Sovereign of the Seas by Denis R - FINISHED - Mantua - 1:78 scale

[DenPink]

Hi Kevin

I just had a look at the  calico that I have washed twice ( but not ironed yet ) and also got one of the SOS sails out so I can compare the two, I would have to say the calico is only just a bit thicker than the SOS sails ( like I said not ironed yet ).

As the larger sails will be cut down to 1 third of the SOS sails I don't think there will be a problem with the weight of the new calico.

So going on what you are saying the calico may be a medium weight.

I can send you a sample if you like.

 

Denis.

[Kevin]

thank you, but at the moment i am not contemplating purchasing the material, just looking but thank you for the offer anyway

[popeye the sailor]

gee Denis.......going through your log,  I get the feel of the old addage......"we are our own worst critics".   but the pictures tell a different story all together....you've actually done a very nice looking build    the price you paid for the kit......the way you handled the printed laid out decking {other folks would have had a cow over that},  the problems with the stern windows and how the transon shell seems to cover them over quite nicely,  ........the life boat issue.......the hand rails  {I like them, by the way}......among other pratfalls you've encountered.  you've faired them well and made them shine.......the overall build is superb.   I look at all of that brass decoration in awe.......very well done! 

 

I have seen your build on the old MSW.......I knew I had seen your name before.......so glad to see your back.  it's been hard,  finding and setting up my old watch list.........I know your build was among them.  now that I have commented,  it is back in my list......I can now enjoy as you finish this fine lady.........it's the eye candy that makes me fat and happy! 

[DenPink]

Hi Popeye

Thank you for them words.

Like you said we are own worst critics  ,

 

Denis

[DenPink]

Hi All

I said I was going to have a go at making the sails.

Well my sewing machine arrived the other day.

This is the start of the Foremast yard sail, as all the sails are going to be furled I have cut it down to 60 cm + 10 cm on each side for the hem .

The original sail is 150 cm.

Just got to find the nerve to sew it now ha ha .

 

Denis

[DenPink]

Hi All

Sorry I am back but forgot to say I have not cut the lower hem off yet as I wish to know what yard they go on.

Will cut them off when the time comes.

 

Denis.

[popeye the sailor]

are you good at ironing as well.  I've never done the furled sail approach.  I can't quite remember which line actually does the haul,  whether it's the bunt or leech lines,  but on a ship this size,  I wonder if it's doable to portray this operation being done.  however you do this Den........it's going to look sweet on the build.    one thing I have learned though,  is the fold materal should be a bit shorter,  in order to make a narrower hem.  the ends should also be beveled,  so it will mate the following folds without overlap.

[DenPink]

Hi Brian.

No I have not used any of the ropes supplied with the kit at all.

Got all the ropes from Modellers Shipyard in Australia v his outlet in NZ.

All materials like glue, wood and rope come from them.

I have to say they are a good shop to deal with.

 

Denis

[DenPink]

Hi Brian

Don't quote me on this OK.

But I think Gary ( Modellers Shipyard )  wanted an outlet in NZ ,

So Model ship Supplies started to supply  materials + kits from Modellers Shipyard Australia.

And I have got to say Tony ( Model Ship Supplies ) is so helpful you could not wish for a better supplier in NZ.

 

Denis

[DenPink]

Hi All

I said I was going to have a go at making my own sails.

But before I carry on I would like to take my hat off to all the ladies and gentlemen that can master the art of sewing.

 

This is my first attempt, its the fore mast top sail ( thought I would try a small sail first ) I have to stain and stitch a bulk rope to the top of the sail, after that stitch the sail to the yard then furl it.

 

Denis.

[popeye the sailor]

they are actually really fun to make,  once you've done a couple.  looks pretty good Denis

[DenPink]

Hi Popeye

Thank you, I will not give up on the sail making as when my wife got home from work I said will you have ago as I am making a bit of a mess of this, she said you are on your own its your build get on with it ( bugger ) ha ha.

 

Denis.

[popeye the sailor]

can't get mine to do it either    I might suggest though,  that if it's at all possible,  to make all the sails before you start working with them.

     you may find that,  as you get more comfortable with making them......you might become dissatisfied with the first ones you made,  and may elect to redo them.   it would be sad to hear that you had to tear anything apart

 

I need to get busy on the sails for my friend's bluenose.   I have them all cut out....they need to be sewn and treated with diluted white glue, to stiffen them up.   he lives in Canada.......and runs a plastic modeling forum.........he has cancer,  and has stopped working on the ship.

    one of these days,  I'll get surprised with a box in the mail.......long story

 

so,  yea,  I'm in the same boat as you are.......pretty much on my own with sail making........although,  she reserves the right to suggest colors ....hee....hee

[edmay]

 Hello Denis,glad to see your moving right along with your sails,a thimble aids and protects the fingers.thats the Admirals comments.How is the winter treating you,Edwin

[DenPink]

Hi Edwin

Long time no talk nice to see you back.

Been sorting mothers will out ( still going on and on ).

As you can see I have attempted to do my own sails, as well as getting all the deadeyes for the crows nest ready .

 

Talk to you soon my friend.

 

Denis.

[DenPink]

Hi all

Had a go at furling a sail last night.

 

This is the bowsprit yard and sail.

 

Denis.

[popeye the sailor]

you did a super job with the yard and sail..........it looks very nice     onward and upward

[DenPink]

Hi Popeye

Thank you.

But when I cut more sails out I think I will add an extra 20mm.

I cut them down to one third of the full sail, so will add the extra 20mm they should look a lot better.

 

Denis.

[Kevin]

well done- im watching your progress although i will have my wife doing the sewing, the shear dread of me even thinking of using her machine - lol

[DenPink]

Hi Kevin

What makes it worse is I had to purchase my own sewing machine  ha ha.

 

Denis.

[popeye the sailor]

I bought one for the admiral.........so far I've used it more than her :D      adding the extra materal would look good on the larger sails.

[mtaylor]

Denis,

 

Well done on the sail.  Looks very realistic.

[DenPink]

Hi Mark 

Thank you.

I am now working on the fore mast lower yard, the foot ropes are 30mm at the widest point.

The sail I made is only 45mm so will have to make a new one at about 60mm wide.

I will not scrap the sail, just cut the length down so it fits the next yard up.

 

Denis.

[edmay]

Hi Denis,I"m looking for a tailor to do some alterations,any chance HaHa,As they say in Aussie no worries,your sail look real good,shame on the Admiral,Good to see you. Edwin

[DenPink]

Hi Edwin

Answer no, no and no again, this is the first and last time at sewing ( do you want my sewing machine after I have finished ha ha   ).

I have asked the Admiral about 10 times to help me out but all I get is ON YOUR BIKE son shine.

 

Did you say you have the SOS ( as I am sure you said on one log that you have had it for 17 years , or am I wrong ).

 

Have you tried to put photos on yet !!!!!!.

 

Talk soon.

 

Denis.

[DenPink]

Hi All

Just stated putting the yards/sails on the foremast.

 

Denis.

[edmay]

Hello Denis, yes your right sos is on the shelf,no camera yet,very limited time at the moment, you know what I mean , but saving info from you and the sos builders,pretty soon will have a dockyard full of virtual eager builders,so thanks your build is first class.regards to the Admiral

[popeye the sailor]

super work Denis......you gotta love the jungle of ropes....until they are all tied down     nice!!!

[Kevin]

lovely work my friend

[DenPink]

Hi Popeye and Kevin.

Thank you I am doing the best I can  .

 

Denis