Sovereign Of The Seas - The Art Of Modification...Part Two/ Rex Stewart

The Sovereign of the Seas overview image showing the deck interior with the supporting profile image of  J. Payne's well-known engraving showing her reconstruction.

In the first part of this build, I made mention of how I discarded much of the plastic parts and modified the kit with the replacement of wooden parts. In other words, going a step above to enhance and give visual clarity to overlooked details. In many models that I studied many details were questionable and not scaled properly -such as the doors, capstan to the height of the doors, and the ladder systems of steps from one deck to the other.

Then there was the accessibility to these decks. Were ladders used and covered with gratings? And for cooking purposes; where was the stack attachment to the stove? On the British  HMS Victory and the American USF Constitution the stack is forward. To secure this detail I redesigned the forecastle
and place it 'there' -forward as shown in the above image.

Since there were no real existing plans on SOVEREIGN (other than the 19th century plan housed at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich), everything was speculative...being based on various artists' renditions of the period. It is from those renditions that I weighed my research values.

These next images focus on the hull details before moving on to mast and sail systems.

This image show the revised half, quarter, and roundhouse decks. I kept the styrene bulkheads and modified them with ornate carvings. All the doors were cut away and replaced with open wooden  ones. The windows were all cut away and replaced with templar. There were no stern stairs leading to the roundhouse deck; just simplified ladders, so I went to classic drawings to give me the correct staircase for that period.

               The finished, modified hull from the Airfix Special Edition Royal Sovereign 1637.

Completed stern galleries...Note the addition of the shield-carrying unicorn and lion. Tedious work, but made of wood all the same. Additional carvings were added to the gallery. All windows were  removed and replaced with templar. The stern lantern was also customized with templar and small dabs of resin to simulate pearl carvings on the roof, etc. This detail took approximately two weeks to accomplish.

After completing the stern galleries, pinrails, bits and blocks were made to assist the rigging. For the world of me I could not understand why many builders did not have them featured in their correct areas on the models. Some argued that pinrails did not exist during the period of the Spanish Armada War, but evidence showed differently -even in ships 20 years before the conflict. Afterall, those many lines had to be attached somewhere...and they were not hitched on timberheads as some historians claim. These men were merely following 'tradition' of the letter.

For years I studied models, paintings, drawings (and plans) -attempting to make sense of the confusion to this particular vessel. Of all the contemporary, detailed models out there; many were rigged properly...including some of the period of SOVEREIGN. But for some reason, focus was on her ornaments and basic rig complimented her sailing features...She was designed in such fashion that she outlived two British kings; making her, in deed, the Sovereign of the Seas!

I refused to settle with galleries at that time with the "take it as it come" attitude concerning my method of research. Hence, I departed from the lot and ventured on my own and took delight being independent to find discoveries concerning European ships. Here, in this image, is one of the rigging plans I created in 1981 and modified in 2018 concerning the layout on the forecastle deck... I worked this process for all deck areas of the ship.

Once the rigging plans were created I then proceeded with the masts and yards -scaling them down to  proper length and width as described in the ship's list of the period. The Airfix kit had them shorter...Notice the 1:168  scale crew figure in the background drawing. I used both it and the capstan for the entire build. Airfix had the spritsail yard further back, whereas I compensated by placing a visible black marking on the styrene as a reference for correct positioning of that yard... but only after careful study of several plans and models.

The next step was to address the fore, main and mizzen masts...My concern was the height of them and how they would factor into the overall rigging. The lines had to run easily through the blocks and belay at the rails/pins without fouling. Below, the two images show new wooden masts and rigging blocks being made in place of the plastic. The kit had no blocks at all, yet it was advanced enough to have them.

                               Here, I begin carving and shaping the dowels for the masts...

                               Masts and miniature blocks in progress...

Customized tops were made...using the existing ones from the kit. Modification to the rails were necessary for holding and securing the shrouds and futtock shrouds The rails were also essential for hitching lines that led from mast stays and yards.                                                                                 

In this image the masts are temporarily stepped so that lines can be adjusted before actually securing. This takes exceptional engineering and planning -especially getting those lines down through the gratings to their assigned pins. Once this is accomplished I then remove the masts and pour glue into the holes -replacing back the masts to permanently seal. The hole cavities were created earlier while arranging the deck layout.

With these features in place I now move toward to addressing the flags...followed by yards and sails.

The power of flags...

From every country, to every region and/or territory, flags are the qualifier for identity. If created in a way that attracts the viewer, it can open opportunities in ways unimaginable. For years these have been my signature on vessels -whether sail or steam. Many of my collectors have always complimented this feature and easily identified my work(s) by them. Some collectors commissioned or bought multiple pieces because they enjoyed viewing how I set my sails and enhanced model to be equally compatible to the flags.

For any builder, this is priceless advice.

The British flags that are shown in the images are hand-painted, made from aged bond paper and treated to prevent from becoming brittle over the years. Some models that I created 40 years ago still look 'new' today. In this powerful modification of  SOVEREIGN , the viewer will get to see how the flags will balance the masts, rigging and sails to make it a collector's choice.

In this image, as if viewing from the water (or dock), we see how the flag and masts have a poetic balance as would be found on a real ship of that period.                                                                         

Rigging is one of the most complex and painstaking endeavors to modelmaking. There is no one standard to this approach. It has its pitfalls and challenges. It is up to the builder as to the level desired in the process, re: simple, mediocre or advanced. No one should judge; and yet, I see this quite often in forums that I've reviewed -or at one time been associated with.

There has been many versions of rig for Sovereign of the Seas, both academic and creative. Some rigging methods could be argued, but in the scheme of things findings can only be based on exhaustive research and comprehensive reasoning -nothing more.

The above drawing illustrates my point. It is a contemporary drawing based on artist renditions of time's past. Some lines are accurate and others are inaccurate. The bowsprit rigging is accurate relative to the topmast and spritsail lines  leading to the beakhead. And those lines extending from the foresail systems of the 1637 period also display accuracy for their leads to the beakhead. However, it's up to the builder to establish those belay points to where the lines actually fell. I have not as yet seen it in contemporary pieces, to date.

A brief preview showing the lines belayed in SOVEREIGN's beakhead...

Once the masts are up rigging and all the elements to it are addressed, re:sails, yards, rigging blocks, etc. This image illustrates how I proceed with the rigging stage regarding small to miniature models.
Because I don't use wire to glue on lines  -rather linen, silk or cotton), the approach is different. I begin at the bow, starting with the sprit mast and all the rigging components thereof and then work my way toward the stern, one mast at a time.

This requires great patience and focus...like a jeweler who works in the backroom placing diamonds and precious stones in ornaments. Hence, my models reflect this; they are like 3D ornaments in miniature that is precise in every detail. Therefore I would not recommend this assignment to anyone who believes they can come to this level 'overnight'...It doesn't happen. For me, it took years...and serious collectors know this.

The first lines to be laid is the standing rigging (black lines), followed by the running rigging (beige lines). In miniature work, if the model will feature sails, it's best to prepare them with the running lines attached to both sail and yard before completing the system to the mast. After that is done it will be time to address the lanyards and shrouds.

Here, I show how microscopic the rigging blocks are. Carving these and drilling tiny holes into them take hours -and for double and sister blocks the challenge is even greater because the hand must be very steady and the eyes keen. Magnifiers, alone can't guarantee quality; the eyes (with the magnifiers) must be in unison to achieve this...Above the blocks is the finished sail. For effect and realism of cloth I made both gentle and sharp folds to areas where the sail will be pulled by the lines.

This effect will be shown in future images.

The spritsail is shown with all its lines before being attached to the mast. It is good to remember to rig all blocks to the masts and stays (which include the tops and caps) before attaching any sail system. Failure to do this will ruin the build...which is why patience and concentration is paramount.

     A brief note...

The blocks and tackles viewed in this starboard image is practically throughout the entire model. Many contemporary models don't show them -or most of them. These were essential fittings for the functioning values of the ship. Without them many lines would not be able to sustain the stress factor of sails, yards or masts. Based on the existing blueprints (and my own ), I have in place nearly 60 tackle systems.

If a good  model is to be realized and counted for accuracy...it's best to add them.                             

So far this has been an interesting second chapter on the build. The next will focus on the foremast and the areas around it. For more information about me visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals . Videos representing some of my recent work (which can be commissioned) can be viewed at https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals

Correspondence concerning commissions can be sent to Caseships@yahoo.com.

A special note:

Some of you have kit(s) that you want to enjoy...not having the time (or being delayed) to complete or build them. In my line of experience, I can modify your kit(s) to be historically accurate in fine detail -and can safely package and ship your gem globally. The contact information is above.

Fairwinds and thanks for viewing!

Sovereign Of The Seas -The Art Of Modification...Part One/ Rex Stewart

               Bow detail of Sovereign of the Seas  -modified with additional carvings and painting.


Some 38 years ago I came across this vintage Airfix kit which I discovered as a youth in 1963, but didn't begin to assess the model until 1981...waiting 18 years to challenge myself to research, study and ultimately alter the model to historical standards; both in build and rig.

Over the years many American shipmodel enthusiasts coveted this particular kit to boast their personal skill of 'finish'. But for me, the decorations didn't impress me as much as the accuracy of design and deck layout. Also to be considered in this modification was designing and engineering, proper mast height, sails and the rigging systems carried on this particular ship of that period.

            This was the kit I acquired in 1981, but lost in my relocation to New England -only to get it                back again in 2018 upon my returning to New York.

The consideration to change the appearance of the kit would be a challenge; but because of my professional skill(s) as both artist-craftsman, the opportunity was there to give this the best presentation possible to make this a museum quality piece.

As I studied the contents, much of it I discarded -or rather trashed...I kept only the hull and tops which I would later alter by adding wooden rails. The hull would carry wood channels for the lanyards and shrouds. Basswood gunport lids and custom birch wood cannon would compliment the  broadsides...and the remaining upper deck guns I shaped to fit the exposed decking. For contrast to make the model elegant, I chose to paint the interior Italian Red -using similar color for gun carriages and bulkheads. The plastic decks were replaced with carefully inscribed cherry decking -varnished.

 
              Drawing of Royal Sovereign by Willem van de Velde The Elder. This was one of
              several references used for my kit modification of the Airfix Classic 'Special Edition'.

         After removing and cleaning the hull, I lightly (and carefully) sanded it for better paint                         adhesion The second phase of the build was to mark where the interior wood supports went for           taking in the pedestal pins.

The wood supports are now contouured with the hull and placed where the markings are, followed by small wood strips that will eventually support the interior deck system. It will feature the port and starboard run-out cannons.

Fast forwarding, paint (without primer) has been applied using my own blend of custom colors. After thorough drying, I slowly pencil on the planking and trunnel nails. The rails at the topsides can be seen modified...being true to the ship' configurations.

The next phase of the process is to mask the painted areas and spray-coat with acrylic, followed by a  light and swift brushing of stain. My arsenal comprises of vintage stains that are no longer available. However, it's best to investigate what stains are good against plastic before working. Stain gives the appearance of real wood...Notice that the hull halves are clamped. This process remains until the interior guns are installed.

In the above images I show the (before and after) customized wood guns -replacing the manufactured plastic ones. And using the reference illustration by noted artist Bjorn Landstrom I was able to scale the cannon in proper proportion to fit the gunports...Notice the unpainted beakhead in the top image; that entire area will be modified throughout using the references I acquired in 1981 -thanks to the support of regional businessmen/women.

Here, the cannons are installed below deck in the areas that will be most effective to the viewer.  This type of presentation has been the basis of why these ships are highly favored by collectors...whether scratchbuilt or kit. As my daughter would state: "Dad, your models are so real in miniature. It seems as if you took the actual ship and shrunk it!"

There are many renditions and interpretations regarding the SOVEREIGN's beakhead; and to that end I humble myself because I weren't 'there'. However, to make a fair assessment, I evaluated four notable sources and found they all had the same scale balance which included the Airfix kit...Using those findings I drilled and carved away excess plastic from the figurehead -separating the horses' legs and adding the raised arm of Edgar the Peaceful as he rides down seven enemy kings. Other additional carvings were added to the modification.

Frontal view of SOVEREIGN's forecastle which I researched and modified. To make the model interesting I decided to remove the door and replace it with a hinged (ring handle) wooden one.  The next process was to have this door open so the viewer could look in at the stepped foremast and mounted gun carriages on either side....The interior beakhead was also changed to accommodate the correct belay pins for those lines running from the sprit and foresail systems. No lines ever went to the forecastle rails because cannon shot would have destroyed the rigging...putting it mildly.

We now are viewing the underbody detailing of the beakhead...Instead of discarding the plastic grating, I kept it as an anchor to secure and keep the hull halves together. Small holes were carefully drilled into punctured areas to give the appearance of grating. This open grating also served to assist running gammoning lines around the bowsprit; and for the foresail tacks to their respective belay points. The painting system was quite tedious when applying the 18 carat goldleaf.

The next part of the build focused on the quarter and stern gallery details. While studying other modelers who built this classic kit, I wanted to take a different approach. One of them was enhancing  the galleries by cutting out the styrene windows and adding clear templar. The carvings also had to be added and/or modified...Once those details were finished I applied the goldleaf and finished the remaining areas of the topsides with both modification and painting.

After carefully examining the painted decorations about the hull; and looking for visible scratches below the waterline, I went on to custom build the boats. The scale of my paper crew figure dictated a different scale of boat, both in depth and width from what the kit provided...Seating was too thin -and for legs to reach flooring the interior had to be deeper. The entire boat was constructed in pine and basswoods...The mast which I'm holding was crafted from birch.

Airfix, in my humble opinion, did a great job producing the hull; so much that I've considered taking another SOVEREIGN kit (which I acquired from England)t and converting it into the PRINCE ROYAL of 1610. In the meantime, I found the rudder to be somewhat small in comparison to drawings and existing kits. To this end I partially removed the stern stem, replacing it with basswood so that when making the rudder out of the same product, it would hold perfectly when glued...The lion's head tiller wasn't a kit feature, so that also had to be added.

Fast forwarding...these two views show the main deck configurations of the SOVEREIGN. With research and study I learned that large fighting ships of this period did, in fact, carry spar decks (as shown). This feature was added to carry spars and/or yards to replace those lost in battle and/or storms. From the notes of British naval architect Percival Marshall its stated that SOVEREIGN carried two boats in the waist and a third (long boat) was dispatched at the stern in tow which acted as a tender...Not featured, as yet; but the second boat will be inboard above the one on deck.

A portside overview of SOVEREIGN's complete deck layout after viewing and revising many questionable details. The arrangement of these features center around the rigging and the functionality of such in real time with real crew. Also, on previous models I haven't seen the many tackle systems this ship provided during her history as a 'protector'. To accommodate my findings, this is probably the 'best' layout seen anywhere on a global scale.

Part two of this four segmented series will soon follow in a few days...and maybe a better understanding of how patience and persistence can bring out the best in those willing to push the envelope.

I respect many builders out there, whether hobbyist and/or professional. ..However, when new discoveries are made known it is to a higher degree that we embrace those discoveries without argument or bias. For queries regarding my line of work email: Caseships@yahoo.com or visit my Linkedin profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart. Custom commission and restoration work: 774-757-7137  https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals

A special note:

Some of you have kits that you want to enjoy...not having the time (or being delayed) to build them. In my line of experience, I can modify your kit(s) to be historically accurate with fine detail -and can safely package and ship your gem globally. The contact information is above.