HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale

[Blue Ensign]

Post 12

More patterns to add.

The final action of this section is to add the stern counters and Gunport patterns.

0272

The lower counter is fitted first, I soaked this piece before clamping into place.

0276

The Upper counter follows; I did need to tweak this a little to follow the run of the Lower.

0285

0286

The lower counter includes the discharge hole for the Port side seat of ease, quaintly described as the ‘Necefsary’ on the Adm Plan.

 

Gunport patterns

0304

The forward end was soaked, clamped around a tube, and given the heat treatment.

0295

The parts can then be dry fitted along the hull.

0297

There is a guide-line on the pattern to match with the line of the ply sub-deck, to maintain the ports at the correct level above deck.

0337

On this basis, where the pattern reaches the stern I found it sat just below the level of the stern deck cabins. Not entirely sure if this is correct, but there is not a profile drawing of this stage on the plans. The Manual photos would suggest perhaps not, but not very clear on this particular aspect.

 

Still, I am where I am, and I need to maintain the gunport levels.

 

The Starboard side pattern was fitted using pins and pva.

It goes without saying that glue is not applied to the bulkhead extensions, but I did glue against the side of the stern cabins, and the forward end into the prow slot. Diluted glue was then run along the joints below the sub deck. Before pinning I Painted glue on the bulkheads below the subdeck.

0306

0311

The Portside was fitted 24 hrs later, but firstly I checked that the sides were level with each other. Once satisfied I pinned and glued as before.

0336

0343

Some tidying up and then onto planking.

 

B.E.

28/12/2024

 

[Blue Ensign]

Post 13 – unlucky for some

In Post 11 I mentioned the potential hazard of snapping the keel. This turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

0314

Manoeuvring with the model in the Keel clamp it happened. Re-attached with pva I hope the repair holds until I fit the outer panels.

0320

Styrene provides a useful support when inverting the model.

0345

I took the pre-caution of adding temporary boards to protect the False keel during the next stages.

0333

The Fiddle head at the prow which also split earlier has been removed for safe keeping.

These set-backs are minor and won’t have a lasting effect on the model.

 

B.E.

29/12/2024

 

[Blue Ensign]

Post 14

Onto First Planking

For the past week I have been busy planking the hull.

The Gunport patterns have been fitted and trimmed to fit the stern counter and I’m liking the look of her.

My younger modelling self of the 1970’s/80/s would be amazed  to get this far in only three weeks of work.

 

First Planking.

This is in 5 x1mm Limewood and the kit provides a good standard of timber.

I have covered my first layer planking method in my previous builds, so I won’t go fully into it here.

Suffice to say I use a combination of taper, edge bend, bevel, tick marks, and eye.

035

033

Having completed seven strakes down from the Gunport pattern, the Garboard strake is fitted using a wider 7mm limewood strip.

038

040

046

041

This is followed by the adjacent plank using 6mm strip.

 Planking continues….

 

B.E.

05/01/2025