HMS Sophie by TBlack - kit-bashing Jack Aubrey's first command from the Vanguard Models HMS Speedy

[Keith Black]

Tom, nice to see the space above Sophie's deck filling with line. 

[Ian_Grant]

On 12/7/2024 at 9:00 PM, TBlack said:

in this instalment I've rigged the futtock shrouds and staves for the main mast, the jeer block/tye assembly, and the truss pendants. Anchoring the trusses to the deck is no problem and accomplished. The jeers, however, create a problem. The instructions have them tied off to the bitt in front of the mast. Toni Levine, in her wonderful tutorial, has them treated like the trusses with blocks and hooks to eyes at the bottom of the mast. Haven't decided which way to go yet. In any event, I'm going to rig the gaff next. And the catharpins will follow.

Your truss pendants look a little odd to me. I don't see a nave line supporting them.....is it just the angle of the photo?

[TBlack]

Ian, I'm not sure I understand why you think a nave-line is necessary. In any event, I followed Toni Levine's tutorial on how to rig the truss pendants. My version is not as neat as hers, but it's all there.

Tom

[TBlack]

10 hours ago, Keith Black said:

Tom, nice to see the space above Sophie's deck filling with line. 

Keith, maybe getting a little too crowded. Once I get the lifts rigged I can sort out the spaghetti.

TB

[Ian_Grant]

5 hours ago, TBlack said:

Ian, I'm not sure I understand why you think a nave-line is necessary. In any event, I followed Toni Levine's tutorial on how to rig the truss pendants. My version is not as neat as hers, but it's all there.

Tom

I thought nave lines were equipped in British ships of the period, like on Victory, as described by Longridge; but after looking in Lees it seems not. Ah, the mysteries of rigging.

[TBlack]

I've added the lifts for the fore lower yard, not according to the plan, but following Delph's example. Having those afixed, and the yard square, it allows me to put tension on the rest of the lines on that yard. Then I can fasten them to the bitt on the deck.

[TBlack]

I forgot to add that in securing the lift lines at their belaying point, I used a tip from Delph. He threads the line through the belaying pin hole and then inserts the belaying pin. Once the coil of line is draped over the pin you can't see how the line is really secured.

[Ian_Grant]

That's a great idea!

[Keith Black]

8 hours ago, TBlack said:

He threads the line through the belaying pin hole and then inserts the belaying pin. Once the coil of line is draped over the pin you can't see how the line is really secured.

 That's also the way I do mine. Doing it this way also allows you to put as much tension on the line as you want to without worry about the tension being released. 

[TBlack]

10 hours ago, Keith Black said:

 That's also the way I do mine.

Another family tradition?

[Keith Black]

Tom, wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

[TBlack]

And the same to you, dear brother!

[TBlack]

Further update: I've added the lifts to the main yard and can sort out and pull taught all the attendant lines which is good, as it was getting to be a bit of a rats nest under the top. Also, rigged the main and preventer stay. I think I'm going to turn my attention to ratlines next.

[Keith Black]

 It seems like that every build I follow, everyone is tying ratlines. It's like a ship modelers ragweed season. 

[TBlack]

Been awhile, but I have 2 excuses: I absolutely hate doing ratlines and there have been some health issues. Nevertheless, the lower ratlines are done:

Terrible photo, but take my word for it that they are done. I want to add crows feet next, but then realized that this early kit does not include euphroe blocks. So I have to make my own. Not my favorite task. Stay tuned, if you have the patience.

Tom

[Keith Black]

Tom, I like the ratlines but I hate hearing about your health issues. My prayers go out dear brother. 

[TBlack]

Keith, Eric, Nothing too serious (not like the Pope), but the flu which caused all kinds of ancillary issues. And it seems like it takes weeks to recover when it used to be days! Anyway thanks for the concern.

Tom

[Keith Black]

33 minutes ago, TBlack said:

the flu which caused all kinds of ancillary issue

 Tom, I caught the flu the first week in January and finally fully recovered the third week of February. It was crazy, I thought that I may have caught Covid but never got tested. Whatever it was it was nasty so my heart goes out to you. 

[Srenner]

Hi Keith- im up to rigging the truss pendants... where is toni's tutorial found? On this website?

[TBlack]

Eureka! The kit does include euphroe blocks. I was looking in the wrong place. As I've mentioned, I'm following Delph's excellent log of the Speedy and he told me where to look.....it's a PE piece not a wooden piece:

OK, so now the question is, if there are 9 holes in the block, how many holes in the mast top? Is it 18, 9 on a side?

And Srenner I've sent you a message to help you find Toni's tutorial.

[Ian_Grant]

Yes. nine a side. Each euphroe hole has to connect to a hole on the top each side of centre.