AON

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

I had been working on the lower cheeks and have since started the upper cheeks.
I began by making a card template of the hull using my profile gauge.

Then I traced the stem works to fit the upper cheek between the gammoning slots.

The lower cheek was made in two pieces, glued and pinned with wooden dowels requiring #57 drill bit holes.
The upper cheek will be in three pieces of which I have two pieces roughed. The piece against the stem works is longer than needed. I will make the mating piece longer and trim the two to fit.


Tomorrow I will make up the hawse bolster and backing plate pieces to help with spacing and alignment of the upper cheek pieces.

With a couple figures done and the three rows of 4" planking completed, it is time for a change before I go back to yet more planking.
 
I decided to complete the assembly of my 3D printed viol/vyol block. The strapping is blackened card stock. The hook is copper wire that has been twisted and filed to shape. The completed block is placed on a 5cent piece for scale.
 
I then started on the outer lower halves of the lower cheeks. Used some scrap pieces (of which I have plenty) for this first attempt.
They fit up quite nicely. Still require shaping and rounding the edges. I'll need to make myself a scraper.
Now to attempt the forward halves of the lower cheek assembly.

 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Well, it has been three weeks since my last update, and I was hoping to have had the foremast completed before now... but the empty calendar filled up with commitments that took a higher priority, and here we are!
The running rigging on the foremast had already been completed. As you can see in the first picture below, I have been making stays and shrouds...

The ratlines are iron bars, I used balsa wood, because when it is tied to the shroud the thread takes a small bite into the balsa and holds the ratline where I want it.
The next three pictures are different views from around the ship... 
The main yard and main mast are posed... the yard had to go on now since the forestay is over top of it. It does not belay to the main mast, but to a spreader that will be under the crow's nest.
The sailor has gotten over his hangover and fall into the hold, and is back on his plank awaiting the cargo derrick.
The running lights were modified the same way as the masthead light.



 I have been able to make some progress on the main mast and spars, which consist of the main sail boom and the cargo derrick. I also have made the main sail...
This last picture shows the derrick and boom posed on the main mast. I made the derrick's goose neck from styrene bits and bobs. Most of the bands are installed and then will be ready for the spray booth!

If I don't get back to the forum before Wednesday I hope Santa is good to all of you, and my wishes go out to everyone for a Merry Christmas!
Regards,
Bruce
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Having established the gap between the upper and lower cheeks, I made the hawse bollard and backing plate. I decided the clean white look of maple was a nice contrast. The backing plate was steamed and clamped. I couldn't get back to it for three days... it was quite dry and had no spring back!

I completed shaping the upper cheek pieces, scraped the grooves into them, then glued them into place. They just need to be drilled and pinned similarly to what I had done to the lower cheeks.


The paper template in the top photo is for my trail board. The contract reads as follows: To have a double trail board, and a lion or figure, as shall be directed. Handsomely carved; the rails and supporters handsomely wrought with mouldings.

I searched the internet for lion figures and found a few that might be suitable, but then thought the Chimera monster (that Bellerophon killed) which is mostly lion… or a Griffon (as seen on the crest of the last stone frigate) which is partly lion might be more interesting, but also these might be more difficult to carve, especially to fit a ½” tall x 1” long space.    Decisions!

I also have had two attempts at the third piece of the upper cheek that rises up the main bracket behind the figurehead. These have both been tossed in the scrap bin.  Third time is the charm!  These two above had been soaked in 90% Isopropyl Alcohol (cotton batten soaked, laid over the figures and wrapped in clear cling wrap aka Saran wrap) over night to allow me to peel them off the block of wood. They were glued on with drops of yellow wood glue. The block is clamped in a vise to allow me to carve away at them.
 
Not sure how much I'll get done before Christmas.
 

Thanks for all of your posts again this year Kevin she's looking great - I hope you and your family have a lovely Xmas.

Hi, I wanted to show you some photos of the French 64-gun that I'm building, alternating the construction with the English 64-gun so that you can appreciate the construction difference between the navies.

I had been working on the lower cheeks and have since started the upper cheeks.
I began by making a card template of the hull using my profile gauge.

Then I traced the stem works to fit the upper cheek between the gammoning slots.

The lower cheek was made in two pieces, glued and pinned with wooden dowels requiring #57 drill bit holes.
The upper cheek will be in three pieces of which I have two pieces roughed. The piece against the stem works is longer than needed. I will make the mating piece longer and trim the two to fit.


Tomorrow I will make up the hawse bolster and backing plate pieces to help with spacing and alignment of the upper cheek pieces.

There are several forum sites that discuss the use of metal tube to make thimbles. They look good but are difficult to replicate for small sizes, for example to have a hole that is half a millimetre diameter. There is also the difficulty of aligning a thread or rope to go around a thimble and not slip off before the glue grabs it. I suffered this when I used plastic beads for thimbles... 
 
The approach I describe here uses the insulation layer on a wire as the thimble. I used reclaimed telephone wire that is 0.8mm diameter over the insulation and 0.4mm diameter for the single strand of copper wire. Take a short length of wire of a suitable colour (I chose brown) and glue the thread around it so that it forms a single loop. (I used Gütermann linen thread, colour 4010, which is 0.3mm diameter and can pass for a served and leathered line. Superglue darkens this thread.)
Because there is a length of wire you don't have to be precise about where to place the loop or worry about it falling off. I used superglue and applied it with a pin that was barely wetted - if you can see a drop then it will drown the thread and refuse to harden, and instead wait for you to touch it with a finger. 
 
I then used dark brown, fly tying thread to seize the joint with a sequence of half hitches. Superglue does not stick well to the polythene insulation so the seizing performs its proper function and secures the join. The seizing also closes up the loop and so there is no visible gap between the thread and the thimble. 
Cut through the insulation and slide the thimble and line off the wire. The insulation layer can now be trimmed so it is flush with the rope ring around it. A fresh, sharp scalpel blade is vital for the trimming because a blunted blade will leave plastic hairs that are near impossible to remove. 



I have not yet needed to make larger thimbles which would use thicker wire. The useful colour for power wiring in the UK is brown (and black if you have hoarded some old or reclaimed cable) and the internal diameters are 1mm or more.
 
George

I like this Curtis_Wooden_Shipyard video on tying ratlines. I also liked his tweezers for doing this and bought a couple.

Bernina 90 degree tweezers: https://www.universityofsewing.com/shop/c/p/BERNINA-Tweezers-8-Series-x53811611.htm

I had been working on the lower cheeks and have since started the upper cheeks.
I began by making a card template of the hull using my profile gauge.

Then I traced the stem works to fit the upper cheek between the gammoning slots.

The lower cheek was made in two pieces, glued and pinned with wooden dowels requiring #57 drill bit holes.
The upper cheek will be in three pieces of which I have two pieces roughed. The piece against the stem works is longer than needed. I will make the mating piece longer and trim the two to fit.


Tomorrow I will make up the hawse bolster and backing plate pieces to help with spacing and alignment of the upper cheek pieces.