dunnock Posted April 29 Share #1 Posted April 29 UPS delivered my HMS Speedy kit this morning and I'll be joining the long list of excellent builds of this lovely model. This is the updated 2023 version of the kit. I’ve started looking through previous Speedy logs and I’m making notes of points to look out for and things I want to change and new things I want to try. I’ll have a good read of the (substantial) kit manual but won’t start building in earnest until the end of May. I already know that I will be replacing the standard blocks and using Ropes of Scale for rigging and I want to try out some weathering techniques. Before then I have my NRG half hull to mount but for most of May I'll be on holiday with my wife in Shetland and taking in the Kingdom of Fife, Orkney and the north west of Scotland. Based on current weather forecasts there will probably be plenty of time to continue with my research while I’m away. Dunnock chris watton, DavidEN, wvdhee and 6 others 9 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveBaxt Posted April 29 Share #2 Posted April 29 Good to hear you have another project to get a grips with and an excellent choice. Also agree with changing the blocks and using ropes of scale. I look forward to seeing your weathering techniques. Although I have never tried the skill myself( apart from the copper plates) it is a very interesting subject all the same. dunnock 1 Quote Completed St Canute Billings Dec 2020 Completed HMS Bounty Amati May 2021 Finished Currently building HM Bark Endeavour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mugje Posted April 29 Share #3 Posted April 29 Nice choice! And best of luck with this build dunnock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted April 29 Author Share #4 Posted April 29 Thanks Mugje and Dave for your best wishes David DaveBaxt and mugje 2 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB789 Posted April 29 Share #5 Posted April 29 Very much looking forward to following you on this. I’ve also got the updated 2024 Speedy to build. Good luck with the build. dunnock 1 Quote Dan Current Build: HM Gun Brig Adder (Vanguard Models, 1:64) Previous Builds: Fifie (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Nisha (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Zulu (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Saucy Jack (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Erycina (Vanguard Models, 1:64), HMS Alert (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Grecian (Vanguard Models, 1:64), Ranger (Vanguard Models, 1:64) Waiting to be Built: Speedy (Vanguard Models, 1:64) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted April 30 Author Share #6 Posted April 30 Thanks Dan and welcome aboard. I'm following your Adder build with interest too David Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morten Posted April 30 Share #7 Posted April 30 I have finished My Speedy and Indy after that. Thea Are a pleasure to build with exelent instructions9, drawings and materiel dunnock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted May 3 Author Share #8 Posted May 3 I said that I wouldn’t be starting Speedy until I got back from holiday but you know how it is, the box was there staring at me and I couldn’t resist a little look and one thing led to another…. I dry fitted bulkheads 4 -13 and the braces, parts 22 and then I began to wonder if it would be possible to add a little bit to the lower deck – maybe the Captain’s cabin. Based on the RMG plans, I think the cabin would sit from bulkhead 12 to between 14 and 15. It would mean cutting out a lot of 14 and adding a wall between 14 and 15. It would also affect the upper deck beams. I’m already going off the idea for where would it end – the officers’ and NCOs’ cabins, a stove? David mugje, DB789 and Thukydides 3 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thukydides Posted May 3 Share #9 Posted May 3 1 hour ago, dunnock said: I began to wonder if it would be possible to add a little bit to the lower deck – maybe the Captain’s cabin. You could definitely do this. There is a cheerful log somewhere (I can't remember which one now, I think the name started with a j) where they did this which might give you ideas. It would be a nice way to make your model a little unique. Back when I was thinking about doing speedy as my second build I did have some thoughts on doing something like this. dunnock 1 Quote Current build: HM Cutter Alert (Vanguard Models) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted May 3 Author Share #10 Posted May 3 Thanks for that Thuky. I'll take a look for it David Thukydides 1 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted June 3 Author Share #11 Posted June 3 I’ve had a few weeks now to ponder the possible lower deck additions. I marked out where I thought the captain’s and lieutenant’s cabins should go on the bulkheads and you can see that it would mean a fair bit of alteration and possible weakening of the structure so I decided not to press on and left it at painting the after section off-white in case any part can be seen through the hatches. The frame is now completed with it’s various filler pieces and as expected, it went together perfectly with only one slight problem. I couldn’t get the stern bulkhead (16) to sit square to the false keel. I couldn't see why this should be so sanded back the false keel to get the bulkhead closer to parallel then checked the fit of the stern frames (30 & 31) which pulled the bulkhead into line. This was the only time I differed from the instructions. I built the stern section off the model, gluing the stern frames to the stern bulkhead first and then gluing the assembly to the rest of the hull. I have decided that I will not use the laser-engraved deck but plan to use maple planks so I did some initial planning and marking out on the main deck pattern before gluing it in place. I could maybe have done bit more fairing of the bulkheads and filler pieces prior to assembly but the MDF is so easy to shape that it's not critical. That's where the build sits for the moment. David DB789, ccoyle, whitejamest and 5 others 8 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted June 7 Author Share #12 Posted June 7 The stern frames are now birch ply and more robust than the previous MDF that I believe was used in previous versions of Speedy. Even so, getting the counter and transom pieces on is a relief and makes the stern section quite robust. The counter pattern was soaked and curved around a jar before fitting and then the transom pattern glued to the stern frames. Hull fairing of the 3mm MDF was relatively quick. I worked it a bit at a time by hand over a couple of days for fear of overdoing it. For some reason BH 14 was low on one side and I had to add a 1mm strip to bulk it out. I think this is my best attempt at fairing a hull so far but the planking will soon let me know if that it true. The gunport patterns were soaked in warm water fitted to the bulwarks and left to dry. The two problems I had at this stage were getting the forward tab of the pattern to fit in the slot on the stem and getting the pins to hold the lower edge of the pattern against the bulkheads. I used a travel iron to improve the contact between bulkhead and pattern. I glued the port pattern without difficulty a few bulkheads at a time again pinning and using heat to improve contact at the lower edge and left it to partially set for half an hour before glueing up the starboard side. When it had all set I noticed the starboard quarter was about 0.5mm too low at the stern so it was partially removed and re-glued. There is still a small difference which I think is due to the transom being slightly off so I may have to rework it. After reworking the starboard gunports The manual says 12 strakes per side are required to plank the hull. I think that this is a typo: the pictures show 15 strakes but I measured the mid frame to be 80mm suggesting 16 strakes of 5mm planks will be needed The first strake of the limewood planking is glued and pinned to each side. The forward end is tapered to half width from bulkhead 5 and the stern left untapered. And so planking continues... David Thukydides, Matt D, Lee Spender and 6 others 9 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Spender Posted June 7 Share #13 Posted June 7 I just ordered this kit for my next build so watching with interest and you have made a great start. CiscoH 1 Quote Current Build hm-cutter-sherbourne-by-lee-spender-vanguard-models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted June 10 Author Share #14 Posted June 10 Thanks Lee, I'm sure you'll enjoy building her. David Lee Spender 1 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted June 10 Author Share #15 Posted June 10 The first layer of planking is completed and sanding and filling started. Planking went pretty well but I had to add a stealer, presumably because I was over enthusiastic with my tapering at the stern. Also apologies due to Chris: 15 planks each side were needed as shown in the photos and as correctly stated on page 17 of the manual (not 16 as I had calculated). The first plank... and some progress shots... First planking complete How far to go with sanding and filling? I assume that small gaps won’t affect the finish of the second planking but any slight ridges between planks need to be smoothed out. There is a 1.5mm gap between the end of the planking and the false keel on the starboard side as shown in the photo below. I will use a wider garboard plank here which I hope will bridge the gap without causing a problem. After initial sanding Side light shows up where more work is needed David chris watton, whitejamest, woodartist and 3 others 6 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Spender Posted June 10 Share #16 Posted June 10 Nicely done it's always a good milestone getting the first planking out the way also good idea using a piece of wood as a temporary rabbet I will try that. dunnock 1 Quote Current Build hm-cutter-sherbourne-by-lee-spender-vanguard-models Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunnock Posted June 14 Author Share #17 Posted June 14 (edited) Thanks Lee and to all the others for their likes. Sanding the first layer of planking is done. A little bit of filler was required here and there but otherwise I’m quite happy with the results. The keel and stern post and stem pieces have been added. Getting the locating tabs into the slots was a bit fiddly and make sure that you put the forward part of the keel (part 108} in the right way round… I planked the stern counters using boxwood strip rather than the provided laser-etched kit pieces although they were used as patterns to achieve the required curve on the upper counter piece. There's a bit more preparation to do before I can move on to the second layer of planking, which I will do partially in boxwood and the rest, where it will be covered in copper, in the pear strips supplied. I need to mark the position of the waterline to know where the transition should be. At a later stage I will also probably replace the outer bulwark patterns with boxwood but I need to think what to do about the various slots and holes for channels, stools and fixed blocks in these pieces. David Edited June 14 by dunnock replaced 'walnut' with 'pear strips supplied' Thukydides, rcweir, DB789 and 6 others 9 Quote David Previous Builds HM Cutter Hunter Mamoli 1:74 Baltic Ketch Scotland - Corel 1:64 HMS Fly - Swan Class ship sloop - Victory models 1:64 HMS Diana - Artois Class Heavy Frigate - Caldercraft - 1:64 HM Cutter Trial 1790 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 18th Century Merchantman Half Hull - NRG-1:48 Current Build HMS Speedy 1782 2023 Edition - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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