. 
 

Top and butt planking in progress. The tape protects
the wood at the stern and bow during planking.
 

Detail of the completed top and butt planking. 
 

Adding the absurdly wide garboard strake on the second layer.
 

Close up of the garboard strake at midships. According to contemporary plans,
the garboard strake of the second layer was not rabbeted into the keel.
Interestingly, it was on later polar vessels, like HMS Investigator. 
 

The final garboard planks at the stern, after bending them into shape. 
 

Bottom planking in progress. This photo shows how I lined off the second layer of planking. 
 
The most difficult part of the hull planking occurred with the stern. The first layer of planking was relatively simple as it abutted the rabbet on the original stern post (hence this layer was planked like every other ship). However, Lang’s 1845 conversion of Erebus and Terror to steam locomotion required that the second layer of planking form the walls of the propeller well. This meant that the second layer extended over the original stern post and propeller well and was rabbeted into the new rudder post. I’ve known for some time what shape this configuration would take, but implementing it required a lot of trial and error, despite Lang’s detailed plans and a block model for guidance. The most difficult chore was bending and spilling the planks into the proper shape, especially the strake forming the lower margin of the well. It also required the use of two “stealers” to accommodate the increased area of the stern. However, once installed, I’m convinced the model respects Lang’s design, the 1845 block model, and the practical reality faced by the shipwrights who had to plank this unusual ship.

I use masking tape to make spiling templates. This shows the extreme shape of the
first stern plank above the propeller opening at the stern. Lang didn't make the
shipwright's task easy!
 

The resulting pearwood plank. 
 

To achieve the complex bend in the plank, I soaked it in hot
water, then clamped it in place until it dried.
 

One of the stealer planks in the stern, after it had been bent to shape. 
 

Terror's unusual stern, prior to sanding and finish. Oliver Lang designed only one stealer
in this area , but I found it impossible to plank without a second.  I'll discuss the
planking of the transom and chock channel in Part 2.
 

The completed second layer at the bow prior to sanding and finish. Note the drop planks below the wales. 
On the finished model this is completely covered by a third layer of wood and "iron" plating.
I didn't need to spend such care at the bow, but a modeler can only accept so much
compromise. I'll discuss the planking of the chock channel "ice bumper" in Part 2.
 
The completed planking prior to sanding, bow plating, and finish. I'll discuss the planking of the chock
channel "ice bumper" in Part 2 .
 
Part 2 of my post details the planking of Terror’s chock channels (or “ice bumper”), her transom, and her upper deck. Stay tuned!
 

It has been a while since I posted but I have been making some progress on the stern windows.  Below are some pics.  I am currently trying to make the tiny spindles for the overhang below the top set of rear windows.  I don't know what that is called.  At 1:85 scale they need to be about 2mm in diameter with undercuts down to 1.5.  Not exactly an easy task when you have to make about 75 of them that need to look the same since they will be right next to each other.  Luckily I have access to a lathe and tool room to make tool bits and such.  Problem is keeping the wood from splintering apart at such a small dia.  I have tried various wood and am actually having success using toothpicks.  I plan on painting them either white or gold so the wood color is not really important.  The sculptures will be a gold color once I figure out how to make them.  I will probably use some type of clay, maybe Sculpey since that is more forgiving than wood.  It will be my first attempt at sculpting/carving so I am pretty scared.  So to delay the terror I decided to work on the hook and scarf planking on the wales.  I did a small section next to the cutout and other than needing a bit of paint touch up in the joints I am happy with the way they came out.  I am going to finish the wales now just to keep the "good feeling" going.

Tom

Thanks Nils. This is called Cruisers Cruising. L to R  Dido class, Town class and Colony class cruisers.
I like this one. Nothing fancy and the ships are pretty accurate Reminds me of calm days in the Mediterainian.
Jim

Drew this yesterday, 'coloured it in' today.
I am presently reading 'With Utmost Dispach' a Richard Bolitho novel, in which he is in command of three Royal Navy Cutters in the English Channel. It provided the inspiration for this painting.
This famous Quotation also came to mind!. 
"We are off to look for trouble. I expect we shall find it." Capt. Tennant. HMS Repulse. Dec. 8 1941
23" X 14" watercolour.
 

A two month project Completed.
Grapnel.
The kit provides a soft white metal boat grapnel which at first  look seemed somewhat over-scale, particularly in the spread of the claws.
Checking against Steel ;
A 112lb boat grapnel had a shank length of 3'with length of claws ½ the length of the shank. This equates to scale lengths of 19mm and 9.5mm, pretty much spot on for the provided grapnel, altho' this relates to largest size of grapnel.
Even so the curve  of the claws seems less pronounced than the version shown in the Medway Long-boat, and therefore takes up more room.
As with the Pinnace version I added a ring thro' which a 300mm length of 0.63mm Ø line was attached with a Fisherman's Bend.
Boat Hook
Not provided in the kit, but at least one would have been provided as basic boat equipment.

2777
As with the Pinnace version I knocked one up from a soft metal hairgrip and a length of Boxwood square stock.
Completion photo's.

2784

2786

2787

2788

2789

2790

2791
 

2792
I have now made both of the Model Shipways 18th c boats, and there is a lot of modelling to be had from these two little modestly priced kits and fine little models to be had as a result.

2793

2797

2798
They are also excellent for skill honing particularly in terms of single plank hull planking, and simple ironwork fabrication.
It helps if you can replace some of the rather poor Limewood strips and use Syren replacement rigging line and blocks etc. which the kits really deserve.
 
My thanks once again to Chuck for making this possible and I look forward to the issue of his latest small boat offering.
 
B.E.
 
 
 
 

The ship is looking really nice on the stand Nils.  Looking at the lines, did you find the planking more straightforward on this hull shape?  The planks look to lie very nicely along the hull lines.

Such beautiful work.

Really nice Jim, once again I love the atmosphere.  Your Borei made me shiver 
 
I also didn't get a chance to comment on your minseweepers in the Forth, the skyline looks very familiar - used to spend quite a bit of time running up and down the firth in the more recent (but defunct) River class minesweepers (Spey and Helmsdale) but still have the views of Berwick Law and Bass Rock etched into my brain.
 
Also had the opportunity to live for a time in Seattle in the Pac Northwest - you really captured the spirit of the place which has such beautiful scenery,and yes, you are right to put orca's in as they show themselves not infrequently.  (@ Nils if you're reading this, the mountain range in the background are the Cascades, not the Rockies which are further inland)
 

And today's effort 
HMS Belfast lowering a boat to investigate the German Steamer 'Cap Norte' disguised as Swedish ship 'Ancona'
Watercolour 12" X 9"
Jim 

Just amazing - I think it would have been amusing to not reveal that this was actually a CGI build and see the comments of incredulity on the 'build'.  

Another of my all time favourites 
Armed Merchant Cruiser Carinthia on the Northern Patrol 1940 she was Torpedoed west of Galway Bay by U 46 at 13:13 on the sixth of June 1940. Four crew members were killed.
W/C 12 X 9 inches.
Jim

The ship is looking really nice on the stand Nils.  Looking at the lines, did you find the planking more straightforward on this hull shape?  The planks look to lie very nicely along the hull lines.

Hi Martin.
I have appropriated Baranov's cathead as best I can. I think it will come out quite well, though nothing is finally tied off at the moment.  A couple of stray threads are to be cut off and a minor adjustment or two are still to be made.  Thanks again for the reference.
 

 
 

 

The rigging thread through the cathead in the following photo is now more taught.

And I've finally done something about an ensign. I have attached cleats on the side and just above the side galleries. They seem to work.
 

The ensign doesn't look too bad but I think it's a bit heavy and tends to foul some of the other lines.  It is a double thickness (printed on one side and doubled over) so I will see what alternatives may be available (eg: becc).
 

 

 
 

Thanks Jason. The sweepers you mention were a bit after my time. It was mostly 'Tons' in my day, and they. Would be based at HMS LOCHINVAR (Port Edgar) opposite Rosyth.
Her is another with the Edinburgh sky line.
These are the ship served on by Edward George Bourne, (stoker).
L to R HM Ships Iron Duke, Galatea, Icarus, Centurion, and in the distance Indefatigable in which he was unfortunately killed at Jutland.
This was a commission for a lady who wanted it for her children, his descendants. The skyline of Edinburgh in the background 
Acrylic on canvas 30"  X 14"
Jim

Really nice Jim, once again I love the atmosphere.  Your Borei made me shiver 
 
I also didn't get a chance to comment on your minseweepers in the Forth, the skyline looks very familiar - used to spend quite a bit of time running up and down the firth in the more recent (but defunct) River class minesweepers (Spey and Helmsdale) but still have the views of Berwick Law and Bass Rock etched into my brain.
 
Also had the opportunity to live for a time in Seattle in the Pac Northwest - you really captured the spirit of the place which has such beautiful scenery,and yes, you are right to put orca's in as they show themselves not infrequently.  (@ Nils if you're reading this, the mountain range in the background are the Cascades, not the Rockies which are further inland)
 

Really nice Jim, once again I love the atmosphere.  Your Borei made me shiver 
 
I also didn't get a chance to comment on your minseweepers in the Forth, the skyline looks very familiar - used to spend quite a bit of time running up and down the firth in the more recent (but defunct) River class minesweepers (Spey and Helmsdale) but still have the views of Berwick Law and Bass Rock etched into my brain.
 
Also had the opportunity to live for a time in Seattle in the Pac Northwest - you really captured the spirit of the place which has such beautiful scenery,and yes, you are right to put orca's in as they show themselves not infrequently.  (@ Nils if you're reading this, the mountain range in the background are the Cascades, not the Rockies which are further inland)
 

It's a Small World Chris!
Heres a couple inspired by our trip to Arkhangelsk and Severodvinsk.
Yasin class
Borei class
Jim

Aircraft Carrier HMS Argus and friends 'below the Bridge', late WW1 
W/C 12 X 7 inches.
Anyone asking "What Bridge?". Please return to your own planet, Mums looking for you.
Jim