Gorch Fock by Mike Dowling - OcCre - 1:95

[Mike Dowling]

It is ages since I tried to do a build log on this forum so I thought it was about time I did! I have made loads of models since my last but not done logs on any of them. I love the look of the tall ships and I have recently finished the Occre version of the Amerigo Vespucci with full lighting and loads of changes to the kit instructions to make her more like the real vessel. I am going to try and light the Gorch Fock as well although I wonder sometimes why I set myself these challenges. I can already see from the instructions that I will have to make a few alterations to the kit but otherwise I hope to build her more or less out of the box this time without looking too carefully at the real vessel.

 

At first look the instructions are the usual Occre quality, the wood looks good and the fittings fine. I will change the navigation lights so that I can fit lights. I don't like the photo etched stanchions but changing them costs a lot as I know because I changed them on the AV so I will put up with them this time. The sails again are usual for Occre but to be honest they do look OK in the end. I made some for the AV as the kit didn't come with them but they didn't really come out better so I will stick with those provided. Let's see what else I find as I go along.

 

For those who want to know this is what is in the box!

 

[Knocklouder]

Good luck on your journey!!  

[Mike Dowling]

All the bulkheads fixed on, they are not wonky at the back I promise, it's just the camera angle!! I have shelved the lighting plan for this one. With the construction and the sort of false deck in the middle it makes it very difficult at this stage to know where the lights will go in the right place for the portholes so rather than give myself a headache she can stay unlit.

 

[Mike Dowling]

First deck on and gluing. I am not impressed with the poor quality of my planking but the supplied wood in this instance supposedly is sycamore which I don't think I have used before. The planks unfortunately were of a variety of widths and thicknesses and this along with that deck being in three pieces was not the easiest I have done. Because of the different thickness I just couldn't get a really smooth finish. For the rear and front decks I had some spare wood of a very similar colour and, as you will see has resulted in a much better finish. It is very unusual in my experience for Occre to provide such poor quality wood, they are usually so good. Never mind I will plod on!

 

[Mike Dowling]

All three decks on now and a coat of sealer which shows up the caulking quite well I think. The next stage is to add some parts between the bulkheads for strength and a bit more surface area for planking. The fairing, a job I always dread!!!

 

[Mirabell61]

nice progress Mike,

 

Nils

[Mike Dowling]

Thank you Nils, glad to see you are still there and creating your wonderful models.

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

   I'll watch you build as it progresses - 'guess the kit is of the Gorch Fock 2.  I'm slowly restoring an old scratch model of the GF 1, still extant but with a few modifications from its original configuration.

[Mike Dowling]

Hi there, I think you are right that the kit is the Gorch Fock 2 but I am thinking of being lazy and doing a build out of the box rather than trying to be too realistic so apart from the bow which is totally wrong I don't plan on too many 'adjustments'. My last build was the Amerigo Vespucci also from Occre and I did loads of alterations to try and make it more like the real ship. Whether it was worth it I am not sure, not many people will ever see it.

[yankee clipper]

Argument in the crews quarters Mike. In your picture of the first deck laying, are those stones or potatoes you are using for weights?

[Mike Dowling]

Definitely not potatoes although it is interesting that you so cleverly observe that my wife does love my home cooked chips!! They are lovely pieces of heavy Scottish quartz!! Just the job for holding things down.

[Mike Dowling]

I finished the dreaded fairing and am actually quite pleased with it. Maybe practise has helped. Bulwarks are on, a bit of a struggle as they didn't want to bend. I did some handrails before I put them on as they would have been a right fiddle afterwards. I made the handrails a lot thinner and with different eyelets from the kit as the suggested parts were far too big. Also put on what they call the 'master strakes' each side. 5mm x 3mm and again not an easy bend despite a good long soak. I guess they will be a good guide for the rest of the planking.

[Mike Dowling]

Well, this is quite possibly the worst first planking I have ever done!!! However the hull is now covered. It will need a huge amount of sanding, filling and elbow grease to get it ready for the second planking which I hope I will manage to do a lot better.

 

 

[Mike Dowling]

After some trimming, sanding, filling and more sanding she doesn't look so bad now after all. Still some work to do on the bow to get the shape right but the second planking should help with that.

 

 

[Mike Dowling]

I have been very remiss about adding regular updates to this log and a great deal has happened since my last update.

Firstly the second planking is finished. It was a trial because the wood supplied insisted on curling side to side. It meant for very slow progress and a huge amount of adhesive tape to hold the planks down while they dried. Anyway, eventually covered the hull and much to my surprise not a lot of filling was needed. The hull was primed (3 coats) and painted (3 more). Holes were drilled for the portholes. I really didn't like those supplied so I bought larger ones pre painted white. They are far nearer those on the real vessel.

The there was all the deck furniture to make and attach, one of the stages I find the most fun. I did the railings at the front but I will leave the rear railings to last because it would be far too easy to break them whilst doing rigging. Likewise for the two life boats, cranes etc.

The masts are all made up as are all the yards and the sails (23 of them) sorted for their appropriate places.

The Occre rigging is hugely simplified which is fine by. The real vessel is incredibly complex. I have added though blocks on the yards to allow the addition of one bunt line. At least then I can raise each sail a little bit.

My next task is to sew the sails to the yards but I am waiting for some thread of the right colour. Meanwhile here are some pictures of where I am at the moment.

 

 

[Mike Dowling]

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  Truly beautiful work ... and an inspiration for me do do a little more on my end.  Thanks for the update on your build!

[king derelict]

She looks stunning. Beautiful work.

alan

[Mike Dowling]

Thank you Gentlemen for your kind comments.

[Mike Dowling]

I have made a start on the standing rigging and sewn the appropriate sheets to their yards ready to go on later. Next step shrouds and rat lines!!

 

I have to say that it was not an easy job keeping the masts inline and a reasonable tension on all the lines but I am quite pleased with the result and it was worth the time.