US Brig Niagara by Tom E - Model Shipways - 1:64 Scale

[Tom E]

Morning, 

Hope everyone is well. Hazy, hot and humid today.

That means some friends over for grilling, swimming in the lake, Red Sox play the Yankees.....classic summer day!!!!

Maybe a few cold beverages! 

 

Anywho, 

Thought I would put Niagara together with friends coming over.

Show her off a little bit. 

 

 

She's a big girl, growing up right in front of me.

 

 

I haven't put her together like this in quite some time.

I didn't hang the Yards, seemed like too much of a risk for something happening. 

 

 

I was able to see that the Fore and Main shrouds do clear the hammock stanchions.

No rub that I've seen so far. That may change as things get rigged in. I'll be watching it.

If there is rub, the stanchions can be bent/adjusted.

 

 

Once the stanchions are done, the Bowsprit area will have my main attention.

Then masts after that. 

 

 

Anchors, boat davits, yards are all made.

Just didn't think it warranted putting them on.

 

 

You forget how big of a model she is when it's all broken down into sections. 

 

 

Stay cool!

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[mikiek]

You might want to lose fit your masts with the dead-eye shrouds included. I remember it was an extremely close fit between the shrouds running up and the stanchions. Make sure they are not going to run into each other.

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. Niagara continues, but not very quickly during the summer.

Had a rainy stretch these past few weekends, so some time in the shipyard. 

 

The Hammock stanchions continue. 

 

 

Using a kitchen towel, small lengths were cut and rolled into "tubes".

 

 

Kind of a stuff and puff approach. 

 

 

If you look at the background in the below pic. I had a visitor looking in on my ship. 

Popeye himself!!!!!!

Looks like he's looking at my ship....and he's an expert!!!!!

I can guarantee this pic was from a Saturday morning. Local station plays the good cartoons every weekend morning. 

 

 

The stanchions may look a bit wonky.

The stanchions themselves are somewhat easily bent and will be adjusted later so the shrouds don't interfere and match the curve of the bulwarks. 

 

 

I should have these finished soon. 

For some reason I haven't put the rudder on yet and have started the process.

Should have pics soon. 

 

 

Stay calm and model on

Be good,

 

Tom E 

 

 

[MESSIS]

I really enjoy looking you work... slow progress, yes... but fine work!

 

Christos

[Tom E]

Evening,

I cant believe it's almost two months since I last updated.

Although summer time fun has been hindering my build, I have been building!

 

I have finally finished the hammock stanchions. 

 

 

Harder in my head, but not easy either.

You have to be creative to get them to curve with the main rail. 

My "spine" holding the stanchions is holding very well, and mostly covered by the hammock material.

 

 

Beside the rudder, which is next, the superstructure is basically done.

It's time to really start putting some rope, masts, and yards on this ship!!!! Weave it all together!

Never did I ever think I'd get this far. But, I've said that many times so far already 

 

 

I've already started weaving in the rope connecting the stanchions.

Not using anything special here, need very small diameter line and the bulk stuff should serve here well. 

 

 

I had to place her in precarious angles to have two free hands.

My eyes constantly checking the Bowsprit area. Don't want to hear that dreaded wood cracking sound.

 

 

I've been thinking about a more permanent base.

Below, I have a chunk of basswood from Michaels, bought probably on some random trip thinking I may use it somewhere. 

Maybe give it a good sanding then stain it. I'm thinking a stain a bit darker than the main deck.

 

Not absolutely sold on this method right now.

I have time to chew on it. 

 

 

Stay safe

 

Tom E

 

 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. 

Quiet night on the couch, thought Niagara could use an update. A lot more time in the shipyard recently.

Cooler temps, absolutely awesome playoff baseball right now (GO RED SOX!!!), you tend to stay in.

 

The ropes are done on the stanchions.

Everything will be trimmed and painted. 

 

 

 

 

I finally put the rudder on.

No idea why I waited so long. Maybe somewhere in the back of my mind I thought I may keep knocking it off.

I used card stock to represent the pintles and gudgeons.

Always remembering, the rudder hangs on the ship, the ship does not hang on the rudder.  

 

 

Wrapped around to the other side, trimmed and anchored with CA.

These where easily painted over and blended nicely into the hull. 

The boot strap and glue shine were cleaned up as well. 

 

 

Moving on from the rudder, I started forming the bullseyes and lanyards for the jib boom guys on the bowsprit. 

Below is just the rope used for the lanyards, just thought I'd stretch it forward and see how things line up. 

Looks good so far. 

 

 

All rope is from Syren.

 

 

Be good

 

Tom E 

 

 

[bdgiantman2]

Hey Tom, your model of Niagara is looking really good.

 

Depending on how the playoffs go, the Red Sox are going to have their hands full if compete against the Dodgers in the World Series.  Will have to see how the National League playoffs proceed. I am not a Dodger's fan at all, just to let you know. In fact I will be rooting against the Dodgers any chance I can get.

Edited October 15, 2021 by bdgiantman2

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. Busy Saturday getting chores done.

Nice roasted chicken and potatoes in the oven. While that cooks, Niagara needs an update.

 

Thanks for the kind words BD.

Since I wrote that last update, the Sox made a great playoff run, probably some of the best baseball I've seen in a while.

But, as we say with the Red Sox....There's always next year!

During spring training, every single beat writer called this year a "re-building" year. 

 

The Bowsprit rigging continues. 

 

 

Working from the inside out, the first jibboom guys are attached. 

 

 

Using .018 Syren black rope.

Using a fairly healthy length of rope, attached at the Jibboom guy it's self, then attached to pre-made lanyards on the catheads. 

 

 

Rinse and repeat, working my way outwards. 

 

 

When I get to the flying jibboom guy, I'll use a slightly smaller .012 black rope. 

 

 

I noticed some "rub" with the jibboom guys and the spritsail yard lifts.

Nothing bad, I can live with it. 

Also, when I tighten things up the jibboom guy does come off the spritsail yard. 

 

 

As mentioned before, I'm attaching things to pre-made lanyards.

 

 

I used this method as I thought it would give me the best results when aligning the lanyards on both sides. 

A little snaggle toothed, but both sides line up well....mostly. 

The first lanyard is all fuzzy, my first one. The one behind it was my second, a bit better.

 

 

Stay safe, 

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[bdgiantman2]

9 hours ago, Tom E said:

But, as we say with the Red Sox....There's always next year!

 

Not only you Red Sox fans, but I would include half of the entire MLB (I am a Padres and Rockies fan, both teams have had a number of disappointing seasons)

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Quiet Thursday night. Treated myself to a pizza as I got my covid booster shot.

Feeling full, watching football pre-game, figured Niagara could use an update.

 

The Bowsprit rigging continues. 

Working from the inside out, the Flying Jibboom Guy was installed last.

 

 

It's amazing how just a little bit of rigging can really fill out a section. 

All black rope is from Syren. 

 

 

Staying with my "inside then move outwards" mentality for the rigging. 

I installed the Jibboom Martingale to their appropriate lanyards port and starboard. 

Sorry for the blur, no professional photographer here!!!  

 

 

When other parts are drying, I tend to have another project ongoing. 

I've been really diving into prepping the masts with blocks and such.

I started with the lower yard lifts for the Main and Fore masts. 

 

 

I just couldn't help myself and "attached" the Course yard.

Just to see how it looks. 

I think I have a pleasing alignment with everything.

Suppose time will tell. 

 

 

I do see the Course yard is backwards in the pics.

Won't be attached that way!!!

 

 

Stay safe, help a neighbor

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Most of the day's chores are done. One last load of laundry spinning in the dryer and that should do it.

Football on the TV, full belly......figured Niagara could use an update.

 

I couldn't help but see what she looks like with a yard in place.

 

 

Things to come I suppose.

 

 

Anywho.....

 

I felt confident in securing the Topmast to the Main mast at this point.

With that in place I wanted to start with the Topmast shrouds and get those secure first.

 

 

 

A few things key off these shrouds being in place first.

I didn't install blocks directly into the shrouds themselves. I didn't see that part!!! 

To fix, I'll eventually strop some blocks and tie them directly to the shrouds themselves instead of weaving them into the shrouds like you're supposed to. 

 

 

Typically, As I work on the Foremast, the Main mast is being done at the same time. 

 

 

I'm going to rig as much as possible off the model.

Shrouds, stays, yards and the like.

All rope is from Syren. 

 

 

She's getting there.

 

 

Stay safe,

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening,

A weekend completely spent at home during a classic New England snowstorm.

Couldn't have asked for a better weekend.... minus the shoveling. 

Plenty of food, football and boat building.

Niagara continues.

 

With the lower shrouds done, time to set up the topmast shrouds.

Simple enough process with lots of extra rope.

 

 

Having something like the board below to hold the masts has been perfect.

 

 

I want to have these measured out and fully installed with lanyards and deadeyes before moving forward with anything else. 

In my head, and plenty of time in front of the plans, so many other things do key off these being in place.

When I do move to the upper shrouds, they tie off at the top of the topmast shrouds, things like that.

We'll see how this thinking works. 

 

 

Things are moving along!

 

 

Be good

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[bdgiantman2]

I really like that special jig you made to help hold the masts during basic rigging procedures before being attached to the ship. Going to have to copy this idea when I finally get to that stage on my model. Your Niagara is looking really good.

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. 

Really missing baseball right now. It's late February and I should be seeing sports reports from Red Sox spring training. Sigh..........

 

Oh well, 

Niagara continues. 

 

As I mentioned before, I started the Topmast shrouds. I want these in place and tied down before starting other rigging.

Some things seem easier to install if these are already done. Just no rat lines yet.

 

 

In theory these seem easy enough....in theory 

I made a "spacer" like tool from spare brass wire to keep the distance between within reason.

Twist in the deadeyes is a pain in the back side!!!!

I'm hoping once a stave is installed it'll help with any leftover twist.

 

 

On a broader scheme. My overall plan is to work my way up the masts, then work back down installing yards, finishing with the course yards. 

I'm absolutely amazed that I'm talking about fixing yards!

Never did I think I would get so far!

 

 

Be good and model on

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

 

[Tom E]

Morning, 

 

An unusual Monday to start the work week!

Nothing serious, just a little under the weather, so I took the day off. The internal plumbing seems to disagree with something I ate yesterday. 

 

I just wrote myself a prescription for a full day of boat building!!!  

 

Settling into the Shipyard, hot cup of tea and honey, and just found the movie Alien (the original from 1979) on TV.

Before I start building, figured Niagara could use an update.

 

The Topmast shrouds, both Fore and Main are done. 

 

 

Peak and Throat Halyard blocks are in place on the Main mast.  

The Lanyards seem to have been "whitewashed" in the pics.

Not that bright in person, it's Syren tan rope. 

 

 

I next moved on to hanging the Forestay and Preventer stay.

Purely just measuring these out and hanging from the mast. Nothing will be permanently attached until well down the line.

The ability to remove the masts off the boat seems priceless to this builder.

 

 

The Topmast Backstays are hung as well. 

Keeping with my "inside out" mentality of rigging, the Main stay and its Preventer stay are next. 

 

 

The Masts are getting busy!!!

 

 

Stay safe

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Retired guy]

Just caught up Tom looking very good 👍

 

Regards

Richard

[Srodbro]

Very nice work. 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Richard, Steve, Thanks!

Appreciate the look in, and all the "likes". 

 

The rigging continues. 

The Main stay and Preventer are hung. 

Nothing is attached to the boat itself. Purely just hung from the mast, with plenty of extra rope to work with.

 

 

Still on the Main mast, I'm working my way up. 

The Topmast stay and Spring stay are hung. 

 

 

The Foremast has its Topmast stay and Inner and outer Jib stays as well. 

 

 

Once the Fore and Main Topmast were dressed out with rope.  

Felt like a good time to glue in the TG/Royal Masts.

Sheer poles have been attached to the TG/Royal masts......just not in the below pic!

 

 

I got ropes laying all over the place. 

Really have to be careful with the Foremast ropes getting tangled in the Bowsprit!

 

 

Winter has to be one of the better times of the year to build, I think. 

I've gotten a lot done this season. Well, a lot in my book!

 

 

With the TG/Royal masts in place, there next to get its standing rigging hung. 

Once all that is in, I'll work my way down installing yards.

Going from the Royal yard down. Installing as much in place as possible.

I can see me stepping the masts in a few weeks.

Then start attaching all the rigging to the boat itself.

 

 

Be good

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[CiscoH]

Tom i may have missed it but have you chosen a stand yet? 

 

I've been following your build log since the beginning.  Somehow, reading it always makes me feel calmer and less stressed.  Thank you for posting!

 

cisco 

[Tom E]

Hi Cisco, 

 

I appreciate the kind words, thank you!

As towards a stand. Honestly, since I started building Niagara it was in my mind, but I never put any serious thought to it. 

Never really thought I would get this far. 

 

I did come up with the pic below, a few months back.  

If I remember correctly, the wood is just a slab from Michaels and brass pedestals from Model Expo. 

I have no kids, cats or dogs, so I'm not entirely worried about it getting chewed up while at work. 

I do want a case around it to protect from dust and the like, that I'm sure of. 

But I haven't even wrapped my head around that one yet!!!!

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

I think an update is in order.

Admittedly, we have moved quite a way forward. All the standing rigging is attached and hanging from the masts.

I had to upgrade my phone, it was an old iPhone 5 and was really showing its age and having problems with it. 

I have since gotten an iPhone 13 and have restarted taking a lot of pics. 

 

Anywho.....

 

The Topgallant and Topmast shrouds are all in place and rigged in. 

Since I was moving up the masts installing the standing rigging and such. 

I'm just going to work my way down the masts installing yards.

 

I started with the Royal yards. 

All the standing rigging is in there.

I've been able to keep it from getting tangled up, for the most part, but nothing too bad. 

Weaving the Royal yard onto the mast, I'm always mindful of its surrounding ropes.

I'm cheating a bit and anchoring the yards onto the masts with some thin wire for stability and grip.

Dressed with appropriate blocks.

The fore and main royal yards are being done at the same time. 

I don't have my notes directly in front of me, but if I remember, I used .008 Syren tan rope for the halliard.

Fed thru sheaves built into the masts and will anchor at the sheerpole on the Topmast.

There is a fixed lift of the same size that I can install a bit later.  

Again, harder in my head than in reality. 

The Topgallant yards are being prepped and will be next.

 

Be good

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Waiting for the Celtics game to start, thought I would give Niagara a quick update.

Both Royal yards are attached.

For unknown reasons, I decided to go ahead and "attach" all the rigging so far and see how she looks. 

I haven't done this in a while. 

I've noticed I have a slight curve to starboard side on the Foremast. 

I should be able to straighten out most of that when I permanently attach the rigging. 

Shrouds clear the hammock stanchions at the Main rail. 

There is some twist in the stays leading to the Bowsprit.

Those will be gone once firmly attached. 

It's all being held on with Tamiya masking tape or clips. 

Ship is getting busy!

Never did I think I would get this far.

I'm not the fastest builder, probably spent more time at study than building. 

Persistence and a dash of patience does pay off. 

Should have pics of the Topgallant yards soon. Then on to the Topsail yards.

 

Be good, 

Tom E 

 

 

 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. 

Been a little slow in the shipyard, summertime fun can put a dent in the build! 

But, some progress has been made. 

 

I have been working on the Topgallant yards.

Simply following the plans for block placement. 

All blocks, and rope, are from Syren.

Constantly checking alignment with the mast.

Don't want those blocks too far in or out. 

Eventually installed on the masts.

The Halliard hangs out the back of the mast thru a sheave. 

 

I'm chewing on the idea of just installing the halliard to the lower top sooner rather than later. 

It looks like it would be a beast to install later.

I had to insert the below pic.

Sense of scale, Niagara is a big girl!!

Be good, 

Go Celtics!!!!!!! 

 

 

Tom E 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Sitting down to dinner, thought Niagara could use a small update. 

 

I ended up just setting in the blocks for the Topgallant halliard. 

In my mind, anything that sets up that close to the mast would be a beast to rig later down the road.

It's a static line. Once set, it's done. 

I've left it loose for now. 

The Main mast is done as well. 

I've also started prepping the Topsail yards with blocks. 

 

Wash your hands!

 

Tom E 

[abelson]

Just hit upon your build log while contemplating what model to build next. You're doing a fantastic job! I recently finished the Syren. I was thinking about building the Constitution next, but the the size (48") concerns me. Thinking ahead, the size display case needed to store it would be huge. The Niagara build is very similar to the Syren in many aspects. The length is 10" longer then the Syren (33") but not as long as the Constitution. I think a display case for the Niagara would be more manageable than the Constitution. With that in mind, I'm now leaning toward the Niagara for my next build. In the meantime, I'll continue to review your build log.

[Tom E]

Wow!!!!

I can't believe it's been since June that I updated my build. Wow! Shame on me!

I have been building but limited during the summer. Too much summertime fun to be had!

One trip was to the top of Mt Washington in New Hampshire. Sad to say, as a true Northeast boy, I had never been to the top.

We remedied that. Wonderful day, awesome views. 

Below is what's called Tuckermans Ravine.

People ski down this thing in the winter!!!! No lift service, so they have to hike up, then ski down.

Extreme skiing.

Below is Wildcat Mt. I've skied there before. The views in winter are incredible! 

Even the parking lot has great views!!!

Thats my little Subaru in the center pointing out.

With the cool fall winds, football on TV, Red Sox out of the playoffs....

It's my favorite time to build!

Should have an update on Niagara soon.

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[Jack12477]

Great views and photos.  I drove up the road to summit 50 yrs ago in a 68 Mustang with wife and toddler daughter. Going up was fun, driving back down was scary. 

[doxidad]

Nice photos. I drove up there 40 years ago in early October. It was a fun drive up. Too bad it  was fogged in from about 5500 feet up. Didn't see anything on the top. Could barely see your hand held out in front of you. The road is narrow and scary especially going down in the fog.

[abelson]

Beautiful pictures. NH is definitely a scenic state - "Live Free or Die."

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Dinner is done, Red Sox are playing the Yankees on TV.

Figured Niagara could use an update. Some building was done over the summer. 

 

Moving on to the Topsail yards. 

Just following the plans as for block placement. Constantly checking for alignment with the mast. 

The glue shine below is strategically on the back side of the mast and painted over as well. 

Hides it well.  

 

 

She's dripping with ropes, yet only halfway thru rigging in the yards.

Below was a tricky area. 

I hacked it together.

It's ok. 

As in Algebra, as you do to one side, do to the other. 

I'm following the plans as towards which side of the yard points outward.

Starting to get a feeling my foot ropes are on the wrong sides. 

Hmmmmmmm...........I have to look into this. 

 

The Main course yards are next and are already being fixed with blocks. 

Be good

 

Tom E