HMS Sphynx 1775 by Alex M - Scale 1/48 - English 20-Gun Frigate

[Alex M]

Hi Pat, I showed my set up here: http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/410-hms-sphynx-by-alex-m-scale-148-english-20-gun-frigate-as-build-1775/?p=5559 I have turned them on an old Unimat SL machine. To turn taper surfaces you should set the head stock to the angle of taper, so I do it as showed in the picture from above. Then I have tuned each gun at one time using brass template as guide.

 

Here is my Unimat:

 

Alexander

[Hank]

Excellent build!! Simply fascinating. I especially like your jig for making the breeching rope.

[Alex M]

Hello,

before I put the guns on their positions, I have decided to work around hull, especially the stern area und the bow. Here are few pictures of making the windows. The wood is Castello, the strips are 0,5x0,5mm and 0,5x0,8mm. For glazing I have used 0,3mm thick plastic from package, then glued framing with CA. The framing of stern windows was transfered  to transparent paper, then the windows mullions are drafted on this transparent paper according to plan. Then I have glued white paper sheet to wood plate, and glued transparent paper over the first. So I have correct windows outline and right angles. Then placed clear plastic sheet over paper, and fixed them with tape.

Now the mullions. Horizontal mullions (0,5mm x 0,5 mm) are glued directly to plastic with CA glue. Then slots for vertical mullions are cut out with chisel, they are not halflapped, they go through horizontal down to plastic. This is showed in third picture. Then vertical mullions are glued on. then all was cut to right length according to drawing. Then outer frames (0,5mm x 0,8 mm) are glued, again directly to plastic. Then the windows are sand flush, the plastic was then cut out, and the window is ready.

 

 

The horizontal strips are glued first, then gaps for vertical strips are cut.

 

Vertical strips glued on, cut to right height, and outer framing gluing

 

overall view with outer frames. Also the sliding windows.

 

Close view after sanding

 

The frame for permanent window glued over additional sheet of plastic

 

Check how they fit. The windows need some cleaning, then coat of varnish will be added to simulate old glazing.

 

Preparing framing for galleries beginns

 

The shape of windows traced to transparent paper.

 

The windows for galleries are done in the same manner as before. The glazing is imitated by adding a coat of varnish, this give the irregular transparence like old glass. The battens between windows added separately. They will recieve mouldings later, and are hold at now by a little spot of glue.

All windows are dry fitted at now.

 

Here is how the wooden shindles are made, and ready cover for gallery

 

The planking of stern is completed. The arches are made from two strips of 0,6mm boxwood glued together.

 

Internal view with few beams of QD installed

 

To be continued

 

Alexander

 

[Jeronimo]

Hi Alex,

very nice work, absolutely Peak.

 

Karl

[druxey]

Those stern lights are beautifully done. I like the way you've also shown the sashes. Can you tell us  a little more about your varnish technique for the glazing. Is it just held in place by surface tension when you apply it, or do you do this on a non-sticking surface?

[Alex M]

Thank you Karl nad druxey!

The base for windows is plastic sheet, as I have described earlier. The varnish is applied between mullions on to plastic, as it do only imitate old glazing. The idea is from Karl, I was impressed by his windows of Bonhomme Richard model.

 

Alexander

[Hyposphagma]

Hello Alexander,

obviously the whole MSW Forum had to break down before i recognized your build log. What a beautiful ship you are building. How clean and accurate work. I will surely follow your build from today on. Not only because we might be neighbors obviously....;-)

Regards from Dossenheim

Harry

[dvm27]

Those quarter galleries are difficult to get right with their sweeping curves and angles. Everything from the wooden shingles to window frames fits perfectly together. Just beautiful, Alex!

 

Greg

[PETERPETER]

'Tag Alex,

Thanks for taking the time to upload the excellent photos of your work. What a shame that all your earlier work was lost. They show the quality of work that we should all try to achieve. Please tell us how you attached the monograms to the gun barrels. I suppose the monograms were photo etchings of thin brass sheet?

Peter

[WackoWolf]

The arches and windows look excellent as does all of the ship. Keep the post and pictures coming, I am watching this one all the way.

[tlevine]

This has always been one of my favorite builds to follow.  Thank you for taking the time to repost.

[Alex M]

Thank you Harry, Gregg, Peter, Joe and Toni! I very appreciate your comments!

 

Hi Harry, warm welcome and hope to see your build log soon here, It's Kit or Scratch?

 

Hi Peter, the monograms are glued with CA glue to barrels, I have describet this here: http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/410-hms-sphynx-by-alex-m-scale-148-english-20-gun-frigate-as-build-1775/page-2#entry5559, pictures from 13 to 16.

 

Alexander

[Alex M]

Hello,

 

Before I begin to install all guns, and work further with beams and knees for quarter deck, gun port lids must here. So the production of hinges, the lids itself are made earlier. I hope, the images are self explainable.

 

 

The installation of hinges and lid tackles.

 

After I have installed all lids, I have made blanks for channels, shaped them to right size and thickness, and installed them (only dry now).

 

 

To be continued

 

Alexander

[Alex M]

Hello,

the next task is to make deadeyes. I have tried to photograph each step, and hope the images are self explainable.

 

One end rounded with "truck tool"

Turned and cutted

Holding tool for drilling

 

Truning of the holder

The first deadeye

One side done, shaped witn fine grind paper

Ready deadeye

And here are these

 

This was the last post from me before crash, so the re-building of the log is now done.

 

To be continued

Alexander

Edited February 25, 2013 by Alex M

[shortgrass]

Alex,

Just an awesome build.  Beautiful work and detail.  In particular, really liked the jig for the breeching rope and the way you installed the breeching rope around the cascabel.
Dave

[Alex M]

Hello,

 

here the making of chain plates for deadeyes, step by step in images.

 

 

To be continued, now in real time

Alexander

Edited February 25, 2013 by Alex M

[Alex M]

Hi Dave,

 

thanks for warm words!

 

Alexander

[dvm27]

Cool jig, Alex. May I assume those joints are silver soldered as the last step?

[WackoWolf]

Now that is a neat way of doing this, love the jig. Keep the post and pictures coming.

[Alex M]

Thanks you Greg and Joe!

I will not solder the joints, because I would not rig the Model. The little angled part is put in to hole driven in the channel, is covered by decorative moulding and not visible.

 

Alexander

[BANYAN]

Hi Alex;

 

Now that is a very clever idea about the angled pin part - thank you for sharing.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[richardt]

Hi Alex,

 

I'm sure that I've been spoilt by seeing your pics so quickly. Now I will learn to be patient.

 

Richard

[the learner]

Good detail, Thank you for re-building your log, look forward to you completion of the Sphynx

 

Cheers,
Guy

The Learner

[Old Sea Dog]

Great work

[michael20]

Very,Very ,Very nice work.

 

 

                Martin G.

[archjofo]

Hi Alexander,

nice to meet you here at MSW.
Your model is just great.

[lamarvalley]

Hello Alexander,

 

Your modeling is exceptional and inspirational. I am new to the hobby and look forward to watching this ship develop and learning as it does.

 

Randy

[Jeronimo]

Hi Alexander.

WOW, your work is truely first rate. Stunning:

Regards Karl

[RiverRat]

Alexander,

I had not run across your work before. What a treat to see such exquisite craftmanship. Bravo!! Many thanks.

 

Regards,

Brian

[the learner]

Grear re-start! Thank you for re-posting your pictures