HMS Indefatigable 1794 by Glenn-UK - FINISHED - Vanguardodel Ms - 1:64

[Blue Ensign]

Neat work on the Mizen Stay Glenn,

 

You know you can improve the look of the mouses on the stay collars  immensely simply by using  formed styrene tubing or wooden dowel covered with material from a pair of your wife's old tights, but don't let her catch you cutting them up.😉

 

B.E.

[Glenn-UK]

Mizzen Topsail Mast

Over the last couple of days I have been making the Mizzen Topsail Mast. Starting with a piece of dowel I added the square section to the top section and then rounded off the top section.

 

The dowel was then placed in my proxxon mini lathe so the mid section taper could be added. Next, using a sharp craft knife and sand paper, I created the conical shape below the square section.

 

I decided to make the bottom section of the topsail from a separate piece of 6mm square stock material. I started with the top octagonal section. Next I reduce the square section down from 6mm to 5mm. Finally I added the smaller octagonal section to the lower end. A hole was also drilled for the FID which was test fitted.

It was then a case off adding a pin between the two pieces and gluing them together.

The topsail mast was then test fitted to the Indy and I was pleased it was a good fit without any modifications. The topsail platform crosstrees have not been fitted in the photo below, but can be seen on the main mizzen platform.

The lower section showing the cap is a good fit. The crosstrees are resting on the mizzen mast platform and are ready to be added to the topsail platform.

Close up of the underside of the platform after the crosstrees were added.

Close up of the topsail mast cap

I will continue to make the remaining topsail and topgallant mast over the next few days.

 

[Glenn-UK]

Mizzen Topgallant Mast

I have continued making the various masts. The mizzen topgallant mast was a fairly straightforward mast to make and appears to be a good fit.

Main Topsail Mast

I then moved on to making the main topsail mast. This mast was made from a piece of 8mm dowel, which is cut longer than required, and will be trimmed to the right size once all the shaping is completed,  I applied a piece of tape to indicate the where the top square section will end.

Using a craft knife and needle file the top section of the dowel was squared off. The very top section was then rounded off and the topsail end cap fitting was checked.

The topsail platform was also test fitted. So far so good.

Next I applied the taper section to the middle section using my proxxon mini lathe. The conical section is still to be shaped.

Next using a craft knife and file the bottom section was shaped, starting with making a square section.

Next I created the octangle shaping to either side of the bottom square section, and then drilled the hole for the FID, which turned out to the hardest task. This is because I managed to snap the micro drill bit and the broken drill end was very difficult to remove. Thankfully the broken drill bit did eventually surrender so the FID could be test fitted.

 

The final task was to create the conical shaping, which I did using a craft knife and sand paper. The topsail mast was then tested fitted to the main mast and looked good.

 

 

Edited March 4 by Glenn-UK

[Glenn-UK]

Mast Shaping Completed

This morning I completed the shaping for the fore topsail and fore topgallant masts. These fore mast sections were then successfully test fitted on the Indy.

When looking at the next photo I do need make a minor adjustment to where the foretopgallant mast sits within the end cap as the hole for the FID is currently below the platform and cannot be fitted.

The next task will be to paint and add the blocks to all these mast sections (fore, main and mizzen). Once that is done the topsail masts will be added to the Indy so the shrouds and ratlines can be added.

 

Here are a few pictures of the Indy with all the masts in place, noting the topsail and topgallant masts are only dry fitted. The other models in the background are Speedy (incomplete), IJN Yamato, Alert and the Duchess of Kingston

Edited March 6 by Glenn-UK

[Glenn-UK]

Fore Topsail Shrouds

I am currently working on installing the shrouds for the fore, main and mizzen topsail masts.

 

I have added the shrouds to the fore topsail mast, and the lanyards are now ready to be tied off, as can be seen in the photo below.

I started the process by making all the shroud pairs for all three topsail masts. The shrouds were run through some beeswax which was then melted using a hairdryer  and were then left hanging with a slight weight to help get rid of all the kinks.

It will then a case of adding the shrouds to each of the topsail masts and adding the deadeyes.

 

Starting with the fore topsail mast all the shrouds were added. As then were run in I used some clamps to keep them in the approx positions.

 

The deadeyes have been added to the first shroud pair and the lanyards threaded in the next couple of photos.

I am using my tried and tested method to adding the deadeyes. The jig prongs are inserted into the platform deadeyes. The shroud is then feed down through the top guides and through the bottom hole. A clamp is used to apply some tension to the shroud.

Next a needle with some seizing thread is passed through the top hole in the jig. This should ensure that each shroud deadeye is set to the same position above the platform deadeye once the lanyards have been added.

It is then an easy job to make the loop the loop. A deadeye can then be placed in the shroud and the free end is then be pulled which closes the loop around the deadeye. As the lanyards are been run in I am pleased that the shroud deadeyes seem to be nice and level with each other. I will need to make the final adjustments when the lanyards are tied off.

[Glenn-UK]

Fore Topsail Mast Ratlines

I am now in the process of adding the ratlines to the fore topsail mast. The first task was to make a template and then clamp in place. In the photo below I have already added a few ratlines. As explained in previous posts I prefer to add every 5th ratline first, as indicated by the 0's on the template. I then add all the 1's before completing the task by adding all the 2's

It took me a couple of hours to complete one side. A couple of the deadeye seizing's could have been done better (i.e. the middle and right hand end ones) but I can live with how they look which is all that matters. Work is now progressing to complete adding the ratlines to the other side.

 

[Glenn-UK]

Main Topsail Mast Shrouds

Despite suffering with a bad case of manflu I have bravely continued with working on the Indy build. Over the last couple of days I added the main topsail mast shrouds and ratlines. I used the same method as detailed in my fore mast topsail post(s) and I am reasonably happy with the end result.

 

Next up will be adding the shrouds and ratlines to the mizzen topsail mast. I will have very limited time in the shipyard over the next few days due to grandparenting duties.

[Theodosius]

Phantastic! 🙂 

[Glenn-UK]

39 minutes ago, Theodosius said:

Phantastic! 🙂 

Thanks 

[Glenn-UK]

Mizzen Topsail Shrouds and Topsail Stays

This morning I added the final ratline when I completed the mizzen topsail shrouds.

Before moving on to adding the topgallant masts and associated shrouds I ran in the threads required for the topsail mast stays.

 

Starting with the mizzen topsail mast stay

The main topsail stay and preventor have been run in, but I have not belayed to the deck as yet.

The fore topsail stay and preventor have been run in, but I have not belayed them to the deck as yet.

Current build status

[AON]

looking very smart and clean!

BZ

[Glenn-UK]

6 minutes ago, AON said:

looking very smart and clean!

BZ

Many thanks Alan

[Thukydides]

30 minutes ago, Glenn-UK said:

This morning I added the final ratline when I completed the mizzen topsail shrouds.

That must be a relief. I only had a few to do on Alert and I did not enjoy even the little I had to do.

 

It is looking great, she is very imposing.

[Glenn-UK]

2 minutes ago, Thukydides said:

That must be a relief. I only had a few to do on Alert and I did not enjoy even the little I had to do.

 

It is looking great, she is very imposing.

Thanks, I quite enjoy adding the ratlines, the repetitive nature can be therapeutic. It is a big relief once it is done however.

[Glenn-UK]

Topgallant Yard Lift Blocks

I spend the last couple of days adding the all the shroud cleats.

 

When looking at the plan sheets with regards to the topgallant shrouds I noted that I need to add blocks for the topgallant yard lifts as these are sited between the first and second topsail shrouds. It makes sense to me to fit these before the topgallant shrouds are added.

 

In the first photo below I have shown the arrangement I am using for these blocks. The large loop can be passed over the top of the topsail mast. The block is used for the topgallant lift and the bottom end is then belayed to one of the topsail shroud cleats.

The next photo shows the arrangement is place.

 

 

[allanyed]

Hi Glenn,

Is the last photo the top of the topmast or topgallant mast?

Thanks

Allan

[Glenn-UK]

13 minutes ago, allanyed said:

Hi Glenn,

Is the last photo the top of the topmast or topgallant mast?

Thanks

Allan

Topsail mast, the topgallant mast will slot in square hole between the stays.

[allanyed]

Thanks Glenn,

I think there were bolsters on the topmast trestletrees, at least according to Lees (below pic). Not really that noticeable on the model though.

Allan

[Glenn-UK]

Possibly, not shown on the build plans. I am content with what I have done.

[Glenn-UK]

Topgallant Shrouds

I have now added the shrouds to the fore, main and mizzen topgallant masts.

 

 

Fore topgallant mast shrouds

Main topgallant mast shrouds

Mizzen topgallant mast shrouds

The topsail and topgallant stays have also been added but have not been belayed. This will be my next task and there is quite a bit of work required in belaying these stays with the blocking arrangements. I have attached a couple of examples.

 

 

[Glenn-UK]

Main and Fore Topsail Mast Stay Belaying Blocks

As indicated in my previous post the belaying of the main and fore topsail mast stays are via a  blocking arrangement, as can be seen in the photo below. The smaller lower block requires a thimble and hook adding. The upper section consists of two blocks, with a thimble added to the larger top block.

In the ensuing text and associated photos I have detailed the method I have used to make this blocking arrangement.

 

The lower block

This is a single block with a thimble at the top of the block. A hook is seized to the bottom of the block. To start this process I took a length of 0.5mm black thread and wrapped it around a metal rod which was held in the quad hands, as shown in the photo below.

Using some 0.1mm black thread to add the seizing i was able to create the required thimble, as can be seen in the next photo.

The block was then placed in the quad hands and the thread was then added. In the next photo the block is now ready to be seized.

Once the block was seized, one of the thread ends was cut away and the hook was then threaded on the remaining thread end. This is shown on the next photo.

The thread end was then clamped to the side of the block. I have shown this arrangement in the next photo and the hook is now ready to have the seizing applied.

Once the hook has been seized the excess thread can be removed. The next photo shows the completed block.

The double block

This is a more complicated arrangement as it consists of two block seized together with a thimble on the top of the larger block.

 

I started with a length of 0.5mm black thread which was secured to the smaller lower black with a simple cross over knot, as can be seen in the next photo

The two blocks are then held in the quad hands and the seizing is added.

One of the free thread ends was then removed. The thimble is formed by holding the thread to the side of the block, as shown in the next photo.

Once the thimble has been seized the excess thread is removed. The completed double block is shown in the next photo.

The first set of blocks for the topsail stays is now completed. I will now repeat the above process to make three more blocking sets.

[AON]

Just wondering...

I wonder why a set of blocks nested end to end was used as opposed to a fiddle block?

...not expecting an answer, unless someone knows!

[Glenn-UK]

30 minutes ago, AON said:

Just wondering...

I wonder why a set of blocks nested end to end was used as opposed to a fiddle block?

...not expecting an answer, unless someone knows!

In answer to your question, I have no idea.

[AON]

Well then, I'm in good company!

[allanyed]

Good question Alan and there may be no conclusive answer. The set up appears to be a workable substitution for using a fiddle block.  Based on Lees The Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War), Page 54  from about 1680 until bees were introduced on the sprit, fiddle blocks were used on the fore topmast stay with the stay tackle fall. Lees goes on to write on page 56 that the main top mast stay also had a fiddle block and the stay tackle fall.  Then again, ships often had their own rendition in accomplishing a given task.  By about 1745, the stay ran through sheaves under the bees sheaves to a heart of thimble.  There are detailed drawings of the set up of the fore topmast stays on page 53. (see below)

Allan

Edited April 1 by allanyed

[Thukydides]

You are making good progress Glenn, great job.

 

I suspect that with regard to the fiddle block it is just a compromise on the part of the kit. For alert the fiddle blocks for the running backstays are also represented in the vanguard kit as two blocks on top of each other. This is one of those things that is not super noticeable unless you are looking for it and so I suspect Chris decided it was an acceptable compromise. This will always be the case with a kit and those of us who care about such details can easily fashion a fiddle block ourselves.

[chris watton]

The smallest fiddle blocks I can get are 7mm, way, way too big for the scale

[AON]

On the other hand... I imagine they used what they had.

If you didn't have a fiddle block of the appropriate size you "McGyvered" one of your own!

[Glenn-UK]

Stays and Preventors

I have finally completed adding all the stays and preventors for the mizzen, main, and fore lower, topsail and topgallant masts. The sprit topmast and flying jibboom have also been added to the bowsprit.

 

I am reasonably happy with how the Indy is looking at the moment. There is still a few more months work ahead required to complete the build.

 

The first photo shows the Mizzen mast.

The next photo shows the belaying arrangement for the mizzen topsail and topgallant stays, located on the main mast lower platform. I did have to redo the mizzen topsail stay as I was not very happy with the end result after I had added the mizzen topgallant mast stay.

The next photo shows the main mast stays

The next photo shows the main topsail and topgallant stays belaying arrangement on the foremast lower platform

The next photo shows the belaying on the main topsail stay and preventor at deck level.

The next photo shows the foremast stays

The top gallant stay and flying jibboom stays are fed through the dolphin striker, as shown in the next photo.

The fore topsail stay and preventor are taken through the bees, as shown in the next photo.

Some close up detail of the sprit topmast and flying jibboom arrangements in the next couple of photos.

The next photo shows the fore topsail preventor and flying jibboom belaying arrangement at the bow. There is a similar belaying arrangement on the port side bow for the fore topsail stay and fore topgallant stay,

[Glenn-UK]

Mizzen Mast Backstays

I seem to have spent quite a bit of time in the shipyard but there is no much sign of any real progress.

 

I am currently working on adding the  various backstays and the preparation work is quite time consuming. I have moved the Indy to a different work area which allows me all round access which is much better when adding the rigging. The down side is it not possible to take good photos due to the open backgrounds.

 

I started with the mizzen mast and this was the best photo showing the mizzen topsail and topgallant backstays.

Taking close up pictures is not such a problem and the next photo shows the upper mizzen topsail mast platform where the topsail backstays are positioned and dropped down through the rear crosstrees.

And now a photo showing the backstay deadeyes.

Main Mast Breast Backstay

The fore and main breast backstays are quite involved, each requiring a three block belaying arrangement. In the next photo I have shown the two upper blocks.

The next shows all three blocks and this backstay arrangement is now ready to be installed. However before I do this I need to make up the other 3 breast backstays arrangements.

Edited April 10 by Glenn-UK