The building of the ship

The following photos are a log of the ship as it was built.

She's BIG!

This shot will give an idea of just how large this ship is.  This was my fourth model, having just completed the HMS Victory, and I had never attempted such a scale....nor had I ever attempted to build without a set of scaled plan sheets.  The "stem-to-stern" length is about five feet.  I would guess the scale at 1:25.

Her Sails 

Also a first for me....I had never attempted to create and rig a ship with unfurled sails.

As a reference, I relied heavily on R.C. Anderson's book "The Rigging of Ships In The Days of The Spritsail Topmast, 1600-1720". 

Bird's eye view from above the Topmasts.

Another high view from aft....

A Closer Look

Dropping down on deck for a closer look.
The ships bell....turned rail stanchions....

Turning the rail stanchions....

For this scale, I had to create all of the rail stanchions.

That little, seldom used mini-lathe, has been in my shop forever.

 

Stern Lantern....

So while still in the mood for turning some wood, created this cute little lantern.

Ships wheel and binnacle

The binnacle houses and protects the helmsman's navigational instruments. 

Captain Jack at the Wheel

Arrrrg....

Deck Guns

Creating the Guns and Trucks

Of the 30 cannons making up her arsenal, there are ten of these 32 pound deck guns that will be fully rigged.  Six guns, not rigged, are seen through the forward open gun ports.

The remaining 14 gun positions have closed gun port lids.

Creating Molds

Rather than attempt turning all of these guns, I created a mold from the master seen here.  Learned to pour plastic....

Really cool stuff!
 

Closer view of the gun position....
note the water buckets and cannon balls stacked on wooden "monkeys".

Looking back at her Half Deck

At this point she's ready for her masts and all the standing rigging.

Things get real interesting from here out.








 

Standing Rigging is Complete

Her masts have been set and secured with the heavy cables (preventor stays) and shrouds.

 

High Aft View

 High Fore View

Port View


















Dead Eyes and Stowed Anchor

The Ships Launch

Here's a closer shot of that little boat you can see lashed to the deck mid-ship. 

Name Plate Attached

Rudder Installed

Those copper plates are the real deal.

I created a custom template to do the dimples you see.

Copper Plated Hull Completed

The maroon and gold colors of Lumberton High School look fantastic!

Begin Build Log

Skipping the early forming of the keel and bulkhead frames, we will begin the build log at this point where it will be more interesting.









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