La Belle 1684 by Gregor – 1:64 scale

Gregor · July 13

I’m writing this build log four years after beginning this project. “La Belle” is very popular with modellers. My version is being built in 1:64 scale; it’s hull is 30 cm long and 7 cm wide and still not finished.

But it was a source of pleasure and sorrow – I learned a lot about ship construction and modelling. Actually, may main problem is that early mistakes tend to accumulate. It’s like poison in the food chain…

But there are ways around that. Over time, she’s really grown into my own interpretation of a ship of which we have only parts of the hull as a base for a scientific reconstruction.

The following is in fact a free translation of my build log on a german-language forum. I invite you to go there for a visit. You have to log in to see the images, it’s free, and easy with modern browsers and translation tools (as I do here, with all apologies for my mistakes).

But how do I get components that can be produced at the touch of a button? 3D drawing doesn't work for me - wrong genes and wrong educational background. Building on previous experience with lasercutting, I decided to draw these parts in 2D. I used the graphics program Adobe Illustrator, which can export the files required for the cutter (dxf) (technically, the result is terrible data, but the cutter obviously doesn't care).

Jean Boudriot's reconstruction is based on archaeological finds and contemporary archive sources. It is now outdated in parts; the port lids are a clearly visible example of this. The masting and rigging are also interpreted differently today, based on finds that were not yet available to Boudriot. And the decoration is fictitious and seems somewhat generous to me - but after all, a historically important wreck must also represent something...

The really exciting thing about this ship is that, firstly, it contained reused components that were dated back to the 16th century. And secondly, it was originally intended to be transported to the New World "as a kit", as the markings on the frames show. This did not happen; it was assembled and fitted out in Rochefort.

It all started with the opportunity to have parts milled by a friendly hobbyist.

Which, of course, immediately got me dreaming: would I end up with a frame model that could be built in a city apartment? In a room that was converted into a mandatory home office in March 2020?

The "La Belle", a simply constructed ship with a moving story of a tragically failed expedition, seemed ideally suited for those purposes.

Edited July 13 by Gregor

Gregor · July 13

How do I get to the parts?

The publication from the Ancre publishing house shows its age. The plans were neatly drawn by hand, with minor errors. The paper print, although clean, is not completely free of distortions.

I had all the necessary plans (1:36) scanned and put them together on a virtual table in a file. I used auxiliary lines, rotation and scaling to bring the views into (visual) conformity. The last point is important: Illustrator is a graphics software and not intended for construction. Nevertheless, the drawn parts can be checked in different contexts.

Basically, the idea is to apply certain basic dimensions consistently, even if a detailed drawing deviates slightly.

Each plan and the drawn parts are located on their own levels, some are shown here.

I drew the slipway very early on, because it defines the shape of the frame on its waterline. This means that a shape drawn on the plan is "fitted in". Perhaps you can see this in the following picture: blurring results from the thickness of the lines, but also from distortion and the fact that the drawing has to be mirrored - where is the exact center line? The superimposed auxiliary lines are used, for example, to align the frame with the keel and the slipway.

When milled, it looks something like this:

My own kit!

Gregor · July 13

How do I assemble the parts? It's no surprise that they basically fit together.

It is, however, to my enormous relief, sawing out is no longer necessary and the risk of breakage is very much reduced (the frames are just under 2.5 mm thick at this scale).

I did not build them from individual parts. Based on initial experience, however, this would not be a problem. The whole project is based on the motto "Yes, does it work at all?", an exploration of the possibilities offered by such (for me) new techniques.

Of course, this is not a Lego set, there is still a lot of sanding to do (outside if possible), mostly by hand. The milling machine prepares well:

One starboard and one port half of such parts can be produced and glued together. Reworking is nevertheless necessary.

But it is precisely the "rabbet challenge" that offers opportunities - either by milling out (stern) or by assembling in individual parts (bow).

Not everything went smoothly, I always had to check whether I had understood the plan correctly. Paper templates helped with this.

Gregor · July 13

What I perhaps should have done after all: Frame extensions to get a "stable" hull in the first construction phase. But at this stage the frames can be glued well to the keel. The slipway and a small auxiliary construction help with this.

Gregor · July 13

Stern constuction...

Gregor · July 13

Relief in the home office (but it was cool and windy on the roof)...

Edited July 13 by Gregor

Gregor · July 13

At this stage the little one weighs just 51 grams.

Making the bow timbers was tricky.

This is the first time I have seen the hull complete:

Gregor · July 13

Templates are helping to avoid manual destruction (I guess this sounds strange, but I think you know what I mean):

Gregor · July 13

September 2021

Edited July 13 by Gregor

Gregor · July 13

December 2021: The beauty now weighs a proud 64 grams on the kitchen scales!

Gregor · July 13

When the sun shines, I'll get back to work on the trim strips - not everything works in the home office. The scraper blades from Amati don't take anything smaller than 2x2 mm - then the rest is milled away. It only takes a few minutes (it's December in Switzerland).

Gregor · July 13

Two months later, I can record an additional two grams: La Belle now weighs 66 of them (the kitchen scales are obviously not a precision instrument).

Gregor · July 13

Summer 2022: La Belle now weighs 71 grams. I worked on the stern decoration (with simplifications) and the starboard side. Not everything is exactly according to Boudriot - I was also inspired by alternative reconstructions (Grieco, Delacroix) and the contemporary La Volage. Here are a few impressions:

Gregor · July 13

November 2022: A reserve anchor had to be provided before the deck beams could be installed. At the same time, I built up my stock for the coming winter and had more parts milled.