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

[Alex M]

Hello all here!

I'm glad our World is back! So I start here my build log for HMS Sphynx. In the past life (I mean old MSW...) I have some images added to gallery, so I will post them all here in chronological order with some descriptions.

The Sphynx was 20 gun ship designed by J. Williams, and was smallest 6th rate frigate. She was built in 1775 at Portsmouth, Hampshire and broken ap in 1811. The Sphynx-class is also the last class of small frigates with 9 pdr. There are 10 further ships builded:

Camilia, Chathan Dyd, 20.4.1776-1809
Daphne, Woolwich Dyd., 21.3.1776-1802
Galatea, Deptford Dyd., 23.3.1776-1783
Ariadne, Chatham Dyd., 27.12.1776-1814
Vestal, Plymonth Dyd., 23.35.1777-1777
Perseus, Randall, Rothehille, 20.3.1776-1805, 1798 convertet to a bomb vessel
Unicorn, Randall, Rothehille, 23.3.1776-1787
Ariel, Perry & Co., Blackwall, 7.7.1777-1779
Narcissus Plymonth Dyd., 9.5.1781-1796

For this project I have ordered the original plans from NMM, and I have decided to redraw the plans for model building. For decorative work and also some other details I have ordered the pictures from "Science and Society Picture Library" http://www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?image=10325356 . For dimensions of all hull details I have used the Establishment lists, and Steels "The Elements of masting and Rigging" for mast, yards and standing rigging. The running rigging and sailing plan also arrive later.
The result looks at time thus: http://zope.mein-media.de/meinmedia/plans/index.html

In February 2006 the plans were ready, at least so far that I have begun with the building of the model. Parallel and in addition I have done further research, and the plans are further worked out.

 

Now the images of beginning:

 

The main wales are cut according to plan, and glued on. Then waterway, spirketing and part of planking abowe main wales are added.

 

The model was then put keel over, and underwater planking begins.

 

Best regards

Alexander

[Alex M]

There are some pictures illustrating the macking of rails (boxwood).

 

here is short description of scraping process:

The width (and as also as possible the depth) of the profile cut in the razor-blade must correspond exactly the width of the strip, otherwise the blade follows the wood grain and does not run straight. With the first 2 to 3 courses the pressure of razor blade against the strip should be low, afterwards step by step with higher pressure. For a profile shown I need 20 to 30 courses, depends which kind of wood. I tried different woods and mostly the results were good, the boxwood I choose because of the color, and due to the fact the timber is very hard, which is an advantage with fine small profiles.
 

The rails in place with gun port and part of main wale.

 

 

The plankin get close to end:

 

and finally done:

 

 

Best regards

Alexander

[dafi]

Alexander,

 

I am happy to have your little marvel back!

 

As I had already the chance to see her on the Stuttgart Modelmaker Exhibition, I have to tell, that she is even more cute in real life than on the pictures! The execution is spotless!!!

 

Congratulations, Daniel

Edited February 18, 2013 by dafi

[Alex M]

Some images from my home made draw plante with treenails 0,6mm for treenailing the hull, and the tools used for:

 

 

And here the hull while treenailing:

 

 

The main wales are painted with acrilic paint:

 

 

To be continued...

 

Best regards

 

Alexander

[Alex M]

Thank Daniel!

 

The hull was then oiled with linseed oil bellow the main wales:

 

 

Here some images of gratings, hatches, ladders and gun deck framing, is now completed and is ready for planking.

The lower deck is also completed and oiled, the after part is painted black.
These are also some close views of main ladder and other things.

 

 

To be continued...

Best regards

Alexander

[AnobiumPunctatum]

Welcome back, Alex.   I missed your wonderful model and your log.

[rlb]

I second that, Alex.   Probably your model has inspired me more than any other.  Thanks for re-posting your Sphynx log.

 

Ron

[druxey]

She's coming along very nicely. Your work is very clean and well down. Looking forward to seeing further progress!

[Chuck]

Love seeing this build log back...thank you so much Alex  

 

Chuck

[michael mott]

Great to see your rebuilding you log Alex.

 

Michael

[Alex M]

Hi all and many thanks for your comments!

 

some photos of manufacturing of deck planks with caulking. The first photo shows the complete process. The paper was glued to one surface of the prepared piece of wood, then the piece are cut in to planks. I used the Proxxon steel saw blade 50 x 0,5mm (photo 2). It gives very clean cut and does not need for sanding before gluing.

 

(note an additional piece for fence is that the plank would not be clamped)

 

The planking of deck:

 

 

the work go on and the deck is nearly completted. The ridding bits and anchor bitts are only dry placed without a glue, and anchor cable is still for photo shooting.

 

The deck of Captain's cabin is done, the planking of after part of hull is completed and lower counter rail also on place.

 

 

Added some photos:

 

 

To be continued.

 

Alexander

Edited February 18, 2013 by Alex M

[WackoWolf]

Alex,

 

   Glad to see your log back up. I had enjoy watching this, and now I can pick right back up. Keep the post and pictures coming.

[Alex M]

The ruder fittings, eye and ring bolts.

 

The ruder hinges are cut out from solid brass 2mm x 10mm, then filed by hand with a file.

 

 

The little tool for eyebolts and the process of making (the wire is 0;4mm):

 

 

The shot lookers:

 

 

To be continued.

Alexander

Edited February 18, 2013 by Alex M

[dvm27]

What a treat to review your log (yet again). There were some early framing photos that I do not recall from the previous log so it's a double treat. Your work is truely first rate.

 

Greg

[WackoWolf]

An excellent job on the rudder. What are you going to use for cannon balls? I always wonder what to use to get them as close to scale as possible.

[BANYAN]

^{Great to see your fine build on dispay again Alex; I have very much enjoyed watching your fine craftsmanship.}

 

^cheers

 

^Pat

[Alex M]

Thanks you Greg, Wacko and Pat!

 

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:47 am

I have worked on pumps, they are not completed at the moment. The brakes of hand pumps are not installed now. I'm not sure, if I do to cower the pumps heads with cooper plate, as show on the model of Amazon by NMM. Probably not. So the pictures follows.

 

 

Quarter deck and fore castle beams cutted and sanded, and main and fore bitts in process:

 

 

Knees for fore castle beams:

 

To be continued.

Alexander

[Alex M]

The turning of gun barrels with duplicator on my Unimat SL lathe.

 

 

The holder for bore the holes and blackening test.

 

 

All barrels turned and bored:

 

Gluing of royal arms and vent plates with CA glue

 

 

All guns done and ready for mounting on carriages

 

To be continued.

 

Alexander

[Alex M]

The production fo gun carriages. The different parts, ring and eyebolts, etc.

 

 

The tools for trucks and axles I have turned on my Unimat

 

Assembly jig for carriages

 

And putting together all parts

 

 

To be continued.

 

Alexander

[Alex M]

The breeching ropes, material is 120 Gütermann poliester.

 

 

To be continued.

 

Alexander

Edited February 19, 2013 by Alex M

[WackoWolf]

The cannons came out excellent. I really enjoy the jig for the lashing on the ropes. Keep the post and pictures coming.

[Model Mariner]

Hi Alex

 

This is one of my favorites here - I always admire the precision of your work

 

Klaus

[gieb8688]

Alex,

All I can say is WOW!!  Unbelievable workmanship.

Thanks,

Mark

[Remcohe]

Nice to have you back too Alex, and I really enjoyed the slide show from start to present. You have one marvelous build going.

 

Remco

[zeptraderUK]

stunning!!

[newbuilder101]

Beautiful ship! Glad to see this build back.

[mtaylor]

As always, Alex, just amazing clean and beautiful work.

[Pirate adam]

Beautiful work Alex! I like the seizing demonstration.

[Alex M]

Many thanks you all guys for your warm words about my Sphynx! I very appreciate this!

 

Alexander

[BANYAN]

I think they have to be some of the best canon I have seen made Alex.  Did you use a duplicator when turning them?  if so, could you show a pic of your set-up?

 

cheers

 

Pat