Wappen von Hamburg by andy - Corel

[andy]

 

The Sovereign of the Seas has been completed, The Wappen von Hamburg's box has been moved to the shed (AKA the Boatyard) and all tools have been cleaned. I guess it is time to get started.

 

For the past several weeks I have been admiring fifteen large format images of Corel's Wappen von Hamburg that I found on the internet. As inspiration I printed out 3 of the pictures, framed them, and hung them on the wall in the boatyard. (They can be seen in the picture above) The build is perfect and exhibits the kind of workmanship I have always hoped to achieve.

 

Today, I went back to the site and actually read the text. Imagine my surprise when I read that it took the builder thirteen years and eight thousand hours to complete the build. Right from the start I know I won't spend that amount of time, but I will do the best job I can. The link to the site is;

 

http://www.modelships.de/Wappen_von_Hamburg_I_1/Wappen_von_Hamburg_I_1eng.htm

 

Time to take inventory and look over the instructions

[Ponto]

Enjoy the journey Andy,.....I'm on the homestretch now with my version of Corel's flagship kit and would be pleased to help in any way. There are some small inaccuracies with the plans and instructions but nothing that can't be overcome. My build log was lost in the great crash and I never did get around to starting up another. The link you have supplied is an excellent source for images and I have used it many times!

 

JP

[JPett]

Ahoy Andy  

 

Your Sovereign build was beautiful , I only found it at the end but thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thank you for taking the time to post, 

 

Looks like I have a set of box seats for this one. Ground floor too  

 

Could I request some pics of what is included in the Corel kit before you start 

[testazyk]

This ship is on my to do list and I look forward to following your build.  Best of luck and enjoy!

[maggsl_01]

Hi Andy,

 

the Wappen is on my wishlist for further projects - so I look forward to watch and follow your build. I take a comfort seat on my couch and will come by whenever I have the time.

 

Your SOS looks great and I loved the log (although I would not use any kind of paint on the hull, only some semi-gloss lacquer at the end The old discussion )

 

Cheerio

 

Max

 

[andy]

Hi everyone,

 

Thanks so much for the encouragement and comments. I went out to the boatyard this morning eager to get started. I was immediately disappointed with the quality of the instructions. I was hoping for something better than the Sovereign of the Seas, but on first blush, these seem worse.

 

I then thought a good place to start would be some inventory taking, but quickly ran into pieces that were  unnumbered and difficult to identify from the parts list. Oh well, if this was easy, everyone would do it.

 

I do like the quality of what I've seen so far but OMG, I think this hull is single planked. I've never done that before, and I think I will have to upgrade my planking skills.

 

Note to JPett: I will take some pictures of the contents and post them tomorrow.

 

[JPett]

Ahoy Andy 

 

Thanks 

 

A lot of people complain about Corel's instructions. If it helps I have found that the "little book" is just a basic guide directing you to the plate # and illustrations which need to be followed. The illustrations are truly the instructions.  I am building the Corel Vic and spend many nights sitting in bed with the little book and the plans. Their really are not bad but do require that you have a basic understanding and you do seem to have that covered. It is also important to read the entire book before starting. On my build I found a few things towards the end that have me making some changes in the beginning. I am not following their construction order as a result of this either. 

 

I also had a problem with inventory. No quantities and some part numbers or "plate reference numbers"  are truly just a reference because they use the same material as another making inventory somewhat confusing or at least more work then it already is. 

 

Good luck and happy sanding: I am looking forward to your progress. The sooner you get ahead of me the better off I will be 

[maggsl_01]

Hi Andy

 

infact the single planking is something that really scares me... my first plankings are - as the most are - quite good but never meant to be shown as a result of good craftsmanship. So I am thinking about a very thin second planking for a build like this. As I have never done a single planking model before I do not know if this could work. But it can be a way of coming along with this.

 

My first build was Corel (Half Moon). The instructions seem to be very less indeed. But as you said: If everyone could do it - what would be the Special challenge? :D

 

Best wishes

 

Max

[ChrisLBren]

Hi Andy,

I have built this ship - my only comments - watch the bridal ports on the pressed wood - the levels are not correct on the instructions.  Make sure to consult the plans.  

 

Also for a better looking ship - do not follow the planking instructions (they are simplified and not correct to actual practice).  Install the wale first and then proceed to plank - there are plenty of good tutorials on how to do it right on this site.

 

Lastly, i was able to use the kit provided walnut and single plank and was able to do the job without a problem.  Just proceed slowly and build a pipe to soak your boards to be able to make the bends at the bow.

Chris

[andy]

Hi all,

 

A few thoughts on the above posts;

 

Max: When I was building the SoS I was trying to make it as close as possible to the famous painting of the Sovereign and its builder Peter Pett  done shortly after its completion by Peter Lely. This painting clearly shows the hull painted white below the waterline. I have also thought about purchasing additional wood for a second planking as a fall-back position. We'll see how it goes.

 

Testazyk: Thanks for the comments and I look forward to hearing from you as I go along. 

 

Chris: Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind.

 

JPett: I had already taken some of the contents from the box, but below are all of the contents as they were this morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[maggsl_01]

Hi Andy,

 

the castings look good. I am very excited to see how they fit on the model. And I am much more excited to see how the single planking goed. As mentioned I can hardly imagine that  this gives a really good result. But we'll see

 

BTW your SOS is GREAT. I think this hobby has so much turn-ons as almost no other an (apart from my dogs )

 

Best wishes

 

Max

[andy]

Hi everyone,

 

Right from the start, I have become confused about construction of the WvH. Thinking I might find some help by studying other build logs of the ship, I began an internet search. Much to my surprise, I couldn't find a single one of any use. "How can this be?", I asked. Corel is one of the largest kit manufacturers, and this is their most comprehensive kit!

 

To answer this question I have devised a multiple choice quiz, which you are urged to take.

 

     Why are there no build logs of Corel's Wappen von Hamburg?

                a.) The kit is way too expensive for what you get, and nobody buys it.

                b.) Builders take one look at the directions, put them back in the box and put the box back     

                     under the bed

                c) Builders start construction, run afoul of the misleading and/or nonexistent instructions and

                   completely give up.

                d) Nobody really wants to deal with a single planked hull.

                e) All of the above.

 

A very wise man, Alexander Pope, wrote in a poem,"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. As chief fool I have plunged headlong into the project. Since I only have the barest idea of where i am going, I have decided to trial fit as much as I can before actually doing anything permanent. More to follow.

 

[Ponto]

I  choose (f)...none of the above.....

 

The Corel kit is comprised of high quality components and in time, yields a beautiful model. The plans and instructions need to  be studied.Progression should take place when comfortable with each and every step.  Purchase the kit when sales are offered and  the exceptional value of the kit is evident upon opening........

 

JP

[JPett]

Ahoy Andy 

 

Somebody always has to go first.  I nominate "YOU"  

 

     

 

As for your quiz I will add "G" 

 

It is an unusual subject, a very large kit, a huge commitment and not for the weak at heart 

[edmay]

Hi Andy, Your heart was put through it's paces when the SoS was damaged,making you fearless,The instructions are small and hard to read,a local printer could be asked to enlarge then hung up with the plan in use.The quality of the kit seems to be very good but was wondering if fillers ie (balsa) or some other wood could be used between the bulkheads?? . Also the interest you have already generated in this build will come into play in a very positive and meaningful way. Kudo's for starting this log.Edwin.

[maggsl_01]

Hi Andy

 

the more you write and Show the more grows my interest

 

Wi´sh you good Patience and a view full of knowledge, when you read the plans

 

Cheerio

 

Max

[andy]

Hi all,

 

Lighten up guys! I was laughing when I wrote the quiz. I have every intention of building a beautiful ship for the city of Hamburg, and then going off to fight Barbary Coast pirates.

[maggsl_01]

That's it, Andy - Here we go :D

 

m.

[JPett]

Ahoy Andy 

 

Found this today. it may or may not be of use 

 

http://www.modelships.de/Wappen_von_Hamburg_I_1/Detailansichten_Wappen_von_Hamburg_I_1.htm

[ChrisLBren]

Hey Andy,

 

Here are some photos of my WVH as she stands today - I built her between 2002-2005 using mostly kit parts - single planked with the walnut wood provided.  I followed Corel directions as to where and how to start your planking run.  It turns out well - - as you can see the wales are placed on top of the planking after she's fully planked -which is not correct. You see a lot of kit models constructed this way - because its easier. Wales go on first to determine your planking run - then you plank from there.  If you want to paint your hull off white though - you can cover up the inaccurate run if you choose to follow the instructions.

 

I also attached some photos of the main deck - I milled my own holly for deck planking and tried to do a cut away to show the lower gun deck - which at the time seemed like a good idea - but now looks wrong to me - there would have been a few more beams here.  I also scratched my own gun carriages - because the ones in my kit were metal - i understand they have replaced these in newer kits.

 

The good news is I did a lot of research - Corel's plans are strong. I did some research secondary sources and the other sheets of plans I ordered to research the WPV. Some things are simplified - but overall Corel did a nice job.  

 

Look forward to seeing your progress,

Chris

Edited September 21, 2014 by ChrisLBren

[maggsl_01]

Hi Chris, I am deeply impressed. I never thought that a single planking can look so perfect. But indeed - it does. You are talking about additional research... do you stoll knoiw what sources you used? Are they to find in www? The WVH is defintetly on my wishlist and I will do her someday. So I am very interested in every hint, tip and trick to get a good result. 

 

 

Thx

 

Cheerio

 

Max

 

[andy]

Hi J. Pett,

 

Thanks for the link. I found those pictures some time ago and downloaded them all to my computer and IPad. In fact, if you look closely at some of the pictures I have posted you will see 3 of them framed and hung on the wall of my work area. I don't know who the builder is, but it might be the most perfect ship build I have ever seen. It says on the website that it took 13 years and 8,000 hours.

 

Andy

[andy]

Hi Brian,

 

A second planking is, indeed, my fallback position.

 

Andy

[andy]

Hi Chris,

 

I found your build log when I was researching the WvH, and like everyone else, was impressed with your planking. Its a beautiful job. I need you to continue your build log and lead the way for me.

 

Andy

[andy]

Hi Joe,

 

Glad to have you along for this adventure in ship building. Since I also consider myself a relative newbie, I'm not sure I always tackle things the right way, but it is always a learning experience.

 

Andy

[ChrisLBren]

Thanks guys - Max I used two sets of plans from two German books written about 16th and 17th German warships - I'd be more than happy to share my research if Andy doesn't mind - I don't want to hijack his thread.  

 

I may or may not restart this build in the near term - first I have to finish my scratch built Confederacy and then I was thinking about moving onto the La Jacinthe.  At the same time - I have kept the WVH in storage since 2006 - its a great kit and does deserve to be finished.

[ChrisLBren]

Andy heres' a Russian build log that might be helpful

 

http://chez-xandra.be/publ/16-1-0-60

[maggsl_01]

Oh ja... Chris,

 

the pics are great, this guy semms to do a very good job on the WVH, the painting of the figures is great and his working room is perfect... but what the hell does this letters mean?? wish my russioan was better :D

 

Thats the good side of the hobby: a pic says more than thousands words...

 

Thx

 

Max

[Ponto]

Andy heres' a Russian build log that might be helpful

 

http://chez-xandra.be/publ/16-1-0-60

 

 

Superb link....wish  I found that earlier!

 

JP!

[JPett]

Ahoy Mates  

 

I am using Google Chrome. It offered to translate the log. While not perfect I can now actually read and understand most of it. Only a few words do not translate.