Fair American by dsmith20639 - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:48

[Dsmith20639]

This is the beginning of my build log for the 14 Gun Brig Fair American by Model Shipways. It starts with my planking the hull, as the steps up to that point were not recorded due to my fear of doing a build log after seeing the quality of the build logs presented on this site. I had stopped at that point in the build process because I was reviewing the existing build logs on this site for the brig; and was getting confused by the various ways the models were being built and how they differred from the instructions provided in the kit. I have a copy of Bob Hunt's practicum to follow (but I didn't want to do the extensive kit mods he was advocating; nor did I have the skills of someone like Pete Jaquith and the desire to work on the model for several years). I was also concerned that of the 15 build logs for the Model Shipways kit on the site only 3 were finished with a lot appearing to be dropped altogether. What was I getting myself into? So I stopped my build and started a build log for the Danmark by Billings which was a kit that had been sitting around for years being neglected. Completing the build of the Danmark and it's build log improved by confidence (if I could build that old kit with its absolute minimum set of instructions compared to todays kits then I should be able to resume work on the Fair American), so here goes!

 

I started with the basic shell, a partially finished stern, and the bulwarks with gun ports and the outside planking from the wales up done.  I then planked the hull in a rather haphazard way after failing in my attempts to partition the hull into four sections using battens, calculating widths of planks at each frame etc. as I have extensively read about, and just did my best.  I bought the half-hull planking kit from this site to learns from for future builds (but that's for later). 

 

When the hull was planked, I filled any voids and low spots after sanding with wood filler, resanded, refilled, resanded then primered the lower hull and resanded again before my final application of primer. I then constructed the hatches as best I could (they seem to be too big, but match the dimensions on the plans), positioned them and started the deck planking. I checked the fit of the cannons in the ports by temporarily mocking up a cannon and checking its fit.  It appeared reasonable to me so I won't do Mr. Hunts suggesting of increasing the height of the bulwarks but will instead adjust the cannon carriages instead.

 

I completed the deck planning for the main deck and created the forward portions of the main cap rails.

 

I plan on using wipe-on poly for the main deck planking and will do some hull painting after building up the fancy rail and cap rail.

 

Will probably continue using a combination of the instructions that came with the kit and a little bit of the methods from the practicum and other ideas or sequence of steps form other build logs.

 

[Matt D]

It’s looking really good!  I have this kit on the shelf.  It looks to me like a great subject, and the history of this model is interest to me.  I’ll pull up a chair and follow your build log.  Good luck with your build!

[mtaylor]

Moved to kit forum since this is a kit.

[Dsmith20639]

Oops, sorry . I was watching the news when I started the log. I should have paid closer attention to what I was doing.

[Dsmith20639]

Planked the internal bulwarks.

Started construction of the cannons.

Planked the decks, decided to use straight planking instead of tapered on the quarterdeck, taking the easy way out.

Worked on the stern transom.

Added bulwark cap rails and the fancy rails.

Added the cabin bulkhead.

 

 

[Dsmith20639]

Added quarter deck rail, painted cannons, painted gun carriages and added quoins, fabricated the rudder and opened up the rudder port,  fabricated the beak head, started some of the hull painting. Beak head was a chore and is sort of rough, wish it had been laser cut parts.

 

[Dsmith20639]

Added hatches, capstan, bits, pumps, binnacle, stairs, wheel, etc.

Completed more work on cannons.

Added belaying pin racks and began installation of channels.

 

[Matt D]

Wow!  You’ve gotten a lot done and it looks great!  

[Dsmith20639]

Completed most of the detail to the hull (eyebolts in various places, chess trees, gangway steps, belaying pins. cleats, etc.)

Used a dowel and string to obtain estimates of shroud slants and installed lower deadeyes and chainplates.

Mounted ship on display board.

Completed rigging one gun carriage using technique I found on a Youtube video at www.youtube.com/c/Modelships

for the Santisima Trinidad parts 37 and 38.

Will now begin work on the masts and spars and try to get one gun carriage complete each day or two along the way.

Only 13 more to go!!

 

 

[Dsmith20639]

Completed build of masts and spars and half of the cannons with eyebolts on lines ready to be installed on deck.

Will continue with remainder of cannons (7) then install them on the ship's deck prior to mast installation.

Will also attach all blocks, upper shrouds, deadeyes, etc. to masts and bowsprit that I can while finishing the cannons and before mast installation and final rigging begins.

Edited February 17, 2021 by Dsmith20639

[Dsmith20639]

Finished all cannons and mounted them on ship.

 

Spent a lot of time reviewing rigging plans, Bob Hunt practicum, standard instruction manual, etc. to plan my order of attacking the rigging of this ship. Plans and instructions from all sources have either some mistakes or lack of details or different order of doing things. Kit comes with a selection of blocks but the instructions don't show you where to use them, so I used a combination of the other sources and measurements on the plans to try to determine which blocks to use where, ditto line colors and sizes.  I plan on following Bob Hunts practicum in general though I'm not so sure about his order of doing things, so we'll see how things go.

The following is the instructions I have compiled for my own reference for completing the rigging.
The [ ] 's are the beginning of each step are for checking off my progress so I don't forget a step.
The [nn]'s correspond to the numbering of the rigging plan.
Each block is called out as single/double with size in parens ().
Nn.n steps are where I had to go back and add some instructions when I noticed someone was required before a current step and to avoid renumbering the steps.
The [letter] entries refer to rigging details on the plans.

I don't claim that these steps are correct, just what I plan on doing to complete the model.

Standing (Chapter 9 of Bob Hunt Practicum)

[ ]01 - Add angle pins at ends of lower and topsail yards for attachment of flemish horses.
[ ]02 - Using thin black wire add Flemish horses [30] to topsail yards , lower yards don’t show         any.
[ ]03 - Using thin black wire add (1/2”) Stirrups [25] to all yards
[ ]04 - Using thin black wire add Footropes [26] to all yards
[ ]05 - Mount Fore lower shrouds [12] seized in pairs using thick black line  - S/P/S/P
[ ]06 - Mount Main shrouds [15] seized in pairs using thick black line - S/P/S/P
[ ]07 - Create hearts (4)  (2) (9/32")for Main stay [11] Inset [E] , (2) (9/32") for Fore stay [9] (one with collar) Inset [N]
[ ]07.1 - Create 3 bullseyes (2)(3/32") for Main topgallant stay [38], (1)(9/64") for Main preventer stay [11] Inset [M]
[ ]08 - Seize Main preventer stay [16] bullseye at bottom aft side of Fore Mast about (2") above deck line
[ ]09 - Install Fore stay [9] using thick black line with mouse, Inset [C] about 14” long to allow heart seizing at lower end at step 49.
[ ]10 - Install Main stay [11] using thick black line with mouse Inset [C], to Inset [E] measure from plans, allow extra for seizing heart at step 55.
[ ]11 - Install Main preventer stay [16] using thick black line with mouse Inset [C] to Inset [M] measure from plans, allow extra for seizing loop at end at step 56.
[ ]12 - Mount Fore topmast shrouds [33] seized in pairs using medium black line - S/P + single ( 3 each side total) about 12” long to allow for deadeyes at lower ends )
[ ]13 - Ditto for Main topmast shrouds [34]
[ ]14 - Seize (2) Fore topmast stays [3] to Fore Mast using medium black line, Inset [C] about (2’)  long each with mouse to connect later to bowsprit at two holes in bowsprit bees.
[ ]15 - Seize Main topmast stay [36] to Main Mast with mouse using medium black line , Inset [C] about 18” in length, attaches later (step 57) via Inset [I]
[ ]16 - Seize double block (5/32”) for Main topsail brace pendant [32] (Main topsail brace)[65] and single block (1/4”) below , Inset [I] to aft side of Fore Mast near Fore Top
[ ]17 - Seize (3/16”) double block on Main Mast near Main Top on aft side for Main boom topping lift runner [53], see step 77.1
[ ]18 - Seize (3/16”) single block on Main Mast Cap on aft side using an eyebolt for Peak halyard [62]
[ ]18.1 - Seize (5/32") double block to eye below Main Mast Top at rear for gaff support halyard.
[ ]19 - Seize (5/32”) double block on Fore Mast just below Fore Mast trestle trees on aft side for Main topgallant braces [74]
[ ]19.1 - Seize (5/32") double block on Main Mast just below Main Mast trestle trees on front side for Fore topgallant braces [75]
[ ]20 - Attach deadeyes (5/32”) with wires and loops at bottom to Main Mast Top and Fore Mast Mast Top (single hole toward mast top) (6 each 12 total)
[ ]21 - Create dead eye spacer and attach (5/32”) deadeyes together to seize shrouds using (12”) thin tan line (both masts)
[ ]22 - Add ratlines [13] every (5/16") and sheer poles [14] to both sets of Top Mast shrouds
[ ]23 - Seize a (1/8”) single block for Jib stay outhaul tackle [39] with an eye bolt inserted in the front lower part of the bowsprit mast top.
[ ]24 - Seize (3) (3/16”) deadeyes to Bowsprit for Bowsprit shrouds [7] and Bobstay [6], Inset [D] (modified for 3 deadeyes) below jib boom P/S with 3rd one centered 
[ ]25 - Seize a (1/8”) single block to end of jib boom for Fore topgallant stay [1] on top side
[ ]26 - Seize (2) (1/8”) single blocks to eyebolts on each side of bowsprit mast cap for Spritsail yard lifts [40]
[ ]27 - Seize a (9/32") heart with collar, Inset [N] to top of bowsprit near step 25
[ ]28 - Seize (2) (3/16”) single blocks at Main Mast crosstrees for Main topsail yard lifts [35]
[ ]29 - Add eye bolt to aft side of Fore Mast Mast Cap for Main topsail Brace [65]
[ ]30 - Add eye bolt to Main Mast aft side near bottom for boom connection.
[ ]31 - Seize 2 (3/16”) single blocks at Fore Mast crosstrees for Fore topsail yard lifts [35].
[ ]32 - Seize (5/32) double block to eyebolt mounted at front of Main Mast Top for Fore brace [61].
[ ]32.1 - Seize a single (5/32") block to the center eyebolt of the Gaff with a medium tan leader line for the Throat halyard [58] , line should be about 8 inches long, see step 73.
 

Running  (Chapter 10 of Bob Hunt Practicum)

[ ]33 - Seize (1-1/2”) Yard tackle pendants [23] using medium tan line with (5/32”) double blocks to ends of Lower Yards (4 total) for both masts P/S
[ ]34 - Seize 1-1/2” Fore topsail brace pendants [31] and Main topsail brace pendants [32] using thin black line with (1/8”) single blocks to ends of Topsail Yards  (4 total) for both masts P/S
[ ]35 - Seize 1-3/4” Fore lower brace pendants [27] and Main lower brace pendants [28] using medium black line with (5/32”) single blocks to ends of Lower Yards (4 total) for both masts P/S
[ ]35.1 - Seize (2) 1-1/2” Spritsail brace pendants [10] using thin black line with (5/32”) single blocks to end of Spritsail Yard
[ ]36 - Drill holes in center of yards and in each mast for attaching yards to masts, test fit. Don’t plan on using yard trusses and slings [F][H][K][O] at this time, but I may as I did use them without pins when rigging my Danmark model.
[ ]37 - Seize a (1/8”) double block to front of Main Mast Top Mast crosstrees for Fore Mast Topgallant Braces [75]
[ ]38 - Seize a (1/8”) double block to an eye bolt install at mid rear of Main Mast Top for Main topgallant halyard tackle [73]. 
[ ]39 - Seize a (1/8”) double block to an eye bolt install at mid rear of Fore Mast Top for Fore topgallant halyard tackle [70].
[ ]39.1 - Seize a (5/32”) double block to front of Fore Mast Top for Spritsail yard braces [41]
[ ]39.2 - Seize (4) (5/32') single blocks to eye bolts in side of hull just behind channels for Main and Fore topgallant backstay runners P/S.
[ ]39.3 - Seize (2) (1/8") single blocks to eyebolts at top front of bow.
[ ]39.4 - Seize  a (3/32”) bullseye to the aft side of the Topmast Masthead of the Fore Mast.

Mounting Masts (Chapter 11 of Bob Hunt Practicum)

[ ]39.5 - Insert metal mast wedges for each mast (from spares not in kit)
[ ]40 - Create deadeye spacer for Lower Shrouds
[ ]41 - Insert Main Mast
[ ]42 - Attach (3/16”) deadeyes and seize shrouds using (12”) thin tan line S/P/S/P
[ ]43 - Insert Fore Mast
[ ]44 - Repeat step 42 for Fore Mast
[ ]45 - Add sheer poles [14] and ratlines [13] for both masts, same spacing as step 22
[ ]46 - Seize (2) medium black lines around Top Mast below crosstrees on both masts and using (5/32”) deadeyes seize Fore topmast backstay [18] and Main topmast backstay [20] to (5/32”) deadeyes at rear of channels for both masts. P/S.
[ ]47 - Seize (2) medium black lines around both Topgallant Masts where they flare and lead down to about (1-1/4”) above deck and attach to a (5/32”) single block for Fore topgallant backstay [19] and Main topgallant backstay[21], tie 12” thin tan line to this block as lead line and connect to (5/32”) single block attached to Fore topgallant backstay runner [46] and Main topgallant backstay runner[47] from step 39.2 and attach Fore to cleat on Bulwark and Main to belaying pin on rail. P/S
[ ]48 - Mount bowsprit using glue and gammon with medium black line.
[ ]49 - Add heart to Fore stay [9] from step 09 and lash using thin tan line to heart inset [N] on bowsprit from step 28
[ ]50 - Pass the Fore topmast stays [3] from step 14 thru the holes on the port and starboard sides of the bowsprit bees and secure ends to fiddle blocks.  Attach fiddle blocks using thin tan line to blocks attached at top front of bow from step 39.3.
[ ]51 - Seize a thin black line for Fore topgallant stay [1] to Fore topgallant mast and pass thru single block on front of jib boom from step 26 goes thru single and then belays at front of bow pin 1 port side.
[ ]52 - Seize a medium black line for Jib stay [2] from Fore Mast Top Mast Mast Top thru a traveler ring made from black wire, Inset [S] and hole in jib boom and attach to fiddle block at end. Fiddle block is attached via thin tan line to block from step 24 and belayed at front of bow pin 1 starboard side.
[ ]53 - Seize a (3/16”) deadeye to a (4 1/4") line for Bowsprit shrouds [7] to each eyebolt on the sides of the bow of the ship and then lash each to corresponding deadeyes from step 24,  using deadeye spacer and using thick black line P/S for line and thin tan lines for lashing.
[ ]54 - Seize third (3/16”) deadeye to eyebolt at midpoint of stem for Bobstay [6] using thick black line and then lash to center deadeye as above using thin tan line and deadeye spacer
[ ]55 - Seize (9/32") heart to thick black line Main stay [11] and lash to heart connected to eyebolt near bow port side. Inset [E].
[ ]56 - Install Main preventer stay [16] thick black line thru bullseye in rear of foremast [M] and lash to eyebolt via loop at end using thin tan line at rear of Fore mast.
[ ]57 - Install Main topmast stay [36] from step 15 thru (1/4") single block at aft of foremast mast top and down thru mast top to 3” above deck and seize a fiddle block to it. The Main topmast stay tackle [17] is connected to a (3/16”) single block via a medium tan leader line from an eyebolt on the starboard side of the foremast thru the fiddle block back down thru the single blocks and then to a cleat on the foremast.
[ ]58 - Seize a thin black line for the Main Mast topgallant stay [38] with a (3/32”) bullseye lashed the bullseye in the aft side of the Topmast Masthead of the Fore Mast from step 39.4
[ ]59 - Install futtock shrouds Inset [G] with sheer poles [14] on both masts and then their ratlines [13].

Mounting Yards (Chapter 12 of Bob Hunt Practicum)

MAIN

[ ]60 - Mount Main Mast topgallant yard with pin
[ ]61 - Add Main topgallant halyard tye [77] (thin black line) at center of yard and run thru hole near top of mast and down to about an inch below cross trees terminating with  a (1/8”) double block. Attach thin tan line lead (Main topgallant halyard tackle)[73] to block from step 38 (mid aft of Main Mast Top) run up thru double bock back down then up again and finally down to belay on port side pin rack any free pin.
[ ]62 - Install Main Mast topgallant yard lifts [37] (thin black line) tie above hole in TapGallant Mast.
[ ]63 - Tie thin tan line at ends of Main topgallant brace [74] and run thru double block at aft side of Fore Topgallant Mast from step 19 and down Fore Mast to belay on second aft pin at Fore Mast belaying pin rack. P/S
[ ]64 - Mount Main Topmast Yard with pin.
[ ]65 - Add Main Topsail halyard tye [71] as medium black line as lift lines over cross trees and run down mast to (2”) below crosstrees ending in a (5/32”) single block. Seize a single (5/32”) single block to eye bolt at rear of aft starboard side channel (Main topsail halyard tackle)[57] with leader that comes to just above rail. Tie medium tan lead line to this block and run to (Main topsail halyard runner) [72] a (3/16”) single block with medium tan line leader that passes thru initial block (the one (2") below crosstrees) back down then finally [57] belays on aft port pin rack second from last pin and [72] belays to the main bitts.
[ ]66 - Connect Main topsail brace pendants [32] by running medium tan line for (Main topsail brace)[65] from eye bolt at aft side of Fore Mast Mast Cap to block on end of pendants and back thru double block just below eye bolt and belay on bits just aft of the fore mast. P/S
[ ]67 - Mount Main Lower Yard with pin.
[ ]68 - Use thin tan line for lift lines (Lower yard topping lifts)[64] across Mast Cap and belay on cleats at rear of Main Mast P/S
[ ]69 - Connect Lower Yard Main brace pendants [28] using thin tan line Main brace [59] tied to the Fore Mast’s aft most shroud near the top thru the single block of the pendant then back thru a single (5/32") block also tied to the shroud just below the original connection then down to 3rd belaying pin on forward rack. P/S
[ ]70 - Seize a (1/8”) single block with a lead line (medium tan) for the Yard tackle [49] to the eye bolt at the front of the Main channel up to the other Lower Yard tackle pendant [23] block back down to the single block back up to double block and back down and then belayed on first pin of aft pin rack. P/S

GAFF

[ ]71 - Add thin tan line from aft to middle chock of Gaff
[ ]72 - Add thin tan line from middle of line above to front chock (Peak halyard bridle)  [63]
[ ]73 - Attach Gaff below mast top with loop with beads (parrels) around mast run medium tan lead line for the Throat halyard [58] through double block below Mast Top back down then back up thru the double block terminating with a (5/32") double block about 2 inches above deck. Seize a single block with thin tan lead line (throat halyard tackle) [48] to deck just below Main Mast, run line up to double block back down backup then down to belay on mast cleat on starboard side of mast.
[ ]74 - Add thin black line Peak halyard [62] from middle of line from step 72 to lift block on aft side of Main Mast Cap  (see step 18) and then down to deck for belaying on third pin from aft of port side pin rack.
[ ]75 - Attach two (3-1/2”) medium tan lines for Vang pendants [29] from aft chock point to end with a (1/8”) single blocks. Attach thin tan line from rail for Vangs [54] up to block and then back down to rear of two belaying pins on front of rail. P/S
[ ]76 - Connect boom to eye bolt at aft lower side of Main Mast. 
[ ]77 - Seize (3/16”) double block on boom just above traveler with thin tan line (Spanker (Main Boom) sheet) [55] lead line attached. Seize (3/16”) double block on traveler run line connecting two to form tackle to secure boom at aft end. Tie off on pin at rear of railing.
[ ]77.1 - Seize two medium tan lines (Main boom topping lift runner [53]) to end of boom run thru (3/16”) double block attached to rear of Main Mast above Main Mast Top down (step 17) thru Mast Top ending about 3“ above deck at a (5/32”) double block. Attach via eyebolt at rear of back pin rail a (5/32”) single block with medium tan leader line (Main boom topping lift tackle [52]) thru double block back down back up to double block back down again and belay on last pin of rear pin rack P/S

FORE

[ ]78 - Mount Fore TopGallant Yard with pin
[ ]79 - Add Fore topgallant halyard tye [76] (thin black line) at center of yard and run thru hole near top of mast and down to about 2 inches below cross trees terminating with  a (1/8”) double block. Attach thin tan line lead (Fore topgallant halyard tackle) [70] to block from step 39 (mid aft of Fore Mast Top) run up thru double bock back down then up again and finally down to belay on port side pin rack any free pin.
[ ]80 - Install Fore Mast topgallant yard lifts [37](thin black line) tie above hole in TapGallant Mast.
[ ]81 - Tie thin tan line at ends of Fore topgallant brace [75] and run thru double block at front side of Main Topgallant Mast from step 19.1 and down Main Mast to belay on second aft pin at Main Mast belaying pin rack. P/S
[ ]82 - Mount Fore Topmast Yard with pin.
[ ]83 - Add Fore topsail halyard tye [68] as medium black line as lift lines over cross trees and run down mast to (2”) below crosstrees ending in a (5/32”) single block. Seize a (5/32”) single block to eye bolt at rear of fore starboard side channel (Fore topsail halyard tackle)[56] with leader that comes to just above rail. Tie medium tan lead line to this block and run to (Fore topsail halyard runner) [69] a (3/16”) single block with medium tan line leader that passes thru initial block (the one (2") below crosstrees) back down then finally [56] belays on front starboard pin rack second from last pin and [69] belays to the main Fore bitts.
[ ]84 - Connect Fore topsail brace pendants [31] by running medium tan line [60] (ForeTopsail brace) from mouse of Main stay [11]  to block on end of pendant and back thru single (1/8”)  block just below mouse to single (1/8”) block a little over midway down Main Stay and belay on cleat on bulwark. P/S
[ ]85 - Mount Main Lower Yard with pin.
[ ]86 - Use thin tan line for lift lines (Lower yard topping lifts)[64] across Mast Cap and belay at cleats at rear of Fore Mast P/S
[ ]87 - Connect Lower Yard Fore brace pendants [27] using thin tan line tied from Main stay (1/4”)  [61](Fore brace) above mouse thru the single block of the pendant then back thru a (5/32”) double block seized to an eye bolt at the bottom front of the Main Mast Top then down to first belaying pin on aft pin rack. P/S
[ ]88 - Seize a (1/8”) single block with a lead line (medium tan) for the Yard tackles [49] to the eye bolt at the front of the Fore channel up to the other Lower Yard tackle pendant [23] block back down to a single block back up to double block and then belayed on first pin of front pin rack. P/S

BOWSPRIT

[ ]89 - Tie SprintSail to Bowsprit just above bottom of jib boom
[ ]90 - Attach Spritsail yard lifts  (thin tan line) [40] , run thru single blocks attached to mast cap with eyebolts  and then belayed at bow pin rack second pin. P/S
[ ]91 - Seize a thin tan line  for Spritsail yard braces [41] at the Fore stay [9] just above mouse thru Spritsail yard braces [10] then back to double block beneath front of Fore Mast Top and down to deck tied on cleats in front part of Fore Mast. P/S

ANCHORS

[ ]92 - Mount anchors with thick black line coming from hawse holes tie anchors to bow anchored to         bow bits with thin tan line.

LANTERN

FLAGPOLE ?

Blocks 
Single  count.      Used   Used at step
1/8         (18)      19   18.2 23 25  26(2) 34(4) 39.3(2) 70(2) 84(4) 88(2)
5/32.       (12)      21   35(4) 35.1(2) 39.2(4) 47(4) 65(2) 69(2) 75 83(2)
3/16.       (10)       8   18 28(2) 31(2) 57 65 83
1/4.         (1)       1   16
Double 
1/8.         (4)       4   38 39 61 79
5/32.       (11)      11   16 18.1 19 19.1 32 33(4) 37 39.1  87
3/16.        (4)       5   17 77(2) 77.1(2)
Deadeyes
3/16.       (32)      32   lower shrouds + 6 not in kit for those at bowsprit 24(3)
5/32.       (32)      24   upper shrouds + 8 backstays
Fiddles      (4)       4.  50(2) 52 57
Hearts
9/32.        (4)       4   7 27 49 55
Bullseyes.  
3/32.        (2)       2   7.1 39.4 58
9/64.        (1)       1   7.1

ITEMS SELECTED NOT TO MODEL at this time

[4] Jib stay inhaul 
[5] Bowsprit horses
[8] Fore track Boomkin guy
[22] Main stay tackle pendant
[24] Mast tackle pendants
[42] Fore runner tackle
[43] Fore tackle runner
[44] Main tackle runner
[45] Main runner tackle 
[48] Throat halyard tackle
[50] Fore stay tackle
[51] Main stay tackle
[66] Burton tackles
[67] Burton tackle pendants 
[78] Flag halyards
[79] Ensign halyard

Edited April 6, 2021 by Dsmith20639
changes to steps discovered during assembly

[Dsmith20639]

Completed items 1 thru 19 on my rigging steps.

[Dsmith20639]

Completed items 19.1 and 21 on rigging list. Completed items 20 and 22 (shrouds, deadeyes, ratlines and sheer poles) for Fore Mast, continuing work for items 20 and 22 on Main Mast. Didn't do a very good job aligning deadeyes, but I reviewed some methods used by others in their build logs and hope to do better on the topmast shrouds for the Main Mast.

 

[Dsmith20639]

Completed all items on rigging list up thru step 32.1.  Still having a difficult time with deadeyes, tried using various mechanical methods to adjust separation between deadeyes with no luck, ended up just eye-balling it.  Will try again when I mount masts with lower shrouds, the deadeyes there are larger so maybe I'll have better luck.

 

[Dsmith20639]

Completed rigging steps up thru step 39.4, began mounting of main mast. Able to create a workable deadeye spacer using a paper clip, previous attempts always failed when the upper deadeye would slip off when I tried to create a spacer using twisted wire or miniature nails in a wooden spacer, will enclose photos of results (such as they are) when I've finished installing the main mast.

Edited April 6, 2021 by Dsmith20639
misspelling

[Dsmith20639]

Completed items in rigging plan up thru step 44, mounting masts and installing lower shrouds including first part of step 45.

Shrouds deadeyes alignment came out OK except for a couple cases, probably due to in consisted tensioning of the shroud lines when adjusting the shroud length and terminating upper shroud with deadeye. I wonder if its possible to tie off the upper deadeye without finalizing it by gluing and then still seize the shrouds and if to far off loosen the seizing readjust the top deadeye and repeat until suitable and then finalize the seizing and gluing of the upper shroud. Will have to experiment and practice with a test setup before my next ship.  The spacer tool made from the paper clip worked out the best, the other two tools in the photos I couldn't get to work  Anyway now onto the ratlines in the lower shrouds.

[robdurant]

Hi, Just tracked down this build, and you've made fantastic progress in such a short time. Those rows of guns look really neat and it looks like you're making short work of the rigging.

 

Hope you don't mind if I pull up a chair for the rest of the journey

 

Rob

[Dsmith20639]

You're welcome. I enjoy doing the rigging, with the possible exception of the ratlines. This kit required a lot of scratch built parts, more than I would have expected. 

[Dsmith20639]

Completed installation of ratlines in lower shrouds. Now on to the more interesting aspects of the ships rigging.

 

[Dsmith20639]

Completed rigging steps up thru number 58 on todo list. Installed fore and main topmast backstays;  for and main topgallant backstays; bowsprit and gammoning; fore stay, fore topmast stays; fore topgallant stay; jib stay; bowsprit shrouds; bob stay; main stay; main preventer stay; main topmast stay; and main topgallant stay.

 

Started futtock shrouds. I have never done these before so I hope they turn out OK.

[Dsmith20639]

Completed rigging steps up thru 70 (Main Mast) now start rigging of Gaff.  Didn't like how the futtock shrouds came out, but that's life. Will practice on prototypes before any future attempts that include them. Difficult to make photos now with all the lines going every which way and only my iPad to make photos.

[Dsmith20639]

Completed rigging of gaff sail, fore mast, and bowsprit. Ship is nearly complete, some details left such as anchors, cabin window covers, etc.  Should be able to call it complete in another week or so. All in all it's been an interesting build, learned some new things. I can appreciate some of the newer kits (which I haven't started yet) as this one left a lot to be desired from a beginners  (third build) point of view.  Rigging was a good deal of guess work as the instructions didn't go into detail and I had to try and interpret things from the plans that were definitely vague. But I did my best (such as it is) and I hope to do better on the next one.  I can definitely see why someone substitutes for kit parts to upgrade the result and needs to use reference materials not included in the instructions to fill in the blanks. Here's the almost finished result.

 

 

[Dsmith20639]

Added anchors and rear lantern. Calling this one finished.

[Sea Hoss]

Very nice work!

[GrandpaPhil]

Congratulations!  Well done!