Soleil Royal by Hubac's Historian - Heller - An Extensive Modification and Partial Scratch-Build

[Hubac's Historian]

Hi Bill - actually, I’m not sure what you mean with regard to designing parts in CAD.  I’m simply modifying what came with the kit.

[druxey]

Thanks for any update, Marc, however small!

[Bill97]

Oh Daniel I thought you were 3D printing all new pieces not modifying what came with the kit. I know very little about 3D printmaking but am thinking you have to program the printer to make the piece you want, either an already made program or design your own. Is that correct?  

[Hubac's Historian]

Hi Bill - I think maybe you intended to be in Daniel’s Victory log?  With a lot of windows open all the time, that’s an easy mistake to make. 🙂

Edited June 10 by Hubac's Historian

[Ian_Grant]

On 6/8/2025 at 8:33 PM, Hubac's Historian said:

..Alive and kicking - however, so softly.

 

In the time that I have available, and am ALERT, I make what little progress I can.

 

Geez Marc, you gave me a scare!!  Checked in for the first time in a while and saw this, thought you must be very ill indeed.......scrolled upto see that you're just a busy guy.....what a relief!! 👍

[Hubac's Historian]

Hi Ian - yeah, all is okay here - apart from annoyingly and persistently high cholesterol (how much fiber and Omega3’s can a person reasonably consume?!), I’m doing okay.

 

Life just sped up for me, is all.  I was going to do some painting last night.  I opened a new (but very old) bottle of what I assumed was ModelMaster acrylic last night.  I was trying to thin the paint with water, but it was behaving strangely.  It took me far too long to realize that what I actually had was a bottle of enamel.  I am curious to see whether all of that water I added simply returns to the surface, overnight.

 

Anyway, I’m at a sort of critical juncture with my 13-year old son, who needs me now more than ever, and my daughter, who will be off to college in a year.  Nothing alarming, there, but guidance and support are really necessary, so that is where my energies go.

[Bill97]

Good morning Marc. What I was referring to is this paragraph in your post above:

 

I’m working on deck furniture.  A considerable amount of time was spent, as always, on de-plasticizing the appearance of these parts; flash removal, in-filling of injection mould marks,softening of sharp edges, and general detailing.

 

From that I was thinking maybe you 3D printed all new parts instead of working on the kit supplied parts. So with that thought in mind I just wondered how you set up the 3D printer. 
 

Understand all the life trials you are dealing with right now my friend. I battle the old high cholesterol as well (my doctor finally put me on a statin).  I had to smile when I read about your paint issue. Just today I needed to use a bit of black enamel. I have a number of those little bottles of different colors. It had been a while and the lid was very much stuck. I thought my crescent wrench will fit around this square little bottle perfectly and then I can turn the lid with my pliers. BAD IDEA!!

The lid did not turn. However the bottle did and broke right in the middle dispensing black enamel in places I wish it had not. Fortunately none got on my model. 

[Hubac's Historian]

Oh, I see what you mean now, Bill.  Honestly, I marvel at our modeling friends who are mastering CAD/resin printing.  I’m pretty far away from tackling anything like that, although I do want to eventually learn drafting software.

 

Your paint bottle experience is very relatable!

[Bill97]

Same with me Marc on the 3D printing. My 13 year old grandson has one and can do things I marvel at. 

[Kevin-the-lubber]

On 6/10/2025 at 2:08 PM, Hubac's Historian said:

Honestly, I marvel at our modeling friends who are mastering CAD/resin printing.

Keep in mind that you both make far more progress than me! Even now I have somewhat mixed feelings about it all, but I suppose I'm in too deep now.

[Ian_Grant]

On 6/10/2025 at 9:08 AM, Hubac's Historian said:

Oh, I see what you mean now, Bill.  Honestly, I marvel at our modeling friends who are mastering CAD/resin printing.  I’m pretty far away from tackling anything like that, although I do want to eventually learn drafting software.

 

Your paint bottle experience is very relatable!

 

On 6/10/2025 at 12:23 PM, Bill97 said:

Same with me Marc on the 3D printing. My 13 year old grandson has one and can do things I marvel at. 

I enjoy creating the CAD drawings for stuff, and it's great to see the crisp printed parts, but in the back of my mind lurks the thought "is this true craftsmanship"? Perhaps it is just in another way. What is certain is my HMS Lion would not look nearly as good if I'd had to try to create all those small parts by hand in wood or plastic. I marvel at Marc's carved plastic pieces......

[Hubac's Historian]

I think CAD design and printing are still craftsmanship because they require the same meticulous attention to detail that all good modeling requires.  Whether making it by hand or printing it, the part is only going to be as good as the drawing that precedes it.

[Kevin-the-lubber]

I think all methods are as valid as each other. Although it was before my time I expect some traditional model-makers scoffed at all those injection-moulded abominations when they first hit the shelves. Though I'd still love to have the patience, hand skills and eye for carving that you have Marc.

[Hubac's Historian]

Thank you very much, Kevin!

[Nek0]

Hi Marc!

I understand so well how frustrating it can be to be kept away from the workshop, but family is a priority and comes before everything else. We will wait patiently for you to be able to return to work. The latest progress is fantastic as usual ! All my encouragement for the next steps !

☺️

[Hubac's Historian]

Thank you, Marc!  I just visited your Ambiteaux log because I needed to clarify a few details, regarding the galley chimneys.

 

I will have a small update on this project in the very near future.  I’ve been puttering around with the f’ocsle deck - engraving plank seams, fabricating chimneys and the capstan.  Soon, I’ll design the break rail filigree and the belfry. 

 

Unfortunately, the school year is about to start which means I will, again, become completely engrossed with coaching basketball for one more season.  We are also in the process of getting my daughter into University and my son into high-school.  So, yeah, family first for sure!

 

Necessarily, not a substantial amount will happen on this build until around April of next year.  I am planning a major left foot and ankle surgery for that time, which will mean three months of recovery.  I plan to invest a lot of energy into the project, at that time.  In the meantime, I will do what I can reasonably do.

 

As always, thank you to all for maintaining your interest in this project.  It is all very much appreciated!

Edited Thursday at 01:05 PM by Hubac's Historian

[Kevin-the-lubber]

5 minutes ago, Hubac's Historian said:

major left foot and ankle surgery for that time, which will mean three months of recovery

Marc, just in case you haven't already picked up on this, a knee walker is a game changer. What always used to drive me mad following an ankle break or surgery was the difficulty in even moving around with a cup of coffee: during the recovery period. Knee walkers solve that. I was able to even walk up to the shop, go round our park etc.  There are loads of brands these days, I bought a Stride-On off ebay and sold it on a few months later for what I paid.

 

I feel your pain at work on the SR slowing down. Just yesterday, after months of not having any time at all for the ship, I spent some happy hours on the Victory. One can forget how good this hobby can be for the soul. So I hope you're able to grab the odd hour here and there, between now and April.

[Hubac's Historian]

Hi Kevin!  Yes, I will be borrowing a knee walker from my work partner, who also recently had bone spurs removed from his ankle.  Definite game changers.

 

And, yes, as I was making chimneys last night, I was reminded just how much I love the process of design and fabrication.  I can totally lose myself in that for hours at a time!

[Bill97]

Yes Marc as age begins to chase us body parts need rejuvenate. Visited my eye doctor the other day for my annual check up. He has convinced me it is time I get cataract surgery. Been procrastinating for last couple years. My left eye late September and then right eye a couple weeks later. No idea yet how this may affect my ship building during the couple of months until full recovery. Maybe none maybe a lot. We will see. May need to spend the time cleaning my nasty garage. 

[Nek0]

I love this sentence: "we are given to know our chidren during childhood only for a couple of years, then we know them as adults for the rest of our lives." These few years when they need us are so precious and important that we have to do as much as we can during this period of time. Sport, games, educationals, time together, help them with their lives... With our jobs it's not always an easy thing, and modeling sure is not a priority compared to that. 

I also hope your ankle will be alright !

Concerning L'Ambitieux, I sat them down a few days ago. I intended to make a post when all the gun ports would be completed but I just took a couple of photos I can show you.

 

 

[Hubac's Historian]

From what I know about cataract surgery, Bill, it should help model-making a ton!  This is one if the more low-risk, high reward procedures.

[Hubac's Historian]

2 hours ago, Nek0 said:

I love this sentence: "we are given to know our chidren during childhood only for a couple of years, then we know them as adults for the rest of our lives." These few years when they need us are so precious and important that we have to do as much as we can during this period of time. Sport, games, educationals, time together, help them with their lives... With our jobs it's not always an easy thing, and modeling sure is not a priority compared to that. 

I also hope your ankle will be alright !

Concerning L'Ambitieux, I sat them down a few days ago. I intended to make a post when all the gun ports would be completed but I just took a couple of photos I can show you.

 

 

So true, about Children!  I will look on your log for the pics - much appreciated!

[druxey]

Ah, those school years for the children! Later, you will be surprised at how quickly the time went by. 

[Hubac's Historian]

David, I am surprised every day.  Life moves real fast with teens today.  All good, though.

[Bill97]

NekO I love that sentence as well. Will very much further emphasize adding the word “grandchildren”. Every other word in that sentence applies to them also. I have 7 ranging from 11 to 21. I had to miss a lot of things when my 3 kids were growing up because of work and general life requirements. Now that I am retired I have been and will continue to be there for all 7 of them regardless of age. I showed over on my AV build the model of the Golden Hinde I am building with my young 11 year buddy. That is pure joy and quality time.