Will Everard by bolin - FINISHED - Billing Boats - scale 1:67 - second build

[bolin]

First of all, thanks for all the thumbs up from everyone that is reading this. It's a great encouragement for a beginner like me.

 

Several things came together today and I feel that I can see some real progress.

 

First of all, the project with in the project, the hatches are finally complete (except for varnish). The tarpaulin turned out as I wanted. After wetting it was easy to form and with some tape to hold down the sides the heap got the impression of thick and heavy rubberized canvas that I wanted. The hooks was a bit tricky. They are made of aluminum from a cut up can, and are glued wit CA glue.

 

The railings and the painting of the hull is mostly complete. There are some extensions to be added on top of the railing in the fore and aft parts.

 

I took the opportunity to place (without gluing) the currently finished deck fittings and get a feel for it.

Cheers

[catopower]

Looks excellent bolin. The tarp and the metal tabs look very realistic. Nicely done.

[BobG]

She's looking great, bolin!

Edited March 29, 2020 by BobG

[bolin]

Thanks Clare and Bob!

 

A week since i posted last time. Some small things has been completed, and some bigger ones started.

 

All but one of the winches are assembled. Some touch up painting is still needed where paint peeled of during assembly.

The rudder and lee boards are ready to be mounted:

And the railing is completed and painted:

For the bigger parts I have started on the quay structure for the diorama.

For the lining of the quay I remembered that I had some molds for creating walls out of plaster. (A rest from a youth spent playing table top role playing games.) I just need to make 12 of them to cover the whole quay side.

Cheers

[egkb]

Some nice work going on here Bolin, I love these working vessels !

 

Great idea to do a diorama too..

 

All The Very Best

 

Eamonn

[bolin]

Thanks Eamonn. I somehow feel more inspired by the working vessels than by warships. There is more "real life" in them.

 

Today I started to glue the fittings and deck equipment to the hull. It needs to be done in the right order, so that the already mounted parts are not in the way for later parts. The instruction gives no help what so ever regarding this. For example, I figured out that the hole for the cleats on the inside of the railing needed to be drilled before the hatch could be glued.

At this point in the building I still have three pieces that are unaccounted for. These mystery parts are all plastic, which means that they are not listed individually in the parts list. They are not presented anywhere in the instruction and they are not shown on any of the plans.

One theory is they are all related and could for example be placed like this:

One problem with this is that it does not fit when the steering cabin is in place:

Cheers

[bolin]

A bit of googling led me to another build log for an older version of the kit. If showed the missing details.

 

The parts shall be mounted like this (which fits under the steering cabin).

Cheers

[bolin]

I continued with the steering parts and realized that I must not have paid attention to the plans or dry fitted enough. The transom is to high in comparison with the rudder. I need to make a cut out so that the shafts that connect the rudder to the steering column can go in a straight line.

Cheers

[bolin]

I started making the masts and booms yesterday. I put them in a electric drill (I have no lathe) and used sandpaper to taper them according to the drawings. This was a very quick and easy process.

 

 

However, the wood in the dowels are rather soft (obechi and basswood). So even though i wrapped several layers of tape around the end that I clamped in the chuck I got depressions in the wood afterward. Thankfully no fiber seem to be broken so I hope that I can get the wood to swell if I put it in warm water.

I also tried to dry fit the metal and plastic parts to be mounted on the masts and booms. The holes in the plastic parts where way to narrow so I had to widen them with a drill that i ran between my fingers.

 

Cheers

 

[bolin]

Today I managed to finalize the steering arrangement. There is almost no guidance on how this should be done in the plans or instructions, so I followed what I found in another build log. The brass blackening became very spotty on these parts, but since it will be covered I don't care.

The cover is glued to the wheel pedestal.

Cheers

[bolin]

Treating the depressions in the dowels with warm water went well. After drying over night I have continued with assembling them. The lower parts of the masts ares square and short pieces of square material is glued to the round lengths. The instruction calls for a reinforcement of a brass wire in the center, but even so one of the joins got loose when I started to sand it. To fix it I tried epoxy glue for the first time, it worked very well.

 

For the gaff sail I replaced the plastic piece from the kit with some mahogany that I had left from my previous build. I did this mainly to be able to use stain and not having to paint it.

Finally I have stained all the pieces and will them dry thoroughly.

But after that I'm sort of stuck with regard to the ship building. I'm waiting for the replacement blocks and deadeyes that I ordered from Vanguard Models. I will start to focus on the diorama instead.

 

Cheers

[bolin]

While waiting for the blocks and deadeyes to arrive from Vanguard models I have built a serving machine so that I can serve the shrouds and stays for the standing rigging. I have learned that they where probably wire, but that they where also served for protection.

 

I built the machine mostly out of scraps I had laying around. The brass shaft and cogwheels are new for this little project.

[bolin]

Today I received blocks and deadeyes from U.K. I will not need so many for Wills rigging as it is rather simple. In the weekend I hope to start with making the masts and booms as well as mounting more equipment on deck.

I can also share a picture of where I stand with the diorama. The plaster wall sections have all been molded and attached to the quay side. I had an idea of mixing pigment into the plaster, but could not get the color even between the batches. Next step is to spray a layer of shellac and maybe start to paint it. The real painting will wait until I have made the bottom and ground on the quay side. My intent is not to show any water surface. Instead I will build clear acrylic stands from the bottom.

On the quay there is yet only the coal merchants office and a railway track. The wagons are in OO scale (1:76). I bought them preowned from U.K. 

 

Cheers

[bolin]

Sometimes the tiniest bits can thwart your plans. This time my 0.5 mm drill bit broke. Unfortunately it is needed to drill holes in the mast and in other places to preparing holes for eyelets. So while waiting for a replacement shipping I started with the stand.

 

As mentioned I plan to build it in acrylic.

Since the hull shape is rather flat it was easy to get the basic shape by using a couple of pieces of cardboard.

From this I could make some templates that could be tested against the hull shape.

And when I was satisfied they where sawed from acrylic (the blue shade is only the cover plastic).

There is still more filing and sanding until they are done, but this is an idea of what it will look like.

Cheers

 

[Kevin]

what a lovely build, sorry im late to the party

[bolin]

Welcome onboard Kevin. There is still some way to go and your welcome to hike along.

 

Cheers

 

[Diver]

On 3/10/2020 at 10:59 AM, bolin said:

The two halves are now glued together. The fit is very good where it counts (i.e. at the stern and stem and along the deck). As mentioned earlier the bottom required some putty to fill out a gap.

After this I have applied two layers of shellac sanding filler with a rubdown using steel wool between. The surface is really smooth and nice. I will apply a coat of white paint over the whole of the outside to be able to easier spot any remaining imperfections. Then I will continue with painting, including the deck and the gunwale before adding any details that would come in the way.

Cheers

Good day Sir.  I enjoy watching this build.  I am currently doing the Syren Medway long boat, but have a soft spot for this vessel.  I just like the looks of her and will probably choose her for my next project.

[bolin]

Nice to hear that I have another follower. I hope to be able to make her justice in my model. I have been reading some of the build logs for Syrens Medway long boat. It is on my list of possible builds for the future.

 

I have been busy with other things the last week, such as getting a ship in scale 1:1 ready for launching after winter storage... But I have found a little time for continuing with the base and the diorama. I have added some foundation for the buildings on the quay and slots for the acrylic stands on the bottom.

 

The bottom have then been covered with strips of news paper glued with wall paper glue.

After it has dried I will use medium grain filler of the ordinary house renovation variety. It should give an OK texture that could imitate s river bottom.

 

Cheers

 

[bolin]

Back again!

 

After a few weeks of other projects taking up my time I'm back with Will (and the diorama). I have several things to continue working on, painting the quay and the bottom of the river, building more houses for the quay side, stepping the masts, etc.

 

But I have decided to go on another detour. I'm not very happy with the boat supplied in the kit. It does not look correct to the scale. Instead I hope to replace it with a boat built from a kit by Master Korabel. The instruction is much larger, and weighs more than the actual material in the kit 😃.

The laser cut pear wood is very nicely done and detailed.

With such small items, the building is rather quick. First a plug to build the hull on. The material for this is much cheaper and quite brittle. But

The frames are soaked and bent into the slots in the keel and the plug. Very thin dimensions and easy to break. Thankfully Master Korabel has included spare strips for the frames in the kit. I only managed to destroy one, so I feel very proficient today 😀 Overall I'm impressed by the quality of the kit and the instructions. The design of the kit really makes it possible (but not easy) to work with such small details as this.

Cheers

[bolin]

Today I thought that I should start with installing the lee boards on the hull. I have been a bit hesitant to begin this as it is the first step that include blocks and running ropes. I guess I have been a bit anxious that it will not turn out good.

 

But, nothing will be done unless you start.

 

However I realized that I should add the decals on the hull first, as it will be harder when the lee boards are in place. When I brought them out, I realized that it was actually the first time I had taken a good look at them. I thought that they would be the kind that you put in water. They turned out to be more like stickers printed on transparent plastic.

 

As can be seen they are also rather glossy. I debated a while with my self if I should try to paint the lines and text instead. I decided that it would probably be OK if I just cut the strips exactly at the printed border and if I coated it with matte varnish. Then, when I started to place the stickers, I realized that they did not match the plans or the photos on the box of the kit. These must have been changed at some update of the kit without changing the plans or photos. I decided on something that fits and looks OK.

 

Then I started with the lifting lines for the lee boards. I decided on black cord to simulate steel wire. I think I managed OK with adding the blocks and attaching a small hook to it. But I realized that I should probably construct or invest in some kind of "third hand" apparatus for further rigging work. Its hard to hold everything with tweezers when seizing the lines.

 

So this is how she looks now with the decals and the lee boards. I also added the eye bolts for shrouds, fore stay and some of the running rigging.

 

And a picture of the boat.

Cheers

 

 

[egkb]

Looking Great There Bolin .. Love the cargo showing in the partially open hatch and I can't wait to see how the wee boat is built up !

 

All The Very Best

 

Eamonn

[bolin]

Thanks for the appreciation.

 

I hope to continue with the boat tomorrow. Today I broke a plank and I’m now waiting for the glue to cure thoroughly in the repair before continuing.

 

 

[bolin]

Today I started with mounting the bowsprit. On the real ship this is easy to lift up (and on many picture it is lifted). This means that all the lines should be easy to loosen and tighten. For the lines to the sides its easy to understand how this is done. For the chain going down to the tip of the bowsprit to an eye bolt just above the water line I have not found an exact answer. The plans just indicates that the chains continues up to the railing, but gives no indications on how it is attached. None of the photos I could find has good enough resolution to make it clear.

 

My solution was to run the chain through the starboard porthole and to the windlass.

 

After this I continued with preparing the timber for the rigging by attaching blocks etc.

 

The plan for the mizzen mast indicates that there is a turnbuckle to tighten the line going from the top to the bottom (I don't know what its called). There is no part for this in the kit so I built one from twisted wire that I covered in PVA glue.

Here are all the pieces as they look now.

There are a few things left to do, but soon I need to start with the sails. They probably need to be attached before the masts are stepped. As I want the sails to be furled I need to do some tests for the bulk. Maybe I need to reduce the sail area so that they don't look so bulky when furled. One thing is certain though, I will not touch the cloth provided in the kit. It is horribly thick and stiff, very far from any kind of scale appearance. Instead I plan to use some boiled linen that I have at hand, it is really soft and light. I also think that I will join the top mast to the main mast before I step it. Common practice seem to be to step the lower mast first, and then the topmast? In this case I think that It will be easier to get everything straight if assembled on the workbench first.

 

Cheers

 

Cheers

 

 

[egkb]

Hi Bolin .. Nice set of photos there .. 

I have seen folks on here use some funny shapes of material when representing furled sails, to get the 'bulk' right

 

All The Best

 

Eamonn

[bolin]

Thanks.

 

Yes I have seen and read about some variants for material in furled sails. I’m particularly intrigued by silk span. However I have not been able to find any supplier here in Sweden, and orders from US seems to take forever at the moment, if at all possible. So I will start with my boiled linen an see how it turns out.

[bolin]

I have continued with preparing the masts et.c. I came as far as to mount dead eyes on the railing. The result is not as good as I hoped, to thick and a bit uneven.

 

I took a pause to do something else wile I decide if I should redo, or not. So I started with another building for the quay, a facade for a factory.

 

The printed sheets are glued to cardboard of different thickness...

...and is then cut out and assembled.

The main mast is now almost ready for starting to attach lines and sails. Only the shroud spreader remains. According to the plan the shrouds should be tied around it, but I think there should be holes for the lines to go through. I don't have access to a drill press or similar, so I'm not sure how I should drill a 0,7 mm hole in a 2 mm rod...

 

Cheers

[egkb]

Hey There Bolin ...  Re drilling the small holes in the Spreader consider filling a small flat section into the curve of the bit of tube you wish to drill.. this should give you a flat surface to use mini twist drills on.. if you follow .. using mini twist drills on the curved surface will make them slip around too much ..

 

Hope this helps

 

All The Best With This Great Build

 

Eamonn

[bolin]

Thanks för the advice, I will test on a piece that I  cut of from the rod.

 

Cheers

Tobias

[catopower]

Hi Bolin, you're doing a great job showing what can be done with a Billing Boats kit. 

 

On the spreader, that tube looks awfully thick compared to the plans. 

 

As far as drilling it, have you considered just making it out of wood or a styrene strip?

[bolin]

Thanks for the advice on the drilling.

 

I did check the dimension of the rod against the plan again. You where right Clare, it was to thick! The part number on the drawing actually points to a 1mm wire. However that seems to weak to keep its shape after I have tightened the lines (and also make drilling holes even harder). Fortunately I have a piece of 1.2 mm wire, and I decided to use that. It also corresponds almost exactly to the dimension on the drawing. Now I'm wondering where the rod I planned to use first is supposed to go...

 

Drilling 0.5 mm holes with the pin wise turned out to be rather easy. I flattened the top with a file as Eamonn suggested and punched a small dent so that the drill would not wander about.

 

Cheers