Hms victory chainwales

[Andre1967]

Hi guys im currently building the chainwales for model space victory, i need to use wire for the blocks, my problem is im finding the wire very hard and brittle so wrapping it around the block is tricky to say the least, would i be better off ordering some third party soft wire, im assuming it will be more pliable and less springy, i think this wire supplied is not good quality or its me. what do you reckon

[allanyed]

Andre, the chainwales (obsolete spelling of channels) are made of wood, so  I assume you are referring to the strop around the dead eye and links below.  If that is the case,  try using brass.  First heat it with a butane torch (even a cigar torch lighter - not a cigarette lighter- works well) until it is red.  It will then be very soft and will have no spring left in it.   You can get a good quality torch lighter that is refillable and can actually do silver soldering with it.

 

Allan

[Andre1967]

hi allan yes i have one[torch] . i just checked the wire supplied with my occre montanes kit and its far superior no need for torches, i think the copper/ brass content supplied with the victory kit is minimal feels more like steel wire compared, which makes wrapping around the blocks a nightmare, i have ordered 5m of brass wire from my lhs, i dont like having to deal with poor quality parts or material, but there are a few bits on this deagostini kit that are sub par. not good considering the price this kit comes out at

[allanyed]

Hi Andre,

If I may make a suggestion, consider using copper.  It is obviously soft and is so easy to blacken with liver of sulfur compared to blackening brass.   Ed Tosti's log on the clipper ship Young America gives a good bit of detail on its use.  The best part is that it can be used on the copper prior to installing or in situ because it will not stain the wood.

Allan