US Brig Niagara by milosmail - Model Shipways - 1:64

[milosmail]

I am restarting my build log. I had to suspend construction in 2019 for various reasons,  2 knee surgeries, covid, etc., etc.

I don't know how to or if my old build  is still available, but let's start from here.

Hull is completed and painted. I built the deck with nibbing strakes. Starting on cannons.

Pictures will follow (Iphone not cooperating today). 

PS: I build at a slow pace so posts will not be regular. I got a plaque from NRG stating "Tain't a hobby if you got to hurry" and that is my motto.

[GGibson]

Hello Steve!  I was actually doing a search on the term "nibbing", and your post popped up, so was reading it.  Hope your knee surgeries went well! I had both knees replaced at same time back in 2012.  Rehab was hell, but was definitely worth it.

 

Best wishes on your USS Niagra restart... and I love your motto! 

 

Gregg

[milosmail]

Thanks for the comments. I am posting photos and some technique today.

 

[milosmail]

OK, second try...first draft vanished.

 

I'm discussing how I planked my Niagara deck with nibbing strakes. I read several techniques found online and on UTube, and I settled on the discussion written up by an individual found under the url of "jimdab.com", dated Feb. 17, 2013.  Then, I decided to try a technique which I believe made the process much simpler than direct planking onto the hull frames. I have not found any reference to someone else using this technique, but for me it worked well. I wanted the deck wood to be lighter than the kit supplied basswood, so I purchased a bundle of 1/16x3/16 holly strips  as well as a 3in. wide sheet of 1/16 holly for fabricating the nibbing strakes. (These came from Hobbymill, which is no longer in business, too bad as he made excellent product.) I also purchased a 1/64 thick sheet of birch ply to use as a foundation. 

I started by making a template of the deck area from the blueprint on drafting paper (see photo). Along with getting an accurate shape, I was also able to mark the position of various deck furniture for later installation. I used this to draft an outline of the deck area inside the waterways onto the sheet of 1/64 birch plywood. I cut this out with my table jig saw, and checked the fit inside the waterways of the actual hull. I found the port side was a nearly perfect fit, but the starboard side was a bit wider at midships than the plywood cutout (hull was slightly wider). 

Next I needed to make the actual nibbing strakes. I used the outline of the waterways scrap wood (found on my billet WP4640-24), from which the waterways had been removed, and traced the holes onto the sheet of 1/16 holly I had purchased. I cut these out roughly on my table jig saw, and refined the shape (and width) using my belt sander to conform with the installed waterways, making them slightly narrower in the process.  Now I had a set of strakes which I attached to the birch, and in the process I was able to adjust for the slightly larger starboard midships girth. This whole process took very little time. So, off I went starting at the centerline, using the approach described in jimdab.com, to notch the nibbing strake and shape the nose of each plank. I didn't do a prefect job, but got better as I went along. Note that the first 8 planks along the centerline do not notch into the nibbing strakes. 

I deviated from the plans in one respect. The plans discuss and prints show the deck planks tapering from midships toward the stern. I suspect, with no authority, that this was not the way the actual original Niagara deck was built. I decided to use the nibbing strake approach on the aft end of the planks as well, and this worked out well. Only the final plank outboard one each side required special fitting due to the curve of the hull. Once completed, I fitted the planked deck to the hull with no problems. I do plan to cut out the holes for the masts before I glue the deck down, but for now I am focused on making carronades....lots of little, little parts on each gun. More on that later.

 

OH, and a PS: do not install the cap rails (see manual step 11) before you install the deck if you use this approach. Probably it will not fit with the main rails installed.

Edited May 1, 2022 by milosmail
oversight

[milosmail]

Well, on to carronades. This is a time consuming, repetitive task.  I built one first to develop my approach. See attached photo (it still needs some paint touchup). There is nothing really tricky here, but you have to do everything 18 times! So, I work on them about an hour or so every day, most days, and I should be done in another week. Clean up cannon, rollers and mounts, prime and paint, cleanup and paint the carriages, make the Quoins and paint (I used straight stiff black wire for handles), etc. I assembled carriages, added rollers, mounted the eyebolts, fabricated straps from some styrene strips and attached.

I did make a 'crafty' set of the curved metal bands found on the front of the carriage by scanning the shape found on the plans, and using Photoshop I created a sheet of duplicates of this image. I printed on a sheet of card stock, blackened the backside of each band with a fat felt tip pen, and then cut them out with an eXacto knife. Finally, I used a pin through the paper, and attached with superglue. 

[milosmail]

OK, carronades and guns all done. Pretty straight job, but very repetitive. I had previously built the three ships cabins, and I was viewing locations when it occurred that the capstan probably would not have been located there on the original ship. Or there would not have been three cabins (more likely). The capstan, in it's current location, would be unusable, what with the two cabins next to it. They are probably an accommodation to the modern use.

So, I plan to only mount one cabin (maybe two) in locations where the capstan would have been functional, and possibly relocate the capstan farther aft. As no one really knows the deck layout, and I am trying to make changes more realistic to the likely configuration (hopefully), I am also planning to construct one ships boat (not 2), and show it stored between the masts. I think the number and location of the two ships boats is based on a coast guard requirement for a modern operating vessel.

So, I am not building to the configuration of the modern vessel, but perhaps closer to that found in 1812. This ship is very close in design to the Syren (1803) in appearance, and I am using it for some guidance.

Comments welcomed. Thanks all.

[milosmail]

Just a quick post. I can only put about an hour a day into the ship, and even less while I wait for paint to dry. So, ship should be finished by about 2100AD I figure.

More seriously, I am marching along with deck furniture. I found it useful to make separate copies of each of the mini-builds found on sheet 3. I have the large sheet posted in my work room, but I found it tiresome to constantly get up to measure or check something. I also copied the 4 'hull' prints (exterior, 2 interior, overhead) and have them available as needed. Many, many parts and pieces in this portion of the build. Working on the ship's bell today. Did the rudder and tiller yesterday, but I will hold off installation until all else is done on the hull (for fear of breaking the rudder off).

By the way, I took a look at the metal galley stack today for the first time. Very strange shaped part. Does anyone know of an alternate source, or can someone provide recommendations for a scratch build???

PS: I also have shaped one of the ship's boats, and will be moving on to finishing with wood filler, some paint and adding it's furniture while I wait for paint or glue to dry on the hull. Ultimately, I plan to only build one of the two, and store it on deck over the main grate. I think the location found on the 'real' ship today is an accommodation to Coast Guard safety requirements.

[milosmail]

I never realized how much detail is present on the deck. Putting in only an hour a day or so tells me 1)it will be New Years of 2024 before this part is done; and 2) I need to find a way to spend more time on it. 

I have completed cannons, capstan, bell, stairs, cabins, tiller, and coamings. I still need to add grates or deck covers to the coamings, and to build the water pump. I am also working on one of the ship's boats as well. I have it shaped and I am proceeding with puttying to smooth out interior. Someone pointed out that most of the interior is covered by details, so I don't plan to spend much time on this. I am only building one cutter complete with all gear, as I plan to store it on deck over the main grate. And I still need to glue in the deck I fashioned, and install the rudder

and the cap rails.

This leads to the whole question of authenticity: The current ship is a replica of the original with accommodation to coast guard safety and navigation requirements. From what I have read, the ships on Lake Erie were quickly built, expected to have short lives, and were not fitted out for long cruises. I am trying to make something closer (hopefully) to the real 1812 product. So, it is highly unlikely the cutters were stowed on davits in the quarter area, but rather stored, stacked, over the main grate. If stored upright, they would have been covered with canvas presumably, to keep them dry. Likewise I am pretty sure there were no or maybe just one aft cabin. Keeping the deck clear was most efficient in battle. By the same token, why would there be hammock nets on the ship? From all I have read, the intent was for the fleet to sail out to battle, and then return to port each day, or stay out only 2-3 days.

 

By the way, there is a great YouTube video about the overall history and battles on Lake Erie and environs in the 1812/13 period. The British ships at one point were docked in a harbor so close to that of the Niagara that an alert crewman could see the sails when they departed (and probably visa versa).  The YouTube video is in a collection  of naval videos done by a British historian (albeit mostly WW1 and WW2) and you can find it with a search for Drachinifel. The title is 'War of 1812 - Freshwater Edition'.

 

Well, back to the minutia!

[Tom E]

Hi Steve, 

 

There's no rush on these models in my eyes. Take your time.

I've been working on my Niagara for just short of 5 years. But I'm generally a slow builder anyways. 

If I was retired, sure I would have more time and probably work quicker. 

 

Slow and steady will produce a fine ship.

I really liked your idea with the card stock for the metal piece on the front of the carronade sleds.

Wish I knew that trick! I only painted mine on. 

As towards the "authenticity" of Niagara, that's a loaded question. 

Some builders are all about hardcore historical authenticity; I just want to produce a good looking model.

I know for a fact that my version of Niagara is not all the way "historically" correct. Doubt I could even do that, I'm not that good of a builder!

 

I look forward to your updates.

 

Tom E 

 

[milosmail]

Thanks, Tom. I did not intend to imply that mine would be historically accurate, as I am not qualified in any way to say what is 'authentic'. I know this can be a touchy subject with some folks. What I said was only in the way of discussing what I plan to do (right or wrong), and maybe get some feedback from those who might know more.

[Cathead]

I enjoyed visiting this ship a few years ago, even though the guide wasn't well-informed. Looks you have the makings of an attractive model, the carronade looks nice.

[milosmail]

Thanks, Eric. I try (boy do I try). Sometimes I have to build the same thing several times to get it right. But, I'm not in a hurry.

Edited September 15, 2022 by milosmail

[oldmate]

Yes I have put this kit on the shelf for far too long. Guess I should think about it again.

 

[milosmail]

Quick update: I have been muddling along since my last post in September. I have assembled the various pieces of deck furniture, and finished off the rudder - which was more of a project than expected. I will hold off installing it till I finish with exterior fittings (mounting points for various items, etc.) Furniture was uneventful, except for the (*^&^%$%) bell. I had to build this simple assembly three times, and mounting the bell was a real challenge. Why couldn't they supply one with stirrup at the top. I didn't have the tools to dril a hole, but I finally got an acceptable piece by judicious use of thread and super glue.. I thought the pump would be the big challenge, but it turned out to be very simple; using plastic strip for the 'metal' bands simplified the whole thing.

I'm on to drilling holes for the gun tackle. I built the jig created by 6ohiocav in his build. Makes the process of drilling over 100 holes for 18 guns a simple and quick process.

Speaking of gun (ports), why are there two on the stern? And, did they really exist? Any gun rig in that location would have greatly interferred with use of the tiller. I notice the plans do not include any indication of gun tackle there. Anyone know why the modern Niagara has these ports?

I'm not sure I'm going to rig all the carronades. I will put a breech line on each unit, fully rig a couple, and the cannons as well. Still debating if I want to rig them all. So much for accuracy on my part. But then, it's MY Niagara...

I will post some pictures shortly.

Well, back to installing eyebolts....

 

[milosmail]

I am at the point of installing the deck permanently, along with the furniture and cannon. Rudder will go on as well. I have decided to install only one cabin, although I built all three. I suspect (with no authority) that the original ship had only one, if even that. I originally thought the cabins would interfere with actual use of the windlass, but I have seen models of several other ships in this perriod where the windlass likewise was very near a cabin. I can only assume that, by using long poles, crew were able to circle without interference. 

Also, the tiller... Is the tiller on the current ship reinforced, or does it have a power assist below decks? My sailing experience in strong winds says that such a narrow pole as found on the model would break like a twig, especially with the blocks providing 2 or 3x purchasing power. At any rate, I plan to place a metal band at the top of the rudder post, and another where the blocks attach to the tiller. 

I'm nearly to that point where I can start mast/bowsprit construction. I splurged, and purchased a Preacc wood lathe to shape these parts. I'm looking forward to trying it out. The bowsprit looks to be quite a complex piece, what with all the differrent surfaces and fitting. I'm looking forward to it.

[milosmail]

Thought I would post a bit about my bowsprit construction findings. From examining the plans, it looked complex (and challenging). But it turned out to be mostly straight forward.

I am fortunate enough to own a Byrnes saw, so it was very easy to shave the square 3/8 dowel down to plan size  of 21/64 on a side. I think a lot of other Niagara builders have either tried to sand down or left it at 3/8. Having done that (the easy part) I took a closer look at the details. First, I made a copy of the top and side views from the plans, cut them out and attached with 2 sided tape to the square dowel. It is important to realize the top of the bowsprit is flat and needs no shaping. Additionally, while the bottom appears curved, it is actually 3 straight sections. Sides do taper, but this doesn't start until outboard of the square section which passes through the hull and the octagon outboard of this section. So, it's not as complex as it looks.

 

Rounding the barrel section can be done with a fine bastard, and it only took me about 15 minutes as this wood is very soft.

After I finished shaping, I added the tenon at each end and shaped the bowsprit cap which were quick work. I made bees, but held off installing till I made the bobstay hoop. The kit did not include the necessary brass strip to make the bobstay, but I had spare. Shaping into an octagon was a bit tedious, and I left a small vertical tab on the bottom to attach the strop needed later for the bobstay. I made the strop from a large brass eyebolt on which I bent the straight end to grasp this tab on the hoop. Then i soldered these together (my first try at silver soldering -  success!). I have a nice bar on the hoop now to which I can attach the bobstay blocks eventually.

Finally I added all the chocks, treads, and cleats. It's ready to paint now, Hooray.

Footnote- I wish the instructions or previous builders had mentioned that the two cleats need to be added AFTER the bowsprit is attached to the deck. It won't fit through the hole in the bow with cleats attached. 

Edited May 11, 2023 by milosmail

[abelson]

On 7/7/2022 at 4:35 PM, milosmail said:

OK, carronades and guns all done. Pretty straight job, but very repetitive. I had previously built the three ships cabins, and I was viewing locations when it occurred that the capstan probably would not have been located there on the original ship. Or there would not have been three cabins (more likely). The capstan, in it's current location, would be unusable, what with the two cabins next to it. They are probably an accommodation to the modern use.

So, I plan to only mount one cabin (maybe two) in locations where the capstan would have been functional, and possibly relocate the capstan farther aft. As no one really knows the deck layout, and I am trying to make changes more realistic to the likely configuration (hopefully), I am also planning to construct one ships boat (not 2), and show it stored between the masts. I think the number and location of the two ships boats is based on a coast guard requirement for a modern operating vessel.

So, I am not building to the configuration of the modern vessel, but perhaps closer to that found in 1812. This ship is very close in design to the Syren (1803) in appearance, and I am using it for some guidance.

Comments welcomed. Thanks all.

Yes, I choose the the Niagara because it is very similar to the Syren.

[milosmail]

Question of general interest.

The model has no binnacle. Yet, the current ship at Lake Erie has a binnacle with navigation and engine/elecrical controls just forward of the tiller - roughly where the captains cabin skylght on the model is located (based on the photo I saw). So, is there really a skylight there, and/or why is there no binnacle on the model? I know binnacles of yore were portable, but with the skylight and then the companionway installed, there would have been no room for a binnacle.

By the way, Crafty Sailor sells a binnacle cabinet at the 1:64 scale so I went ahead and bought one. Nice quality small kit. 

Edited June 15, 2023 by milosmail

[milosmail]

I have been working on the catheads. As many previous modelers have mentioned, the catheads supplied with the kit are not shaped accurately, in that the acute angle where the part arches over the bulkhead  is not severe enough to properly meet the bulkhead and also arch over the side without leaving a large gap at the cap rail.  This part should rise up the ceiling in contact with the interior bulkhead planking, and then bend such that it fits flush on the caprail. Without a modification, the knee below the caprail will also not fit properly, and the whole unit will not provide sufficient clearance for the anchor.

I reviewed what several modelers did, along with their photos (search on Niagara caphead), and decided to severely notch the bottom portion of the cathead which arches out over the hull. To get a good fit, I also notched out a piece of cap rail and the top plank on the bulkhead, thus permitting a clean installation of both pieces. Caution: be sure to properly support the cathead. I snapped one in to at the bend, and had to repair with CA. See photos attached. The cathead on the left in the photo is unmodified. The one on the right has been 'shaved' and now meets the interior bulkhead and knee properly.

Other modelers have taken different solutions. I suggest any future builder review all and make their own choice on how to proceed.

PS: I also reviewed several actual catheads on 18th. and 19th. century ships for which I found photos. Everyone seemed to do it differently, but mostly they just stuck a large beam out through the bulkhead.

Edited June 13, 2023 by milosmail

[milosmail]

Here are a couple of photos  of the binnacle mentioned earlier. This one is 1:64 scale sold by Crafty Sailor, manufactured by Falkonet. It was a simple kit with well fitting parts - mahogany I believe with a brass machined lantern stack. The interior cross brace piece below the windows has a print of a couple of compasses on it.

As I discussed, I can't imagine in 1812 they sailed without one, even if they stayed within sight of land (?). And the current Niagara has a binnacle roughly where the model has placed the captain's skylight. At least that is what I see in the photo in my Spring  issue of Sea History (it was an ad for a 2 week cruise on the Niagara this summer). No sign of a captains skylight, but it may just have been out of the picture.

Anyway, I'm going to place my binnacle just forward of the tiller, and leave the captain's skylight off. Comments?

Edited June 15, 2023 by milosmail

[Cathead]

Wish I could offer a more informed opinion!

[milosmail]

I decided to take a break from deck work this summer and build (actually finish) the cutter. As I mentioned before, I am only building and detailing one, and I plan to position it over the main grate area, more or less. I think this is a more likely position historically - based on no real knowledge. I will build the yawl in the future, but I plan to simulate a sail cover, so I won't be detailing. 

I started on this item about 3 years ago when I glued up the pieces and shaped the exterior. Very straightforward. But when it came to shaping the interior, I found this a real challenge. I tried using my Dremel, but could not find a tip that would allow the detailed shaping I needed. I consulted several articles in NRG and other modelers builds, but they all seemed to say the same - just carve and sand the interior, whithout actually explaining how to carve it cleanly. I tried various types of chisels without much success until I purchased a set from Micromark. I also found a reference that said to finish the detail smoothing with putty (I used Tamiya putty thinned down a bit). This made quick work of the process which had kept me from advancing for a loooong time. I learned I could make the ribs and floorboards from strip plastic, and the rest of the interior such as stern and bow sheets from basswood sheet (copying the plans for templates) plus mahogony strip for thwarts. I separated the rudder from the keel, made a tiller, and laid it inside after completing painting. I left out the oars, as I felt it would just clutter up the interior. The hull is the same black as the ship's hull with green trim using the same color again as on the hull.

I'm happy with the results, and it was an excellent learning experience.

Meanwhile, I have built all the deck furniture from cathead to rudder/tiller, plus the bowsprit. So, no more stalling - next week I will start installing cannon.

Edited September 30, 2023 by milosmail

[Cathead]

That looks great!

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

Really nice job, Steve!  If using a Dremel, rotary tool with flex-shaft or dental drill, a succession of 'ball' head bits will generally tackle interior wood shaping like you needed to so.  The putty trick (after partial shaving) seems like a time-saver (and less trouble).

[milosmail]

Thanks. I did try some small ball heads, but the wood didn't seem to want to cut cleanly - maybe because the kit was purchased over 20 years ago and the wood was too dry. It seemed to shred rather than come off neatly. However, all's well that ends well.

An aside: I bought the kit in 1997 or so, having built the Mantua Ironside cross section. When I received the kit and read the manual, I knew I was in over my head! This is not a beginners kit... I spent the next 18 years building a few simpler kits, purchased some tools, and I purchased two of Bob Hunt's invaluable practicums to learn technique and improve skills. Started on the kit in 2018, with some stops and restarts along the way. I think I'm a journeyman builder now which works for Niagara - a kit where most pieces need to be shaped by the builder and plans are very detailed (but instructions are not). I would call this an intermediate kit, as it doesn't need any intricate carving and detail, which is seen in construction by many of our expert builders.

[milosmail]

Currently convinced model ship builders are all OCD, myself included. I am in the midst of attaching 60 rings to 60 small eyebolts for the breech line and inhaul. Very repetitive, very tiny parts, very boring.... Only thing worse (maybe) is tying the ratlines to all the shrouds.....🙃😄😉

 

[milosmail]

Side topic: Thoughts on some historical accuracy - I have been getting ready for the long and heavy stint of rigging the ship. In preparation, I have read many of the logs posted over the past 10 years, and I found sveral discussions regarding the 'crowded nature of the deck'. I have been thinking on this also, as I too felt there was too much stuff. In fact, I have planned, for some historical accuracy, to add a binnacle while removing the captain's cabin (which I believe likely did not exist).

Today, I was reviewing modelers' photos, and I wondered if part of the problem was the size of the kit supplied carronades. I did quick research  on Wikipedia and the Naval Archives, and I found that a typical carronade was no more than 3 feet long and usually shorter. At the scale of the ship, and using the scale found on each ME chart, the guns should have been less than 9/16" long - not the 1 inch supplied with the kit. Halving the size/scale of each gun would free a lot of deck space. 

Not sure this really matters to us builders, but there it is....

 

 

[milosmail]

Hope all builds are going well in the new year. I am about done with the pin rails and their braces. I have all the various deck furniture parts made, but I still need to install catheads, rudder, and the rest before starting on masting. Pictures will follow in a few days. 

I have a couple of questions:

1 - drawings show an eyebolt on the aft side of the catheads inboard to the brace rod, but nowhere do I find anything attached to it. Can anyone remember what fastens to it?

2 - this is a biggie... is it better to fully assemble the bowsprit and its accompanying pieces before installing, or should I just fit the the main section into the bow and attach the other pieces at a later date?

[Cathead]

I get the sense more people build the whole thing off-model, but I've only built one vessel with this feature so am not an expert.

[Sergey Karelia]

Have a good time!
If you understood correctly, then see the photo.
It is better to assemble the bowsprit completely, and then install it.
It will be very inconvenient to fasten and tie the rigging