Revenge 1577 by Loracs - Amati - 1:64

[Loracs]

ok, I came across a small delay.  I build, shaped and added the blocks to the spars few months ago... before starting the standing rigging.  One thing I learned since (thanks Kirill4 for that) is that most of the blocks were set to spars and masts, even other fixtures using served lines.  The reason THEN was to strengthen the rope in point of friction for durability.  So, for realism, it is good to do that.  However, there is a practical reason for modeler:

 

When you fix in place small blocks to spars... the block's rope remains somewhat flexible (i.e. it can stretch a little). The problem is that we (or I) cut the block rope pretty close for esthetic.  Adding CA glue to the end help keep it in place but the serving can still move a little under "stress" and the knot loosen.  Sometime, even fall apart.

 

Using a served rope for fixing blocks as two advantages:  1) serving harden significantly the rope, so it does not stretch much, 2) the serving act as grooves for the stitching of the knots, so there is far more resistance to pull and tug. 

 

Lastly, when serving a rope, I add a very thin layer of fabric glue to the rope using a toothpick.  Thin enough so it is only under the serving and does not spill to the outside.  It further helps to limit stretching, and help getting a clean serving that stay together when the rope is cut.

 

Summary:  I decided to cut and redo the blocks on the spars. Just guess how much pain having to redo a block that fall apart AFTER you have the spar set on the ship with ropes all around... not fun.  FAR BETTTER to deal with it ahead of time.

 

A small set back... but a mistake I won't be doing again.

Edited Thursday at 03:09 AM by Loracs