1921 Bluenose by John Ruy - Model Shipways Kit No. MS2130 - 1/64 scale - Canadian Fishing Schooner

[ERS Rich]

Boss!

 

Someone said, a masterpiece is a collection of simple steps, each executed perfectly…..

[John Ruy]

 Correction to previous post…

 

As I proceeded to build hardware for the Trestle Trees and Spreaders, I discovered an error in cutting into the masts too deeply. The result was the Trestle Trees being to close together to accept the top mast heel. I therefore had to rebuild both Trestle Tree assemblies and patch both masts. 

The following is how I corrected my mistake. Here we can see the Trestle Trees are too close together to accept the Top Mast Heel. 

After disassembling the spreader trestle tree assembly and removing the Cheeks from the mast. I split a piece of dowel to fill in the deeply cut mast.  

Using PVA glue and clamping I restructured the mast. 

Lots of sanding required…

A fresh coat of Amber Shellac and we are ready to start over. 

Here we go with attempt 2.0. Mark where the Cheeks are to be placed. 

Carve a flat space on both sides of the mast. 

Verify the proper widths required. 

Here we can clearly see the patch in the mast. 

Reassemble the Trestle Tree and spreaders. See previous post…

Proper width achieved, mistake corrected. Rinse and repeat with the Main Mast. 
 

Cheers 🍻 

Edited October 29, 2023 by John Ruy

[Glen McGuire]

Nice recovery!  Impressive work.

[GGibson]

21 minutes ago, Glen McGuire said:

Nice recovery!  Impressive work.

 

I second both of Glenn's comments.  Nice work, John! 

[John Ruy]

Fore Topmast…

 

From sheet 4, this post covers everything you see here. These are the most detailed plans I have worked with to date. This “kit” is the most challenging build for me, stretching my skills and teaching me some new ones. 🧐

Throat Halliard Crane with Link

Halliard Bands

Iron Gate

Spring Stay Bail Band

Fore Topmast Heel 

Iron Fid

Mast Cap

Tapering the Fore Topmast

Amber Shellac = Natural Oiled Finish

Fore Topmast Complete 😎

Now we are starting to look like a tall ship.  Up Next: Main Topmast

 

Cheers 🍻

 

 

 

[hamilton]

Excellent work on the masts John - there's a lot to keep in your head with this part of the build in preparation for rigging - but it's nice to start building vertically! Really starts to come to life at this stage! 

hamilton

[John Ruy]

9 hours ago, hamilton said:

Excellent work on the masts John - there's a lot to keep in your head with this part of the build in preparation for rigging - but it's nice to start building vertically! Really starts to come to life at this stage! 

hamilton

Thanks… I agree, the excitement begins to build at this stage. I just hope every attachment point is there when I start the rigging. 😆 It’s a lot! LOL

 

Still have recut the Mast Tackle Sheave. Had to use wood filler on the first attempt, it was pretty bad. Details! 🤪

[John Ruy]

Fore Mast Tackle Sheave…

 

Second attempt… 

 

On to the Main Topmast. 😎

[John Ruy]

Just when I thought parts couldn’t get any smaller…

No way, could I solder this piece. CA glue to the rescue. I hope 🤞 

 

Cheers 🍻 

[GGibson]

I have trouble soldering something at 7.64", let alone 7/64"...  Speaking of the flag halliard, though, did you find a resource for a Canadian Red Ensign flag, or are you making your own?

 

Continuing to look awesome, John! Totally envious..! Great work!  I'll get there... eventually.

[Dr PR]

Oh come on John, you have been doing great brass/solder work. That ring is nearly 1/8" diameter, how hard could it be to solder just a few tiny pieces together?

 

Just kidding! I have been looking in on this build for some time, and it looks really nice.

 

I'm not too sure about the super glue on brass parts. It works OK for gluing larger surfaces together, but it has poor sheer strength. Don't pull on those shackles too hard.

 

****

 

I just looked through your entire build and I has inspired me a bit. I have been wondering what I would do after finishing my topsail schooner build (if I ever finish it) and was planning a scratch build inshore minesweeper - a really obscure vessel (a model of it would please Howard Chapelle). But I love the lines of the New England fishing schooners (Captains Courageous is a favorite movie) and Chapelle's The American Fishing Schooners has such a huge amount of details for these vessels that I have been tempted several times to build a model of one.

 

Decades ago I inherited a Billings 1:75 Bluenose kit. The fellow had started it and another kit, but didn't finish either. Very little was done on the Bluenose, and what was done is pretty lame, so I would be starting over. But since he didn't get too far the wooden parts kit and fitting kit contents are all there. Some plastic parts (blocks, mast hoops) I would want to replace with wood, and the windlass doesn't look much like the Bluenose photos, but it should be good enough for the model.

 

I love doing brass work and soldering, and there is a lot more on the 20th century boats than my early 1800s schooner. So maybe I will dig out that kit and start on it next - perhaps while I am researching the minesweeper. Your build and others will be a great source of information, and I will look into the Bluenose museum photos. I don't know if I will build the kit as the Bluenose, but it will be some fishing schooner (perhaps the Were Here if I can see enough details in the movie).

Edited November 4, 2023 by Dr PR

[John Ruy]

6 hours ago, Dr PR said:

I'm not too sure about the super glue on brass parts. It works OK for gluing larger surfaces together, but it has poor sheer strength. Don't pull on those shackles too hard.

Thanks Phil, for your confidence in my abilities regarding soldering.  I will have to test the bond today and we will see if they hold up.  I just may have to attempt soldering those shackles. I’ll let you all know how this experiment comes out. 
 

John

 

[John Ruy]

10 hours ago, GGibson said:

I have trouble soldering something at 7.64", let alone 7/64"...  Speaking of the flag halliard, though, did you find a resource for a Canadian Red Ensign flag, or are you making your own?

 

Continuing to look awesome, John! Totally envious..! Great work!  I'll get there... eventually.

We are about find out if I can solder the small  @Dr PR has presented me with the challenge and I will give it a shot. 
 

I didn’t know I was looking for a Canadian Red Ensign flag. I was planning on using the flag supplied in the kit. Looks like you’re right though, we probably need to make our own. Now that you brought it up I’ll have to…

 

Thanks

[GGibson]

24 minutes ago, John Ruy said:

Now that you brought it up I’ll have to…

Sorry, John!  I'll be quiet now... 🤣🤣

[John Ruy]

5 minutes ago, GGibson said:

Sorry, John!  I'll be quiet now... 🤣🤣

That’s OK… You saved me the embarrassment. Great Flag, much better than the Maple Leaf adopted in 1965. It’s all about the details. 
 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Red_Ensign

 

 

 

[John Ruy]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Nova_Scotia#:~:text=The flag of Nova Scotia,the province's coat of arms.

Adopted in 1929 after a royal warrant was issued, it has been the flag of the province since January 19 of that year.

 

I will probably fly this flag as well. 😎
 

 

Edited November 5, 2023 by John Ruy

[John Ruy]

19 hours ago, Dr PR said:

I'm not too sure about the super glue on brass parts. It works OK for gluing larger surfaces together, but it has poor sheer strength. Don't pull on those shackles too hard.

Tested…

The shackles seem to be holding up. 
 

I do have to do one of these for the Main Topmast as well.  So I thought I would give this a shot. Here is the process…

Inside diameter brass ring 7/64”

Applied flux prior to soldering and soldered the ring closed. 

Drilled holes to hang shackles. 

Needed this step to get a good mechanical connection for soldering. Applied flux and soldered. The metal alligator clip is a good heat sink to keep heat from getting to previous solder joint. 

Needs cleaning up. 

Filed inside wire and excess solder. 

Blackened and touched up with Testors Flat Black Enamel. I am having trouble getting a good black coat with the Brass Black only.  
 

Cheers 🍻 
 

 

 

[GGibson]

2 hours ago, John Ruy said:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Nova_Scotia#:~:text=The flag of Nova Scotia,the province's coat of arms.

Adopted in 1929 after a royal warrant was issued, it has been the flag of the province since January 19 of that year.

 

I will probably fly this flag as well. 😎
 

 

 

John - Here's some info in L.B. Jenson's Bluenose II - Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners on page 43 regarding ensigns, flags and masthead pennants.  I am posting a picture of the page, but the typeset is difficult to read in the book, let alone with my poor photography skills, so I'll type here what is said about each item, as well.

 

 

Upper Left - Canadian Blue Ensign to 1965 - This ensign only could be flown under the authority of a Canadian Government warranty.  Worn by Canadian merchant ships commanded by Naval Reserve Officers & with a percentage of Reservist crew. This was worn by Bluenose II.

 

Middle Left - National Flag of Canada from 1965 - This ensign has been worn by Bluenose II and all other Canadian merchant ships since February 1965. Red on white.

 

Lower Left - The Flag of Nova Scotia - Worn on the Stbd. spreader. Blue cross on white. Red badge on gold.

 

Center Top - Name Flag - 7 feet by 30 feet (approx.)

 

Center Middle - The Oland House Flag - Gold - griffon, rivers and sails. Black - background of griffon, balls & hull.  Blue - flags on ship.  In accordance with usual maritime custom, schooners wore the house flags of their companies.

 

Center Bottom - Nova Scotia Schooner Association - blue cross, red vessel.  This pennant was presented by the Association and Bluenose II was designated "Queen of the Nova Scotia Schooner Association Fleet"

 

Very Center Bottom - Courtesy Flags - It is the custom among merchant ships when entering a foreign port to fly the colours of that country at the fore masthead, and, when leaving, similarly to fly the colours of the port to which they are immediately bound.

 

Upper Right - The Canadian Ten Cent Silver Coin, first minted 1st January 1937

 

Lower Right - The Canadian Fifty Cent Bluenose stamp, blue, 6th January, 1929.

 

Edited November 5, 2023 by GGibson

[Dr PR]

Good work soldering John. That will take the strain!

 

For cleaning up excess solder I use a soft steel wire brush on a rotary tool. This removes the excess solder fairly quickly - keep at it too long and it might remove too much and compromise the joint. It also polishes the brass nicely, removing oxides and giving it a bit of "tooth" to hold paint or blacken.

 

I am also working on the mast rigging for my revenue cutter, but according to the books they weren't using many metal fittings in 1815. The rigging is attached to the masts with eyes in the ropes, supported by wooden cleats or reduced diameter steps in the mast circumference. So I don't get to do much brasswork.

Edited November 5, 2023 by Dr PR

[hamilton]

Wow! That is some impressive scale work! How do you do it?? Maybe I missed it but were you a jeweller or watchmaker in a former life? I cannot imagine getting those results...amazing.

hamilton

[John Ruy]

13 hours ago, Dr PR said:

For cleaning up excess solder I use a soft steel wire brush on a rotary tool.

Thanks Phil, for the tip this should help my cleaning for my blackening process. I’m cleaning with Acetone but the brass black comes out spotty. 
 

John

[John Ruy]

13 hours ago, hamilton said:

Wow! That is some impressive scale work! How do you do it?? Maybe I missed it but were you a jeweller or watchmaker in a former life? I cannot imagine getting those results...amazing.

hamilton

Thanks Hamilton… Nope, I have never been a jeweler, LOL.  Just working on my new skill sets to keep up with all you watchmakers out there. A steady hand and a good Optomitrist, helps. Oh! And a lot of help from my friends on MSW. 👍

Edited November 5, 2023 by John Ruy

[John Ruy]

18 hours ago, GGibson said:

John - Here's some info in L.B. Jenson's Bluenose II - Saga of the Great Fishing Schooners on page 43 regarding ensigns, flags and masthead pennants. 

Great info… Thanks

[John Ruy]

Just found this 8.5x11 sheet of Bluenose Flags on Ships of Scale. 

 

https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/attachments/bluenose-pdf.200877/
 

Bluenose.pdf

Edited November 6, 2023 by John Ruy

[John Ruy]

Fore Topmast complete…

Replaced the CA glued Hilliard Shackles with the newly soldered one. Touched up the top tapper and placed the Gilt Ball. I cut off a white sewing pin 1/8” from the head a C A glued it in place. Trucks for the Flag Halliard Re so small at this scale, I will represent the truck with black thread. 
 

Now maybe I can move on to the Main Topmast. Cheers 🍻 

[John Ruy]

Research 🧐 into the ownership of the original Bluenose. 
 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_Walters

 

Captain and part owner of the Bluenose, Angus James Walters. 

Interesting a Committee of Halifax Businessmen came together to build the Bluenose as Fishing Schooner that could win races internationally. 
 

Good stuff…  It really was built as a racing schooner. 

 

 

Bluenose was constructed by Smith and Rhuland in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. The schooner's keel was laid in 1920. The Governor General the Duke of Devonshire drove a golden spike into the timber during the keel-laying ceremony.^[8] She was launched on 26 March 1921, and christened by Audrey Smith, daughter of the shipbuilding Richard Smith.^[9][10] She was built to be a racing ship and fishing vessel, in response to the defeat of the Nova Scotian fishing schooner Delawana by the Gloucester, Massachusetts, fishing schooner Esperanto in 1920, in a race sponsored by the Halifax Herald newspaper.^[11]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluenose#:~:text=Bluenose's captain and part,schooner reached the racing port.

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by John Ruy

[John Ruy]

Main Top Mast…

Main and Fore Top Masts are completed.

Cheers 🍻 

 

[GGibson]

Looks really sharp, John!  Great work, sir!

 

I can probably look back and see, but did you paint or blacken the small brass pieces around the mast?  I'm working on the chain plates now, and the blackening has worked pretty well for them.  Will do the same, I think, when I get to the stage you are at, as well.  Going to take another approach to soldering and do some more practicing.

 

Anyways, back to your Bluenose... you're about to the rigging stage now, aren't you?  Super cool!  Carry on, John!

[John Ruy]

2 hours ago, GGibson said:

Looks really sharp, John!  Great work, sir!

 

I can probably look back and see, but did you paint or blacken the small brass pieces around the mast?  I'm working on the chain plates now, and the blackening has worked pretty well for them.  Will do the same, I think, when I get to the stage you are at, as well.  Going to take another approach to soldering and do some more practicing.

 

Anyways, back to your Bluenose... you're about to the rigging stage now, aren't you?  Super cool!  Carry on, John!

Thanks Greg… I have been using Testors Flat Black Enamel and Brass Black on other pieces. The Main Mast Eye Bands were all Brass Black. I’ve gotten the process down pretty well now, I’ll probably use the Brass Black going forward. Got to build the Booms and Gaffs before I start rigging, but yep getting closer. Thanks again for you comments…

John

[John Ruy]

Missed Details…

 

Before moving on to Booms And Gaffs, I thought I would review some rigging detail on Sheet 6. I wanted to double check that I had placed “all” of the eyelets, etc… needed to tie off the rigging. My review paid off…

 

The Jumbo Jib Boom Traveler Block and the Jumbo Jib Stay Bail had not been placed. 

An eyelet for the Inhaul Tackle needed to be placed. 

I had forgotten that I intended to include the clutch levers for the Hoisting Engine Gear Assembly. 

Needed to place 4 eyelets on the rail between the 3rd and 4th Lower Shrouds. 

Also needed Eyelets for the Main Throat and Peak Halliards.

And the Halliards on the Fore Mast as well as the Jumbo Jib Sheet Traveler Horse. 

Also 2 eyelets and a staple on the Bowsprit for Halliards and Bob Stays. 

I hope I found all of the missing attachments. 😜 These would be rather difficult to place after the shrouds and standing rigging are completed. 

 

So many details…

 

Now, I think I can move on to Booms and Gaffs…

 

Cheers 🍻
 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by John Ruy