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 sizing, 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 May 22 by Loracs

[Loracs]

Attaching Blocks: Not a huge update, but some may be curious about how I attached the blocks to the spars.  Obviously, this is pretty basic for most of you... but I like documenting the build process in general.  Basically, the pictures illustrate the steps. 

 

One thing to be careful of in the early steps is to have the sizing smug but lightly. With a serving rope, the sizing will lock in place otherwise.  You still need to pull the ends of the rope to tighten the block and later to the spar.  One end to tighten one loop, the other for the second. Experiment a little first.  Once done, you can then "lock" everything down very well by pulling on the sizing, lock in place by adding a tiny drop of CA glue.

 

This is zoomed in 3x. The block is 2.5mm. The is 0.35mm initially, likely 0.5mm after serving.

 

Edited May 23 by Loracs

[Knocklouder]

Very nice work, 

Bob M.

[Loracs]

Last stretch home... before adding the sails.

 

 

Edited May 23 by Loracs

[Loracs]

Attaching Sails: I chose two of the smallest pieces as examples, so you can get a more detailed look.  I'm not set up to sew the sails.  So I use alternatives.  First the edges are reinforced by cutting and gluing a small 3 mm fabric. I used fabric glue, which remains flexible after drying.  The glue further strengthens the edge... a nice bonus since you can sew the tread very close to the edge without ripping the fabric.

 

The vertical sewing lines are just painted in using "Posca" pen 0.7mm.  I had a hard time deciding between ivory and beige....  I settled on the first.  The paint seeped into the fabric and can be seen on both sides.

 

Finally, I sew the sail on the spar using a single tread.  You can see the details on both sides in the pictures.

 

[Baker]

Did it this way at first. And got the comment that this was not correct.

Reason, if the rope breaks the whole sail falls down.

Then switched to this method (post 634)

 

without obligation of course 😉

 

 

[Loracs]

oh dam...  reading your post and few others...  you are right:  one break and the sail fall apart.  Not a good approach for warship.  Furthermore, I like to incorporate a realistic approach to build as much as I can (except for decoration, where I take some liberties).

 

Ok, I only have the two very small ones done.  Let me do the roband hitch...  will need to figure out the knot, first.  I see that you have a short tutorial with the Golden Hind.

 

Thanks for the comment... a nice early catch.  BTW I like how you sowed the rope around the sail.  That will be my next time.

Edited Friday at 05:25 AM by Loracs

[Loracs]

Greeting all, I tried the roband hitch...  I must say that I'm having a hard time with it.  My issue is that I end up with an ugly square knot. I have a hard time with it and hate the look locally. In addition, it is taking me forever at each knot.  I'm considering going back to the first method, less accurate for the period and type of ship, but easier for me.  I'm thinking of a slightly different method that may look better once done. Back to the testing phase.  This is the drawback with beginner. Not having it done before, you can't really anticipate issues/difficulties.  Efficiency/speed go down the drain really fast...  this is a necessary learning curve, I guess.

Edited Saturday at 02:42 PM by Loracs