Syren Ship Model Company News, Updates and Info.....(part 2)

[James H]

Those look great!

[Nirvana]

Amazing sharpness and how clean they are!

[Rustyj]

Love them!

[GGibson]

3 hours ago, Chuck said:

These are all pre-dyed blocks...  I rather like the color and am preparing them for my speedwell... The holes on these blocks are extra large to make rigging easier as well...

 

These look awesome, Chuck!  I have enough now to finish my Bluenose, but definitely want to take inventory of what I will need for the ships waiting up in boxes on the shelf!  And definitely love the idea of having the slightly larger holes, as we always seem to need to ream out the holes for whatever rigging we are using. 

 

Thanks for doing these and keeping us updated! 

[toms10]

My 2 cents. I like the blocks in the second picture. In the top picture, they seem a bit on the reddish side. Maybe it is just how the pic came across on my phone. 
Tom

[Chuck]

Yes it was just a bad photo...sorry.  Here is a better one.  These are so tough to photograph for whatever reason.   These are the finished blocks.  Production will resume soon.  But first to enjoy the fourth!!!

 

 

[Azzoun]

I've got my cc ready!

 

[GGibson]

Is it a bad thing to say that I like 'em natural, so I can dye/stain them myself based on whatever the rest of the ship has?  They look awesome, Chuck! 🏆

[Chuck]

 

OK slight confession....the blocks you see me working on above are not boxwood.    I am working on a speedier alternative.   The tricky part is making them look like wood.   This will also be a much much cheaper alternative.

 

These blocks are all 3d printed.   No painting required...they will come like this straight out of the bag.

 

I have the boxwood or natural blocks all figured out and they look really good.  I hope you agree.   I just need to get the darker shade chosen.   Color and finish is the tricky part of this.   

 

Clue blocks, sheet blocks, sister blocks, violin blocks,  hearts deadeyes.....the possibilities are endless.

 

Chuck

 

Early tests....good prints but bad resin.   It wouldnt dye the correct color and was too shiny.

 

 

 

[James H]

They really do look great. Hope to see more iterations soon.

[woodartist]

they look like the real thing.

[Chuck]

Production has begun.

 

3/16” singles…

 

 

 

[Nirvana]

Chuck, what is the production volume per hour? Or is it a trade secret? 

Looking good though. 

[Chuck]

Its still too new to me to know that.   I pretty much still fumbling around.   

[GGibson]

7 hours ago, Nirvana said:

Chuck, what is the production volume per hour? Or is it a trade secret? 

 

Chuck doesn't know the specific amount of time, Nirvana.  He just blocks some time during the day... 🤣

 

They look awesome, Chuck!

[Chuck]

Deadeye test in the "English Boxwood" color along with a test of fiddle blocks and shoulder blocks.  Keep in mind these pics are just taken with my phone.  They look pretty good in reality.   

 

[Thukydides]

Those blocks look fantastic.

[Chuck]

Singles are now starting to be added as "in stock" in my online store.   Doubles will follow early next week.  I think you guys will really, really like the price.   So much cheaper than nearly $9 per package for cnc blocks.   I hope this makes for an affordable option and they are really terrific looking blocks.  I hope you guys give them a try.   I am going for a slightly darker "English Boxwood" color on these as I know most dont like the very light blocks on a model.  I hope you will be pleased.

 

[Chuck]

Most single and double blocks are now in stock.  I still have some bigger sizes to make but I have most of the popular sizes done.  

 

Just $4.75 per package. 
 

https://syrenshipmodelcompany.com/boxwood-rigging-blocks.php
 

Triple blocks will follow really soon.  Probably this weekend as I wrap up singles and doubles.

 

Chuck

[Chuck]

playing with clue blocks....still tweaking these.  But you get the idea.  I have to make the side holes bigger and the sides thicker where those holes are.  

 

[Jay 1]

Chuck, I just received my order that included some of your new 3-D printed blocks and they look fantastic!  Am posting here so others know how good these look!  
 

Cheers,

Jay

[Chuck]

Thank you so much!!!

 

I know this is a tough decision for folks...to abandon wood and take the plunge.  But they look pretty good to me.  I am glad you like them.  And you cant beat that price!!

 

I am using them on my Speedwell.  I wouldnt sell them if I didnt feel comfortable using them on my own models.  I test rigged one of the guns with them.  

 

[Nirvana]

Looking very good Chuck. 
I will certainly order when I need more blocks.

[Chuck]

Just about fully stocked now with all sizes up to 1/4".  Singles, Doubles and Triples.

 

Next week I will start stocking Deadeyes and fiddle blocks.

 

[Chuck]

Fiddle blocks underway...

 

[GGibson]

The fiddle blocks look amazing, Chuck!  As a "newbie builder" who has not worked on a ship build that has used fiddle blocks, I have to admit I'm clueless on what era/type of ship utilized the fiddle blocks and if they were used for a specific purpose.  Appreciate an education from... anybody! 👍

[Chuck]

Thank You...

 

And by the way guys.   These 3D printed blocks are pre-dyed and with a matte finish raw when you get them.   They are great right out of the bag.   BUT...if you really want to make them pop...and give them an even richer color and real wood finish/appearance...apply a coat of Minwax wipe-on-poly or sanding sealer.   You will truly be amazed at how incredible they look.  Use a satin finish or Matte finish.   That is the real secret!!!  Shhh!!!  don't tell anyone.

 

Treat them like wood and you will be a believer and convert.

 

 

As I make each batch of these I apply some WOP to a small number of them and put them in these clear plastic bags.  I then toss them on the model and do this as my QC color/texture test to see how well they look like wood and if I can even tell the difference.   You guys can be the judge....try it.

 

 

[Gregory]

On 7/25/2024 at 4:40 PM, GGibson said:

I have to admit I'm clueless on what era/type of ship utilized the fiddle blocks and if they were used for a specific purpose. 

They show up on rigs from the 17th century to present.

It is my understanding they do the same work as a double, but their shape is better suited for some applications.

 

They are often used in the vangs for gaff rigs.

 

 

Here is one in a back stay for Cheerful.

[Jay 1]

Chuck, will you also continue making and selling your wooden boxwood blocks?

 

Thanks,

Jay

[Chuck]

No at this point I dont think so.  I am going to only sell the 3d printed blocks