Greenwich Hospital barge of 1832 by druxey - FINISHED - 1:48 scale

[druxey]

Now for something a little different: the Greenwich Hospital ceremonial barge of 1832. There is a draught in the RMG, formerly NMM, collection of this lovely sleek barge that makes an attractive subject. (Image allowable use by RMG.) Normally such small craft are modelled at a larger scale, but as I've been building at 1:48 scale for decades, why stop now?

 

This is a part-time 'fun' project between other professional work, so this log may be rather sporadic. 

 

The first task was to develop a workable set of lines from the rather sparse draught. There were relatively few body sections (somewhat fanciful, as it turned out!) and no waterlines. One item that tripped me up for a while was what appeared to be the line of a 'knuckle' on the half breadth. While it more or less fitted the fore body, I could not get this to reconcile aft. Eventually I saw two very faint lines on the body plan: it was, in fact, a proof diagonal. Duh! Once I'd figured that out, everything fell into place and a fair hull form resulted.

 

The clinker planked hull will be built on a plug, so basswood was prepared to exact thickness for the two half-hulls, less the thickness of the keel, stem and stern posts. One interesting complication is the pink-style extension of the stern (see sketch). 

 

Next up: cutting out the various lifts and assembling them.

[Jim Lad]

Now that will make a lovely model, Druxey.  Are you going to finish her complete with sweeps?

 

John

[Siegfried]

A wonderful and rare project. I am keen to see more.

 

Daniel

[Engelmann]

She's got beautiful lines, also a very fine entry. Would guess that she was fairly easy to row.

 

I also like that you are building her in 1:48.

It is something that I have decided for all my possible future builds, I want to build all my models in 1:48.

That way one can get a good comparison and idea of relative size etc. between them.

 

I will be following this build with interest.

 

Regards

 

Deon

[mtaylor]

Unusual and different, I must admit.  I can't wait to see this... but, I'll be patient.  Work before fun.

[gjdale]

Looks like a fascinating subject and a little unusual. Think I'll tag along too.

[dvm27]

At last - a Druxey build log! Between this one and Glen's we get to see how professional ship model makers approach our hobby.

[druxey]

Thanks for the comments and 'likes', everyone.

 

The next step was to cut out the various lifts. Copies of the half breadth were rubber-cemented on to the prepared blanks. The blanks were also paired together with rubber cement and cut on the scroll saw. The photo shows one half of the plug dry-assembled with the other half laid out.

 

The overall length of this hull is a little under 10".

 

 

[Chuck]

So fantastic to see this log.....I cant wait to see the decorative work and small fiddly bits take shape.  

 

Chuck

[Canute]

An intriguing build, Druxey. I'll tag along, too.

[Beef Wellington]

Very interesting subject Druxey, I'm intrigued.

[jbshan]

Velvet cushions for the noble aftnesses?

Gilded lilies and unicorns?

What fun!!

 

Hopeful avoidance of 'CRACK' when removing from formers.

[mtaylor]

Druxey,

 

I'm curious why you're making form out of two half hulls instead of one.  Is that just to ensure symmetry?

Edited January 24, 2016 by mtaylor

[druxey]

Thanks, folks. Yes, Joel, there will be cushioned seats and drapes, as well as a certain amount of giltwork. No unicorns, alas.

 

Mark: the two hull halves are so that a central spacer can be inserted. The remaining slot will hold the keel, stem and stern in place while planking up. All will be revealed in time! Certainly making the plug in two halves helps maintain symmetry as well.

[Maury S]

Druxey,  I'm thrilled to see a log from you.  So much to learn from  a master.

Maury

[kruginmi]

I love seeing these type of subjects.  I will definitely be following along.

 

Mark

[druxey]

Well, some progress. The first photo looks confusing, but what i've done is rubber cement on the offcuts to the assembled lifts in order to be able to scroll-saw the profile of the boat. The second photo shows the profile cut into the starboard half-hull. The third shows both half-hulls cut and ready to shape. The last photo shows the central spine elements laid out for cutting. (The elements of this were not delineated on the original draught, so I had to be my own master shipwright.)

 

More anon. Thanks for the 'likes' and comments.

[michael mott]

Druxey are the central spine elements the same wood or are you using something else?

 

Michael

[Stuntflyer]

This is definately a first for me Druxey. I have never had the pleasure of following any of your build logs. Let's just say that I'm very excited to see this one.

 

Mike

Edited January 24, 2016 by Stuntflyer

[druxey]

Michael: I'm planning on using Castello boxwood for all the elements. Usually I plank in holly, but the scantlings are so light on this craft that I need all the mechanical integrity I can get. The keel is only 3" square - 1/16" actual before cutting in the rabbet. (This instalment coming soon to an MSW site near you!) 

[allanyed]

About time!!!!!   I am very happy to see this log, and,  using methods I had not seen in your past work.

 

Allan

[druxey]

This is where I wish I were building at a larger scale!

 

First the central spine elements were cut from 3" thick stock, with the exception of the stern post. This was cut from 4½" wood. The keel is very light at only 3" square and has a 1" rabbet cut into it. To prevent total insanity, I cut a scratch moulding contour into a piece of hacksaw blade. By rubber cementing the blank to some scrap board, this held it firmly. I cut the rabbet in for most of its length. To prevent an uneven rabbet, I cut the steel profile so that it bottomed out on the board at the correct depth.

 

The stern post was tapered from its full thickness at the top to 3" at the foot. All the various scarph joints were then fitted using - believe it or not - a ½" chisel. When I was satisfied with them, I glued up stem, keel, stern post and stern standard or deadwood. The rest of the rabbet was carefully cut using a scalpel blade and very well-honed chisels. The bow was especially challenging at this scale, as the planks come in almost parallel to the stem.

 

There may be a hiatus before the next instalment as I now have restoration work in the studio, and that has to take precedence.

[mtaylor]

Lovely and fascinating work, Druxey.  That keel is tiny by any standard.    Take care of business, we'll be patient.

[gjdale]

Fascinating and educational Druxey - not to mention exquisitely executed!

[UpstateNY]

Hi Druxey,

 

I hadn't realized just how small this model will be until the last couple of photos.  Wonderful stuff and so precise.

 

Greatly enjoying following along.

 

Cheers,

 

Nigel.

[EdT]

Well, Druxey, I have just found your log.  I'm so glad you have decided to enter the build log fray with a very interesting and unusual subject.  Like the others, I look forward to following.

 

So NMM changed their name?  D I assume RMG stands for Royal Museum Greenwich?  I'll look it up.

 

Ed

 

Later:  So I see NMM is still there but a part of the Royal Museums Greenwich that also includes Cutty Sark, Queens House and the Royal Observatory - at least that the way their website is organized.  Is that your understanding?

Edited January 25, 2016 by EdT

[druxey]

Yes, Ed, I think it's 'rebranding'. I suspect the title The National Maritime Museum will be dropped after an interim period.

 

Thanks for all the recent comments and 'likes'.

[druxey]

Some progress has been made between commissioned work. The plug central spacer was the next consideration. This is 1/16" thick and is cut away to support the central spine fore and aft. Observant eyes will note that the aft end of the plug has been modified to accommodate the small triangular transom and the wider upper end of the stern post. The plug spine protrudes above the sheer so that it can be conveniently clamped in a vice.

 

Next will be shaping the plug to the inside of plank.

[wyz]

Druxey, I've read tons of posts from you but this is the first time I get to see your work.  I'm looking forward to it.

 

Tom

[druxey]

I was able to put in some more time on carving and refining the plug. The initial shaping was done with chisel and gouges, then smoothed with various grades of sandpaper. The sleek and streamlined form, dimensioned to the inside of the planking is almost complete. The form at the stern up to the transom was the trickiest part of the shaping. At both bow and stern, the plug is paper thin. Later this will be cut away to prevent the planks from adhering.

 

Next, when time allows, will be further sanding and smoothing of the plug's surface with gesso.