HM Mermaid fittings.....(Edited by admin)

[Rick01]

I've already got a query going in the rigging section but now have a point to clarify re fixtures and fittings. I'm basing everything on the sketches by King rather than Modellers Shipyard plans as these appear to be lacking in accuracy in some areas.

In this sketch from left to right we appear to have a forward companionway, pinrail, windlass tight up against pinrail and then possibly ship's oven. Behind the mainmast is the main cargo hatch, gangway, sky light with the ship's boat stored behind, then lastly possibly the pump.

 

 

The plans however seem to have gained a "main pinrail" unless it's hard up against the mainmast in King's sketch, reversed the pump and skylight and removed the ship's oven.

 

 

I understand the oven is moveable so that's not of concern however any comments on these points would be appreciated.

 

Rick

 

[druxey]

Can you either post or give the url of the King drawing that is larger than that reproduced here? It's hard to make out any detail.

[trippwj]

Can you either post or give the url of the King drawing that is larger than that reproduced here? It's hard to make out any detail.

See http://www.acmssearch.sl.nsw.gov.au/search/itemLargeCopyright.cgi?itemID=921633&size=full&album=1&collection=823393&parent=442570 for a larger higher resolution sketch.

[Rick01]

Wayne - thanks for the high res. shot. It has helped answer my queries. For some reason I'd not found that particular link when looking for information.

 

Rick 

[druxey]

Nice reference drawing! Thanks for the url, Wayne.

[Rick01]

Next question whilst I'm working on the deck area of my model. This section of Ollie's build shows a series of "frames" as required by the plans http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/3958-hm-colonial-cutter-mermaid-by-ollie-modellers-shipyard/page-16?hl=mermaidMy problem here is that all the models I've looked at of cutters built during the same 1800 period in the UK NMM do not show these frames. Who's correct?

Not from NMM but a good clear shot anyway http://www.modelships.de/Museums_and_replicas/Science_Museum_London/gIMG_0584.jpg 

 

Rick 

Edited February 3, 2015 by Rick01

[druxey]

While Ollie's model is nicely done, it does not represent a typical Naval cutter circa 1800. The contemporary Science Museum's model is a better guide. There are no exposed timber heads on the inner bulwarks.

[Rick01]

So it would be normal with a cutter built to naval specs to have this area boarded in? As you may have Guessed my knowledge of ship construction is near zero so I'm using contemporary models plus King's own illustrations of the Mermaid to build my model and the more I do the more it seems the kit instructions have deviated from what would be correct.

 

Rick

[druxey]

Kits aren't necessarily historically correct, Rick. Some are better than others, others are flights of fancy. The open exposed toptimbers are more representative of 19th century and early 20th century fishing craft.

 

If you are interested in historically accurate models, there are many, many good books available on the subject.

[Rick01]

Thanks - next stop my library I think. :-)

 

Rick

[druxey]

Also, look at the Gallery of Contemporary Models on this site, the model of Trial (page 2). This collection of photographs by members of models in museums is an invaluable resource and inspiration.

[Rick01]

Thanks - I hadn't picked up on that set of photos.

 

Rick