HMS Pegasus 1776 by Mirabell61 - FINISHED - scale 1:64 - 16-gun sloop

[Mirabell61]

I finaly managed to get my first thread posted in this "scratch build logs in Progress" and under way.
This is comprising the Swan Class Sloop Pegasus not from the kit, but by Amati / Victory Models plan, recently purchased from an Italian models distributer Internet shop. I also bought the etched brass Panels which carefully soldered in multylayer mode provide splended, satisfying results in 3D optic Appeal.

For this model in 1:64 scale I have the intention to leave about 40 % of the port side Hull and decks unplanked, to scale the correct heights of all the decks and to fit the interior cabins and other operation facilities. Inspired by ways admiralty model displayed sight into the hull, the starboard side shall be completly tidy-planked in 1 layer structural planking. all frames are made from 10 layer ply in complete thickness of 5,5 mm. This allows to cut very filigrane and to keep the hight between decks to scalewise fit the tallness of the 1:64 crew. Appropriate to the stage of building I started to document all details in digitilised Fotos and would like to share these step by step with forum users / model builders showing interest. (more to follow)
 
So here she goes......
(inclusive the first 10 pics)






 
the Frames are taken from copies Templates out of  the plan and fixed to 5,5 mm thick 10 layer ply10 , the rest is done by good old jigsaw cutting out. Notice appr. 30mm hight space between the 4 decks


 
this base-board enables a straight twistfree build of the hull


 
the Frames are extreme light, stiff and stong enough to withstand bending of stringers planking


 
the 1:64 figures I used for Demonstration have 28mm hight this would be 1,79m in reality, presuming the 18th century seamen  were smaller in those days, one I would recomend to use 25mm figures this in reality would be 1,60m









 
forestanding pics should be self explaining, but notice that the bow and the keel beam is only supplementory. In order to avoid the time intensive rabet-cutting, the final bow- and keel wood beams shall be fitted after planking. This will give a clean and tidy look, as if the planking were fitted very precisely into actual rabets.

I am seeking for means to edit the pictures with text explainations but find no "Editor" button, nor a "full Editor" one, allthough the pics seem to be in this post post, who can kindly help ?
 
Reload...., so finally I think it works with the editing and text for zthe pics.
At this stage my sincere thanks to all fellow members and Moderators who gave assistance in pushing out the boat !
 
So here follows the second lot of the build log Pictures and explainations

 



the beginning of placing stringers and first planking
 


importent step. Integrate at two places into the keel Little brick looking brass wedges with female M4 threads. These take up the stand bolts, M4, and allow secure model Display on stand, for later rigging purposes etc.






 
self explaining pics, notice the sidewise fixed reinforcements at the wedge positions
 


inspection hatch in cargo deck floor, to enable Access to bilge area
 




two impressions of the bow area
 


birds view of the keel Stern area, the Little pillars supporting the next higher decks, are from RB Models, Internet shop, in Polen
 
 
 
This is presenting the third lot in my build log.......
 

planking of starboard side is well under way. It comprises a single layer of 5, 6, and 8mm planking 1,5mm thick strips pf nutwood. Sanding down the outer roughnesses leaves about at least 1 to1,2 mm remaining thickness.
 

cargo base deck is mounted. To answer the question how decks are placed into the hull? Pls note that they shall be slipped in from above. Is is easy because the deck is of 0,8mm ply and preplanked with 1 x 3 mm Planks. The shaping and Fitting is done from cardboard templates. Here the "shipyard baseplate" could allready be removed, as the lightweight hull is very riged and free of windings.
 

Sbd side planked except for a few Planks where I Need Access to the interior. for those who are missing the square Little oar outcuts, pls note theat These will be cut in later on when the inner bullwark is being planked. I have bee able to avoid any gram of putty on the entire hull, because that would desturb naturak wooden optic.
 



startet with "aft platform" room set up, but placed this on the cargo floor Level, even here the portside floor is open, right down to the keel
 











showing the aft wall with the filling room inspection window




 
here the lower well area including the shot locker, and visable the inspection hatch for the bilge
 
Notice !
for interested forum users / members / staff, pls. be advised that this build-log shall be requently updated by editing this thread. If there is a better way of doing so, pls advise
 
Nils
 
This presents the fourth lot of my Pegasus build-log........
 
 



aft section with mizzenmast footblock

 

upper well containment and outcut in intermediate deck for hold Access. Here either a safety railing shall be fitted or a grating (same grating size as on the gundeck in above place)
 

aft staircase and grating
 

Tower of upper and lower well and shotlocker
 



here is an early Impression of how the unplanked port outcut shall look like
 

eartly view on to intermediate deck from aft poopdeck
 

the naval inspector has no objections so far. in the foreground the additional beams can be seen that rest on the strigers at appr. 3mm below decklevel, to allow appr. compensation in hight. 
 
 

one of the shipyard workers has just finished the days cleanup. Here it very nicely can be seen the 10 layer ply of the Frames, even though the total Frame thickness is 5,5mm only
 




intermediate deck, ready for completing the interior operation rooms (use cardboard templates). Note that for better viewing from the outside, all the portside rooms shall be left away (will be crowded enough afterwards)
 
 
Here comes the fifth lot for my Pegasus build-log
 
 

view to the aft half
 



view to the bow section quarters on cargo floor
 

open port side, opening still to be reduced a bit
 

preplanking of rthe intermediate deck
 

view without the upper decks
 

storage and Crew quarters in bow area
 

 
  
the target was at this building stage, not to compete with the fabulous 1:48 scale "swan class Sloops" and their builders introduced in this forum in any way, but just to please myself for transferring own idias into humble modeling results and in scale 1:64
 
Nils

[bhermann]

Welcome, Nils.  This is an interesting project you have started.  I will be following along as you go.

 

When you are writing a post, do you see a button labeled "More Reply Options" next to the "Post" button?  Clicking that will open the full editor and allow you to move pictures around in the post and get them next to the text.

 

If you don't see that button, we'll have to wait for someone with more experience than me to come in and explain what is going on .

 

Bob

[Mirabell61]

Hi Bob,

your advise is highly appreciated, I gues we got it now, many thanks... I´ll try with the next bunch of issues

 

Nils

[mtaylor]

Interesting project, Nils.  I'll follow along.    Question for you: won't planking the decks be more difficult after you've planked the outside?  Or are those planks just for support?  

[Kevin]

i will be following this project with interest, but have noticed that the stringers will possibly hinder any internal work you have planned and they also looks like they have taken quite an acute angle on the bow, thats how it appears to me looking at the photo, 

 

all the best 

[Mirabell61]

Interesting project, Nils.  I'll follow along.    Question for you: won't planking the decks be more difficult after you've planked the outside?  Or are those planks just for support?  

Hi Mark,

no, not in this case, remember the preplanked decks are basicly from 0,8mm ply, flexable and only appr. 3/4 the width, so they can be sliped in from above, (even the Long gundeck !). You shall see later on in the build log. also on the planked starboard side I left away 3 Planks on decklevel until the decks is fitted and permanently fixed. Works very well.

 

Nils

 

Interesting project, Nils.  I'll follow along.    Question for you: won't planking the decks be more difficult after you've planked the outside?  Or are those planks just for support?  

[Mirabell61]

i will be following this project with interest, but have noticed that the stringers will possibly hinder any internal work you have planned and they also looks like they have taken quite an acute angle on the bow, thats how it appears to me looking at the photo, 

 

all the best 

 

 

i will be following this project with interest, but have noticed that the stringers will possibly hinder any internal work you have planned and they also looks like they have taken quite an acute angle on the bow, thats how it appears to me looking at the photo, 

 

all the best 

Hi Kevin,

you`ll see later on in the build log, that the Position of the stringers follow the deck line Levels ( appr 3mm lower), next to giving the hull rigid stiffness they provide laying on of additional Support beams under the decks. The angles at bow create no Problems at all.

 

Nils

[rdsaplala]

Hello Nils,

 

This is a very interesting project you're working on, I will follow with great interest

[Mirabell61]

Hello Nils,

 

This is a very interesting project you're working on, I will follow with great interest

 

Hi Aldo,

so you´re´also working on the "Pegasus" but from the Amati kit. I found this quite expensive and therefor started with the plan the etched parts, the nice Little resin namegiving gallion figure. Purchasing wood, paints, glues, tools, etc, there also sums up quite a lot for me as well. Usually I do not build from kits, but since I came across this wonderfull Forum and having a good built model in mind that bares all my intended specialities, I found so many insperations from the fellow modelers build-logs in the Forum, so I got started in April this year. Builders that prefer to stick to the kit may find some Features strange, but that is the spice in the soup isnt it ? My building -log is nearly being edited and updated daily.

How far did you get to date

 

Nils

[mtaylor]

Nils,

 

I'd like to suggest that rather then "edit" the first post, just drop to the bottom of the page click in the "Reply to this topic" box.  The comments from us will then be interspersed with your steps in building.  It will give the buildlog a better flow.

 

Anyway, you've done an excellent job on building this ship so far.

[Mirabell61]

Mark

 

many thanks for this good advice, I shall follow your suggest straight away when posting the 6th + 7th lot of my build-log. It is also nice to know there is

an extra helping Moderator`s eye open ready to give assistance when necessary and to keep the log at smooth run. I had to look up the word "interspersed" and now learnt something to my vocabluary. Pls. excuse my english and perhaps the spelling, if it does not allways hit the nail in the Center, but I hope that to date my build-log was understandable for all that are following it.

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

following Mark`s advice here are the continuing sections 6 and 7 of my Pegasus build-log

 

 

here at the sternplate there are horizontal openings, this is where I find Counter Position for placing the clamps during planking. Also when the decks are slipped in through the Frames from above, the deck can be pushed out rear to appr. 1/3 of ist length til the front part flushes into the correct Level. Then push back the deck bowwards

 

 

 

The naval inspector angerly does not approve cardboard interior.....

 

 

several bukheads have to be planked from both sides and equiped with vent openings in the 18 century type doors

 

 

the gratings are prefixed with Framework and then fitted into the appr. deck positions. Tight fit, so they need not permanently be glued in

 

 

I Chose for interior the natural Woods pine for decks and walls, mahagony for frames, buche(german Name)for pillars, boxwood for stairs

 

around the upper well area have to be carefull not to dammage the venetian Lamellen of the Containment

 

it must have been about 25 doors fixed in the total of the visual walls in corridors and side cabin rooms. Note that the portside interior has been left away to enable sight from above and exterior

 

one of the front bulkheads ( from the cargo deck floor to the intermediate deck above

 

I know this Looks a Little bit like Finnish Sauna, but it`s not too fancy, so the 18th century in Crew quarters sends greetings, and the Budget of the admiralty is running low, because most of it has been spent on the five swan class vessels Prior to this build

Edited November 25, 2017 by Mirabell61

[Kevin]

wow - that all looks fantastic

[jaerschen]

Hi Nils,

 

a very interest build do you show us. The internal fitting is looking great.

It seems you have much experience in model building

[Mirabell61]

Section 7 of my Pegasus build-log......

 

 

 

here it can be seen that the Access when working from above is still reatively easy, even in scale 1:64

 

 

 

this is the first sample 6 pounder I put roughly together to check dimentions, positions. The best suitable gunbarrels and carriages I found at RB-Models Webshop. They provide even Little kits, every modellist shall modify anyhow..... here I fitted splints into the axises and brass hoops around the wheels, further improvement pending

 

 

 

the hight of gunbarrel passing through gunport hatch is OK straight away, the Barrels are 32 mm long (6 pounders)

at this stage ´m not quite sure if I should apply chemical blackening to the brass parts

 

 

from abone sight is given (portside) right down to keel and cargodeck floor

The portside gun supportbeam-rails have not been fitted Jet

 

looking aftwards we find the pantry established rear of the upper well Containment, in the foreground is a removable grating over the hold hatch in the intermediate deck. The opening shall be secured by a brass railing and left open later on

 

 

looking into the pantry room from above

 

this also gives an Impression of the single layer planking edge (appr. 1,3mm after sanding the outside

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[rdsaplala]

Hi Aldo,

so you´re´also working on the "Pegasus" but from the Amati kit. I found this quite expensive and therefor started with the plan the etched parts, the nice Little resin namegiving gallion figure. Purchasing wood, paints, glues, tools, etc, there also sums up quite a lot for me as well. Usually I do not build from kits, but since I came across this wonderfull Forum and having a good built model in mind that bares all my intended specialities, I found so many insperations from the fellow modelers build-logs in the Forum, so I got started in April this year. Builders that prefer to stick to the kit may find some Features strange, but that is the spice in the soup isnt it ? My building -log is nearly being edited and updated daily.

How far did you get to date

 

Nils

 

 

Wow! you build fast, Nils, I really envy you, I started my work almost a year ago and I've only gotten as far as planking the outside of the hull.

Very nice details there, she's looking great.

Edited July 19, 2013 by rdsaplala

[Mirabell61]

Aldo

the keellaying was in April this year, we now are nearly 4 months later I asume that would adequate for the build Status provided one has the time to do so. But I am retired from work and took up ship modeling again. The reason it Looks like speedy session Basis on the fact that I started issuing buildlog Posts out of my photo documentation just a few days ago.

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

8th lot of my Pegasus buildlog......

 

note, the sternpost has been sanded down to half its width Prior to planking, so final width after planking and sanding is at average 4,5mm`, trust that the rudder shall later on be of this thicknness at it`s widest thickness

 

the 3 mm width planking of deck and walls are identical (3mm x 64=192mm in reality, seems realistic, being about 1,5 width of the sailors shoes). By the way, all Deck and wall planking edges are charcoaled by means of a soft pencil. This gives the tarline effect regarless to thickness even after sanding

 

allthough many wooden structural parts, the hull is of remarkable low weight and still stiff and rigid

 

selfexplaining view

 

view aftwards, now in foreground the sailroom has been added, behind are grating on hold hatch, Upper well housing and pantry. On starboard side traffic corridors, sailorcrew and marinesoldiers accomodations. Between upper well and pantry (here not visable) a staircase goes down to the cargo floor. This may be the main trafficway for fast Access from the filling room (under the waterline) via aft staircase in the intermediate deck up to the gundeck

 

same Features with view from top, aft

 

birds view intermediate deck nearly complete.......

 

the sailroom space seems to be limited, but could not be increased due to spaces between surrounding facilities

 

interior staircases fitted with railings to increase safety in battle and when ship is rolling

 

again intermediate naval inspection..., the officer means that in a far future a day will come, where even the stairs will have to equiped with handrails

 

 

at this Moment I have`nt made up my mind yet if I should apply coppering, White "Antifouling Appeal" that allows the plank and grain structure to be recognised, or nothing of both.

Would appreciate any fellow builders coments on this....

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

here are prepared lot 9 + 10 of my Pegasus buildlog.........

 

 

 

front area downward staircase

 

here the safety railing for the holdhatch in the intermediate deck is fitted. The grating of the gundeck hatch shall fit here as well

 

the freshwater Barrel with halflid and large spoon finds it`s place on portside next to the sailroom

 

self explaining.....

 

upper well Containment with 4 chainpump tubes and bottom base for the pump discharge boxes

 

Sailroom as well as pantry have Ventilation blinds fitted

 

chainpump boxes with chainwheel covers, slide Panels at dischargeports and drainplugs at lowest Point. Also the rum-Barrel with tap is waiting for first filling

 

the rum-Barrel finds it`s place starboard of the mizzenmast Position in the officers quarter of the intermediate deck

 

starting with the gundeck

 

gundeck from pine-planked 1 x 3mm strips on 0,8mm ply Basis. The deck will be slipped in from above as I described earlier in this log

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

lot 10 of my Pegasus buildlog.....

 

 

doing positioning check on gundeck

 

hatch entry of front downward staircase. Belaying pin rack from RB- Models modified with brass rollers in both Posts

 

self explaining....

 

looking at both cargo and intermediate deck view through portside outcut

 

because of no later possible Access to the eyelets above deck all such Points have to be safely countered. the brass pins I use have large enbossed flathead, are very priceworthy at Ebay, are available in different lengths and differ from 0,5mm to 0,8mm in wire Diameter, depending on where they shall be fitted. gun-carriage eylets have 0,5mm diam. whereby the gun deck and bulwark-tackles shall be of 0,8mm. Fitting goes together with inner bulwark planking later on

 

self explaining

 

this Status of the gundeck does not hinder the slipping in from above, due to it`s flexibility

 

These wonderfull milled capstans (in propper scale !) are also RB models Inetnet shop product. under the grating aft of the chainpump boxes the rear staircase runs down from gundeck to intermediate deck

 

how to Position the portside guns and their tackle when there is no deck........

 

port of the main hatch grating I needed an extra Little deckextention to place the appr. eyelet tacklepoints. The gun is not permanently fitted yet, only for Position check

 

 

 

At this stage I am thinking of how doing best the Aft quarter badges in order not to ruin the beautifull etched brass parts, shall probably provide solution in the next lot

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

I have a question to fellow modellists and Moderators....

 

this picture I borrowed from the web is showing the Amati resin gallion figure of the Pegasus in 1:64 scale. I bought this but would definately prefer to a Version in brass or other metal casting or so. Does someone know where to contact ?

having an Special Investment casting made fron a waxmodel would probably turn out very expensive, and I have been searching the web in vain for a metal made ( like metal necklace charm, keyholder charm, or so....) Little Pegasus that could be modified to suit. and hopefully in an appropriate scale.

Regards,

 

Nils

 

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

Part 11 of my buildlog.....

 

 

raw build, ready for Fitting the brass decoration

 

etched brass parts and celloloid windowpanels fitted

 

selfexplaing

 

sorry for Picture Quality with this one

 

backside of badges

 

pic taken before outcut in the aft planking was done

 

pic taken through Stern window outcut of masters cabin

 

rough Version of portside still without wales placed

 

sanding of starboard hull side completed. It seems there is no  square cm that is not somehow sphericly shaped

 

some (trial) modification soldered to 6 pounder gunbarrel

 

 

 

 

The next buildlog section shall present how the bowpost extentions, the outer keelbeams and the sternpost are fixed to the hull

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

Part 12 of my buildlog.....

 

portside also sanded and upper waleplank fitted (edges pre blackend)

 

selfexplaining

 

planked hull with upper wale Planks bothsides

 

this is the extent ouf outcut in the portside hull

 

the sectional gundeck is allready placed and view to aft staircase as well as the downward stairs between upper well and pantry (covered by grating)

 

the round hole in the gundeck in front of the aft grating takes up the axis of the gundeck capstan

 

a few planking details

 

badge window outcuts made and the lower waleplanking added

 

I`m quite pleased with the results for the optic Appeal because i di`nt cut rabbet bettings into keel and bowpost Prior to planking in the applied scale 1:64

Edited March 26, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

Hi Swan Class shipbuilders

 

I have a question with the rowing of a 300 tons displacement vessel... in lack of wind

...who please would like to share his / her Knowledge in describing how a ship like this was moved by rowing. The Amati / Victory Models plan Shows 6 openings for oars on each side, therefore would asume the ship should be carrying at Maximum 12 heavy type oars somewhere. These must have been quite Long, so by limited space on board where were they stowed away during sail sessions ? How many men per oar, how did they find sit positions on the gundeck ?, any Special spheric bearings to stick them through ?, In my mind there is somewhere stll the picture as to the Ben-Hur Film with slaves in chains.

Would very much appreciate any Input on the swan class rowing

 

Nils

[robboxxx]

I think it is safe to forget the Ben Hur picture of rowing chained slaves. They were also not seated but standing (edit: on the Swan class ship). And yes that were some large and heavy oars.

Edited July 21, 2013 by robboxxx

[Mirabell61]

Hi Rob

Tanks for your response, of corse  you recognized the jokie about the chained slaves...

but at this time I unfortunately ca`nt afford the David Antscherl publications and would highly appreciate any Input i.e. about how These oars had been inserted at the bulwark pivet Points, If not into the unbuffered square litte bulwark outcuts. I gues they would`nt have used 12 oars at a time, and where could These oars be stowed away ( perhaps next to spare mastparts next  or under the cutter?). This is really not so important it was just going round in my mind.

 

Nils

[Blue Ensign]

Hello Nils, what a fascinating approach to building Pegasus working up the full frames from the Amati bulkhead drawings, no mean feat.

 

What did you use as reference for the internal fittings which of course are not given in the Amati plans? but which add such interest to your build.

 

I note that you have added metal rims to the trucks of your gun carriages and lifting bars (Dolphins) to the guns. You may of course be adopting a stylistic approach to aspects of your build, which is fine, but those features were not actually fitted to British naval guns of the period, if you are seeking an historical approach.

 

An appealing build Nils, I will follow your progress with much interest.

 

Regards,

 

B.E.

[Mirabell61]

Hello B.E.

I would have liked answering to your Christian Name, obviously not known to the Forum comunity to date, but never the less highly appreciate and thank you in finding helpfull advice from such a knowledgable and talented  british naval ship model specialist. I thank you for your comments and confirm that you senced a bulls-eye hit for the intentions I may have had had along with this build. I picked the Swan Class vessel type because I fell in love with the lines, the not too difficult skill Level, the size it shall take in an selfmade glasscasing afterwards,  the reasonable Prices for Amati plan and the high precision Quality of the etched part Panels. I then started seeking Input , by doing so, also came across this superb Forum and was so lucky to find even detailed buildlogs of high skilled fellow builders. New to me was to see builds even in scale 1:48. So the idia was Born to, implement impressions of what (that could possibly be adopted to scale 1:64) should find into my own build. Unfortunately I found no literature nor publications on the internal Fittings. So what you see from my Pictures is referenced to notes I made when sighting These lovely open hull buildlog sequences I admire so much. I never had any layout plans for the individual decks except the Amati ones displaed in the plan. Usually I prefer scratch build Projects, so studying the Amati plan gave the innitial kick-off.

Also many thanks for your comments on the british naval gun Features, and please if you would`nt mind, I would appreciate  If you would kindly feel free drop a line whenever you like, if you should see Major deviations to historic Approach in the further sequences of my build. As the gun from the Pictures is only a Trial one and my mind was free to pickup impressions of naval guns out of the web, the protyp was made basicly for dimentional checks. I also intend to provide full sails rigging, knowing that my experience with recent tallship rigging i did is a different Story compared to 18 century rigging. So I`m starting to seek like a sponge for Input on this Feature as well.

Regards

 

Nils

[mtaylor]

Nils,

 

You are a fast worker and a very precise one at that.  Only been building this since April????  That is fast.

 

As for Swan Class... Seawatch Books has a 4 volume set of books by David Antscherl and Greg Herbert on this class of ships.  This is where all (I think) of the Swan class scratchbuilders got their plans. 

 

For rigging, you might consider IV.  as that has everything you might want to know about rigging the Swan class.

[Mirabell61]

Mark

again many thanks for your advice concerning "Swanies" publications I shall do some digging in the web.

Yes, the keellaying of my build was 3rd April this year, but as I mentioned to Aldo in my reply some days ago, fortunately after my retirement I have the time to work in more or less steady flow. I`m intending to drop in one or two more reply Posts on my buildlog during the day

 

 

Nils