Knighthead

[brobertson]

I am new to tall ship modeling and have started a Flying Fish kit.  I need to fashion the knighthead but cannot figure it out from the manual or plans.  Any ideas or help?

[allanyed]

Hi

 

If you would be so kind, please let us know a little more.

 

What is your name? 

What ship?  Is it a kit, POF, or POB?   Different solutions depending on the type of build.   

 

You will surely get some responses, but need to share a little more information.

 

Thanks and welcome to MSW

 

Allan

[wrkempson]

I presume you are building the Model Shipways kit.  If so, I found the manual at http://modelexpo-online.com/assets/images/documents/MS2018-Flying_Fish-Instructions-Complete.pdf .  On page 24 Figure 36B there is a good illustration.  The knightheads are the two timbers on either side of the opening for the bowsprit and each one receives an eyebolt.  The Figure gives a profile and top view of the piece you are asked to make.  The exact shape will be determined by your own model so the process is to cut and fit, sand, fit, shape again, fit, etc. until the timbers are in place.  I do not have the plans, but the manual points you in the right direction.  On the actual vessel, the knightheads extend from the rail level down along the side of the stem to a place well below the water line.  On your model they are represented with only the visible portion above the deck.  When you install them make sure they are secure as they will have quite a bit of strain on them from the fore stay that attaches to the eyebolts.

 

It is unclear to me what your exact question might be, but maybe the above helps.  

 

Wayne

[brobertson]

Thanks everyone!  In response to Allan's questions my name is Bruce and i am building the Model Shipways POB Flying Fish.  Wayne's info is helpful.  I will review the manual and drawings again in light of this explanation.

Thanks Again,

Bruce

[allanyed]

Welcome to the fray Bruce!

 

Allan

[Big Dipper]

Wayne, Bruce, Allen, Thanks for the info. I'm also in the process of building  Model Shipways' Flying Fish and had the same question. Its the first wooden ship model I've ever built and I'm in way over my head but I'll continue. John

[mtaylor]

Hello John,  

Welcome to MSW.  MSW is a great resource and I hope you'll open a log.

[Wizbang69]

Hi Bruce 

I am also building the flying fish did you manage to cut and fit the knightheads because I am having the same problem, the instructions for this are poor , any help would be great 

thanks 

andy

[brobertson]

I went to the plans and managed to fashion a piece as close to what I could see on the plans as possible. I glued it in place leaving room for the bowsprit to pass through the two pieces.  We will see how it goes as I get farther along.

[Wizbang69]

Hi Bruce thanks for the reply that’s what im going to have to do plans are poor for this , think I’m going to have problems with the main rail as well !! 

[brobertson]

I used a scroll saw and sandpaper to fashion the rail.

[Wizbang69]

Hi Bruce I’ve bought a second hand Dremel scroll saw , did you just trace round the outline of the hull to get the correct shape and width , sorry I’m new to this and everyday is a learning curve for me .

thanks again 

Andy

[brobertson]

I traced it directly off the plans and then cut out a pattern from a fairly rigid piece of poster board.  I then traced the outline on a piece of basswood of proper thickness which I purchased at a local craft's store.  I then used the scroll saw to cut out the rail and I fit it to the hull with sandpaper and a very sharp Exacto knife.  The outboard edge of the rail needs to be angled to conform to the curve of the hull.  You can eyeball the edge angle by comparing to the curve of the bulkheads and carry that curve up the edge of the rail (before you glue it in place!).

[Wizbang69]

Thanks Bruce great advice 👍