US Brig Syren by WalrusGuy - FINISHED - Model Shipways - Scale 1:64 - Second wooden ship build

[BobG]

I'm getting caught up on your build log. Fantastic work and the build log is great!

 

The Medway Longboat was my first attempt at rigging and I ended up loving the process. The boat really came alive once the masts and rigging were being added. Your rigging is wonderful. What type of glue are you using to secure the eyes on your ropes and the servings etc?

[WalrusGuy]

1 hour ago, BobG said:

I'm getting caught up on your build log. Fantastic work and the build log is great!

 

The Medway Longboat was my first attempt at rigging and I ended up loving the process. The boat really came alive once the masts and rigging were being added. Your rigging is wonderful. What type of glue are you using to secure the eyes on your ropes and the servings etc?

Thanks for the compliments!! For servings I use a small drop of wood glue at the start and end to hold the lines together. For the eyes, I use superglue since with wood glue I could not find a good way to hold the splice together for a long time. After the eye is made, I used wood glue to serve the eye. I find this way strengthens the splice a lot. 

[WalrusGuy]

Lower masts are completely finished. I pegged the cleats with some pins (similar to how it was done for the hull), then painted them black and glued into drilled holes on the masts. I used scrap pieces of wood to make the boom rest. I also went ahead and installed the eyebolts on the deck base of each mast.

Next are the tops..

[Justin P.]

Fantastic and again, great photography!   What are you using?

[WalrusGuy]

20 minutes ago, Justin P. said:

Fantastic and again, great photography!   What are you using?

I'm using my phone (Samsung Galaxy S9+) with the x2 zoom lens. Just got to make sure there's enough light for the photos to look good! 

I'm thinking of getting the s21 ultra since it has the capability to take macro shots with the ultrawide. 

[schooner]

Wow. There are some very impressive Syren builds on this site but I'd have to rate yours the best. Amazing craftsmanship.

Syren will probably be my next build and I expect that I'll be using your build log as much as the kit instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make such a detailed, well illustrated log.

[WalrusGuy]

11 hours ago, schooner said:

Wow. There are some very impressive Syren builds on this site but I'd have to rate yours the best. Amazing craftsmanship.

Syren will probably be my next build and I expect that I'll be using your build log as much as the kit instructions. Thanks for taking the time to make such a detailed, well illustrated log.

Thanks so much for your kind words and such a great comment!! It means a lot! 😄. This kit has been so much fun so far. The instructions that come with it are basically a tutorial to model ship building. Without the detailed instructions, amazing build logs, and all the guidance I received from other modelers on this forum, I'd be completely lost.. I'll be sure to follow your build when you start it.

 

And thanks everyone for the likes as well 🙂

Edited January 31, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[WalrusGuy]

I finished building the main and fore tops. These things took of a lot more time than I expected!! 

 

I first planked the laser cut part, and then took a pin to indent the edges of the planks. I did this so that once painted the planks show up more:

Next, I glued in the rim, battens, and assembled the trestle and cross trees. The battens were a very time consuming process (had to carefully measure where they start and end, then cut the appropriate angle on each batten, then glue it in position). I started with the corners on the aft end, the center pieces, and then where I saw easy positioning (like where inner corners matched up with the rim corners). Then began gluing the pieces that needed to be measured from a datum. 

 

The trees were then glued:

 

Next holes were drilled using the Dremel workstation:

 

I then painted the assembly black. I realized the base strip needed to taper towards its end from the plans:

Next, I started working on the rails. I deviated from the instructions and shaped the stanchions a bit. I did not glue the rails in yet.

 

Then started to install the blocks. These also took a lot of time and patience.

Then an overhand knot was tied to the block and applied a bit of superglue. Deadeye plates were shaped using a toothpick, then applied glue while rotating the same toothpick:

I then painted the deadeye plates black. Here are some pics of the finished tops(the rail for the main top has been glued in position):

 

And here they are dry fitted to the masts:

[WalrusGuy]

Some small bits of progress, I installed the cross beams and bolsters 

Also rigged the 1/8 single block and collar. 

I realized the parts list does not have the 5/32 inch blocks, but were mentioned in the plans. So I ordered some from Syren Ship Model Company.. I think there's only a couple of places I need this block size.

Edited February 1, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[WalrusGuy]

Finished working on the top masts and its cross trees

When shaping the first top mast, I forgot to make sure that the square bit at the bottom should align with that at the top. So after screwing that part up, I decided to cut it where the mast cap would cover it up and glued it back to align it properly. Hoping this coupled with the wire insert would strengthen the joint

 

Here the joint is hidden and hopefully strengthened by the cap:

Inserted the fid into position:

Here is the sling. For this part I made shallow cuts with the hobby knife and cut out a V. Then the V was smoothened out to a U using the tip of a round needle file.

 

For the top mast cross trees, I drilled the holes very carefully, from the smallest drill bit up to the largest I could before getting cold feet:

Here's the whole assembly. 

 

Next up are the topgallant masts

After finishing this chapter, I'm considering building all the yards as well. I enjoy the rigging process more than shaping dowels, so I want to get all this similar stuff done first, and will save the fun for later 😉

Edited February 2, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[Justin P.]

Looking great.   Can I ask how you worked out your hull cradle?   Ive been going over whether to knock one out as I dont really want to continue using a keel clamp now that my coppering is done.  Did you use a template or just reckoning?   Forgive me is this is covered in your build log somewhere already...

[WalrusGuy]

4 minutes ago, Justin P. said:

Looking great.   Can I ask how you worked out your hull cradle?   Ive been going over whether to knock one out as I dont really want to continue using a keel clamp now that my coppering is done.  Did you use a template or just reckoning?   Forgive me is this is covered in your build log somewhere already...

No problem! I showed how I tackled the cradle here: 

 

I used the laser cut template as a guide for the shape at the relevant bulkheads

Edited February 2, 2021 by WalrusGuy
EDIT: fixed the link

[Justin P.]

2 hours ago, WalrusGuy said:

 

I used the laser cut template as a guide for the shape at the relevant bulkheads

Thats just the kind of simple solution that always seem to escape me, thank you for sharing!  Ive been WAY over thinking it.   Wanted to add after looking at the shared post, your coppering is superb.   Just beautiful.

Edited February 2, 2021 by Justin P.

[WalrusGuy]

The model has now reached it's maximum height! I added small slivers of wood in the bottom of the mast to keep it snug in the corresponding holes, so I will not have to glue them in. After gluing and sanding each sliver, I checked the position on the hull to make sure it is not angled SB or PS from center. All left to do is rig the respective blocks onto the mast, and they will be fully finished.

 

The ship looks really tall, even taller in person. Seeing it live as opposed to just the dimensions shown on the ModelExpo site are really two different things. Makes me wonder how I will display her in the small apartment. I'm sure I will figure her resting place as I carry on with the build, but this stage of the build really made me think!

 

Here are some pics:

[Overworked724]

That’s exciting!  Awesome work!!!!

[abelson]

Excellent work. Nice alignment. Looking good.

[Gahm]

That looks great! Can't wait to get there myself 🙂

 

Thomas

[NovaStorm]

Just catching up as I am on a bit of a sabbatical. You  haven't slowed down a bit and the work you are doing is just wonderful. Love the photos too they really make it shine.  

[WalrusGuy]

13 hours ago, Overworked724 said:

That’s exciting!  Awesome work!!!!

 

8 hours ago, abelson said:

Excellent work. Nice alignment. Looking good.

 

7 hours ago, Gahm said:

That looks great! Can't wait to get there myself 🙂

 

Thomas

 

4 hours ago, NovaStorm said:

Just catching up as I am on a bit of a sabbatical. You  haven't slowed down a bit and the work you are doing is just wonderful. Love the photos too they really make it shine.  

Thanks so much guys!! I'm really looking forward to start working on the standing rigging once I finish attaching the blocks and deadeyes! Also want to finish the yards too, I read through the practicum and it looks like a very involved process 😄

[desalgu]

I'm new to model ship world forum.  I'm getting toward the end of building US Syren, and it is also my 2nd model ship.  I'm extremely impressed with yours!!  Having been thru this myself, your workmanship is much better than mine.  We did things a little different in places.  I planked the bottom of the hull with walnut rather than copper.  I just like the wood look.  Most areas I painted like Chuck suggested, but I tweaked it a little.  Love your hammocks in the netting.  This has the side benefit of making those stronger.  

 

I've been very impressed with instruction manual Chuck put together.  Much better than first ship I built.  I found a few belay numbers on plans or in manual that didn't seem right.  Could be I couldn't find the ones he was talking about.  I had to order extra rigging thread and extra 3/32 blocks.  I gather this is common on ModelExpo kits.  But there were extras for the laser cut parts and some of the metal parts.  I like that you painted belay pins black.  I left mine brass but yours look better.  Awesome rope coils!!  I'll have to look more closely to see how you did those.

 

You've also been making faster progress than I did.  I just passed the 2 year point in Dec, and I'm close to starting the last chapter.  I can only work on it so much before needing a break.  My eyes get tired and I start going too fast and make mistakes.  I also take several months off in the summer.  I'm so impressed with how much you've done in less than a year, and the quality, amazing!   I can only hope to get this good after a couple more models.

 

I have a bunch of pictures and thought about making a build log.  Don't know how to start this or if anyone is interested in another US Syren log.  Mine would mostly be pictures of what I've already done.  Keep up the fantastic work!!

[WalrusGuy]

3 hours ago, desalgu said:

I'm new to model ship world forum.  I'm getting toward the end of building US Syren, and it is also my 2nd model ship.  I'm extremely impressed with yours!!  Having been thru this myself, your workmanship is much better than mine.  We did things a little different in places.  I planked the bottom of the hull with walnut rather than copper.  I just like the wood look.  Most areas I painted like Chuck suggested, but I tweaked it a little.  Love your hammocks in the netting.  This has the side benefit of making those stronger.  

 

I've been very impressed with instruction manual Chuck put together.  Much better than first ship I built.  I found a few belay numbers on plans or in manual that didn't seem right.  Could be I couldn't find the ones he was talking about.  I had to order extra rigging thread and extra 3/32 blocks.  I gather this is common on ModelExpo kits.  But there were extras for the laser cut parts and some of the metal parts.  I like that you painted belay pins black.  I left mine brass but yours look better.  Awesome rope coils!!  I'll have to look more closely to see how you did those.

 

You've also been making faster progress than I did.  I just passed the 2 year point in Dec, and I'm close to starting the last chapter.  I can only work on it so much before needing a break.  My eyes get tired and I start going too fast and make mistakes.  I also take several months off in the summer.  I'm so impressed with how much you've done in less than a year, and the quality, amazing!   I can only hope to get this good after a couple more models.

 

I have a bunch of pictures and thought about making a build log.  Don't know how to start this or if anyone is interested in another US Syren log.  Mine would mostly be pictures of what I've already done.  Keep up the fantastic work!!

Thank you for the comment and the compliments! It is very much appreciated!

 

The only reason I progressed a bit fast is because I had a nice break after finishing undergrad. This coupled with the quarantine going on, I had a lot of time since I was at home with nothing to do for a few months 😄. Progress has slowed down a bit after I joined grad school, but I find bits of time here and there to do work on some small steps. This also serves as a great stress reliever!

 

For the belaying pins I chemically blackened mine using Birchwood Casey Brass Black. It gives a nice even finish, better than what paint could accomplish I think. I upgraded all my rope from Syren Ship Model Company, as well as some of the blocks. Shaping them into coils was very easy due to the nice material. I soaked a bit of thread in diluted white glue and then dried them to shape using a jig (shown here).

 

I would love to see your build log, especially with the walnut hull bottom. I don't think I have seen anyone else on the forum do their hull this way. You can find out how to set up a build log here. For the Syren, you'll want to set up the log in the correct era section (https://modelshipworld.com/forum/145-kit-build-logs-for-subjects-built-from-1801-1850/). Also, feel free to post an introduction about yourself in the New Member Introductions section. You'll receive a lot of warm welcomes, and also some guidance on setting your log!

Edited February 6, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[VTHokiEE]

On 2/5/2021 at 1:05 AM, WalrusGuy said:

Makes me wonder how I will display her

Ha, I had this exact thought once I attached the bowsprit and the mast on my Alert. It also makes one start to consider the “admiralty-style” (if that’s even correct) with the stub mast and bowsprit for space reason. 

[hamilton]

You're doing a great job with Syren - mine has been languishing and this is inspiring me to pick it up again! Wonderful work

hamilton

[desalgu]

Thanks so much for the links on how to get started on model ship world.  There's so much information here, I'm a bit overwhelmed.  I built mine based mostly on experience from the first boat many years ago and from model airplanes.  I'm retired, so have no excuse for lack of time!  But my eyes have gotten worse over the years from staring at computer screens, and it seems my thumbs are bigger than I remember.

 

I should have upgraded rigging and blocks like you did.  I didn't discover Chuck's web site until I was too far along to change.  I'm very impressed you tried carving the badges.  I think they look great.  I stuck with the metal ones and wasn't too happy with them.  But they are small, and after you get everything else done, they don't show all that much.  I also noticed you did the ships wheel.  Those were real good decisions!   I tried to find a wood color to paint the metal parts, but it's only so-so.  Looking back, it's kind of funny I never thought of making my own replacements for some of the metal parts.  The additional boat on the aft end is another wonderful addition.  I did think about that and chickened out after doing the long boat.

 

One advantage I found is that the more details I add, the less you can see all the little mistakes I made.  The rigging really distracts your eye away from hull and deck details.  Of course, I know where I messed up, and there's a few things I couldn't hide.  We can only try to do better next time!  

 

Your comment about the ship getting taller and larger with masts is so true.  I had the same feeling.  And the display case being large is true.  My first model was Prince de Neuchatel and the case ended up quite a bit larger than I expected.  Syren is about the same size, a little less in width.  I plan to put in LED strip lights in the top of the case which will let you see it a lot better.  No lights in the first one, and the ship is too dark.

 

I'm sure you'll do better, but I had trouble with rigging bending the masts a little.  It's hard to get enough tension, but not too much, and to balance it fore/aft and port/starboard.  Both of my masts ended up with a lot more rake than they should have, and one is bent a little to the side at the top.  I swear they were straight when I rigged them, so am wondering if humidity changed the tension or if I just overlooked it (most likely).  The stays are real tricky.  They are all interconnected, so pulling one loosens another.  Drove me nuts!  I finally get impatient, say it's good enough, and proceed onward.  Otherwise, it would never get finished.

 

You've got a wonderful model!  Can't say that enough.  I felt rather humbled after looking at all your photos.  And BTW, your photos are excellent also.  I better get back to it.  I'm working on the triple blocks for the lower yard sheets/tack/clew lines.  I'll look into doing a build log of my version of Syren.

[Overworked724]

14 minutes ago, desalgu said:

 I'll look into doing a build log of my version of Syren.

 

I think you'll find that having your own 'center for your build' will be invaluable.  I find myself going back through my build looking at the input of those modelers who 'follow' my build and offer advice when I have questions.  It's like a treasure trove.  Also, it has the advantage of keeping all the feedback in one place which you 'own', rather than have the feedback spread through a number of build logs.  

 

Really looking forward to seeing your build log.  Lots of folks here building the same ship really gives you some wonderful team feedback!!

Edited February 6, 2021 by Overworked724

[WalrusGuy]

11 hours ago, VTHokiEE said:

Ha, I had this exact thought once I attached the bowsprit and the mast on my Alert. It also makes one start to consider the “admiralty-style” (if that’s even correct) with the stub mast and bowsprit for space reason. 

I may have to switch over the admiralty style models if I see these tall ships are taking over the entire space!!  😄

 

11 hours ago, hamilton said:

You're doing a great job with Syren - mine has been languishing and this is inspiring me to pick it up again! Wonderful work

hamilton

Thank you Hamilton! That would be great!!! The Syren is really a fun model to build. 

 

7 hours ago, desalgu said:

Of course, I know where I messed up

In my opinion, that's what makes these models extra special. I don't think anyone else could notice the mistakes apart from ourselves! 

 

Thanks for letting me know about the stays, I'll keep an eye out if I experience similar problems. And thanks again for the great comment!! I really can't wait to finish the masts and spars so I can finally start working with the ropes. Currently still attaching blocks to the masts, and that's getting old really quick! I think I'm about half way there... 

 

Looking forward to see your model once you set up your log! 

 

7 hours ago, Overworked724 said:

 

I think you'll find that having your own 'center for your build' will be invaluable.  I find myself going back through my build looking at the input of those modelers who 'follow' my build and offer advice when I have questions.  It's like a treasure trove.  Also, it has the advantage of keeping all the feedback in one place which you 'own', rather than have the feedback spread through a number of build logs.  

 

Really looking forward to seeing your build log.  Lots of folks here building the same ship really gives you some wonderful team feedback!!

100% agree. I constantly find myself browsing my own log if I needed to double check something, or read the feedback/advice from other members. I can also see myself referring back even when working on a different model. Lots of the content can be transferred to other builds 

Edited February 7, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[michael mott]

Very nice clean work, The model looks super with all the added care and attention to detail. I notice that you are in Alberta, one of the cities or in the country?

 

Michael

 

 

[WalrusGuy]

5 minutes ago, michael mott said:

Very nice clean work, The model looks super with all the added care and attention to detail. I notice that you are in Alberta, one of the cities or in the country?

 

Michael

 

 

Thank you for the compliments, Michael! I sent you a PM 🙂 

[WalrusGuy]

Thought I'd share some progress after a couple days of attaching the blocks and other accessories on the masts. The only block left is the 5/32" single block. I found it a bit weird that the parts list did not include this size, so had to order it a bit late in the build, and is currently on the way here. Also ordered the 5/32" double since it is used for the anchors

After attaching all the relevant blocks, the upper thread of the lower lift blocks were served and glued in position. I would have also served the bottom attaching string, but since I stepped the masts permanently, this was a bit difficult. Learnt my lesson for next time!! Then started working on the jeer tie and blocks. For the blocks I double ringed the jeer strop, where each were 13.5cm in total length. This was done based on TFFM vol 4. For the strop I made a ring of the 13.4 length inserted it in the jeer tie, then tied the relevant sections to make the rings, and to hold the block in place:

Here I pulled the blocks a bit to see how it would look under tension:

Versus being free to hang

And finally, the sling was made. For this part I served 14.5 cm of rope, and made an eye splice on one end, then threaded the other end through it and tied it. After a bullseye was simulated with super glue, shaped with a toothpick, and painted black. This 14.5 cm was a bit long, so after test fitting I cut the excess length (around 0.5 to 1 cm)

Unrelated to the progress, I took pics in some good lighting so just wanted to share!

 

Onto the mast coats! 😁

Edited February 12, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[WalrusGuy]

A mast coat update 😥: 

 

The ones from the kit are very loose (as shown below), so will need to scratch them. I'm thinking this might be much harder than it looks, especially without a lathe!! 

 

I guess I'll start with the hole, making sure it is snug with the mast, then cut around the hole and sand to be a circle 

Edited February 12, 2021 by WalrusGuy