HMS Victory by Sparkov - Billing Boats - 1:75 - first build

[Sparkov]

Hello all,

 

I Just want to announce that I started my HMS Victory build last January, but have only just gotten around to starting this build log, I'll add a few posts over the next few days to bring the log up to speed of where I am currently (78 hours in) with accompanying pictures.

Opening the Box, numbering the parts, building the Slip and assembling the keel and the Hull Bulkheads took me to about 21 hours

[allanyed]

Welcome to MSW.  Looking forward to your build log.

Allan

[The Gimps Chimp]

Hi Sparkov, looking forward to seeing your progress  

Chimp

[Sparkov]

Next I added the Upper Gun Deck and then using the 4 Butt system, began Deck Planking of the Upper Gun Deck, using 10cm length Strips (Approximately 20 ft) where I used black bonded Nylon 40s thread between the planks as caulking

Edited January 15 by Sparkov

[Sparkov]

The next job was to cut out, sanded & painted Upper Gun Deck deck hatching, Cabin Panelling aft of the Quarter Deck, Bow Timbers and forward bulkhead. While also dry fitting the Quarter Deck.  I also attached the acetate windows to the panted panels.

 

[Sparkov]

Based on some great ideas I had got from other Build Logs on this site, I used thread on the Cabin Panel windows

[Sparkov]

Reading through the other Build Logs, which gather such useful insights and using the wealth of knowledge, I loved the idea (Thank you Shihawk) of adding scratch build ladders down from the Upper Gun Deck to a false Middle Gun Deck.  
 

[Sparkov]

Although I've started to assemble the Gun Carriages, this task is not yet complete, which about brings me up to date of where I currently am with my build. 

 

I now have the dilemma if what to do next!   fitting and planking the Quarter Deck vs adding the side Planking Strips

Edited January 15 by Sparkov

[Sparkov]

While deciding on the next big job, I thought I would tackle some smaller jobs, so I assembled and painted the Signal Flag lockers and Formers

[allanyed]

Very nice work for a first build Sparkov

For the future note that the gratings did not have openings adjacent to the head ledges or coamings, but rather had a solid edge as in the drawing below.  I find it easiest to make the grating so it has this solid edge then make the head ledges and coamings to fit.    

Allan

 

[Sparkov]

So today I painted the Crane Formers in Yellow Ochre (see image below) but seeing the colour once dried, I'm questioning to myself the choice of yellow to use!!!   its looks darker in person than it does in the image.   
 

I know the shade comes down to personal preference, but what are peoples thoughts on the matter?

[Sparkov]

So I've now Planked the poop deck before fitting it, and tried out a new technique, one I am much happier with.   With the Upper Gun Deck I used thread as caulking, and used lengths that crossed over the width of the deck, where in the 4 Butt system I used, for every 5 adjacent planks, x4 went over the thread, this caused a bumpy and frankly not very smart looking deck.  Therefore For the Quarter Deck and Poop Deck which would be much more visible, I will be using thread as caulking lengthways, but I will cut out 4mm lengths and add to each plank end. As you can see by the images, much smarter, and much more pleasing to eye