HMS Surprise 1796 (prototype) by James H - Vanguard Models - 1:64

[limsm2]

Ah, it was just a simple jig! I remember that the deck beams weren’t that thick when I saw Chris’s Surprise prototype last time. Thanks for the explanation. I’m preparing for Sphinx after Speedy, but it seems I’ll probably need to build Surprise first.

[chris watton]

9 minutes ago, limsm2 said:

Does “tang” in I used tang refer to Tanganyika, or does it have some other meaning that I’m not aware of?

 

Also, the deck beams look quite thick—what could be the reason for that?

Yes, Tanganyika, I use this because it is much cheaper than pear (as my model will be thrown away), and it is easier to plank with, being much softer. This means I could plank the whole lower hull in one session. Only have it in 1x4mm though, and the kit second planking is 1x5 pear, so I had to use more planks....

 

You can see the upper deck beams below the jigs, not sure why you would think those jigs would be beams!

[limsm2]

7 minutes ago, chris watton said:

Yes, Tanganyika, I use this because it is much cheaper than pear (as my model will be thrown away), and it is easier to plank with, being much softer. This means I could plank the whole lower hull in one session. Only have it in 1x4mm though, and the kit second planking is 1x5 pear, so I had to use more planks....

 

You can see the upper deck beams below the jigs, not sure why you would think those jigs would be beams!

Haha, that’s true. I was looking at it on my phone without zooming in, so I probably didn’t see it properly.

[Jase]

4 hours ago, chris watton said:

I just removed the masking tape after adding the second planking to my 'pre-prototype mule' (planking took a day and sanding half an hour, but I used tang). Again, I must stress that this is very rushed, so apologies...

 

 

Thats rushed!

[chris watton]

8 minutes ago, Jase said:

Thats rushed!

It did take a full working day....

[scrubbyj427]

38 minutes ago, chris watton said:

It did take a full working day....

If I can complete 4 full strakes in one day I feel like I was moving fast! This is amazing you did this all in one day! 

[Kevin]

great start @James H Thank you

[James H]

All those loose bulkheads can now be locked into place.

 

To do this, we use doublers, either side of the keel, inserted from above and then pinned into position, all the way through all three keel layers. 

 

 

After this, we add stability to the outer portions of each bulkhead, initially with these three pieces, inserted on either side of the keel.

 

More longitudinal bracing is added, and it won't be the last.

 

More later.

[James H]

There are two sub-decks to fit. These add a whole load of rigidity to the hull, as well as securing the longitudinal beams in place. Again, the decks aren't glued at this stage, but instead they are held in place with a series of pegs that slot through the bulkheads, at upper deck height. 

 

 

The forward, main deck section now receives the same treatment. 

 

 

Each deck section is then fitted with an engraved lime faux deck. For these, I just added glue around the edged and centreline, and held them in place with clamps until set. Clamps will remove any threat of deck curling at the edges.

 

Even though this place will barely be seen, the deck gets the full grates treatment, and even a set of ladders leading down into that little orlop area. 

 

The bow now has a little attention. You'll see here, and from Chris's photos, that this is a little different to previous designs. 

 

 

More later.

[chris watton]

Finalising the upper deck pattern now that bulkhead tabs have been removed, bowsprit fits like a glove..

 

 

[Ronald-V]

Looks amazing!

[chris watton]

Final pic of gun deck before upper deck is added to the old mule...