themadchemist

Here's a small update on the jacks:
 
Carving the roman soldiers. The real ones are very corroded and little details can be seen, so I went for a design I liked.
 



 
/Matti

Eamonn (and others): http://aylard.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/1000/marine-7226_0.jpg
 
 
Sjors, thanks for stopping by. Yes it is a big change from wood, but I'm having fun with it. I think I'm going to push to get this finished before I get back to Pegasus. As I mentioned wayyy back, when I got home in November, I really couldn't get back in to working on Pegasus, so I gave it a pause and started this mega-project.
 
Kevin, I think I caught you talking about the SD14 a couple weeks ago. That looked like an impressive model.
 
BE, I know what you mean about the appeal, but for me, it's close to home. As for paint, well...yeah... she's gonna take a LOT.... I've already begun stockpiling
 
 
Andy

A bit more progress. Things appear to be slowing down a bit because there are numerous small jobs that all require attention, each producing a small net change overall.
 
Let me introduce you all to the Port Colborne fairlead (Ostensibly named for the town where it was invented). This is a multi-directional fairlead specifically designed for use with wire mooring lines. They are found pretty much exclusively on vessels in the inland fleet. A PC fairlead consists of a large rotating chock, this carries two scalloped sheaves (or "shives" in Newfie-speak, with the "i" pronounced like in "if"). They are superior to roller fairleads found on saltwater vessels namely because of the reduction in the number of moving parts, however since salties don't use wires after leaving the seaway, roller fairleads allow them to use their ropes.
 
Ships transiting the seaway and canal locks typically tie up using 4 wires. For simplicity we don't use the traditional names given to mooring lines (head line, forward spring, stern spring and stern line), rather they are numbered: 1, 2, 3, & 4.
 
 
The PC fairleads came with the kit, however some modification was necessary in their mounting arrangement. I've completed the four required for the bow (the starboard #2 fairlead is just sitting on deck for demonstration purposes). The next four at the stern will all be bulwark mounted, so it's a matter of drilling out an opening, and inserting the chock, as per the #1 fairlead in the photo.
 
In the mean time, the hatch farm continues to grow, with more hatches being added every day, I have just three more to add. And as always, still waiting on detail parts to show up.
 
 
Andy

As promised, I started work on the roller carriages on the boom. 20 have been cast so far (out of an estimated 50 needed), so not a bad start. I commenced in the middle of the boom as that is the deepest part of the truss, and by corrollary the hardest area to reach. I can also start work on the transverse and top bracing in that section as well.
 
Finally an overview shot of some of the filling done. I've alread gone down the port side and sanded off the excess filler. More will have to be done after priming, as I'm sure more holes will appear at that point.... they always do.
 
 
Andy
 
 

Wow, mobbsie.
I haven't checked in on your log in quite a bit and BAM, you have had a very busy shipyard.
 
I really like the contrast of your shroud to ratline colours. It really is quite strikingly beautiful and what makes it even more so is your attention to proportion of the 2 lines, as well as the contrasting colours.
Your work is crisp as a fresh picked apple and shows off some amazing rigging skills.
Your ratline spacing jig is simple yet elegant, I WILL be adding that one to my tool chest of ideas.
 
And on your snaking, I'm so glad you showed your first attempt and then the second. I am slowly learning that with every task you get  better the more times you do it. Your first snaking was fine and worth a brag, but the second time you really nailed the symmetry and spacing and made the 1st pale in comparison. It is good to be remindered that practice makes perfect.
 
Absolutely astounding work my friend. Your really giving Egg's and Bacon the detail she deserves. Nelson himself is probably looking down and smiling.

Wow, mobbsie.
I haven't checked in on your log in quite a bit and BAM, you have had a very busy shipyard.
 
I really like the contrast of your shroud to ratline colours. It really is quite strikingly beautiful and what makes it even more so is your attention to proportion of the 2 lines, as well as the contrasting colours.
Your work is crisp as a fresh picked apple and shows off some amazing rigging skills.
Your ratline spacing jig is simple yet elegant, I WILL be adding that one to my tool chest of ideas.
 
And on your snaking, I'm so glad you showed your first attempt and then the second. I am slowly learning that with every task you get  better the more times you do it. Your first snaking was fine and worth a brag, but the second time you really nailed the symmetry and spacing and made the 1st pale in comparison. It is good to be remindered that practice makes perfect.
 
Absolutely astounding work my friend. Your really giving Egg's and Bacon the detail she deserves. Nelson himself is probably looking down and smiling.

OK now for part 2,
 
This is my first attempt at Snaking which was only good for practice as you will see.
 
No system used just the Mk 1 eyeball, with a spacing of 20mm on each stay or 10mm combined

 
It's looking a little hairy

 
All trimmed up, doesn't look too bad                                   This is the new Snaking, much better I think
     
 
Thanks to B.E. this is his method, I got to this spacing after some simple maths, 12mm on each Stay or 6mm combined

 
So that's it, your all up to date now.
 
I will some further update soon I hope, if the kitchen refurb doesn't interfere too much.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie

Hi Guys,
 
Thank you all for your very positive feedback, comments and likes, I really do appreciate them immensely.
 
Thought I had better post this before I watch England thrash Wales in the rugby 6 Nations.
 
OK an update is due and I do have one, the Bowsprit is made and fitted and Gammoning completed, Main and Preventer Stays are fitted as is the Foremast Stay and Preventer stay.
 
I made a start on the Snaking for the Foremast and completed it, then I ripped it all off again as the distance between the ties was too great, I have since redone it and am much happier with the Mk 2.
 
Next step is to do the Snaking on the Mainmast then the Crowsfeet on all three masts. 
 
Some pictures
 
Completed Bowsprit dry fitted

 
Just checking for alignment

 
Stays prior to fixing

 
Main Stay and Preventer Stay fixed

 

 
Gammoning of the Bowsprit

 
Foremast Stay and Preventer Stay fixed

 
I will add some more directly showing the Snaking
 
mobbsie
 
 

Hi Guys,

 

Thank you all so very much for your very kind comments and remarks, also thanks everybody who hit the like button, I felt a little overwhelmed and extremely flattered.   :)  

 

Well it happened, my inexpensive and rather large chisels ( bargain of the month ) exploded on me at the first touch, I was all set up and ready to go, the lathe was turning nicely, I just presented the chisel to the dowel and bang, it shattered on me.   :angry:          

 

What I thought was steel turned out to be cast iron, I don't feel as though I want to use them any more so they will be assigned to the scrap bin with a very big lessen learned.  

 

I was told " you get what you paid for", Grant you were absolutely right mate.  

 

They were Am-Tech, 8 Piece Wood Lathe Chisel Set, you have been warned.   :angry:    

 

I do have a small update, in my last post I said I was going to make a Traveller, well I have had a go and for a first attempt I'm quite happy with it, it was fiddly and on occasion the room went a dark shade of blue.  

 

I took the pattern from Longridge, I also put a sheave  in the Jib-boom which to my surprise went without a hitch.

 

I have some pics of the Traveller.

 



 



 



 

So that's that, the work on the Bowsprit continues and hopefully I will have an update on the finished item soon.

 

Thank you all once again for your very kind comments.

 

Be Good

 

mobbsie

Hi Guys,
 
Thank you all very much for the very kind words and your concerns, and of course the like buttons, I really do appreciate it.
 
John, great to see you again mate, you've been missed, thanks for the kind words buddy.
 
Kevin, You have been side tracked by a small plastic matter I believe, You'll soon catch up mate.
 
I do have a small update, the ratlines for the Fore Lower Mast are completed now, for a while it seemed 3 steps forward and 2 back with me ripping out completed rows, mainly because they looked like jungle vines rather than ratlines, more droop in them than a bloke on the booze for a week.
 
Some Pics
 

       
 
So that's a small stage completed now, next step is to make the Bowsprit and Jib Boom, with all the accompanying tackle, I want to have a go at making a slider for the Jib Boom which will be a first for me,  there are some very good ideas on site so as long as I don't have to do any welding I should be ok.
 
I have to practice with my micro wood chisel's I bought a week or so ago, with the 2 foot long handles and 18 inch blades I will have plenty to get hold of, my mistake of the year so-far, hopefully I will be able to work with them, if I cant then they didn't cost a lot so little lost.
 
OK guys that me done, your all up to date, most of you will be way ahead of me knowing what's going to happen but still, I need to find out for myself.
 
Be Good
 
Stay Warm / Cool, depending on your hemisphere.
 
mobbsie
 
 

Hi Guys,
 
Just a quick update on current progress, it's been limited lately due to a refurb of the kitchen and also a few health issues, hopefully resolved now.
 
I have been working on the Foremast and have fitted all the Shrouds, Futtock staves, Catherpins and Futtock Shrouds.
 
Next job is to put the Lanyards into the deadeyes and tie off then do the Ratlines, after that it's a bit of woodwork with the making of the Bowsprit, fit that and then the Stays, should be a lot of fun.
 
Some pics.
 
Looking from the bow, all is as it should be, nice and symmetrical.

 
Foremast Tops

 

 

 
Portside Deadeyes

 
Futtock Staves and Catherpins

 

 
Fitting and tying off the Futtock Shrouds

 

 

 
So there we have it guys, your right up to date now, hopefully the next instalment wont be so long in coming.
 
Any questions, just ask, as long as their not too technical.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 
 
 

Hi Guys,
 
Thanks everybody for the nice comments and remarks, and also the guys who pressed the "like" button.
 
I am going to try for an update using IE10, hopefully I've not been scuppered again.
 
The Lower Main Mast is now done as far as the shrouds and ratlines are concerned and the next step is the Lower Foremast, I have just put the ropes into the black dye in readiness for that, so as far as the pictures go it's mainly the Main Mast.
 
I have soaked the Burton Pendants with diluted white glue and they are weighted down so that they hang right.

 

 
Next up is the completed Starboard side ratlines

 

 

 
Now for the Port side, all the deadeyes had to be retied due to the mast leaning to Starboard, the shrouds on retying could almost play a tune they are so tight, but the mast is now straight and all is well.
 
This is my method of holding the deadeye and rope so that I can seize the shroud.

 
You can see by the tails just how much I have had to adjust the shrouds

 
All the shrouds have been adjusted and the ropes have been tied off and trimmed.

 
This is my method when tying ratlines, the shrouds are clamped together with two boards , the boards are the correct size for the ratlines and keep them straight, they also help to keep the shrouds from moving out of alignment but care still needs to be taken

 
Portside shrouds completed prior to trimming up

 
All trimmed and finished

 
So there we are, right up to date, a bit long winded I know but it's been a while and I wanted to give IE10 a good workout.
 
Be Good
 
mobbsie
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Glued on rubbing strake on one side. Got to the other side & even though I had already steamed & shaped it the other one broke in 2 places. Got mad at first but noticed it broke at angles along the grain which should be easy to hide when glued & it was. Then added on the stern rubbing strake reinforcements & the fenders.
 
 

The two planks next to the sheer rails were reinstalled. Additionally I installed the garboard planks and the planks next to it but not until I did that twice. It’s not perfect, but it’ll do. All of this was going on while I had my problems with the Rattlesnake’s mast tops (see log). Boy, was I having fun!

Beautiful work Jesse,
I see I'm not the only one that saves small containers of different wood fine sanding dust for just those perfect times when its needed.  

Thank you Lawrence, looking forward to see what you do with your flags buddy.
 
I've been working on the main flag staff, trying to get it the way I want:
 

 
I can put it on the ship, but will not glue it stuck until later in the build:
 

 

 

 
 
/Matti

Hey all,
 
one of the things I've been wanting to do for a while are the big flag. The ones included in the kit are silk but only printed on one side. They are pretty good shapewise but I wanted to make my own based on the oldest three tounged swedish flag that has survived. It's from the battle at Öresund 1658. Im basing mine on a drawing in the Landström book.
 
After painting it I shaped it with the beer can method I learned from mtaylor. Cheers Mark it worked great, thanks Nigel also for pointing me to dennis pinks thread where it's described! It was nice not to get good controle of the shaping and then not having to worry about destroying the shape while the dilluted white glue dries.
 
Here are pics:
 



 
 
/Matti
 
 
 

Small update. Did the small round sculptures at the stern. They aren't included in the kit so I had to scratch them.
 
First one on the 1:10 model at the museum:
 

 
And here are mine:
 


 
The flower pattern is simplified, but was the best I could do at this scale.
 
 
/Matti
 
 

Thanks Bug and B.E.!
 
Here is how the cannons look in place:
 






 
 
/Matti

First order of business was block and sheaves that direct the topping lift down to the luffing winch. On closer inspection of photos, it turns out these two sheaves are the same size as the others, so that made things a bit easy. The whole assembly is just an oversized (or undersized depending on your perspective) caster, so assembly was pretty straight forward. You can see the block swivels in conjunction with the headblock to keep everything in allignment.
 
Next up is the replacement mesh. no issues with this stuff. Much better material, and a more realistic pattern to boot.
 
Finally, I've begun work on the boom pedestal. This is the assembly that supports the heel of the boom. Pretty self explanitory. Aside from gluing the pedestal to the deck, everything else is just dry fit for now, to allow removal for painting later on.
 
I did a test run reeving some light thread through the blocks and sheaves... it's going to take a lot of line...... something to work on later when things are painted and fixed in place.
 
 
Andy
 
 
 
 
 

I spent some more time the other day working on the headblock. I've just got a few finishing touches left to do. I also got the gooseneck connection to the head of the A frame pretty much finished. A miracle in that I managed to keep the glue away from the working parts, so it pivots and swings freely in all directions required (the capillary action of Tenax is incredible).
 
Last night I also got the first three rollers from my friend. He's done an amazing job, they are perfectly identical to the master I gave him, and aside from some expected flash, there are no defects or bubbles. He makes his moulds and sets them in a vaccuum to get rid of any air bubbles. After he pours the resin, he puts the casting under pressure. I've seen some other examples of his work, it's the finest resin casing I've ever seen.
 
Anyway, just that small update for today. The way things are right now, progress is slow. Just the nature of the monster really.
 
 
Andy

Alright, time for some progress....
 
Been playing with that nice metal walkway again. I've now got both walkways along the boom installed. All handrails will be applied just before painting as they are fragile and tend to get in the way.
 
As I am once again waiting on parts, I've also started work on the extra hatches. The first and third are the add-ons, the second and fourth are original. I do intend to leave quite a few open to view the cargo inside, but the first 3 and all the added ones will be closed. The kit provides more than enough covers in both positions, so I'm not worried about running out of hatches.... yet...
 
Andy

Alright, photos as promised.
 
The stern anchor pocket is little more than a light baffle on the model. Given the confines of the area, and the limits of actual visibility, not much more is needed. The pillar in the middle is to correct a downwards bow in the deck at that point, and will remain in place.
 
As I said earlier, all the hull sections are now in place, as well as now the last remaining deck section. There is a considerable ammount of filling and sanding needed in order to clean everything up. Having the hull finished means I can also get to work installing some of the deck fittings, bollards and fairleads and the like. Since they will all start out being painted the same colour as the deck, I'm not worried about work arounds at this time.
 
Anyway, one more overview shot, from the stern this time.
 
Yes... she's big.... 4' 8" long...
 
 
Andy

Finished keel & added stern post

Scarf joints weren't as tight as I thought they were but I was prepared for this. I had some sawdust from these pieces ready. Packed it around the joints while the glue was still wet. Cleaned them off after the glue set & lightly sanded them.