Queen Anne Royal Barge Circa 1704 by MikeB4 - Syren - 1:24

[MikeB4]

It has been a couple of years since my last log but now that I am settled in my new place it's time to start a new project.

Edited December 7, 2018 by MikeB4

[MEDDO]

Excellent choice!  Will be following along.  Your Pinnace and Longboat are really nice.

[MikeB4]

Thank you.

[Chuck]

Have fun with project....looking forward to seeing you get started.

[MikeB4]

Thank You. You've created a kit that is very high quality. That is why I've decided to take on this project first before some of the other kits I have of lesser quality. I know there are going to be some challenges but it will not be because the kit falls short.

[MikeB4]

The instructions say to taper the four pieces that will make up the keel before they are glued. Would it be easier to taper them after they're glued together as one piece?

[Chuck]

Its up to you....Whatever you are more comfortable with.   I tapered them ahead of time but then touched up the entire assembly afterwards.

[MikeB4]

I found a solution to the problem of the keel being bowed out of the box. I created a jig and decided to put the entire keel together before tapering it down. This way I can center the notched pieces with ease. I'm hoping once I start attaching the frames that will resolve the bowing.

[MikeB4]

After the glue dried I noticed the notched center piece was not on the keel straight. I had to carefully remove it and redo it. In the picture you can see how bowed the keel is. I hope that the frames will straighten it out.

[MikeB4]

I installed the transom and gave the entire keel a coat of wipe on Poly like the instructions suggest.

Edited January 3, 2019 by MikeB4

[Chuck]

Real nice start....looking good.😊

[MikeB4]

I am moving along slowly. I have completed the task of installing the frames and putting the keel on. 

I broke a couple of frames in the process. Nothing I couldn't fix.

I used a hair dryer to heat up the keel so I could straighten it out. I got it pretty good.

[MikeB4]

I don't know if it's possible to complete this model in the next ten weeks, but I'm going to enter it in the 37th Annual Joint Club Ship Model Conference. The pressure is on. 

[Chuck]

Awesome Mike.  I cant wait to see it.  I will be there as usual and look forward to it every year.  But dont rush it

[MikeB4]

The only corner I may have to cut is the carving of the ornaments. I can probably carve them in the future and add them to the boat. For now I'll use the resin castings.

Edited February 20, 2019 by MikeB4

[MikeB4]

I've faired the frames and put a coat of Wipe On Poly.

[MikeB4]

I got the first level planking done on both sides. There where a few unexpected challenges but I'm moving along. I have seven weeks left before the Connecticut show. even if I don't make the dead line completely I will bring the model to the show as is, unless I meet with a complete disaster before hand.

[MikeB4]

I'm moving along, I have completed the planking. I'll need to do some sanding of course but now I have a stable structure. I have six weeks left before the show.

[MikeB4]

I've installed the flying transom. Time to move onto the cap rail.

[MikeB4]

I've got the cap rail installed and sanded down. Not a perfect job by any means. I took a little to much off on the forward starboard side. I don't think it's a deal breaker but I wish I could do it over again. It's a learning experience to say the least. I only have 23 days left before the model show. I will need to work on it everyday until the show.

Edited April 4, 2019 by MikeB4

[MikeB4]

I've Completed the installation of the floor boards.

[MEDDO]

Nice progress

 

[MikeB4]

I completed the task of inserting the nails (fishing line). Unfortunately I'm not going to have this model anywhere near presentable for the model show on Saturday. I regret not starting this model last year maybe around June. That might of given me enough time to complete it. With that said, overall I'm pleased with the build up to this point.

[Chuck]

It looks very good so far.  No need to rush it.   It will get finished eventually.   I will see you saturday.   I am bringing my barge  to display.....

[MikeB4]

Thank you. My next build is going to be the Mayflower. On Saturday I want to buy all the rigging and blocks from you to replace the supplies given in the kit. What did you use for pedestals and are both the same height rather that off set?

[Chuck]

Oh jeez I really dont remember.  Model Expo provided a pair of pedestals and I just used them.  I cant remember what size they were.   I will have plenty of blocks and rope though.

 

Chuck

[Tigersteve]

Glad to hear there will be another Mayflower in progress. That will make two of us. 

Steve

 

[MikeB4]

I'm going to follow your progress. I have a servomatic machine also that I need to put together.

[MikeB4]

I'm slowly making progress I finished the molding and have started painting.

[MikeB4]

It's summertime and it's hard to stay in the house to build models. Since it's extremely hot out I found some time to stay in the cool house and continue my build. It's slowly coming along.