Wasa by Bill97 - FINISHED - Airfix - 1/144

[Bill97]

Thanks Michael. That is interesting about the top gallant masts. The instructions and picture on the box show it having them. It also has me putting deadeyes in the top “crows nest” to support the shrouds. ????

[72Nova]

Do install the shrouds, but no ratlines Bill.

[Bill97]

Completed all the shrouds and ratlines. Michael I went ahead and added the ratlines to the top shrouds. I thought it helped them stand out just a little more than without. Also have all the yards attached. A little thread trimming here and there and then on to the standing rigging. 

[72Nova]

Looking good Bill, the position of the yards indicates you're putting the sails on?

Michael D.

[Bill97]

That is the plan Michael. The Airfix model does not provide anchor points for putting the yards otherwise. I am thinking of maybe furrowing the sails but not sure yet. At this scale the top sails are pretty small. Not much bigger than an old time matchbook. 

[72Nova]

I would furl them and if you decide too also, the yards will have to be lowered to be correct...food for thought!.

Michael D

[Bill97]

Michael on my previous builds of larger scale like the 1/96 USS Constitution and 1/96 Cutty Sark the instructions showed mounting points for the yards if with sails and lower points on the masts for without sails. There are clearly molded places on the mast for the two options. On my 1/144 Wasa there is only the one molded place on each of the masts for each yard. That is where I currently have them securely attached and somewhat initially rigged. If I was to try to lower them I would have to just randomly pick a spot where I think the yards would look correct on the masts for furrowed or without sails. I would also risk damaging the yards and mast trying to remove them now. So I guess to be accurate I am going to have to go with full sails or decide to be inaccurate and have furrowed sails on raised yards. Decisions decisions. 

[Bill97]

OK guys. It has been a while since my last Wasa post. I completed the standing rigging and the pre sails running rigging. I took some executive privilege in my rigging. The kit instructions for rigging was very limited with only a small amount indicated. I somewhat agreed with the limited amount because at this small 1/144 scale a lot of ropes (thread) criss crossing throughout could have become very crowded and distracted from the beautiful ship. I combined the instructions with rigging plans I have from other period builds I have to come up with my rigging plan. I used a dark brown (coke) thread in 3 different sizes for the standing rigging as well as the shrouds and ratlines. I used a tan thread (it looks almost white on pictures) in different sizes for the completed running rigging. I know my rigging falls short of being accurate but it makes for a pleasing model of the Wasa to be viewed by the untrained eye. I decided I do not enjoy rigging ships of this scale as much as larger ones. The masts and yards are much to fragile. I struggled getting the lines to be a little taught and not sagging because of there not being much resistance. So now on to making my sails. My plan is to furrow the lower sail on the foremast and mainmast. Then complete the remaining running rigging. 

[Moab]

What a beautifully crafted model. Congratulations!...Moab

[Bill97]

Thanks Moab. Appreciate the kind words. It has been a challenge and a pleasure. Not spoke with you before. Always enjoy meeting MSW members I have not talked to in the past. 

[72Nova]

Looking great Bill, at this scale even the simplified rigging is a challenge that you've handled quite well sir👍. I plan to do a full rig job on mine when the time comes, but do worry about accomplishing this at this scale.

Michael D

[Bill97]

OK rigging completed up to the point of adding sails and then finishing the running rigging. Placed her in the custom made case while she awaits me to complete making the sails. 
If you have followed any of my other builds you have seen my process for making sails. I continued using that process on the Wasa. I use the plastic sails that came with the kit as molds for my cloth sails. First I measure the distance between the lines on the sails and transfer that to plain white paper filling the entire sheet with the lines. Then I measure and layout the pattern for each sail on the paper matching the lines on the plastic sails to the lines on the paper. I then cut a section of antique cloth I have and line it the same way I did the paper. After making the paper patterns I cut them out and place them on the cloth matching the lines and outline them with pencil. Once I have the patterns on the cloth my wife hand stitches the lines to add the sewn canvas texture to the sails. Then I cut them out and using a mixture of diluted white glue I stretch them out over the plastic sails and paint them with the glue. Once they dry I will pop them off the plastic and have perfect billowed sails. I will then hit them with a little airbrush and have a final product much better than OOB plastic sails. 

[Bill97]

And then there were sails. Thinking about adding a little antiquing but not sure since the Wasa did not last long enough for the sails to get old!

[72Nova]

Those actually look pretty good Bill👍

Michael D.

[Bill97]

Hung sails on foremast and completed the foremast rigging. Opted to furl the bottom sail to make viewing the deck a little easier. Going to do the same with the bottom sail on the mainmast. Also hung the two sails on the bowsprit (?).  Will complete the rigging on it and start the sails on the mainmast next time I can spend some time. I really like the way it is coming along. I am actually surprised at how nice of a model it is at this smaller scale. 

[Bill97]

MY WASA IS FINISHED!!!!  I have completed the beautiful ship Wasa. Thanks to all my new friends on MSW for all your help, suggestions, recommendations, and encouragement. This was my first build at this smaller and more fragile scale. Also a build that required me to improvise and employ skills and techniques learned in previous builds. The rigging is not perfect and not completely accurate but I am happy with the outcome. Looks very good in the case I made for it. Thanks again everyone. Now on to my most ambitious build yet. The Heller 1/100 HMS Victory! 

[Baker]

Very nice work. 

Congrats 

[Jeff T]

Looks beautiful, Bill — congratulations!

[Bill97]

Thanks Jeff

[GrandpaPhil]

Nicely done!

[Ghost Wolf Draugrulfr]

On 2/22/2021 at 5:34 PM, Hubac's Historian said:

The 1:10 museum model at Vasa Museet remained unpainted for many years.  Eventually, micro-analysis of paint remaining in the ship’s timbers revealed her true colors.  You can not hope for a more historically accurate guide to painting the Vasa than the museum model, itself.

 

Fortunately, the AIRFIX kit is among the most finely detailed of all plastic sailing ship kits - at least, with regard to the sculpture work.

 

Although Rex chose to do her topsides in blue, he is a true professional who achieved remarkable results with detailing this kit:

 

https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/modified-airfix-1-144-scale-classic-series-wasa-c-1628.5559/

 

This is an indication of what is possible with some research and extra effort.

 

I wish you luck on your build, and look forward to watching it unfold.

I’ve read this post with great interest as I’ve just received mine in the post !! I have a Zvedza Icelandair 757-200 1:144 scale and the current main event is the kit I was denied as it’s too expensive for a plastic model, the Revell 04967 1:48 scale Lockheed SR-71 A BLACKBIRD !!! I’ve been taking my time to savour and get it as close to perfect as I can. As to back in the day as a teenager, my mums reply when it was asked every time I was in the model shop to get my next model, and more importantly, a much more difficult one to build getting my skill level up

 

I think ahe went out for my next birthday (it was my 13th-15th at the time) and bought a 1/72 scale wooden model of the Cutty Sark !!! I think she was trying to be as clever as possible but still reward me with a very big challenge and the kit was that and then some !! I was thrilled but it took me from March to Christmas to get it completed. My mum was very impressed when It was done. It’s still on display at their house in the living room display case….. Stunning kit and my favourite to date !!

 

Back to the WASA…. I’m going to go red I think as the details stand out more, especially the gold and background details too. The full colour scheme is going to be the toughest part of the painting I think. Any tips on how to make them as realistic as possible. I do have 16X magnifying glasses with a torch on top. I’ve used it to paint pictures and some easier kits too. I’ll keep you posted on all 3 kits & photos when they are done for some additional tips and tricks to perhaps get more details or accuracy too. Thanks for this post and look forward to the challenge !!!!!