HMS Wolf 1754 by catopower - Shipyard - 1/72 - CARD - 10-gun Brig

[catopower]

 

Today is Saturday, and our ship model club, The South Bay Model Shipwrights, met at our usual location at the Game Kastle shop in Santa Clara, CA, at the south end of the San Francisco Bay. It was a good meeting, and we have four out of the seven people out of the members in attendance that have built paper models. Three of us have built, or are building paper ship models.

Maybe it was that, or I don't know what, but I've just gotten so jazzed up about these Shipyard laser-cut kits that I'm just so ready to go out and get another one or two, so I can start working on them as soon as HMS Wolf is done. And, that's coming from someone who loves building wooden sailing ship models.

 

I actually have two of Shipyards "Super Modeler Plans" sets. These are plans for scratch building models, but they include all the laser-cut frameworks for the hull, as well as the inner hull covering, decks and planking, inner bulwarks pieces, to start the model. The idea is that the modeler can then use materials of his or her choice to cover the model with a final planking layer, then scratch build all their own details, armament, masts and spars, etc.

 

I'm absolutely itching to try building ones of these. But, they are limited edition sets, 150 of each were made, and I have HMS Enterprize no. 47 of 150 and Spanish Frigate Santa Leocadia no. 100 of 125 copies. When I start these, that's it, they're gone, and I really don't want to screw them up or leave them unfinished. 

 

They are made to be built at 1/72 scale, like my HMS Wolf kit, and I even have extra detail parts sets that were produced for them by GPM, which includes cannon carriages, hatch coamings, capstans, ship's wheel, mast tops, galley stove, and various cross bitts.

 

I kind of feel like I should maybe build Shipyard's HMS Mercury kit first. It's not cheap, but it is complete, and might give me a better handle on building these "semi-kits". 

In the meantime, I'm now working on rigging the yard arms on HMS Wolf. So, here are some pics of that.

 

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by catopower

[Jsk]

Looking very good. Makes me want to start yet another project. I've not tried a Shipyard model yet but I'm so tempted. But, I don't think I've quite developed the skill set yet.

 

Liquitex and Aleene's... What more does a modeler need? Well... maybe some sort of blade.

[catopower]

Jeff, they're not very different from Seahorse kits, and you've obviously done a terrific job with that U.S. Revenue Cutter of yours!

 

 

 

Edited December 16, 2024 by catopower

[catopower]

By the way, here is one of the Super Modeler Plan Sets and the beginnings of the Spanish 34-gun frigate Santa Leocadia.

 

I put together this much of the hull several years ago, to see how it goes together, but I didn't have any of the paper model experience or skills necessary to take on a task of this sort. It's really a set of scratch builder plans, with some parts provided to start off on the model.

 

 

Shipyard re-released a 1/96-scale paper model kit of this same ship. I have that too. In many cases, I should be able to scan and scale up any parts I may need for this 1/72 scale model. So, I could try to take this on.

 

As I already mentioned, I also have the super plans set for HMS Enterprize as well. This is almost identical to HMS Mercury, of which Shipyard also makes a big 1/72 scale kit, but it's something like $450. Still, all the parts are laser cut, and I wouldn't be risking this rare sper plans set. 

 

Anyway, just thought I'd share. HMS Wolf construction continues...

[ccoyle]

5 hours ago, catopower said:

here is one of the Super Modeler Plan Sets and the beginnings of the Spanish 34-gun frigate Santa Leocadia

 

This is essentially what wood modelers have been asking for for years, i.e., a plan set and set of bulkheads to get a build started.

[catopower]

This weekend, I finally made progress stropping deadeyes. I made my own fixtures for this, as you can see in the photos. A wire is is wrapped around it, and I use small, bent nose pliers to squeeze the wire around the post and metal plate. The excess wire is then cut off and the deadeye is fitted inside.

In the last photos, you can see the masts are temporarily installed. I drill out the base of masts so I could glue in a section of a straight pin into each. The pin will push into the center backbone of the model when the masts are inserted into place. This helps hold the masts in place.

 

The instructions call for installing temporary stays, which you can see in at least one photo. These white lines will be removed later. For now, these will provide the main support for the masts while I work on the shrouds and on getting the correct angle for the chainplates, which attach to the deadeye stropping and secure the deadeyes agains the pull of the shrouds, which will also get installed later.

 

[catopower]

Merry Christmas all!

 

I took a couple weeks to work on some other stuff, but then got back to my HMS Wolf build.

 

I decided to take a look at using Chuck's (Syren Ship Model Company) new resin deadeyes. I don't love the idea of using resin parts on my wooden ship models, but my paper models are really multi-media models anyway, as I'm using wood for masts, yards and blocks, metal cannon barrels... so why not resin deadeyes that so beautiful? You can see them here, along with a couple of the cardboard deadeyes from the kit.

Below, you can see how the model looked like, or would look like, with cardboard deadeyes...

And then, compare that to how it looks with Chuck's resin, 3D-printed deadeyes.

The larger deadeyes are 5mm diameter, and they look a bit big in comparison to the cardboard ones, which are also labeled 5mm, but are closer to 4.5mm. I wish there were 4mm deadeyes available from Chuck's store, but it's currently "Closed for Maintenance", so I have no way to see if he makes them in this size. I'd consider substituting the 5mm ones with 4mm ones if he makes them. If not, these will do.

 

Certainly the 3mm deadeyes on the mast tops look really good. I'm very happy with them!

 

For Christmas, I decided to get myself a new serving tool, which I intend to use with this model. So, I have a brand new Serve-O-Matic that I'll be assembling this week. In the meantime, I'm putting together a rigging table, so my line sizes should be more accurate than using sizes provided solely from the kit plans. Also, I have plenty of work to do on fixing blocks to the yards, and adding those mast cleats I mentioned a few posts back.

 

 

 

[catopower]

Today, I check Chuck's store and it's open. I was able to see that he does carry 4mm deadeyes, so I went ahead and ordered some. I guess I will wait until they arrive before I decide if I will use the 4mm or 5mm deadeyes on this model, but I'm happy to do so.

 

I'm still sanding off the laser-char before I assemble my Serve-O-Matic, which is just as well. I plan on using fly-tying line to serve the shrouds. I haven't done this in a long time and discovered I can't find any in my supplies. The store I used to get it from is gone now, so I went ahead and ordered some online. Won't be here until next week.

 

Meanwhile, there was plenty of work adding blocks to the yards. Also, I need to go ahead and finish the topgallant masts, so I still have lots to work on here.

[vossiewulf]

34 minutes ago, catopower said:

I'm still sanding off the laser-char before I assemble my Serve-O-Matic, which is just as well. I plan on using fly-tying line to serve the shrouds. I haven't done this in a long time and discovered I can't find any in my supplies. The store I used to get it from is gone now, so I went ahead and ordered some online. Won't be here until next week.

 

If you have any tips about how to get the servomatic working using fly-tying thread, please let me know. I'm using fly-tying line to serve ropes at 1:64 and it looks good (to me) but it's time consuming, so I also bought a serving machine from Chuck that should be arriving in a few days. I wasn't sure it would work with fly-tying thread, considering his pics all show a heavier thread being used.

[catopower]

49 minutes ago, vossiewulf said:

If you have any tips about how to get the servomatic working using fly-tying thread, please let me know. I'm using fly-tying line to serve ropes at 1:64 and it looks good (to me) but it's time consuming, so I also bought a serving machine from Chuck that should be arriving in a few days. I wasn't sure it would work with fly-tying thread, considering his pics all show a heavier thread being used.

 

Hey vossiewulf, it's been a long time since I've done any serving on any model. I'll definitely post my results. Probably in a week or two. Chuck mostly seems to be building at 1/4" scale and larger, so heavier thread would make more sense.

 

I've seen the serving you've been doing on your blog – Excellent job you're doing with your build, by the way – and it's looks amazing. Are you using CA glue to secure the ends of the served area? 

 

I'll try the fly-tying thread, but I expect I'll only be serving the shrouds and stays. Is there a certain brand and size you're using? I've got Uni-Thread 6/0 here.

 

[vossiewulf]

Thanks Clare, and yes I use CA on the ends of the served ropes. I pretty much use CA for everything. I'm using thread that says SHEER and it's made in the UK and it's 14/0, so crazy thin. But like I said, it looks pretty good wound around a rope.

 

One thing I have noticed when serving lines with fly-tying thread is that the end result actually ends up a bit smaller than the starting rope, the fly-tying thread is very good at compressing the core down and it's flat thread so it lays flat on the core. 

 

Please let me know how it goes with your servomatic

 

[Chuck]

Those new deadeyes look very good on the model.   Well done.  I am shipping your 4mm deadeyes out this morning!!!  I cant remember if you you bought any of my resin blocks in the past but if you want to sample them also let me know.   No 3d print layer lines and they are very smooth.  Even down to the 2mm sizes.  I am actually making a bunch more of them today....sister blocks and clue blocks.... as they are selling out quicker than I thought.

 

Chuck

[catopower]

Hi Chuck, thanks for checking out my build log and for your comments on the model.

 

I'm going to wait on the new 4mm deadeyes before I continue with the chainplates and shrouds. I want to see if they look better on the model. I guess it's just a matter of opinion at this point, as to which deadeye size to use, the 4mm or 5mm, since as I mentioned, the kit's supplied "5mm" deadeyes actually come out to 4.5mm. 

 

You absolutely have me sold on the quality of your new blocks – they are amazingly looking! I ordered a sample with my last order from you. I still have a supply of your old pear wood blocks,  so I'm using those here, though I think I have only just enough of the smaller sizes to finish the Wolf. After that, I'll be buying your resin blocks.

 

I still want say that I would love to see 3.5mm blocks in your lineup. I'm building more in 1/72 scale and so many of the paper models are either 1/96 or 1/100 scale. At these scales, the jump from 3mm to 4mm blocks seems pretty noticeable to me, and I'd love to be able to buy an in-between size. 

 

 

 

 

[Chuck]

I will consider that....I have a lot more unusual blocks to make first....shoe blocks and rack blocks and euphroe blocks for example.   Also some cleats and other misc stuff.

 

Chuck

[catopower]

And, what's a build log without some photos to share? Here's what I've been doing most recently...

 

It seemed like a good time to get those mast cleats mounted. Very tiny laser-cut cardboard. I glued them with Aleene's tacky glue. When adjusted and in the right place, I reinforced with some thick CA, then a drop of thin CA to stiffen up the part itself. 10 cleats mounted this way.

 

 

 

And then there are the blocks I've been adding to the yards. Topgallants are done, as is the main topsail yard.

Lots more to do...

 

[catopower]

All the blocks have been added to the lower, topsail, and topgallant yards. 60 blocks in all. Still have the gaff, jib boom , and spritsail yards to do. Also still have the brace pendants and foot ropes to rig. But, I think I need a short break first...

[Jsk]

Inspiring as always. I know the Card Purists would run me out of town on a rail but I really like the look of the Syren blocks.

[ccoyle]

9 minutes ago, Jsk said:

I know the Card Purists would run me out of town on a rail

 

I don't think we have any of them here.