druxey Posted July 5, 2019 Share #211 Posted July 5, 2019 It is very interesting to see your process of prototyping a kit, Chris. Thanks for sharing this with us. mtaylor, BenD, Canute and 4 others 7 Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 5, 2019 Author Share #212 Posted July 5, 2019 (edited) Cheers! Looking at the nice clear stand, I think it will get scratched/marked too much whilst in the building process. To remedy this, I have just added a slightly simpler cradle to one of the 3mm MDF sheets, so the modeller can use this when building, and then change the stand for the clear acetate version when all done. ETA - Ply gun port patterns have been clamped, pinned and glued in place, so will have to leave it until tomorrow now.. Edited July 5, 2019 by chris watton Canute, BenD, JeffT and 1 other 4 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenD Posted July 5, 2019 Share #213 Posted July 5, 2019 This is really cool that we can see this process. I've been reading a lot of your posting and see that you have the laser cutting outsourced by a company, Don't feel brave enough to get your own? Canute and chris watton 2 Ropes of Scale.com - Rope and cable for the scale modeler. Finished builds: HM Cutter Sherbourne - Caldercraft - 1:64 - 9th century longship - Falkonet - 1:72 Current builds: HMS Snake - Caldercraft - 1:64 - Tender Avos by BenD - Master Korabel - 1:72 - 19th Century Four-Oared Yawl by BenD - Falkonet - 1:24 scale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Greig Posted July 6, 2019 Share #214 Posted July 6, 2019 Excellent posts Chris, you really are an expert. I very much enjoy your posts and the comments of other followers. Your speed and volume of work is amazing. mtaylor, Canute and chris watton 3 Completed builds; Caldercraft Mars; Vanguard Alert, Amati Revenge On the shelf; Vanguard DOK & the Sphinx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share #215 Posted July 6, 2019 12 hours ago, Duncbe said: This is really cool that we can see this process. I've been reading a lot of your posting and see that you have the laser cutting outsourced by a company, Don't feel brave enough to get your own? Thanks! regarding a laser machine, I could get out a large loan and get one, along with the workshop space I would need to rent, as I am not sure I would be allowed to have one in my garage with the noise 24/7 in a residential area. Nothing to do with being brave, more to do with economics. I would rather invest my (little) money in stuff like decent materials, resin castings and nice printing. It may surprise you to learn that even some of the largest manufacturers sub contract their laser cut work, and as far as I know, due the chemical process, all photo etched parts are sub contracted. 10 hours ago, Malcolm Greig said: Excellent posts Chris, you really are an expert. I very much enjoy your posts and the comments of other followers. Your speed and volume of work is amazing. Thank you, although I hesitate to be called expert, I see a lot of stunning work on these forums. OK, this morning (got up very late..), I took off the clamps and pins holding the gun port patterns in place, the basic structure is now more than strong enough to take the planking, with the stern especially being a lot more protected than my first prototype. I think the only way to break any part now would be to drop it from a height onto a hard floor. It has taken a day's work to get to this stage, but perhaps 3 hours work, as most of the time was taken was waiting for the PVA glue to cure. On the last photo, I added a series of small marks under each gun port. I have since deleted these, but I am wondering if I should reinstate them, as they are markers for the curve and height on the main wale, and where the second planking should start. The last pics are from the first prototype, where I just slapped everything together to check that everything aligned as it should and the various openings for bitts and masts were fine. If you look at the stern frames, they come further down the deck than the second prototype, I thought they were too obtrusive, so shortened them as much as I dared without compromised structural integrity. Also, I have the cast resin cannon ready for the prototype model, the 4 pounder and half pounder. The first 50 kits will be this colour, but after this they will be cast in black resin (why didn't I ask for black resin to begin with, dammit)! Canute, Murphy, GuntherMT and 19 others 22 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share #216 Posted July 6, 2019 Right, Just reinstated the little lines denoting the upper edge of the main wale, and also added the location holes for the inner bulwark cleats on the gun port patterns. Also, added more tabs to the rabbet line on the prow. These are now the kit versions. Also attached is one of the 6 50x70cm sheets for masts (already done), yards and rig, before being imported into Adobe InDesign for text and other stuff.. paulsutcliffe, druxey, GuntherMT and 15 others 18 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share #217 Posted July 6, 2019 Today, well, this afternoon, I started and finished the first planking, no drama. Will leave until tomorrow to sand it so it looks a lot more presentable... Mirabell61, Haliburton, Canute and 15 others 18 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwardkenway Posted July 6, 2019 Share #218 Posted July 6, 2019 Chris, I'm hoping that this will be my next project as I've always liked the look of brigs of war and Speedy was definitely warlike. I don't know when I'll be getting it as my house is a one in one out house. So I've got finish Sherbourne first Cheers keep up the good work. Canute, mtaylor and chris watton 3 Current builds; Henry Ramey Upcher 1:25 Providence whaleboat- 1:25 HMS Winchelsea 1764 1:48 Completed: HM Cutter Sherbourne- 1:64- finished Triton cross section scratch- 1:60 - finished Non ship: SBD-3 Dauntless 1:48 Hasegawa -FINISHED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James H Posted July 6, 2019 Share #219 Posted July 6, 2019 You're a machine. That's looking real impressive. mtaylor, chris watton, Canute and 1 other 4 SAY NO TO PIRACY. SUPPORT ORIGINAL IDEAS AND MANUFACTURERS. KEEP IT REAL! On the bench: HMS Indefatigable - 1794 (production prototype), Vanguard Models - 1:64. On Hold: HMS Winchelsea Double Capstan - Syren Ship Models - 1:48 Finished US Baltimore Armed Privateer Schooner Grecian 1812 (prototype) - Vanguard Models - 1:64 'Zulu' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 Fifie' fishing boat, Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Flirt 1782, Vanguard Models - 1:64. Duchess of Kingston c.1780 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 HMS Sphinx 1775, Vanguard Models - 1:64 ERYCINA - Plymouth Ketch-Rigged Trawler 1882, Vanguard Models - 1:64. 'Nisha' - The Brixham 'Mumble-Bee' - Vanguard Models 1:64 'Saucy Jack' fishing boat - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Ranger 'Barking Fish Carrier' - 1864 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Indeterminate: Tender Avos - Master Korabel - 1:72. H.M.S. Victory (production prototype) - Amati - 1:64. HMS Granado 1742 (cross section) - CAFModel - 1:48 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 6, 2019 Author Share #220 Posted July 6, 2019 4 minutes ago, SpyGlass said: Juat a query Chris - I notice that your lower strip curves away from the keel at the stern. Is it the pic angle or is that the way you do it ? It does, no need to plank the whole of the false keel area as the second planking will cover it. if I planked the whole lot, all I would end up doing is sanding it all back off again. mtaylor, Canute and ErnieL 3 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 7, 2019 Author Share #221 Posted July 7, 2019 First planking sanded, ready for second planking. Won't win any prizes for planking perfection, but more than good enough for the basis for second planking, which I will do in Tanganyika for this one. I think the toughest part of the build (for me at least) is trying to sort out the best way of doing the very fine vertical 'V' shaped headrails. They are only 1mm wide according to the original plans, and I hate having to make things like this too thick. With that in mind, I did two separate designs for the 'V' rails in 0.6mm PE (the two sets of long patterns in the PE pic), and in the other pic, I was trying one type last night (nothing glued, just checking everything connected as they should) On the real thing, these 'V' frames must have been nothing more than very 'scanty' timbers connected to the prow and headrail. I would like to keep that delicate look if possible. JpR62, Rustyj, ccoyle and 18 others 21 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share #222 Posted July 8, 2019 Yesterday I did most of the second planking, using Tanganyika, and this morning sanded the hull smooth. Next I will remove the inner bulkhead tabs and add the deck and planking the inner bulwarks. But not today, work soon... Canute, robdurant, James H and 20 others 23 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 8, 2019 Author Share #223 Posted July 8, 2019 Last post before work.. Bulkhead tabs removed and sanded flush with top edge of deck, and some parts painted red before the pre cut and laser engraved deck is glued in place. This is the time where you chose to use this deck or want to plank it yourself... ccoyle, egkb, oneslim and 17 others 20 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccoyle Posted July 8, 2019 Share #224 Posted July 8, 2019 I continue to marvel at how fast you can put these together -- quite the opposite of how my own builds typically go (lack of dogged persistence in my case). It sheds light on how you were able to rapidly expand the line-ups at JoTiKa and Amati. Canute, chris watton, coxswain and 2 others 5 Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix, Hawker Hurricane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share #225 Posted July 9, 2019 Cheers! I never intended to do another Speedy, but just do this one up to a certain stage, but realised I could not due to the first prototype showing the stern board glued into position after the second planking was complete. So have no choice but to carry on with this one. Perhaps I will finish the other (pear wood) version as Speedy's sister, Flirt. I did think it a mistake to not fix the keel, stern post and prow in place yet, but feel the prow will be vulnerable until all hull planking is finished and sanded - and I cannot add the keel and stern post until the prow is in place. Planking the inner bulwarks next. Using single strips will be tricky, as the stern is closed off so planks need to be perfect in length. A better solution may be to cut the single planks in half and glue one at the front to half way, and measure up and glue the other half from the stern to the end of the front plank. If I were building this for a commission, or for myself as a display model, I may take more time, but I just need to build it to look decent for box art. Plus, I know that if I can build it this quick without much trouble, slap it together, as it were, then almost anyone will be able to build it. I have seen what some of you guys can do, and it's much better than some of my efforts. druxey, DelF, ccoyle and 8 others 11 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 9, 2019 Author Share #226 Posted July 9, 2019 When I got home from work this morning, before going to bed, I glued the deck in place, so it had plenty of time to cure. This morning, I planked the inner bulwarks, painting the planks first (although they will need painting again), so I have a nice clean line between deck edge and lowest plank on the bulwark. I will now mask off the deck, as it will be so easy to damage it, and then sand the inner bulwarks smooth and re-paint after filing out the sweep and gun port openings. GrandpaPhil, realworkingsailor, Mike Y and 25 others 28 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Johnson Posted July 11, 2019 Share #227 Posted July 11, 2019 Chris, Any idea when the Alert stern frames will become available? Kurt Canute and mtaylor 2 Member: Ship Model Society of New Jersey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimvanlan99 Posted July 11, 2019 Share #228 Posted July 11, 2019 I may have missed something here. Do we need replacement Alert stern frames in order to proceed with the building of Alert? Chris, I seem to remember that you said you had 100 kits made one way. Are you planning to replace the stern parts for everyone who bought the first 100 kits? Jim mtaylor and Canute 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 12, 2019 Author Share #229 Posted July 12, 2019 I haven't received the MDF stern frames yet. As soon as I have them, I will post them off. I suspect that most stern frames will be fine, but some may break. If the stern counter and stern board are glued sooner rather than later to the frames, they should be fine. I have put one together using the limewood parts myself, and I had no problems - but I am sure some will have problems, which is why I did actually specify MDF for these parts, and am not happy I was sent these parts in limewood. JeffT, mtaylor and Canute 3 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimvanlan99 Posted July 12, 2019 Share #230 Posted July 12, 2019 Chris, Thank you for this. I was not aware that you planned to send MDF stern replacement parts out. You are providing first-rate service, and I cannot think but that your endeavor with this new company is going to be a raging success. Jim Canute and mtaylor 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morgan Posted July 12, 2019 Share #231 Posted July 12, 2019 I’ve had no problem with the Limewood parts (17/18/19), as suggested by Chris I fitted them to frame 10 before fitting frame 10 to the longitudinal frame, immediately on gluing them to frame 10 I immediately installed frame 10, with parts 17/18/19 fitting nicely in to the slots on frame 9. I’m not sure that at this scale if they are made of MDF they will be any stronger. Gary mtaylor and Canute 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 12, 2019 Author Share #232 Posted July 12, 2019 14 minutes ago, Morgan said: I’ve had no problem with the Limewood parts (17/18/19), as suggested by Chris I fitted them to frame 10 before fitting frame 10 to the longitudinal frame, immediately on gluing them to frame 10 I immediately installed frame 10, with parts 17/18/19 fitting nicely in to the slots on frame 9. I’m not sure that at this scale if they are made of MDF they will be any stronger. Gary Cheers, I didn't think these stern frames would be an issue, as I know that when they are in place, the stern counter is then glued in place onto them, leaving only the 'stubs' of the frames showing. originally, and when building the prototype, the upper parts that the upper stern board fits to were the full height of the stern board. But I shortened them to the height of the hull planking instead, as I knew they would be too easily broken. I think I photoshopped mine for the construction pictures in the manual, so they appear shorter. I do not think I be adding the slotted rabbet line on all future kits after Speedy, though, seems to be more trouble than it's worth Canute and mtaylor 2 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 12, 2019 Author Share #233 Posted July 12, 2019 (edited) For Speedy, it's been boring stuff like painting the inner bulwarks red. Still use a mix of Humbrol for the red, so takes a lot longer to dry between coats. Planking complete, along with main wale, and have just added the prow. I have added a few 'alignment jigs' with the 3mm MDF to help ensure the prow remains straight whilst the glue cures - nothing worse than a wonky prow! Like the Alert, the keel is not completely straight at the bottom, but has a slight curve.. I think I shall leave the masking tape over the deck for as long as possible. Edited July 12, 2019 by chris watton Edwardkenway, Morgan, egkb and 14 others 17 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWG Posted July 12, 2019 Share #234 Posted July 12, 2019 I'm very happy you are offering a precut laser engraved deck. I hope you continue to offer that option for your future releases. mtaylor, chris watton and Canute 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 14, 2019 Author Share #235 Posted July 14, 2019 Just received some pics of the painted Cochrane figure, Nelson is next. I am just copper plating at the moment... GrandpaPhil, DelF, Altduck and 21 others 24 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenD Posted July 14, 2019 Share #236 Posted July 14, 2019 That turned out really good. Who ever you got to paint this did a fantastic job. Canute, Altduck and mtaylor 3 Ropes of Scale.com - Rope and cable for the scale modeler. Finished builds: HM Cutter Sherbourne - Caldercraft - 1:64 - 9th century longship - Falkonet - 1:72 Current builds: HMS Snake - Caldercraft - 1:64 - Tender Avos by BenD - Master Korabel - 1:72 - 19th Century Four-Oared Yawl by BenD - Falkonet - 1:24 scale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 14, 2019 Author Share #237 Posted July 14, 2019 1 minute ago, Duncbe said: That turned out really good. Who ever you got to paint this did a fantastic job. A professional model figure painter, the guy who does my resin castings put me in touch with him. At least now I have pictures for proper paint reference. I think the Nelson figure is being done next week. About 75% done for the copper plating for Speedy. I did decide to not include the pre made stern post and prow plate patterns. I thought it would be a good idea to have these pre-made as they would give the correct waterline level both fore and aft, plus the ends would not have to be trimmed. However, thinking on this some more, I decided against it (the circled patterns in the pic will not be in the kits), the plates still have to be trimmed, and I know that you need to trim them perfectly so as not to stand out too much where they meet between planking and keel/prow. This area could so easily turn into an eyesore. It is better to allow the plate to run fully to the edges, both fore and aft. (IMOHO of course..) The copper plate rudder pattern, plus the slightly curved lower keel copper plates pattern are to be kept, however. mtaylor, GrandpaPhil, GuntherMT and 6 others 9 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Rogers Posted July 14, 2019 Share #238 Posted July 14, 2019 What adhesive do you use on the plates? mtaylor and Canute 2 Regards, Jim Rogers Damn the Torpedoes , Full speed ahead. Adm David Farragut. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris watton Posted July 14, 2019 Author Share #239 Posted July 14, 2019 1 minute ago, Jim Rogers said: What adhesive do you use on the plates? Cyano gel, just a dab in the middle. One of those sheets of plates is enough to do one complete side plus another couple of rows of the other side, so two will be included. Jim Rogers, mtaylor, Canute and 1 other 4 Vanguard Models on Facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Johnson Posted July 14, 2019 Share #240 Posted July 14, 2019 Figure looks great, especially for that small. That was my primary hobby years ago. The ones I painted were mostly 54mm. My Press Gang is looking forward to that 1/48 Jack Nasty Face! Kurt Canute, chris watton and mtaylor 3 Member: Ship Model Society of New Jersey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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