Sovereign of the Seas by Tallshiptragic - Sergal - 1/78

[Tallshiptragic]

After another long break I've decided to get my feet wet once again. I've recently picked up an early Sergal Sovereign of the seas kit. This is I assume at least early 80's judging by the box art and the fact most parts have to be cut out and are not laser cut or pre cut. From what I have read a lot of people were disappointed with the later releases from the rebadged mantua sergal version as it had laser cut plywood deck planking and gun port cutouts as this early version doesn't. There is also no balsa in this kit. 

 

This ship has been on a list a mile long for me to build purely due to the ornamentation and what she represented in the future of the three decker warships. So having seen it for sale nearby, whether it was the old or new version I had to grab it! 

[Tallshiptragic]

As I couldn't resist, I started a dry fit of keel - 3 pieces, 12 frames and false decks and transom pieces. I believe there are some inaccuracies as the sergal kit is or was based on the model at the Greenwich museum? For an old kit, it was kept well so the wood is in reasonable shape. There is a lot of walnut for decks and second planking though too dark for my liking so will be looking at replacements shortly.

[Ulises Victoria]

This ship/kit has been in my wish list for ooooh so long.

I will follow because I intend to get it soon.

 

[Tallshiptragic]

thanks ulises, hahaha I know right! I remember drooling over this kit since the 80's! And I've finally got my hands on one

[donrobinson]

Looks like it will be a great build. What size is she?

[Tallshiptragic]

Thanks donrobinson, it should be 1100mm length overall and 865mm height according to the plans. 

[Tallshiptragic]

Frames, false decks and stumps for cannon glued in place. The old instructions are very limited and the English translation is worse than a google translator! Haha

 

but progress is coming along. 

[Tallshiptragic]

I was entertaining the idea of perhaps building the SOTS as the rebuilt Royal sovereign though there seems to be little info on the arrangement and decorations etc. The obvious is the cut down bulwarks and shortened and modernized beakhead. Also from what I've found of the Van der Velde sketches of the royal sovereign of 1673 I believe the sketch is from also the quarter galleries have changed to look more like those of the HMS prince and also the upper gundeck ports are circular. So I've decided to abondon this idea as I also want to build the Prince one day and continue along the lines of the original SOTS. Still the decision of whether to modify the kit to resemble the earlier Van der Velde sketch of 1637 configuration or that of the model in Greenwich as the kit is based on. Would it be a good educated guess to assume the Greenwich model and sergal kit decorations are based on what was presented to Charles the first? Explaining the changes in decoration etc to the actual build of the ship? If anyone has ideas on this I would love to hear.

 

The below images are of Royal Sovereign after the 1660 rebuild. Though the van de Velde sketch could actually be the 1701 Royal sovereign which although using the remaining timber from the SOTS was a completely new ship.

 

thanks all 

[realworkingsailor]

Hey buddy!

 

Great to see you back again with another project! I was beginning to wonder where you wandered off to!

 

Andy

 

 

[Tallshiptragic]

G'day Andy! 

 

Thanks, oh work and work has kept me away a lot the past 18months 

[Tallshiptragic]

Making a start on the first layer of planking using lime strips. I fly back to work tomorrow for a couple of weeks so progress will be slow but I'll have time to research more the layout of decks and placement of carvings. There are a few major differences with the rake of the decks between when she was built and her rebuilding during the time of the commonwealth giving her flatter decks so I will do my best to model her as built in 1637 as the sergal kit shows her upper decks with significant rake. Van der Velde sketch will be of most help with this build. The stern and her carvings will be another story though still a fair way off that for now.

[Tallshiptragic]

The first 8 planks laid, 4 each side. I doubt I'll do anymore tonight so this will be it for progress until I get home again.

[Tallshiptragic]

Fly back to work just in time to possibly fly home again!

[Tallshiptragic]

Well have been evacuated out of our area of work due to the cyclone that hit the north west of WA so back home early now! Work has been postponed for at least 10 days maybe more so I got a chance to play with the model again. Started more planking and from the keel up also. Because of the fit of the planks these are taking longer as I'm clamping the planks to the previous plank to follow a smoother line - thus progress is slower having to wait for each plank to dry before the next so I plank one on the bottom (each side) then also continue from the waist down also one at a time. After a couple hours the clamps can be removed as the glue has set enough for the planks not to lift from each other and I set another set down. It's only the first layer so as usual not the neatest but I'm happy with the shape of the hull so far.

[CaptainSteve]

She's coming along very nicely, Anton. 

(Also, congrats on the new car)

 

[Tallshiptragic]

Haha thanks Steve. Yeah she's an interesting ship. I know there are a couple books about her but online there is lack of info especially with the two versions of her stern. And apart from the stern quarter view of her after her rebuild by Van de Velde, not much on her appearance in later years. 

 

Oh oh and I've included a side view of my car for you! Haha an Australian build Ford FG Xr50th anniversary xr6 turbo. 

[Sjors]

Find you !!!!!!

 

That Sots of your is higher then mine SotS.......

And your car looks faster then my car......

Also a little more orange 

Welcome home sailor.

 

Then a last thing....

Everywhere I'm coming to watch a build ,there should be popcorn !

So......in the corner with it !

 

Sjors

 

[S.Coleman]

Got to love the cyclone season. I used to be FIFO out of Karratha for a few years and had some interesting cyclone parties. Your ship looks great.  Good start to your planking.

[Tallshiptragic]

14 hours ago, Sjors said:

Find you !!!!!!

 

That Sots of your is higher then mine SotS.......

And your car looks faster then my car......

Also a little more orange 

Welcome home sailor.

 

Then a last thing....

Everywhere I'm coming to watch a build ,there should be popcorn !

So......in the corner with it !

 

Sjors

 

Haha hi mate, thanks for watching! 

 

9 hours ago, S.Coleman said:

Got to love the cyclone season. I used to be FIFO out of Karratha for a few years and had some interesting cyclone parties. Your ship looks great.  Good start to your planking.

Yeah unfortunately a dry ship so no more parties onboard but I'm home for at least two weeks now so some building on the cards

[Tallshiptragic]

Just an update on the planking. Been busy the past few days and the majority of the lower hulls first planking is complete, soon to start on the upper hull.

[Sjors]

When i take a look in my christal boll i see a lot of sanding.....

 

Sjors

 

[S.Coleman]

The hull is coming up great. I like this stage in particular as this is the first time yout get to see the body emerging. Good work.

[Tallshiptragic]

10 hours ago, Sjors said:

When i take a look in my christal boll i see a lot of sanding.....

 

Sjors

 

Getting close mate! I can't wait to see the smooth hull after the top layer is planked😃

 

5 hours ago, S.Coleman said:

The hull is coming up great. I like this stage in particular as this is the first time yout get to see the body emerging. Good work.

Thanks mate. So do I, can easily appreciate the tumblehome and sheer of the hull.

[Tallshiptragic]

The bottom is now closed so time to turn her back up and plank her top sides. 

[Tallshiptragic]

Couldn't help myself 😊

[Tallshiptragic]

Sovereign on the kitchen bench. I don't normally build here but the girls want to see the progress and it's safer than the shed. My model of Leeuwin 1/56 is just off to the left and a 1/16 Emma C Berry is just off to the right. The Emma C Berry is an RC scale sailing model also.

[S.Coleman]

Very nice place you have. Is your dog a husky or an Alaskan malamute? Looks like he/she is keeping the kids busy.  I have seen around perth small groups of people gathering to sail these R/C yachts. They are quite fun to watch.

[Tallshiptragic]

Thanks, that is the main living area around the kitchen, there's a few more boats and things in the front room. She's a malamute only 18months old now so very much still a puppy but such lovely natured.

 

The RC sail do look good on the water, she received some minor damage during the move into this place- only been here since January- so all the electronics are out for a full clean up haven't sailed her in ages but may again soon. I had her in the pool of our last place and the girls also loved watching it and as it's quite large a couple barbies sat on her fine haha

[S.Coleman]

Barbies with life jackets. Haha. So now I suppose you are underway for the traditional first layer hull closing up party? Drinks and speeches?

The hull is looking great. On every ship i build I write the date started on the keel before closing it up. Just a little tradion of mine. Good work.

[Sjors]

That statue on the bow is that for real ??????

Nice dog, daughters and Admiral 

Or should the be the other way around......

Say Hi from me to those woman .

And give the dog ( name? ) a bone from me.

 

Sjors