HMS Bellerophon by freewheelinguy - FINISHED - Victory Models - Semi-scratchbuilt

[aliluke]

Great work Len. I like seeing your own notes in the background of the photos as you figure through the complexity of all of the parts. I can not imagine tackling a ship of this size but it is clearly well within your grasp.

 

Cheers

Alistair

[lambsbk]

Very nice Len.  I love that 'round table' idea. A cheap solution too. Perfect.

[freewheelinguy]

Thanks guys for the likes and the comments. Always greatly appreciated.  I did do a edit on my post.  Seizings are made with Cotona Madeira (.07) not Coats (.011) as I stated.

 

Arthur,

 

I made the turntable to prevent snapping the bowsprit.  Where I place the plywood base on my work table will keep the model clear from obstructions (other than me).  As I stated earlier in my log, i snapped the stem off several times turning the model in my hands.

 

The triple blocks are the upper blocks for the jeers falls, lowers doubles attached to the yard.  Petersson book page 35. 

 

Think the next paragraph refers to plan sheet 10 which is the lifts not jeers.  If it is, I made two slot pieces (bolster) to the mast cap (where Petersson page 34 shows one).  Mine: one slot for the sling and one slot for the lifts (made up two sister blocks that will lay on top of the slot in the mast cap and another line that is placed over each block from under the mast cap.  If you have Longridges book it shows this on page 243 with single blocks with eye (I used sister blocks).  If you would like a drawing showing this page, I could shoot you a copy via PM.

 

Happy modeling,

Len

[Blue Ensign]

Looking very good Len, those long leg /short leg strops surely are frustrating, don't think I've got one right first time yet, despite what I think is careful measuring with a trial length of line.

 

B.E.

[Chuck]

That is looking so good Len.   Very nice job.   Your paint work is very precise and that is evident in your pictures.   The rigging is coming along nicely,  you are certainly kicking it up a notch.  

[freewheelinguy]

B.E.,

 

Yes, they are. Especially when the line is doubled to boot.  I do as you say and take a loose piece of line to mimic what I'm attempting to make.  Even doing that I still make length miscalculations.  Doing an un-served line isn't too big of an issue compared to served lines. Some fun isn't it?

 

Chuck,

 

Your material is the improvement.  Great stuff.

 

Happy cycling,

Len

[NMBROOK]

Having had a thorough read through your log Len,I have to say fantastic work.The shades of colours you have used echo the colours brilliantly of some of the builder's models I have seen of the period.Simply fabulous!

Kind Regards Nigel

[Elia]

Len,

 

The overall views of the hull are truly impressive.  The yards and component blocks and strops look super and will compliment the hull very well.  Super work (as usual!) Len.

 

Cheers,

 

Elia

[gil middleton]

Len,  I've just spent the last hour enjoying  your log from page one.  So much thought, planning and care with each step resulting in exceptional detail. Your stern details, carronades, ships boats and masts all show a fine hand.  Had I given as much thought and reading (research) as you, I'd still be coppering or working on the hull.  What fun to see how you've approached  challenges, and without a master plan to show the way.  My hat's off to you. So many good ideas for the next one.  Cheers. Gil

[freewheelinguy]

Build Update:

 

Just completed the Fore and Main Lower yards and attached to their respective mast  Used brass pin to attach yards to mast for ease of assembly.  After attached ran lashing for the tyes.  Upper end lashed to yard, lower end open for now and weighted down with a clip.  Deviated from plans and used triple blocks for the upper blocks (these blocks are served  and doubled (this did have me loosing a view more hairs and working on my vocabulary).  Quarter blocks and sheet/lift blocks are also served.  Used common blocks for the clew garnet blocks (didn't attempt to make myself) plus information indicates these blocks were changed to common after 1780. Most of the line shown on these yards is DMC Cordonnet cotton wht/ecru dyed using RIT dark brown (prior builds used stain but now will use dye).  Footropes ends and falls are fake splice like I did on the gun port lids.  When finished applied Vallejo Matt Medium to add some stiffness and holding power ( still need to do some forming down the road). All blocks shown are from Chucks Syren site, except for the sister blocks (but should be fiddle blocks).  Line on the Yard and Brace Pendants is also purchased material from Chuck as is the Tye lashings and Yard Trusses.  The thimble at the center of the yard is a Deadeye with the center routed out (called out thimble looked to small to me).  This will be attached to another thimble on the sling by lashing. I made these up, but not shown here until needed once I attach the next section of masts. I also deviated from the model plans when doing the yard trusses.  Assembled as shown in rigging book with the exception of no nave line assembly (my choice, my build).

 

This is the first build where I have attached yards off the model for what I hope is easier.  I don't think this will pose a problem once I assemble the shrouds.  We'll see.

 

Next to work on blocks and such and attaching the Mizzen Crossjack before glueing down all masts and adding shrouds.  

 

If your reading this, thanks for looking in and happy modeling,

Len

[clloyd]

nice neat work Len.

Colin

[Ray]

Super work Len the blocks look to be the best there are.

[WackoWolf]

beautiful work Len. Any chance you taking her to the show in CT? 

[aliluke]

Superb work Len - a pleasure to view.

 

Cheers

Alistair

[freewheelinguy]

Thanks for the comments guys.  

 

Joe:  No Billy at the show.  I'm coming up by train which I did yesterday by attending the Richmond show where Ryland picked me up at the station (greatly appreciated). I never traveled by train before, but if I knew it would be that roomy could have boxed it up and carried it onboard.  By April's show I should have the masts on, so no way traveling.  Highly recommend the train.  Just sit back, relax, read ebooks and watch movies (iPad and MacAir, ac outlet provided by seat, no wifi though and cost not much more than driving).

 

Arthur:  Still have that to look forward to.  Seems like that phase just never ends doesn't it?  

 

Received 18th century Rigs and Rigging by Karl Heinz Marquardt at a very reasonable price cheapest I ever saw ($38+ship).  Published price on jacket cover is 35 pounds $52ish.  This book even has Steel's rigging tables that you can actually read.

[WackoWolf]

Will see you at the show. Have a nice safe trip.

[Mirabell61]

Very nice work Len,

 

this is a real eyecatcher !!

 

Nils

[freewheelinguy]

Thanks Nils

 

Build Update

 

Finished adding associated material to Crossjack Yard and Mizzen Mast.  Deviations from plans included: didn't form center section of yard into 16 sections (just left round), moved Topping Lifts and lashed around masthead (plans eyelet just below mizzen top), Brace Pendants lashed to yard (plans hanging down), truss pendants used thimbles same as fore/main (plans just wrapped around),  added pin rail around mizzenmast (this will be used for belaying: truss pendants, couple halyards, lifts.  Footropes to be formed later.  Using several sources for reference which sometimes is subjective.  Just trying to make best choice for the build.  Adds enjoyable frustration at times, but just a hobby.

 

Mizzen Mast pintail shows closeup of Chucks rope, nice isn't it.

 

Next glueing in all three masts and starting standing rigging.

 

Until next time.

 

Take care and happy modeling,

Len

[lambsbk]

Very nice and clean looking Len.

[freewheelinguy]

Last Update:  

 

I have made an executive decision and am nixing the rigging this build with option to at a later date.  This month marks the beginning of my fourth year on this build and I just need to start something new.  I have added stubs for the masts and bow (not glued in).

 

Since my previous update, I have added the stunsail booms to the channels, repainted and mounted the figurehead, bumpkins and safety rails, assembled and mounted the three stern lanterns.

The figurehead I have deviated from the plan suggested colors and tried to duplicate the colors of an actual Bellerophon figurehead from a web site that shows the head.

The stern lanterns needed an addition modification.  The cast cap was too small to cover the five sides therefore I added 1/32" piece of wood and trimmed.  The bottom cast piece was ok.  I also cut clear plastic windows on each side. 

There's a few additional details I wanted to add, but not at this time.

It's been a long mostly enjoyable ride and not sure I could ever attempt such a long build again.

Thanks for all those who looked in and will in the future.  Hopefully, something useful was picked up positive or negative on how to.  Will probably post additional pix in the gallery.

 

Mark this project as complete.

 

Take care and happy modeling,

Len

[divarty]

Beautiful work.

[AON]

Loved watching (and studying)  the end of your build

I can appreciate the need for a break and moving onto something different .... and can also imagine you coming back to it down the road (only because you've left the door cracked open!)

 

I will be revisiting your build and would love any more pics you think worthy of posting

Have a few more of the figure head?

 

Enjoy your next build ... possibly an inflatable raft?

(bet that would be easier         )

 

Time for grog  

[Ray]

Great work Len when its time to move on best to do it, all the best for any future builds.

[mtaylor]

Beautiful build, Len.  Thanks for letting us watch.  She is one impressive ship.

[mort stoll]

She is fantastic. You should be very proud. Do you plan on attending the joint clubs meeting next month and if so do you plan on bringing her?

 

I look forward to your next build.

As always all the best,

Mort

[petervisser]

Congratulations on a stunning build Len. You have inspired lots of us who wish to build the definitive model ship.

 

Time to Splice the Main Brace! Twice!

 

Peter

[aliluke]

Hi Len

Truly superb work. Good on you for deciding to move on - I can imagine the feeling you describe. Hull models are very attractive in there own right - yours being no exception - and with the deck details you have added you can now be sure they are all seen.

 

Fantastic stuff and I'll sure follow your next build.

 

Cheers

Alistair

[glbarlow]

I understand the decision, same one I made for this build. Difference is I'm stuck on copper plating. Just so boring and tedious I haven't been near my vanguard for more than a month. At his rate I'll be done in four years as well. I keep looking at my Pegasus for inspiration but it isn't forthcoming.

 

Great job Len, nice log ang excellent model. I'll watch for your next one.

[gjdale]

Congratulations on a truly fine model Len. Whether you subsequently come back and rig her or not, she remains a real beauty. What's next for you then?

[freewheelinguy]

Thanks all for the kind words and like clicks.

 

Alan,  no other pics on figurehead, but here's link that may have interest for you 

http://memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/churches/st_anns/maitland.htm

 

Mort,  I have purchased my train ticket to the event (no room for Billy), but now life gets in the way which may cancel my attending.  Found an abnormality is my resent nuclear stress test last week, so waiting for scheduling date.  Won't know, if another stent is required, until they go in for another look see.  If it's done soon, won't interfere.  I'm hoping and looking forward to seeing MSW members again.

 

Glenn, I remember when you mentioned you weren't going to rig her and I thought what a shame.  Now that decision looks good to me as well.  Copper tape doesn't look the best, but does speed the process up.  

 

Grant,  plans are researching tea clipper ship.  Time for a change from the warships.

 

Happy modeling,

Len