bucknbarney Posted February 3, 2014 Share #1 Posted February 3, 2014 (edited) I am new to wooden model ship building. I am a carpenter by trade so I have decided to finally attempt the build I have dreamed of building since I was a young boy, obsessed with Old Ironsides. I wanted to have the ability to make a ship that I can actually sail using R/C. While researching online, I found that it would be best to use plans for a plank on frame instead of a plank on bulkhead build. After a little searching, I found plans for the keel and ribs of a Chapman frigate. The plans are in a different language, and were a little too blurry to read anyhow, so I am having to guess on size and proportions. I know that this model won't be perfect, and far from museum quality. For this project, I just want it to look the part and sail well when on the water! I had the print shop print the plans so that my build will be about four feet long. Aside from my lack of being able to decipher what writing there is on the plans, I have been able to find no instructions to help, so I am doing as much research as possible, using a little common sense and hopefully getting a lot of help from people in the know i.e. all of you!... - After having the plans printed out, I am using carbon paper to transfer the plans to 1/4" birch plywood. - Using a scroll saw, I am cutting out the transferred plans. - I am using files and sand paper to finish the cut pieces. - Edited February 3, 2014 by bucknbarney avsjerome2003 and mtaylor 2 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted February 3, 2014 Share #2 Posted February 3, 2014 Jerrod, Do a search on this forum with the word RADIO. Sort by title. You should see all the RC builds. There's also a sub-forum for RC questions, etc. in general. bucknbarney 1 Quote Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans - ON HOLD Triton Cross-Section NRG Hallf Hull Planking Kit HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted February 3, 2014 Thanks! I found it and am looking forward to utilizing all the info. mtaylor 1 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted February 3, 2014 I have glued together the keel pieces and placed it in a platform to help keep it in place. Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted February 3, 2014 I have begun placing the ribs, unglued, in their perspective slots, starting from the stern. I have a question though for those of you in the know... What are those two pieces sitting on the table to, and where do they go? I imagine they are a part of the stern gallery framing, but I cannot find notches on the stern to help in their placement. Any help would be so much appreciated! fnkershner and tarbrush 2 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted February 3, 2014 Share #6 Posted February 3, 2014 They look like cradles to hold the hull once it is on the building or display board. Russ bucknbarney 1 Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted February 3, 2014 (edited) Ah! that would make sense. Thank you! I believe the mystery may be solved! My wife will be happy. I've been stewing about it on the internet for two days now. lol Thank you! Edited February 3, 2014 by bucknbarney Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugra Posted February 3, 2014 Share #8 Posted February 3, 2014 Jerrod , Good start. I wish you good luck with your build. Bugra. bucknbarney 1 Quote There is nothing that a little sanding can't solve.. Bugra. Current Builds : H.M.S. Triton Cross Section by Bugra - 1/48 Turkish Traditional Ship - Surmene Takasi by Bugra - 1:35 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captainbob Posted February 3, 2014 Share #9 Posted February 3, 2014 This should be a fun boat to sail. Bob bucknbarney 1 Quote Every build is a learning experience. Current build: SS_ Mariefred Completed builds: US Coast Guard Pequot Friendship-sloop, Schooner Lettie-G.-Howard, Spray, Grand-Banks-dory, a gaff rigged yawl, HOGA (YT-146), Int'l Dragon Class II, Two Edwardian Launches In the Gallery: Catboat, International-Dragon-Class, Spray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share #10 Posted February 4, 2014 Wow! Thanks for all the support and well wishes everybody! I'll be updating to let you guys know how the build's going as much as possible. mtaylor 1 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted February 5, 2014 Ok. So, I found a wonderful book in The Edinburgh encyclopedia with some of Chapman's ideas regarding dimensions for masts, yards and sails. Only problem is that I don't really understand the math. It states that: "If the breadth of a ship is equal to B, the height of the main mast, according to Chapman, will be 3.23 B 11 12; and the height of the main top mast, reckoning from the upper side of the cross trees, that the main mast being denoted by L, will be L 11 12/ 2.73 for frigates." Huh?! lol Everything else like the mizzen, fore, and yards seems to be simpler fractions, based off of the size and dimensions of the main mast. Hmm... is there a chance anyone here may know a simpler way of doing the math for these? Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnkershner Posted February 5, 2014 Share #12 Posted February 5, 2014 I belong to a club that races R/C sloops. If you have R/C questions I would be glad to help. As to the type of ship you are trying to build. I would look around this forum for the build logs of Jerry Todd. He has built several R/C vessels from the same period. Sorry I can't help with your math. bucknbarney 1 Quote Current Builds - 18th Century Longboat, MS Syren Completed Builds - MS Bluenose, Panart BatteStation Cross section, Endevour J Boat Half Hull, Windego Half Hull, R/C T37 Breezing Along, R/C Victoria 32, SolCat 18 On the shelf - Panart San Felipe, Euromodel Ajax, C.Mamoli America, Its a sailor's Life for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share #13 Posted February 5, 2014 That is ok. I'll take all the help I can get! This is my first build so I'm going to be needing a lot of advice on a lot more than just the math! lol Thanks for the tip too. I'll be looking up Jerry to check his builds out. Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted February 5, 2014 Share #14 Posted February 5, 2014 The length of the main mast is keyed to the ship's breadth. I am not sure what Chapman is saying, but In James Lees' Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War 1625-1860, he says that that the main mast length from the 1719 was 2.4 times the ship's breadth for frigates of 30 guns. The max diameter for the main mast from 1670-1773 was 15/16" per 3 ft of length. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share #15 Posted February 5, 2014 Thanks Russ. That is a HUGE help. As this is a 26 gun frigate, I may just use James Lees' figures. Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted February 5, 2014 Here is a pic of what I have accomplished thus far. 12 ribs down, 20 to go! Vivian Galad, WackoWolf, fnkershner and 2 others 5 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ Posted February 6, 2014 Share #17 Posted February 6, 2014 It looks very good so far. Russ Quote T'aint a hobby if you hurry Completed projects Cross section model by Russ 1/48 scale Biloxi schooner model restoration 1/24 scale Biloxi oyster skiff 1/24 scale Biloxi schooner 1/48 scale POB Current project Biloxi lugger Captain Roy 1/48 scale POB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnkershner Posted February 6, 2014 Share #18 Posted February 6, 2014 One thing to remember when building R/C some things don't scale. for example my racing sloop is 37 inches long and has a mast of just shy of 5 ft. If you were to scale that up to full size I don't think the mast would be to scale. This happens a lot in R/C. It is hard to make everything exactly to scale and still function properly. Quote Current Builds - 18th Century Longboat, MS Syren Completed Builds - MS Bluenose, Panart BatteStation Cross section, Endevour J Boat Half Hull, Windego Half Hull, R/C T37 Breezing Along, R/C Victoria 32, SolCat 18 On the shelf - Panart San Felipe, Euromodel Ajax, C.Mamoli America, Its a sailor's Life for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share #19 Posted February 6, 2014 Thanks for the heads up Floyd. I'm new to all this and I want this build to sail well, so I must ask if you think I should start with something near the Breadth x 2.4 dimensions discussed in an earlier post? Thanks again. Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yambo Posted February 6, 2014 Share #20 Posted February 6, 2014 One thing to remember when building R/C some things don't scale. Like wind and waves! It's why you might need a bit of lead hanging on the bottom. Good stuff though bucknbarney, I'm following along. Quote If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share #21 Posted February 6, 2014 Thanks Yambo! I am thinking about fabbing up a detachable steal keel to help in that arena. Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnkershner Posted February 6, 2014 Share #22 Posted February 6, 2014 (edited) Yes I think that would be a good idea. But as I said I only have experience with a modern racing sloop. What you are building is very different. I would also search U tube. There are videos of battles between square rigged R/C ships. And yes the external keel is almost a must. Here is a picture of my sloop. Edited February 6, 2014 by Floyd Kershner bucknbarney 1 Quote Current Builds - 18th Century Longboat, MS Syren Completed Builds - MS Bluenose, Panart BatteStation Cross section, Endevour J Boat Half Hull, Windego Half Hull, R/C T37 Breezing Along, R/C Victoria 32, SolCat 18 On the shelf - Panart San Felipe, Euromodel Ajax, C.Mamoli America, Its a sailor's Life for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bindy Posted February 6, 2014 Share #23 Posted February 6, 2014 What a great start and you have achieved so much already! This is the first RC Model I have seen from step 1 and I will be following your build eagerly! bucknbarney 1 Quote Completed Build: Bregante Il Leudo Merchant Launch - Mamoli - 1:72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share #24 Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) Thanks to all for your awesome help and encouragement! I am planning on keeping this log up as much as possible. Thought I should throw out there that I am hoping to have this model floating by summer and all the masts, yards, sails, rigging and R/C components finished by fall. This may be a bit ambitious, but that is how I am! Lol Edited February 7, 2014 by bucknbarney Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share #25 Posted February 7, 2014 (edited) Well!! first of what I'm sure will be MANY wonderful pitfalls in this build of mine.... Noticed this morning that the keel is bowing. Being that it is 1/4 ply, I can't steam it or go any of the other routes using heat to straighten it as I will delaminate. So... This morning I attempted a fix by just moistening the outer plies on each side and placing the keel on a flat surface with weights to keep it flat while it dried during my work day. Came home and checked at it is straighter! But... alas, it is not perfect. I'm going to attempt it again tonight with the hopes that it will straighten out even more over night. Anyone have any suggestions? I even asked several of my co-workers (I'm a carpenter) and they couldn't think of anything better besides just scrapping the keel and cutting and filing another. I don't want to have to do that!!! But, I will if it comes down to it. Well, like most projects, there's always something else to do while you wait. So, back to tracing, cutting, and filing more ribs! Edited February 7, 2014 by bucknbarney Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryTodd Posted February 7, 2014 Share #26 Posted February 7, 2014 I build my hulls in a sort of Hahn method, that is the frames are extended up to a common line and fastened to a building base board until the hull is planked. This backbone building board keeps everything aligned until there's enough structure to do it itself. You might add extensions to the frames to accomplish that, and unless it's a horseshoe, you might still use that keel you have. Quote Jerry Todd Click to go to that build log Constellation ~ RC sloop of war c.1856 in 1:36 scale Macedonian ~ RC British frigate c.1812 in 1:36 scale Pride of Baltimore ~ RC Baltimore Clipper c.1981 in 1:20 scale Gazela Primeiro ~ RC Barkentine c.1979 in 1:36 scale Naval Guns 1850s~1870s ~ 3D Modeling & Printing My Web Site My Thingiverse stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share #27 Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) No,it is thankfully not in a u-shape! You've got a LOT of experience Jerry so if you say still use it...I'm using it! I've been considering the Hahn method as well. I have been thinking about how I'd ensure that the frames where plumb and level when I glued them and was thinking about using spacer blocks, 90 degree angle braces and clamps. Still, it appears to be a little easier, after the building base has been made, to use the Hahn method. Edited February 8, 2014 by bucknbarney Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenadM Posted February 8, 2014 Share #28 Posted February 8, 2014 (edited) I've just dropped Brave decision to start POF as a first build. I do not dare. Keep good work, I ll follow Nenad Edited February 8, 2014 by Nenad M Bindy 1 Quote In progress: CUTTY SARK - Tehnodidakta => scratch => Campbell plans http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/2501-cutty-sark-by-nenad-tehnodidakta-scratched-campbells-plans/page-1#entry64653 Content of log : http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/2501-cutty-sark-by-nenad-tehnodidakta-scratched-campbells-plans/page-62#entry217381 Past build: Stella, Heller kit, plastic, Santa Maria, Tehnodidakta kit, wood, Jolly Roger Heller kit, plastic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bucknbarney Posted February 8, 2014 Author Share #29 Posted February 8, 2014 Thanks Nenad. I've been following your Cutty Sark build and it has been very inspirational to me. Bindy 1 Quote Current Build: Chapman Frigate - Radio - Scratch Build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bindy Posted February 9, 2014 Share #30 Posted February 9, 2014 Although I can't offer any answers or suggestions, I do wish you very good luck getting this straight! Quote Completed Build: Bregante Il Leudo Merchant Launch - Mamoli - 1:72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.