Gorch Fock 2 by Mirabell61 - FINISHED - scale1:95

[Mirabell61]

Sailing ship, threemast-barque Gorch Fock 2 in scale 1:95

 

Introduction to this build by Nils Langemann

 

When choosing my first tallship for modeling, the choise for either Gorch Fock 2 or for Pamir was not so easy, so finally I decided to build both, the Gorch Fock 2 to begin with, and the other to follow on in staggered time schedule.

The Gorch Fock 2 is the follower of the still existing german Gorch Fock 1 and bearing the original Name again (ex russian Tovarisch, now towed to the pier in Stralsund harbour, Baltic sea), which had several sisterships, one of them being the still serving USS Eagle of the US Coast Guard.

 

GF 2 was launched 1958 at Hamburg Blohm & Voss shipyard, build N° 804 and to be used as a cadet training ship for the German Navy, Bundesmarine. She since then, and after several updates in look and techniques does her duty bravely. She is well known on the seven seas and in many ports. She is also participating in many “Operation Sail” events and to be seen amoungst other tallships.

 

Compared with the ultimate version of today I preferred to model the 1960 ties version for its more interesting look, with the more nostalgic looking boats and the motorized commanders launch. The model should be carrying all 23 sails and be fully rigged, if I would manage to do so. The ships hull in actual and in model is representing more the look of a large yacht, because of the slim fine lines and the missing cargo holds.

The ultimate version differs in color, has a larger oval shaped funnel, more modern navigation equipment, a variable pitch propeller, larger portholes (safety reasons, allows a man passing through !!) and modern rescue- and lifesaving equipment. Also a side-thrust prop was fitted in the bow Sub waterline section, as well as many inside fitting out updates.

When looking out for a suitable plan to build the model from scratch, I found a lonesome set of frames in correct scale at an Ebay auction and decided to trim and update these for my project. I saved myself some plywood-cutting-out right at the beginning, that gained some time for doing other things. The other data and rating I found in some GF2 related books, and besides that at that time, I still had a wonderful rare scale 1:150 GF 2 Kit in Plastic by Revell, that had never been built nor started, but representing a very useful pattern for enlargement to scale 1:95 (rating wise)

I started gathering all information and pictures of details I could get, and started to lay the keel. It should take me appr. 1,5 years to finalize the model. Many experienced techniques could be addopted to the Pamir build whereby not so good results on GF2 modeling techniques could be avoided or improved.

 

Have fun in exploring this build log

 

Nils

 

 

unmistakeable, the white barque with the golden flying Albatros figurehead, which had to be replaced several times when going lost in rough trips

 

 

The since WW1 late german writer, Johann Wilhelm Kienau, pseudonyme "Gorch Fock" is the name giver to this vessel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build log Part 1

 

 

I tried to get a better print into this Formate, but not possible at this framerate

 

SSS stands for Segel-Schul-Schiff on the nameplate

 

the single Frames contours would not allow 2-dimentional deck curvature, so the Basic Support was done this way

 

the decks are from 1,5 mm aero-plywood and preplanked (3 x 1mm stripes) before mounting (structure done by charcoaling plank edges with a masons pencil, before gluing to the deckplates

 

stern fill blocks in multilayer ply, the deck Panels are checked for size with a Little surplus all around

 

 

deck curvatures clearly to be seen here

 

decks brought into shape with rough outer trimm

 

poop bulkhead and deckhousings started

 

 

 

 

Build log part 2 to follow....

 

 

Nils

[maurino]

Hi Nils, the Gorch Fock is a beautiful school ship, this also gladly follow your adventure!
Mauro

[Mirabell61]

Thank you Mauro,

 

enjoy the build furtheron..

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 2

 

 

 

 

the decks are checked if all Planks are free of marks

 

and checked for fit in the foreseen places

 

poopdeck bulkhead and midship deckhouse get paint and portholes

 

stairs checked, doors, handrails mounted

 

 

 

 

 

the many eyelets are placed and secured from under the decks

 

Frames look OK so far

 

mantaining the deck curvature while the glue is curing

 

 

 

 

Build log part 3 to follow....

 

Nils

[captainbob]

Ah, you're just starting, I'm not too late.  I enjoy the explanations of your builds.  Thanks.

 

Bob

[Mirabell61]

thank you Bob and Crackers,

 

I sighted quite an extensive documentation (photos) for this build, it was probably the first time my digitible camera realy came to use, so there is plenty to come...

 

Nils

[NenadM]

Just arrived to watch and learn

[Jim Lad]

It's good to see another of your build logs up and running, Nils!

 

John

[Bugra]

Wow, another one Nils! Great for us and thank you for sharing with us!

 

Bugra.

[Mirabell61]

Nenad, John, Bugra

 

Thanks for joining in to watch the build ...

 

Nils

[popeye the sailor]

great start to the build Nils.   is that P.E. your using for the fittings?.......doors and such

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 3

 

 

 

 

 

poopdeck eyelets

 

preparing for the welldeck pinrails

 

These pinrails are designed to withstand Forces initiated by the later rig

 

wear sections of the pinrails bear brass inserts

 

 

 

eyelets for foremast shrouds and backstays

 

especially the eyelets for the shrouds and backstays have to be well countered from beneath the decK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build log part 4 tofollow....

 

Nils

Edited March 4, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

great start to the build Nils.   is that P.E. your using for the fittings?.......doors and such

Popeye,

 

if I am correct PE is the short for Polyethylene, but no, its etched brass sheet for stairs, doors, hatches,etc., in general available in various scales for use on all types of models

 

Nils

[Stockholm tar]

Nils,

 

Another great log to match that of your Pamir. Lovely work and attention to detail.

 

I've seen Gorch Fock a few times during the Tall Ships Races. Being run by the German Navy she is always of course very smart, with the yards squared to the inch when in port.

[Mirabell61]

yes Kester,

 

thats right, I have never sailed on her yet, but had the Chance to look around onboard. In the ports there are always many public visitors and so everthing is utmost tidy, brass is well pollished up, all ropes are belayed in perfect condition, or coiled on deck

 

Nils

[SailorGreg]

Hi Nils,

 

In this context PE stands for photo-etch, or photo-etched brass sheet - which is exactly what you are using.

 

Fantastic build - I enjoyed your Pamir build very much and look forward to the next steps on Gorch Fock.

 

Greg

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 4

 

 

 

 

view pinrack section

 

the holes for the masts made and a spare anchor lashed to the foreward deckhouse

 

the triangle like parts are lockers at the poop bulkhead and are taperd because they fit underneath stairs from well- to poopdeck

 

mastgarden and other pinracks fitted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eyelets for ropeguide Tacklings and pinracks on forecastle deck for the each 4 jib-sails sheets

 

 

 

 

Build log part 5 to follow....

 

Nils

Edited March 4, 2014 by Mirabell61

[Mirabell61]

Hi Nils,

 

In this context PE stands for photo-etch, or photo-etched brass sheet - which is exactly what you are using.

 

Fantastic build - I enjoyed your Pamir build very much and look forward to the next steps on Gorch Fock.

 

Greg

Thanks Greg,

 

...learnt something new to it, shall have to remember PE=photo-etched

 

Cheers

 

Nils

[captainbob]

I like your method of building the deck first.  I’ve always had trouble trying to fasten pins and eye bolts so they don’t come loose.  Thanks.

 

Bob

[dgbot]

Nice start.

David B

[Mirabell61]

Bob,

 

I leave the most upper sideplanks just below the deck away as Long as possible, just in case and order to have Access to the decks underside for counterfastening whatever Needs to be fastened from above. If I should have Forgotten to set and fasten an eyebolt, I do it per enclosed scetch...

 

Nils

 

Edited March 3, 2014 by Mirabell61

[captainbob]

Thanks, Nils.  I thought I saw some solder under there.

 

Bob

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 5

 

 

 

 

the first portside plank, pine 2 x 10mm, is fixed against the Frames to find the best fit in its gentle natural curve following the hull lines

 

and then glued on permanently

 

the second plank follows willingly

 

on this build I am not using additional stringers

 

 

the same done on starboard side to avoid possible Twist in the hull

 

the Gorch Fock is a fine model to plank, no risky bends, no watering of planks

 

the 2mm thick planking will allow sufficient material remaining after sanding later on

 

 

having no Problems with the planking

 

short propshaft in sleeve tube M3 thread for prop (the brass prop to be Exchanged against a larger one later on, because I cold`nt find a 28-30mm diam. brass prop with M3 thread in the hub)

 

Counter device for stand bolts with reinforced keel sides there

 

 

 

 

 

Build log part 6 to follow...

 

Nils

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 6

 

 

 

this ship was not designed to be a cargo vessel

 

planking good under way

 

time for checking if no sub-deck Counters have been forgotten...

 

 

 

 

 

finaly the last fit to size plank Closes the opening

 

should be a fine base surface for sanding, due to the single layer planking, the Progress goes on quite swiftly

 

 

14 Planks per side, keel to welldeck

 

still quite easy going..

 

The Planks that also form the bulwarks are mounted

 

 

 

 

Build log part 7 to follow....

 

Nils

[dgbot]

Moving along well.  What color are you going to paint it?

David B

[Mirabell61]

David,

 

all Colors in in satin-dull tones

the hull is basicly White, with chocolate Brown section line at sides of forecastle and poop, the waterpass is green and the Sub waterline hull is antifouling-red (These are the Colors of the 1968 look)

Masts, Yards and booms in safran-yellow

 

Nils

[michael mott]

Wonderful to follow another build, You must not have to sleep like the rest of us ;~)

 

Michael

[Mirabell61]

Build log part 7

 

 

 

 

building up the bulwarks

 

and top Planks at forecasle

 

Need to pull equal on portside as well

 

the upper Stern Portion shall be planked verticly

 

bow bulwark planked verticly and roughly trimmed

 

 

 

all planking done, now the sanding can begin

 

 

 

vertical planking provides nice following of the curves

 

 

smooth finish, no dents, no scratches...

 

remaining material on sternpost appr. 50% of the raw planking, other planking random about 75-80 %

 

 

 

 

Build Log part 8 to follow....

 

Nils

[dgbot]

Do want me to call the boys in the white coats?  They will put in you in a nice padded cell.  After 50 years you will be cured.

David B

[Mirabell61]

Oh David,

 

my wife has already told me something in that direction...,

it is coming springtime here, and the garden Needs some care

 

Nils

 

 

 

Micheal,

 

after this build-log it goes steady again...

my still in the pipe HMS Pegasus Build feels itself quite stepfatherly cared for, so I Need to see what can be done about it

 

Nils