Lady Eleanor by Blue Ensign - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - Scale 1:64

[Blue Ensign]

It would be great if I could make it that way Yves, but don't hold your breath.😃

The engineering parts to effect a working rudder would be very small indeed, tough enough with a static rudder.

 

B.E.

[AlanDavison]

Hi, regarding your comment on steering I have found an article on the net called "McIntosh Boat & Shipbuilders  - The era of the Scaffie, Zulu & Steam Drifter 1830-1918" ( www.glennmci.brinkster.net )

This article has a picture of the Zulu "Annie Jane" with the skipper Alex Smith sitting next to a horizontal tiller wheel which was a unique characteristic of the Zulu.  

The article also has a picture of a Zulu in the process of lowering the main mast, this was done when casting the drift nets in order to reduce speed and improve stability. 

So Chris's depiction of a horizontal wheel is correct. I recommend this fascinating article to all who are building the Zulu model

Regards

Alan

 

[Blue Ensign]

Cheers Dirk, I'll have a look 👍

 

Thanks for the reference Alan, I'll look it up.

 

I had clocked the validity of the horizontal wheel on the Zulu's, and looks just right on the Zulu model as depicted. 

The Fifie is a different matter, but at least we have photo's of a more credible arrangement.

 

B.E.

[Blue Ensign]

Post 17

 

Modifying the steering.

 

The first thing to consider is the wheel and the worm drive.

 

I’m not using the provided wheel but another of the same dimensions.

For the worm drive and fittings, I obtained a length of M1.4mm threaded brass rod with associated nuts, Hex and open.

5641(2)

I.4mm ø looks about right and importantly is a good fit for the centre of the wheel.

The brass will be chemically blackened before fitting.

 

Before I proceed too far a bit of de-construction is required.

5644

Replacing the deck planks where the holes for the wheel  standards were cut. Not a great issue and quickly done.

 

5648

Once scraped they should blend in just fine.

At this point I also put together the Companionway cover as this has a bearing for positioning the relocated wheel.

I did make a minor modification to this altering the sliding canopy arrangement and using a proper ring bolt for the door handle.

5670(2)

Next up I had to fabricate a thwart and a knee at the stern, both important for the addition of the steering gear to follow.

 

 

An important item is the section along the worm to which the steering arm is attached.

5685(2)

I made this from styrene tubing with nuts ca’d into each end thro which the worm will pass.

One half of the provided tiller arm is slotted into this.

 

5680(2)

At the aft end of the mechanism the worm screws into a supporting nut silver soldered to a plate. These are tiny and it took several goes to make the bond.

 

5689(3)

One of the consequences of this modification is that the rudder needs to be tweaked to suit the revised steering mechanism. I added a small section to the top of the rudder and filled in the slot provided for the brass etched tiller arms.

 

The mechanism is fitted into place after blackening and painting.

Note one half of the etched tiller arms is used on the worm housing.

5711(2)

The wheel is attached, and the rod trimmed to length.

 

5710(2)

 

5707(2)

 

This is as far as I can take it at present, I need to complete the rudder before the connection can be made.

B.E.

25/06/20

 

 

[gjdale]

Ingenious modification BE, but that shouldn’t really surprise us now should it? 👏👏👏

[Beef Wellington]

Very nice, simple utilitarian beauty at its best!

[BobG]

Wonderful detail, BE! It's these kind of small details that add so much interest to ship models.

 

Did you prime the brass before painting it or did you paint directly onto the brass and what type of paint did you use?

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you Grant, Jason, and Bob.

 

@ Bob - The brass  mechanism was chemically blackened, I always prefer to 'blacken' rather than paint metals, where possible.

However, the wheel which is also brass I painted using Vallejo Hull Red, I didn't prime before painting.

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

[Blue Ensign]

Post 18

 

The Capstan

 

 Elliott and Garrood steam capstans had been used on Fifie’s and similar since 1885, and one is provided in the kit.

 

This is the most prominent and striking fitting on the deck, a real eye catcher, and beautifully presented by Chris.

A combination of laser cut wooden parts and brass etch, which makes up into a fine little model.

 

My most difficult decision; what colour scheme to use.

5730

The suggested scheme of red and green reminded me fondly of my old lawnmower resplendent with green casing and red cylinder blades, so I opted to go with that.

 

I am using Humbrol enamel paint, Matt 80 (Green) and Vallejo Matt Red.

Most time-consuming part is painting the whelps of the capstan. These eight fine etched parts required painting before assembly.

 

The manual suggests that the drums be attached to the whelps without glue when assembling.

 

I found that without glue the whelps had a tendency to fall out during the alignment so I resorted to a spot of ca to hold the whelps in one drum whilst I fiddled to align the other.

 

The box atop the capstan fits over the end of the central spindle that runs thro’ the capstan body, (aka 3mm walnut dowel)

 

5729

A nicely turned brass warping drum is secured to the side of the box.

 

I drilled mine to take a pin to secure it to the box and gave it a chemically blackened colour.

5732

Note:-  there are two small holes in the side plates,  I’m not sure what they are for, but they are not for securing the warp drum.

 

 

5731

The central spindle of the capstan is in reality a steam pipe.

 

5736

When fitting the small hand wheel atop the box I found it best to put a spot of ca on the connecting pipe and press it down on the wheel.

 

 

B.E.

 

28/06/2020

 

 

[Blue Ensign]

Post 19

 

The Rudder.

 

Chris has created a simplified arrangement that takes out all the fiddliness usually associated with fitting a rudder.

5720

This has tenons on the rudder that slot into mortices on the stern post and hold the rudder in the correct position.

 

Syren mini kit.

 

I decided to fit a slightly more mobile set up using Chuck’s  mini pintles and gudgeons kit.

 

5722

The gudgeons are shaped to suit and fitted to the stern post. I use a length of wire to align the holes for the pintles.

 

5725

 

First trial fit; pins have been inserted into the rudder to represent the pintles.

With the rudder set I can now follow through with the paint lines.

 

5749

I decided to re-paint the lower hull Vallejo Matt Red, Mrs W said she preferred it, and that tipped the balance. On reflection I do think it suits the Pearwood contrast better.

 

5752

At this point I can trial fit the tiller iron on the rudder and the rod connection between rudder and worm drive.

 

The finished version will hopefully be a little more detailed than a length of bent wire.

 

5783

One of the things I like about Chuck’s little rudder fittings kit are the boxwood and fibre straps.

 

So much less fiddly than messing about with brass strip and looks good for scale.

 

I represent the bolt heads with blobs of pva.

5791(2)

The tiller arm now blackened is glued into place on the rudder.

 

5777(2)

5789(2)

There is some remedial cosmetic stuff to do following my modifications, but I’m fairly satisfied with progress to date.

 

 

B.E.

 

29/06/20

 

[Rustyj]

She's looking really good B.E. I like you modifications too. Well done.

[VTHokiEE]

It took me installing the rudder on my Alert, but now that I've done that and read your procedure here, it all makes sense to me. It looks great and I think I'll have to adopt your use of this mini kit in the future. I also am really enjoying your modifications.

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you Rusty and Tim.👍

 

Post 20

 

 

Completing the tiller attachment.

 

 

 

The final part is the attachment of tiller and worm drive.

 

 

I have been hampered in my efforts by the lack of a detailed plan and I have had to rely on a visual interpretation from photo’s of the restored Fifie Reaper, and indistinct drawings and plan of the Fifie True Vine.

 

 

Reaper

 

What I am sure about is that these late 19^th/early 20^th century large Fifie’s did have the wheel close to the stern with some sort of mechanical attachment to work the rudder.

 

 

 

 

It would be reasonable to run a shaft from the wheel to the stern post, covered by a narrow longitudinal box with a rod or stiff wire from the rudder, entering the box on the aft starboard side.

True Vine Plan

This is as much detail as provided on the True Vine plan. There is also a small drawing of a ‘boxed’ worm drive with dimensions in the book Sailing Drifters by Edgar J. March.

 

5798(2)

The rod is 0.9mm ø micro brass tubing with a couple of etched brass eyebolts (PE2) from the kit inserted in the ends.

 

5800(2)

The connecting ‘Bolts’ are formed from brass wire which hold the set up together.

 

5812(2)

My interpretation is based on the Reaper set up.

 

 

 

If further information comes to light I can make further modifications but for the present I am content to leave it at this point.

 

 

 

B.E.

30/06/2020

 

 

 

 

[gjdale]

That looks to be a more than fair interpretation to me BE - well done!

[BobG]

Your research has added greatly to the fine details you are adding to this boat, BE. 

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you Grant and Bob, your interest is much appreciated.

 

Post 21

 

Taking stock

 

I felt this was a good point to review progress thus far.

This is also a good point to set out the remaining deck fittings to ensure there are no unwanted surprises.

5825

I have made a couple of additions to the deck furniture, in the form of Chimneys, to service the steam capstan, and Galley stove.

 

Such pipes are shown on the plans I have seen, and Reaper also has one.

 

 A chimney is easily made, from some 3mm ø aluminium tubing. A smaller second pipe was also fashioned for the galley stove.

 

Because of my modifications to the steering I had to reposition the Mizen boom stop slightly.

 

5823

The cover boards for the Fish Hatch have been fitted with ring bolts in preference to the provided items, and only a portion of the cover boards are in place.

5839

The hatch is left partly open to reveal the nets that would usually be kept in that area.

 

5836

The nets were cast over the Starboard side and there should be a net roller running along the hatch coaming to assist the process.

I don’t have sufficient detail of the arrangement to fit one yet, but I am looking.

 

Such boats also carried seven 22’ sweeps stowed on the Foredeck and shipped into crutches socketed into the Timberheads.

I don’t know if I will represent these at present.

5830(2)

5818(2)

 

5819

 

5822

 

5826

 

5829

 

Since I have started researching fishing boats I have been amazed at the sheer hard manual work, hazardous conditions, and danger involved in working these boats. The seamanship required to work the lugger rigs seems extraordinary given the harsh conditions they had to work in.

 

It is hard to believe that contained within the hatch were some 60/70 nets, 60 yards long, and when strung together produced a drift extending some 3300 yards from the boat.

 

 The invention of the steam capstan must have been a very welcome addition to aid the exhausting process of hauling in the nets.

 

 

So much am I enjoying this build, I couldn’t resist doing a follow up of the Zulu.

5843

 Ordered yesterday, arrived this morning; great service Chris.👍

 

Shame to waste all the research I have done, and they will make a fine pair, but I won’t start the Zulu until the Fifie is completed.

 

 

B.E.

01/07/20

 

 

 

[glbarlow]

Nice work on adding the nets. The location of the chimneys seems peculiar, seems like all the smoke would blow right in the helmsman’s face. 

[chris watton]

And I had (finally) my Zulu sail set order arrive today, so all that ordered sail sets for their Zulus will be receiving them within the next week, and anyone who now orders a Zulu and sail set can be shipped together.

 

Nice work of the Fifie, BE, I see these models as a 'blank canvas' for the more experienced, who like to stamp their own mark on the kit.

[Suzdal]

There is one thing that sort of bothers me with the modification you have made to the wheel. 

 

Where does the helmsman stand. Normally he would want to face forward, behind the wheel. The mechanism would sort of prevent this & plus he would have to stand on the thwart (further from the boat's center of gravity, a bit more unstable).

 

What did you make the nets from ?

 

Are you going to add a fish smelling perfume to the open hatch ?

 

I've had to hold up on my Eleanor since I'm spending some unscheduled time in the hospital. As soon as I get put I'll be starting the 1st planking. Did you start in the middle for that and work towards the bow and stern and pin as you went along? Did you also soak the lime planks to get them to fit better?

 

Richard

[Rustyj]

Great workshop B.E. Really enjoying your build. I'm also interested in the Lady Isabella and may have to breakout the cc. 😊

[BobG]

Great work as usual, BE. 

 

11 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

A chimney is easily made, from some 3mm ø aluminium tubing.

Did you solder the aluminum chimneys?

 

11 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

 

The hatch is left partly open to reveal the nets that would usually be kept in that area.

The nets are awesome! How did you make them?

 

11 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

Since I have started researching fishing boats

I have the Lady Isabella and would like to find out more about these Zulu fishing vessels. Do you have any good resources that you could recommend?

 

All the best,

[Heronguy]

5 minutes ago, BobG said:

I have the Lady Isabella and would like to find out more about these Zulu fishing vessels. Do you have any good resources that you could recommend?

I was just gifted with a set of blueprints for the Zulu Muirneag.  Plans were drawn by Harold Underhill in the 1950's.  His book "Plan-on-Frame Models" has reduced version of three of the plans.  I can't use the blueprint set so they're listed in Traders... One source of detail.

[Blue Ensign]

Wow Guys, a lot of questions.

 

 

Glenn said

Nice work on adding the nets. The location of the chimneys seems peculiar, seems like all the smoke would blow right in the helmsman’s face. 

 

I don’t think it would be an issue Glenn, the Capstan boiler and galley were not in use during the sailing of the boat. The capstan was used to set the large fore lug and hauling in the nets, when the boat was in drifting mode. The Galley would only be used once the nets had been cast. The only relative rest period for the crew was during the night whilst the boat was drifting.

As I understand, once fishing began, the Foremast was lowered, the Mizen removed, and also the rudder, (I don’t know how) to prevent excessive movement.

 

Chris said

And I had (finally) my Zulu sail set order arrive today, so all that ordered sail sets for their Zulus will be receiving them within the next week, and anyone who now orders a Zulu and sail set can be shipped together.

Nice work of the Fifie, BE, I see these models as a 'blank canvas' for the more experienced, who like to stamp their own mark on the kit.

Thanks Chris, I very much look forward to building this iconic  Fishing boat

 

 

Richard Said

There is one thing that sort of bothers me with the modification you have made to the wheel. 

Where does the helmsman stand. Normally he would want to face forward, behind the wheel. The mechanism would sort of prevent this & plus he would have to stand on the thwart (further from the boat's center of gravity, a bit more unstable).

As you can see from the photo’s of the Reaper, Richard, there is not much room. The Skipper didn’t stand on the thwart he sat on it, to the starboard side. The port side was cut off by the Mizen boom. Some boats had a stool instead of a thwart.

 What did you make the nets from ?

I used a soft Tulle net fabric, in the shade Peat Brown.

It is cheap to buy, I got mine from a company called Minerva crafts, but there are a lot of online sales for this stuff.

 

Are you going to add a fish smelling perfume to the open hatch ?

I don’t think Mrs W would appreciate taking realism that far, Richard.😃

 

I've had to hold up on my Eleanor since I'm spending some unscheduled time in the hospital. As soon as I get put I'll be starting the 1st planking. Did you start in the middle for that and work towards the bow and stern and pin as you went along? Did you also soak the lime planks to get them to fit better?

When pinning the planking I always start from the bow, but before that I have dry fitted the plank having tapered and shaped it where necessary using water and heat.

 

Rusty Said

Great workshop B.E. Really enjoying your build. I'm also interested in the Lady Isabella and may have to breakout the cc.

Cheers, Rusty, I think there is a lot more detailed information on Zulu’s out there to assist a build.

 

Bob said

A chimney is easily made, from some 3mm ø aluminium tubing.

Did you solder the aluminum chimneys?

No, I just used ca to make the bond

The nets are awesome! How did you make them?

See my reply to Richard, above.

I have the Lady Isabella and would like to find out more about these Zulu fishing vessels. Do you have any good resources that you could recommend?

The good news about Zulu’s is that there is a lot of information on the net, including history, plans, excellent build photo’s, and historic photo’s.

I have used the net extensively for my research, but I do have an excellent long out of print book – Sailing Drifters by Edgar J. March. Still in print is a useful book called Inshore Craft – Basil Greenhill & Julian Mannering.

 

Doug said

I was just gifted with a set of blueprints for the Zulu Muirneag.  Plans were drawn by Harold Underhill in the 1950's.  His book "Plan-on-Frame Models" has reduced version of three of the plans.  I can't use the blueprint set so they're listed in Traders... One source of detail.

 

Underhill’s plans are still available on the net at around £10 each. In relation to the Zulu kit there are some that would be more useful than others, eg; deck layout, rigging plan etc;

 

 

B.E

 

02/07/20

 

[glbarlow]

7 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

when the boat was in drifting mode

Thanks BE, that makes sense. I wasn’t thinking like a fisherman 😊

[BobG]

8 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

Wow Guys, a lot of questions.

Which is a testament to the high quality of your craftsmanship and build log!

[md1400cs]

B.E.,

Very nice - you are so eclectic in your project choices, and all result in great looking, excellently researched builds.

PS: Love the fishnet in this one 😀  & steering is brilliant work indeed.

[Suzdal]

9 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

When pinning the planking I always start from the bow, but before that I have dry fitted the plank having tapered and shaped it where necessary using water and heat.

Th

[Suzdal]

9 hours ago, Blue Ensign said:

When pinning the planking I always start from the bow, but before that I have dry fitted the plank having tapered and shaped it where necessary using water and heat.

Thank you for the tulle tip & how you planked.

 

By using water, do you mean soaking the lime wood planks for about 20 minutes, near to boiling water before trying to fit them? That's what I did for the pear wood bulk works.

 

What do you mean by heat?, a hair drier.

 

Sorry to bug you, this is my first attempt a model boat. If I succeed with this one, "Flirt" will be next on my list. After that, who knows the "Victory" if I can find the room.

 

Richard

 

 

[Blue Ensign]

Cheers Guys,

 

Thanks Bob, and Michael, I’m pleased you like what you see.

 

@ Glenn

Thanks BE, that makes sense. I wasn’t thinking like a fisherman 😊

 

It’s nowt to do with me Glenn, a few weeks ago I’d never heard of a Fifie, but I’ve done a load of speed reading.😉

 

@ Richard – ask away no problem. To some extent it depends on the tightness of the bend, but I tend to use cold water for a few minutes only, and then use a hair dryer on max heat to fix the shape I  formed.

 

I don’t think Chuck even bothers with water, just bends by degrees and uses heat alone to fix the shape.

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

[glbarlow]

I’d never considered a fishing craft before, but thanks to @chris watton great design and seeing what you’ve done with it I’m going to add it to my list. I’m off big models, cutters and brigs for me...and now a fishing vessel or two. Maybe I’ll even go for the th pink sails. 
 

Your metal work On the steering gear is inspirational.