ancre La Créole 1827 by archjofo - Scale 1/48 - French corvette

[matiz]

Fantastic job 😍

[archjofo]

@matiz

 

Hello Tiziano,

thank you for your nice comment.

I'm particularly pleased to receive such praise from such a fantastic model maker.

Of course I would also like to thank everyone else for the LIKES.

 

Hello fellow model builders,
today I would like to present to you my new video about the yards and spars of the La Créole.
I hope you enjoy it: LINK

 

Edited November 28, 2024 by archjofo

[archjofo]

Hello colleagues,

Today I would like to thank you all for the positive reactions to my last video. Because of my son's house construction, which of course requires a lot of my time as a retired architect, I have hardly had time to do any model building lately. So I at least enjoyed putting together a video.

But things will continue here soon...
 

[archjofo]

Addition of the lifts of the lower yards - Balancines de basse vergue
Usually, as can be read in the specialist literature in the book "Manuel de gréement" by F. A. Coste, Paris 1829, the lifts of the lower yards were secured using tackles, each at the height of the 2nd shroud of the respective lower mast. This is also how J. Boudriot illustrated it in the monograph on La Créole, as shown below.

Source: Monograph La Créole by Jean Boudriot

 

On the original Paris model, I identified the lifts as shown in a diagram:

 

Source: Musée national de la Marine de Paris - La Créole

 

However, no tackles can be seen there. The lifts were simply attached to the upper part of the tackle ropes at the height of the 2nd shroud. This easier handling of the lifts could have been due to the size of the ship, or is it a simplification by the contemporary model maker?
We will never be able to find out.
However, I find this type of seamanlike handling of the lifts rather impractical and have therefore decided to use tackles, whose ropes can then be properly secured on the inside.
I wouldn't exactly describe my model as a "pile of evidence" as a dear forum colleague once described his project. However, I have implemented a large number of details on the model that seemed plausible to me after research. I cannot provide 100% proof of this, but solutions that actually existed and generally fit into the temporal and country-specific context of La Créole.
In this respect, I will basically attach the lifts as follows:

Source: Excerpt from Atlas du Génie Maritime annexe N.1, Pl. 20

 

However, I will only use a double block at the top and a single block at the bottom for the tackle.
To be continued...
 

[dvm27]

I believe that is a very workable solution Johann. It is, of course, preferable to use the contemporary model as a primary source but I think sometimes we take these models as gospel. It is possible that the original builder made errors, took time saving shortcuts or omitted details because of any reason you could think of that is just as relevant to us modern builders. Perhaps, being near the end of the rigging process he just wanted to be done and chose this quick and easy method to end the line. I do know that, in 150 years, someone making a model of your model will have the most complete and well researched Creole model ever built.

[archjofo]

@dvm27

 

Hello Greg,

I'm extremely pleased that such a profound and excellent model maker sees it the same way as I do.

In 150 years there probably won't be much left of the silk rigging.
But since I have documented everything in detail, the model could be easily restored ... 😉

[Keith Black]

3 hours ago, archjofo said:

the model could be easily restored

 Only by someone with your modeling and rigging abilities and I dare say it would be anything but easy. 

[archjofo]

@Keith Black

Thank you for your nice comment.

 

Continuation: Addition of the lifts of the lower yards – Balancines de basse vergue
In the last post I described why and how I will carry out the tackles of the lifts from the lower yards. I have drawn a corresponding sketch for this.
First I made a swivel for this, as can be seen in the following picture. It was made in the same way as the swivel hooks for the topsail halyards.
Two opposing notches are filed into a brass disk d = 0.3 mm with a ø 2.3 mm and a bore ø 0.8 mm, which then accommodate the ø 0.4 mm thick brass bow wire for soldering. The eyebolt is secured so that it can rotate freely with a soldered brass sleeve.

Next, the double and single blocks for the tackles have to be made. I will again equip the larger blocks for the lifts of the main and fore yard with real disks.

At this point I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a good start into the New Year!

 

[Keith Black]

Johann, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

[MarcM]

Johann, frohes Weihnachten und alles bestes ins neues jahre 2025

[archjofo]

@Keith Black

@MarcM

Thank you very much for your support.
Thanks to everyone else too for the LIKES.

 

Completion: Addition of the lifts of the lower yards - Balancines de basse vergue
As I wrote before, I always make the blocks based on a theme, such as here for the tackles of the lifts of the lower yards.
Among other things, this ensures that I produce exactly the required quantity in the required size and thus do not produce excess capacity.
This also keeps you motivated and does not become monotonous, which can ultimately take away your desire to craft. However, this does not necessarily work for everyone.
Accordingly, I made 4 double blocks with a length of 5.6 mm, 4 single blocks with a length of 5.6 mm, 2 double blocks with a length of 4.0 mm and 2 single blocks with a length of 4.0 m.
I have already described the method of making the blocks many times in my construction report.
A few pictures are below.

After making the eyebolts with thimbles for attaching the tackles to the rigging, I was able to tie the single blocks into block strops and add the tackle ropes.

The last picture shows the finished tackles for the lifts of the lower yards.

We will continue in the new year with the last blocks in the area of the topgallant masts.

 

[albert]

Wonderful work Johann.

[archjofo]

@albert

I am very pleased and grateful for such nice comments.
Of course, professional advice and comments, even critical ones, are also welcome.
Nobody is perfect and life is a constant learning process.
Here are some more details:

 

Additional blocks, including in the area of the topmast crosstrees
I should have recorded most of the blocks for the La Créole by now. The blocks in the area of the topmast crosstrees and on the mainmast cap still need to be made, as can be seen in the following pictures. These are blocks for guiding leech lines, braces and bowlines.
When guiding the braces for the mizzen topgallant yard, I am following the Paris model, where they go to the mainmast cap. The variant shown by J. Boudriot in the monograph, guiding the braces to the main topmast crosstrees, seems less practical to me for stability reasons on the high-rigged corvette.

 

In addition to making these blocks, I am currently still trying to figure out which blocks I still need for the upper area of the rigging on the royal topgallant crosstrees. I don't think there will be too many left.

To be continued...
Feedback geben
 

[archjofo]

Guiding the bowlines for the main topgallant sail - and the main royal sail
During the further detailed coordination in the upper levels of the rigging for my French corvette, it had to be clarified how the bowlines for the main topgallant sail and the main royal sail should be deflected in the rear area of the topmast crosstree. In the monograph on La Créole by J. Boudriot, deflection blocks are indicated. However, further concrete details are not apparent.
I therefore tried to clarify this detail by taking photos of the original model. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any useful illustrations. Only the monograph contains a photo of the topmast crosstree (see picture). In addition to the main topgallant stay, the bowlines for the main topgallant sail and the main royal sail are clearly visible. However, the deflection of the bowlines is not clearly recognisable. It appears to be a rectangular crossbar with integrated discs, at least in my opinion.

Source: Monograph on La Créole by J. Boudriot

 

It is certain that these are not blocks, which would be usual for this purpose.
As I was unable to find anything else on this subject, neither in the relevant specialist literature nor on the Internet, nor on original models from a comparable period, I will contact the restorers at the Paris museum. A very friendly lady has already helped me a lot.
But perhaps one of you has already come across a similar detail. I would be very pleased to receive any relevant information.

 

See you soon ... 

 

[archjofo]

Continuation: Further blocks in the area of the bowsprit
There was uncertainty about two ropes.
In this context, I then researched the fore topmast staysail stay in detail in the documents available to me.
I included the advice of fellow model makers in my considerations.
So I investigated the possibility of whether a fore topmast staysail stay was rigged on the La Créole. As so often, I found crucial information in the book - The Model of the Brigg Irene - by E. W. Petrejus.
At the beginning of the 19th century, few staysails were set on the stays, but instead were used on staysail stays and preventer stays.
Accordingly, I have come to the conclusion that it was quite possible and probable that a fore topmast staysail stay was rigged on the La Créole and have therefore added the explanations of the image section.

Unfortunately, I have not yet received a response from the restorer at the Paris Marine Museum regarding the bowines for the main topgallant sail and the main royal sail.

I hope something will come of it.

 

See you then...

[Wishmaster]

This build log is one of the best I ever saw. True masterpiece and craftsman work. Bravo Johann, it is real enjoy to follow it! Regards

[archjofo]

@Wishmaster

Thank you very much for your praise, it makes me happy and motivates me.
But I also don't want to miss the opportunity to thank everyone else for the LIKES.

 

Continuation: Guiding the bowlines for the main topgallant sail - and the main royal sail

Following a tip from a model-building colleague, I was able to find the following in K. H. Marquardt's book "Mastung und Takelung von Schiffen des 18 Jahrhunderts" on the question of the guidance of the main topgallant bowlines and the main royal bowlines:

This is how I interpreted the hidden detail in the image section of the fore cross trees of the La Creole.

Since Marquardt referred to Darcey Lever in his illustration, I did some more research and found this:

In his book "The young sea officer's sheet anchor; or, A key to the leading of rigging, and to practical seamanship" you can read that sometimes the space between the rear trestle trees was filled with a piece of wood in which there were 4 discs. Two for bowlines and two for braces, as long as they came from the front. In the case of the La Creole, however, there would be four bowlines.

Now I will think about how I should design this detail.

 

Unfortunately, I haven't heard back from the museum in Paris yet.

 

Best regards

Edited January 24 by archjofo

[archjofo]

Addition: Guide of the bowlines for the main topgallant sail - and the main royal sail

Today I received a few photos of the fore crosstree from the original model of La Créole for the guide of the bowlines for the main topgallant sail and the main royal sail.

Thankfully, a nice restorer from the Paris Marine Museum went to the depot and took the relevant photos at my request.

Here is one of these photos with a direct view of the rear area of the cross tree.

As expected, you can see a wooden attachment for guiding the bowlines. You cannot see discs for deflection here, presumably the ropes are simply led through a hole.

I think that discs were used in the original here, and that the model is probably a simplification by the model maker at the time.

Whether wrong or right, in any case I am making an assumption and will try to implement this detail with discs.

[wefalck]

Yep, these ladies in the depot in Dugny are friendly and helpful. I met the crew on occasions.

 

[jdbondy]

It is good to hear that they were responsive to your request, Johann!

[dvm27]

They must think you are building an important model to be so accomodating. I agree that there must have been sheaves in those slots to redirect the rope or the chaffing would result in frequent replacement. I'm betting that the builder of this model had rigging fatigue at this point and probably just wanted to be finished. He never counted on a Johann to scrutinize is work centuries later!

[shipmodel]

Hi Johann - 

 

First, I love your work.  I learn something new with every one of your posts, especially with the rigging.

 

For these bowlines, could they simply lead through smooth holes, much like the holes in the mast caps in French practice where the yard halyards run over the rounded cap and then down to the deck?  I also remember a multiple cleat block shown by Budriot on deck where the lines run through horizontal holes under the block before belaying on the cleats on top.

 

Just another thought.

 

Dan

[archjofo]

 

@wefalck

Hello Eberhard,
yes, I am very pleased that the ladies have so much patience with me.
If you ever meet them again, it would be nice if you could give them my heartfelt thanks again (I have already done so several times by email).

 

@jdbondy

Hello JD,

Thank you for your interest and comment.

 

@dvm27

Hello Greg,
Thank you very much for your positive comment.

I also see the chaffing and the increased effort of replacing the ropes as a problem. This can be counteracted with discs.

 

@shipmodel

Hello Dan,

Thank you in advance for your interest and support of my work.

In my opinion, the guidance of the bowlines cannot be compared to that of yard halyards. The bowlines are always moving, whereas the yard halyards are static and are therefore subject to increased friction.

As already shown, there are proven examples of the bowlines being redirected with discs, see my post in #2357.

 

What further suggests that this is a simplification of the original model is shown in the following image section of the fore topgallant yardarm. There, too, there is only a hole instead of a disc.

Source: La Créole Musée de la Marine in Paris

 

 

What I have already written about this and these further thoughts lead me to believe that discs were used here.