It is not surprising to find builders frustrated when it comes to rigging. In my forty-plus years as a professional, this was (and is) one of the principle subjects many have been at odds with. Not just with themselves, but with other professionals and hobbyists.
Classic Ship Model Miniatures
This site deals primarily with miniatures relative to the ship model -whether scratch or kit modified. Many of these works are scratchbuilt; but those that are modified are true to their presentation and exceed traditional values....For over 40 years maritime artist and craftsman Rex Stewart has built fine models in this genre -both sail and steam. In recent times (15 years), the miniatures has been the focal point of honorable research and collected worldwide.
Friday, July 9, 2021
H.M.S. Prince -The Final Modification/ Rex Stewart
It is not surprising to find builders frustrated when it comes to rigging. In my forty-plus years as a professional, this was (and is) one of the principle subjects many have been at odds with. Not just with themselves, but with other professionals and hobbyists.
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
British Warship HMS Prince -Art Of Modification/Part Six
This starboard overview show how beautiful and meticulous rigging can be when applied with careful assessment and patience. On such a small scale as this, it seem impossible to get the fine details (as such). But this can be achieved by working out the process in set stages -and scrutinizing each stage to make sure every possible line is applied. More is better if those lines can be fitted.
We can never cease limiting our knowledge and/or abilities to improve and advance. Here, I am drawing a 'new' set of rigging plans based upon new discoveries of ignored processes. Since my first PRINCE of the 1980s, certain information weren't available -simply because home computers weren't a thing at that time. Now, with technology being what it is, there is a vast sea of information where one cannot be misinformed.
Monday, April 26, 2021
British Warship HMS Prince -Art Of Modification/Part Five
In my last blog I spoke about not being too consumed in a build. It's always good to walk away when the mind touches upon frustration. Others will argue that it's 'healthy'...but there are consequences when attempting to force a thing.
I know only a few will heed my advice, and this will only rob those who are proud to not really digest what I'm writing. I didn't get here to this level shucking peanuts; I got here because I was 'willing' to read the literature of my forerunners to get the schematics of the process. I threw away the vanity and the politics to embraced the method and techniques. That's how hungry I was to be one of the best in what I do.
The above image show the detailed bow and anchor arrangement of the Classic Series -Airfix HMS Prince. The colors are subtle and not overworked -lending more attention to details while the goldleaf absorbs the viewer. Goldleaf doesn't overpower the model, but rather introduce a natural balance that the eye can absorb.
Below is my wood sculpted diorama titled "The Admiralty" which shows Phineas Pett among other subjects viewing and discussing a build for one their ships. It was one of his designs that brought the H.M.S. Prince to sea.
Now that we're past the concepts of the hull, it's time to move on to the masts and rigging. Such is a complicated subject to discuss and I won't waste any time 'there'. My sound advice relative to it is simple: research, read, and research again. That's the jewel of ALL jewels -the ability to read and cipher between fact and fiction. The quality of my builds stem from the desire to compete with self. There is no good in competing with another; you take on their burden while attempting to finish yours. Also, don't make comparisons...just be honest about your assessments for which to make a point.
I made mention in one of my earlier blogs, that belay points were carefully studied before permanently securing the apparatus that was used for rigging this type ship. Furthermore, the locations had to be featured both on the masts/yards (and decks) where the falls would not foul the lines. In the process I noticed that the garnet tackle was wrongfully rigged on the top rail of the main deck. The scale would not place it there, but rather on the deck with a bitt piece (and ring bolt) which would secure the lower hooked block of the garnet. I found that the lashed spars would conflict with this tackle, so I made alternate bitts (port and starboard) and placed this apparatus portside.
In future photos I will show this detail...
Another oversight was location of the fore course tack lines. I must concede that I flawed in my earlier builds of this vessel. Some experts stated that my lead and fall was accurate, but after seriously pouring over the plans, I realized I was just executing another fine-looking model. In this image I made bitts forward of the mainstay deadeyes for which to take on and secure the course tacks. This would in no way foul the other principle lines leading to their correct pins.
Below a model of the ST. GEORGE, 1701.... show those course tacks belayed in the same area. So, in essence, this is correct. As long as the lines are not overlapped on the same belay pin, the builder is fine. However, I did find that the topgallant and topsail bowlines overlapped; but those were of the same system and separate from the other functional lines.
Here, I begin with the jib. I tried to make it as realistic as possible which included the folds and reefing.
I now leave the viewer with this image of the progress. However, I must be clear relative to these type models. Understand that there are no absolutes with the rigging process of these ships except that the applications were basic and true to the writings of the forerunners. It's those writings that I followed to conclude my spin on the process.