Thermopylae by Adrian Hunter - Sergal - Scale 1:124

[Adrian Hunter]

So,,, Model number 2

 

I chose the Thermopylae as who doesnt love clippers and I got on quite well with this brand in my first build.

 

From the forum I see that others have tried this model, and to be honest if I had read their posts before I bought I may have thought again, but here we are... Luckily I am fairly pragmatic in my building and not being too anal about absolute authenticity will within reason 'adjust' the instructions to suit my ability and a pleasing result.

 

Initial thoughts - I agree with others. If you want a kit where you folow the instructions and get what is on the front of the box this is probably not the kit for you. I am already finding that fettling is required and see that at least some parts will need to be scratch built. The instructions basically come in plan form. Luckily I am an officer in the Merchant Navy so I can read a general arrangement with some confidence, but without this I think that I would be lost. Written instructions are in Italian, although quite a good English translation is available to download here.

 

So far I have spent a couple of weeks on this project off and on, so lets have a look...

 

 

The basic framing and sub deck seemed to go in quite easily. Forward and aft frames were chamfered as suggested.

 

The main deck was then glued in place

 

 

and then the focsle and poop decks.

 

 

So far so fairly good. On to the planking.

 

This is a double plank model, which I have not tried before, but I enjoy a challenge!

 

The runs seem quite reasonable except up onto the stern without too much bending required as yet.

 

Progress to date is below, you will see that I have also started on some of the deck structures. The deck house that positions just aft of the Foremast is meant to have a convex roof, but I decided that this was more trouble than it was worth and sanded it flat. I think this looks quite acceptable and saved me a lot of stress!

 

The Lifeboats are as suggested by Popeye in his write up being Amati 50mm. I think they are a bit big for the model looking more like a longboat than a lifeboat, but they do look good. I will probably finish painting them and then decide if I will use them.

 

 

And that is about it for now. I will add more as I work, but due to work it may be some time before anything is forthcoming...

Edited November 25 by Adrian Hunter

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

   The most obvious difference from the prototype on Sergal's model - easily seen from a distance - is that the planking at the stern angles nearly vertical.  The original ship's stern angled outward ... see the image below.  You haven't go that far yet with planking, and with an extension to the poop deck the stern angle could be added.

  The other external feature is that Thermopylae did not have protruding channel to mount the deadeyes for the shrouds on.  The gunwales were wider than average, so the deadeyes were mounted on the outer part of the gunwale where it overhung the bulwark.  This is another correction that can be made.

  The images of a Thermopylae model by Cyril Hulmes on display in the Powerhouse collection (they offer public images on line at https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/211834   - samples below) can provide clear insights, as the modeler interviewed surviving ship's crew members before proceeding.  One I'm working on will not have the anchor chain go as far back on deck ... a possible feature at the beginning of the ship's life, nor will i include the pair of cannon - also something from the early days that was soon discarded.  The ship had other modifications over the years, the most obvious was the conversion to barque rig for the Northwest timber transport that followed a stint in the Australian wool trade.

  1:124 is a challenge for a clipper of her size (mine is 1:110), and I'm considering using brown Czech demi-round beads for blocks (2.2 & 3mm) and deadeyes (4mm) found at a bead show.  They are flattened (non spherical) and have a matte finish.

 

 

[Adrian Hunter]

Johnny,

 

Thanks for your thoughts, the stern is certainly different so i may have a play...

 

Happy Modelling!

[Adrian Hunter]

Nothing on the hull to report - I am on holiday, But... to feel like I was doing something whilst I am away I thought that I would start some of the rigging.

 

I decided to use an Amati Loom-a-line. I know that I could have achieved the same thing with a bit of plywood and a few nails, but as it was fairly cheap (about $10) I went for it anyway.

 

As you can see my first attempt on the left is somewhat wayward and will be discarded, although I am happy enough with try two for the mizzen.

 

And the frame - I think worth the money. The pins are a bit tight in some places and fall out of others, but now I am getting used to it it is helpful, and also very adaptable for exact requirements and scale.