Need help with building a Strap for topgallant shrouds

[Y.T.]

Hi, I am looking for help building a Strap for topgallant shrouds. My project is 1:90 scale HMS Victory. I am struggling with how to make a continuous rope loop which is served with thin line. Small scale presenting additional problems. Help!

 

[popeye2sea]

If you have a serving machine that will allow you to set it up with hooks, there is a simple process that will produce a good looking strap.

 

Set the distance between the hooks to twice the length of what your finished strap will be.

Start with a looped end of thread over one hook and take a few turns around both hooks to build up the thickness of the strap. Make sure there is plenty of extra length for the serving.

Put a half hitch or two near one of the hooks such that there will remain a small eye around the hook.

Proceed to serve over the line between the hooks. When you reach the opposite hook, throw another half hitch to secure the line.  Again make sure there is plenty of length of line left over. Your going to use this to finish serving over the eyes at the ends.

Take your strap off the hooks. Bring the two ends together and lash the two eyes together end to end.

Finally, continue the service over the two lashed eyes, meeting up with where you first started serving. Finish by tucking the end under the last few turns and cutting close.

 

Regards,

Henry

[Y.T.]

29 minutes ago, popeye2sea said:

Finally, continue the service over the two lashed eyes, meeting up with where you first started serving. Finish by tucking the end under the last few turns and cutting close.

Hi, Henry, thank you so much. This is a great help! I do have serving machine. I was aware of the method but it produced pretty poor results as I did not know of final touch of serving over two lashed eyes. I understand this is done off the serving machine by hand. How do you hold the loop? Are you using some jig or hold it in your hands?

[popeye2sea]

I usually put the "assembled" strap back over the hooks of the serving machine, but your right, the final service must be put on by hand.

 

Regards,

Henry

[Y.T.]

I spent half day making just one strap. I never cursed as much. I threw away three samples which came out to be too ugly. I hate the last one as well but it still maybe is acceptable. Here are the results. 
 

Edited yesterday at 09:18 PM by Y.T.

[bhanley]

Looks pretty good to me!!

B

[Y.T.]

Note, the men is up to scale.

[James H]

Pruned. Please keep on topic.