Sloop Speedwell 1752 by Chuck - Ketch Rigged Sloop - POF - prototype build

[garyshipwright]

amen to that

[scrubbyj427]

On 11/28/2023 at 6:39 AM, FrankWouts said:

Just checked Jennifer Coolidge. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Coolidge

She will make a great ADMIRAL for sure...at least I would clean all my sawdust for her immediately... LOL....

Frank.

Stifflers Mom… better clean up your sawdust promptly, Frank. Lol.

[Chuck]

Happy New Year everyone!!!

 

I shall be back working on the Speedwell prototype really soon.  Hopefully this week in fact.  But I wanted to update you guys on the release of the first installments for sale.   I had hoped to have launched the first chapters of parts by mid January.  But because of the Movie and my wood supply with Joes shop being flooded, I havent had enough wood or time to complete all the laser work yet.   

 

I actually have the first ten sets of chapter one parts ready to go.  I could place them on my site right now for sale which include the plans for the hull framing.  Two sheets.   I have also written and posted the first chapter of the monograph on the online store.   But I had hoped to have the first two chapters ready and laser cut before I started offering them.  This way you guys can order both chapters at once which complete all the hull framing and can save on shipping costs.   That is still my plan and hopefully I can get the needed wood to start cutting chapter two parts within a week or so.   I dont anticipate too much of a delay.   

 

In the meantime,  those of you who have decided to build my kit of Speedwell can download the first chapter and read it over.   You can also buy whatever wood and tools you might need ahead of time as well.  For example the board for the buildboard and maybe some machinist squares etc.   I will announce when the first two chapters of parts are listed for sale as son as finish some chapter two parts.   Maybe I will only wait to have five finished of the original ten sets as I know many of you have been emailing me that you are eager to get started.

 

More to follow soon.

 

[Rustyj]

Hi Chuck,

 

It's great to hear your going to be able to get back to Speedwell.

 

I'm reading through the first chapter and enjoying it immensely! 

[dvm27]

Congratulations on this milestone Chuck. I read through the first chapter instructions and they are phenomenal.  Between your laser cut materials and step-by-step instructions there's no reason why the average ship model builder cannot build a lovely plank on frame ship model. It may not be 100% as nice as yours but it will be a far cry better than anything else out there in the market.

 

 

[Trussben]

Chapter 1 looks awesome Chuck - really looking forward to this model.

[Chuck]

I am still waiting on wood to start cutting chapter two parts.  Hopefully soon.

[Chuck]

Work has started on the interior.   Not much in this initial step but it was good to get started again.

 

First up was to add the limber strakes.  In the photo below you can see the completed limber strake below the keel.  This was made up up three lengths.   Above the keel you can see the 3 lengths not yet glued into position.   They are laser cut for you and are 3/32" thick.  There is a laser etched rabbet which runs along the inside edge.  Each of the three lengths were first sanded free of laser char.   This included carefully sanding the rabbet more or less.   But it doesnt have to be completely clean.   This will be completely covered up in some areas with the lower platforms anyway.  But do your best.  You might also notice the little ….long, triangular pieces called Limber Fillers for lack of a better term.   They were glued to each limber strake ahead of time.  They are at the extreme ends fore and aft.  Dry fit all three lengths in position first.  This is important.   Make sure they are lined up with the correct frames.   You can take their positions on each end from the plans.

 

The center limber strake was added first.  The ends are 5/32" away from the keelson.   So it was just a matter of taking a scrap piece of wood 5/32" thick to use as a spacer when gluing it in position.   This is shown below.  Once again...make sure you position it in the correct spot and use the plans to find which hull frames this should line up with.   Its good practice because so many items moving forward need to placed in the correct spot...the hull frames are a great reference to start with. Once the center segment was glued in place the two end sections followed.   Make them the same port and starboard of course.   But you may also wish to pre-bend these before you glue them in position.  Especially at the bow and stern sections.   There is a little bit of twist to these and it is always better to not force them.  It is so much easier to pre bend and twist so no forcing of the limber strakes will be needed to get them to sit flush against the frames.

With the limber strakes completed, the mast steps can be assembled and installed.   I would also note that I didn't bother treenailing the limber strakes because it will just not be seen.   But you can do that if you feel compelled.

 

The mast steps are laser cut in three layers to make life easier.   Glue up the three layers first and remove the laser char.  Once they are nice and clean, check their fir over the keelson.  You should get a nice tight fit and the sides should fit snug down on top of the limber strakes.   Note how the outside edges of the mast steps follow the shape of the limber strakes.   You should sand them as shown in the photos and plans.  The main mast step is shown below.   You can clearly see the three layers.   Dont worry about the char in the mortice for the mast.   Leave that as is.  The main mast step also has little wedges fore and aft as you can see.   These are laser cut for you.   They were glued into the correct position on top of the keelson.   This is important!!!  place the mast step in the correct place or your masts placement will certainly become problematic.

 

A small length of 3/64 brass rod was used as the pin to "lock in" the little wedges after I glued them all in position.

 

A look at the mizzen mast step...no issues here other than the fact that the sides of the mast step have more shaping here.   They also follow the outside edge of the limber strakes.  I have not applied any finish inboard at all up to this point.  I actually might not apply any finish.   I will wait to see how things develop first.

 

An overall view of the mast steps and limber strakes.   I will not be adding the limber boards, choosing instead to follow Greg's construction and to simplify the building process.   "Less is more" when you leave the framing visible below the wales.  You wont want to see much stuff between the frames when you looking at the outside of the hull.  It could start to look sloppy with too much interior details and glue showing between the frames.  So I will follow the style as outlined in the Seawatch books for the most part.

 

 

Next up the forward lower platforms!!!

[Stuntflyer]

I'm happy to see that your back at it again. Looking nice!

 

Mike

[Chuck]

Before I can begin placing the beams for the lower platforms,  I must make a height gauge first.   There are many ways to do this and a system will be very important to have moving forward on this project.   Greg describes one method in his books on Speedwell.   I have decided to go another way.  I prefer to make a depth gauge of sorts.  

 

Here is a photo...you folks can of course select any method you prefer.  I am fond of this one and such a gauge can be made with readily available scrap strips...Note how the pointer is a separate it to be slipped onto the lower shaft.   It is basically a very large T-square.   I used 3/32" thick strips but they are fairly wide so they wont bend or flex.  The center of the "T" is thinner at about 1/16" thick.

The pointer is meant to be slid onto the center shaft of the "T".  Everything is squared up and at perfect right angles.   Nice and neat.

Basically take the measurements from the plans to find the depth of any beams etc.   Like the forward platform beams.   The underside of the "T" is set flush with the sheer on the plan.   Then I mark the top of the platform beam on the center shaft...without the pointer on it.   Just a pencil tick mark.

 

Then the pionter is added to the shaft and lined up with the tick mark.  The pointer must fit nice and snug so it doesnt shift around.  Its a very tight fit on purpose.  Then the depth gauge can be brought to the model as shown.   Repeat on both sides for each beam end.  I am marking the height for the tops of the beams.  Find where that beam should be and mark its height on the model.  Repeat this process for every lower platform beam end.  Then connect the marks to find the proper height for the platform.   Basically repeat this on both sides.  Hope that makes sense.

 

I am basically trusting that my sheer on the model is correct and even on both sides.   I am confident...

 

But if your sheer is off you have bigger problems anyway.  No matter what method you choose there will be issues.   This is just one method that can be used.  I did this for all the lower platform beams which are 3/16" x 3/16" cedar.  That is except for the most forward platform which has 1/4" x 3/16 beams just under the stove.  Check you plans carefully.  The beams have no roundup and are just cut from strip stock.   They are carefully measured and shaped to fit snug.  Placement is important here.

 

In fact the placement of the first 1/4" x 3/16 beam of the forward-most platform is very important.   It is exactly 5/16" away from the beam aft of it on the lowest platform.   So a small jig was laser cut to help find its location.  This will be provided.   It sits on the lower platform beams which went in first.   It has laser etched marks to help you place that first beam in position correctly at the right height and the right distance from the lower platform beam.

 

Once all seven of the forward platform beams were in place I tested my placement with the a cutout of the plans.  Everything is level and the plans fits pretty darned good.

Next up is to add the a bulkhead and some additional framing on these platforms before I plank them.

 

Hope this makes sense...

 

Chuck

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stuntflyer]

Great idea, Chuck! as long as the shear is good, then all should work out nicely. I’m gonna take a look at what Greg did on his build. It should be an interesting comparison.

Edited January 21 by Stuntflyer

[scrubbyj427]

Nice work Chuck! That looks really good.

[AnobiumPunctatum]

Great idea, Chuck. Thanks for sharing this really simple measuring tool. I love such tools.

[allanyed]

Your model is the best advertising for Syren in general Chuck.   REALLY beautiful workmanship.

Allan

[No Idea]

Beautiful work Chuck!! - The beams are a part of the model that I can see a kit builder having issues.  The beams have complicated compound angles to sit on the hull and line up with your marks - too short or the wrong angle and they are useless.  Just a thought maybe a small inclusion on how to work them out using scrap before trying to cut the stock provided.  I only say this because as a new builder I have wasted so much wood working this out before realising that scrap is a whole lot cheaper.  I also discovered to cut the longest beams first.  If I cut them too short I can move that piece forward to the next shorter beam.

 

Mark

[Chuck]

I wish I had a foolproof method.  I faced the same issues.  Multiple scrap pieces and do-overs.  The only advice I can give is to not settle and make a new deck beam when one doesnt fit.  The plans are pretty accurate but everyone will fair the inside of the hull differently so they are always going to be custom fit.  
 

Honestly I just eye-balled the length making them slightly longer to start and then slowly sanded the ends until they fit.  Each pass I made slight adjustments to the angles on each end.  If I over did it…then I tossed it and started again.  Thats what ship modeling is all about…at least for me.  
 

You guys didnt see my many do-overs, LOL.

 

If there is any silver lining…I will be completely planking these lower platforms.  So the beams wont be seen anyway.  

[kgstakes]

Chuck,

 

I just want to say one thing, I'm amazed at what you do.  I can "see" all the work you put into this project.  Great job.  I just drop my jaw with amazement with what you do and what everyone does on here.

[Chuck]

Thank You...

[dvm27]

When installing beams on a platform I usually install the fore and aft beams in their positions first. By placing a couple of planks across the span it is easy to determine the crown of those remaining intermediate beams. Their ends are trimmed until the crown touches the plank. I have also seen an adjustable beam length jig which measures the distance between the frames where the beams sit. But this is only as accurate as the marking out. Chuck's jig for doing this looks very simple.

 

Mark - there is no easy way to do this. I'm sure most of us have a scrap box full of failed beams, frames etc. Starting with the longest one is a great strategy as you can always use it for another shorter beam if you screw it up. The platforms are the hardest ones to frame, in my opinion. The upper decks all have clamps which make placement of the beams very easy.

[Chuck]

The next step was to create the bulkhead on the lower platform.   This was laser cut.   All I had to do was cut some 1/8" x 1/8" strips to simulate the vertical beams.  I just cut them to length and glued them on.   Now this piece may not actually fit your model perfectly.   There are just too many variables.   It all depends on where you placed that first platform beam.   It also depends on how you faired the interior of the hull.  But I sure it could be tweaked in most instances.   If you had to, you could use this as a starting point template to make another.  It isnt very difficult to do.

 

This is a picture of the bulkhead glued in position.  It is glued on the forward side of that first platform beam.   The templates are there to help me during the next step.   I will be adding the carlings and ledges.  They can be taken right from these templates which are on the plans.  

 

Here is a photo of the ledges and carlings completed.  These will support the scuttle lids once planking is finished.  I plan on planking the entire platforms.  I think it will make creating the various cabins a lot easier.

 

Planking is underway with 5/16" x 3/64" cedar strips.  I am not too concerned about getting up close to the sides of the hull.  Depending on how fairing went, this could sometimes lead to a weird shape along the edge of the platform.   So I concentrated on making a nice shape with the outer edge of the platform deck planking since the sides of the hull inboard will not be planked.  I am getting close to the side though and creating a consistent shape port and starboard.  It will be impossible to see the sides of this planking when done.  Once I get this done I will add the metal work (eyebolts with rings) for those scuttle lids.   Then its onto the two aft platforms which are done in a very similar way.   Also note the two cut-outs for the legs of the riding bitts.   The planks were cut so I could slip the riding bits down into those slots...hopefully!!!

 

Somebody asked to see a wider shot of the hull with the depth gauge in position.   So here is a picture of the hull all dusty after finishing the planking on those forward platforms.  Dont hesitate to ask me any questions.  

 

[Nirvana]

Chuck, that is so delicatly and lovely done.

Nice job.

[Chuck]

Finishing up the platforms with the ringbolts for the scuttle lids.  I also made a quick mock-up today of the fire hearth.  Unlike the Seawatch books I am deviating from the traditional stove.   I have built a lot of traditional iron stoves in my time.   Based on the original drafts and on the draft for the similar sloop Fly I am going with a brick fire hearth.   The contemporary draft is shown in the photos below.  You can clearly see the bricked up hearth.  I think it is a much more interesting fixture and its something I have never modelled before.  You guys can go either way...its up to you.  But I will only be making a mini kit for the fire hearth for the model.  This was actually very typical for sloops of this time period and I found a great deal of source info for these.

 

All of the brickwork is lasercut cedar.  The hood parts are thin boxwood sheet with laserboard hinges.   I will of course have to make another because I didnt take step by step photos.   I used a really easy and neat technique to weather those bricks.  I will detail that when the time comes.

 

The fire hearth isnt permanently added yet.   I will however glue the base onto the platform at this time.

 

[glbarlow]

There is no way those aren’t actually tiny real bricks cemented together 😳

[Stuntflyer]

Really nice! Doesn't look too difficult to make at all.

 

Mike

[Chuck]

Nope…Im not that crazy.   The brickwork  is laser cut and etched in just six pieces.  Its actually much easier to build than a traditional iron stove.  Once I lasercut the parts this test mock up only took about four hours.  That was after many failed attempts however where each piece had to be tweaked and recut for a better fit.  But the last complete mock-up went together really easily.  
 

…just a hint of the technique for the brickwork.  Ordinary flour was used for the mortar between the bricks once the red color was completed.  Its a really neat trick and really finishes everything nicely.  I hope you agree.

 

I guess it is still a bit crazy seeing how its a lot of work for an item that will hardly be seen.  LOL

[Thukydides]

It looks fantastic. The weathering is spot on.

[Stuntflyer]

29 minutes ago, Chuck said:

…just a hint of the technique for the brickwork.  Ordinary flour was used for the mortar between the bricks once the red color was completed.  Its a really near trick and really finishes everything nicely.  I hope you agree.

Totally, it looks so real. Your artistry is very apparent.

 

Mike

Edited January 23 by Stuntflyer

[JeffT]

very realistic

[Tossedman]

Really good for never having done it before. Looks quite realistic. Now that you have brickwork figured out, you can get a start on a scale Double Rope House as you build a scale shipyard to go with your model. It's only 1135 feet long. 😉

[scrubbyj427]

Good God that looks incredible! The coloring is spot on. Wow