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.

Many will argue that 'sailing' ships are not attractive with sails because it 'hides' rigging. Yet one of the main factors for this system remains to be the 'sails'! And there is a method for bringing out the best in any model once the science is studied and worked upon. It doesn't happen overnight...And for those who claim they have expertise with this after building a few pieces; well that assessment is void.

Another argument/debate that comes to mind is the theory that ships were built without blueprints. That shipwrights calculated 'everything' in their head. That is sheer foolishness -and not to be embraced by anyone with commonsense. However, this is part of the maritime circles that continue this 'theory'.

Blueprints are the essence of the builder. Without them nothing is accomplished.

History, unfortunately has a universal way of hiding truth and I realize that the only viable way to discover (truth) is to divorce the politics and focus on the purity of research. Real answers are found when biases are quelled. One of the reasons I produce some of the most exciting models today is primarily due to sound doctrine and research from the sources I investigate. 

In this image, the rigging is not obscured by the sails...

Nor in this image.

Below, I show the dynamics of sail setting -where the variations bring realism to the subject. It's in this artificial form that my viewers (and collectors) find the perfect balance. However, this is predicated on research as to how ships appeared in wind under full and/or partial sail. 

With this focus in mind, I return back to rigging tables -exploring areas of rig that I found questionable relative to belay systems; especially at the quarter and mizzen decks. There seem to be much confusion in these two areas

There exist no drawings and/or paintings that clearly defines this. And of the contemporary work(s) I reviewed, I wasn't able to acquire correct fall lines that were compatible to the ship's design. That alone, pushed me to rewrite the script concerning their true location(s) from a logical stance. Of course I tossed 'debates' to the wind because those were distractions which was based on "cognitive dissonance". And of such I have, nor take no part.

In this image I am resizing the plastic lateen sail which I will later customize from treated paper. I am also locating the various rigging points on this sail to transfer to the custom sail so that the lines will fall accurately to the belays pins on deck. Much of my concern are on the brail system, as I have not found any satisfactory model showing this to be compatible to the Prince design. There had to be leeway and room for hauling up this large sail so not to conflict with the large topsail above it.

Percival Marshall's 1937 plan is the best reference that makes any sense to this perculiar design of the poop and quarter decks. From his perspective, it made sense that the forward brails would lead from the spar to the last shroud and down to the belay pin rail 'within' the ship -not on the actual top rail as seen on many contemporary models. Builders are not taking the time to assess scale to embrace this truth. Percival , being notably famous for his engineering proved this finding to be correct...and it is shown on my model, in kind.

This waterline view show the lateen sail set in a swift breeze with the forward brails leading through the blocks and connecting with the blocks on the last shroud. Notice that there are no pins on any of the rail area at the main mast to the stern area where the ensign is flying.

Port stern profile showing the brail leads to the main shroud. The lateen mizzen sheets also fall to the pin rail within the quarter deck bulwarks (away from the guns). Based on scale, it would be impossible for crew to reach and effectively secure these lines to pins on top of the bulwark. However, at the forecastle such was possible as I have shown in prior images.

Before rigging is complete, gallery windows are prioritized; especially since some lines will conflict with gold leaf in those areas where shrouds, sheets, lanyards and braces are located. Not to mention the backstays and halyard tackles.

Here the gallery windows are displayed in good order -placed and readdressed with gold leaf. 

As aforementioned, lines should not conflict with each other -leading through and around the tops down to their proper pins without fouling (as shown in this image). Also, based on the railing system (and scale)...notice the pinrails at the companionway before the stairs. The lines are clean and fall there without fouling. Furthermore the scale of the bulwark rails are too high for any crew member to actually secure a line. In Admiralty models much of this is ignored -or was never considered, being that the primary focus was on the structure of the ship. This is conclusive based on the many profile drawings stored in museum archives. None show total belay processes (of any kind) from that era.

Even when VASA was raised, there were no factual documentation(s) conclusive to her rigging...None. Every aspect of rigging was actually explored in the 19th century and pieced together by scholars who visited various museums/libraries to obtain 'limited' data. These facts can be validated by another contemporary builder in his quotation below:

This builder place emphasis on the PRINCE model at the Science Museum in England. From his perspective it is worthy; but from a rigger's point of view, one has to question the findings... And, I duly agree from a curatorial view, misguided information should not be passed on to any generation seeking truth. It's wrong.

Below are the final images of the PRINCE which conclude this build. There will always be PRINCE models which will differ in presentation. No one model can claim accuracy; that's a fallacy. However, each model has its place because of its reputation -and this piece is no different. I just brought it to another level based on my experience and research. So now, I provide you, the viewer, these finale images.

 

As a professional, I take my work seriously which is shown in each and every model I produce. I take no shortcuts, but rather place as much detail possible in these work(s). This model is no exception.

For those who appreciate and seek this type of art, I can be reached at Caseships@yahoo.com or by phone 1-774-757-7137.

Thanks for viewing! 

 

  

 

Sailing Ship VASA c.1628 -Modified/ Rex Stewart...Part Three

In this third of a five part series, my focus is on the rear deck and bulkhead detail(s) - followed by the stepping of the masts.

 Because the kit was warped (and there were testimonies from other builders), it was necessary to clamp the hull halves during the early stages of construction so that I could assess how much space was needed to fit decks and bulkheads without causing too much stress on the plastic.

In the above photo the helmsman bulkhead is shown in plastic which will be partially customized
in wood. Much of the decorations will be copied from the Landstrom book. The delicate part of this build will be to shave paper-thin wood doors and have them appear open.

A view of the stern deck bulkhead cabins on the actual ship at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. One flaw that I own up to is my placing the main knighthead portside. In the photo it is clear that it was located starboard. There is no argument here; I concede.

Concerning detail, I transferred what was visible in this photo to my VASA miniature.

This overview of the VASA show the correct deck layout of the ship's furniture (in scale) which include the pinrails and knightheads. The gratings had to be reduced and scaled properly to fit the guns -giving enough room to show the gun carriage run in system when in action.

The wood decking is the highlight which add overall realism...especially with the accent of the coiled ropes which will show freefall from the sails and masts.

Now that decks are finished, I carefully inspect the decoration, gunport and lanyard channels for paint spotting -making sure everything is completely covered. All details must be finished before moving on to the anchors. Usually the build take two days to complete due to the model's miniature scale...but well worth the effort (based on past projects and/or commissions).

The below photo images show the fashion of anchors during the early 17th century on Dutch ships of the period. Since VASA was designed by a Dutch builder, the practice applies to the vessel. I studied contemporary models both here in the States and Europe and was slightly disappointed with my findings which prompted me to return back to Bjorn Landstrom's book for the finer details.

From his book, coupled with my personal research of the Dutch and English Masters (artists), I found his work to be very credible and applied the rigging system accordingly. On either side of the model, the rigging system of these anchors differ. Portside show them stowed and starboard has them fished.

Stowed anchors...portside.

Fished anchors...starboard


Now with anchors completed, the next step of the build are the miniature cannons and boats, followed by the stern lantern and flagstaff.

Armament can be complexed when customizing small scratch-built cannons. Much planning and thought must be weighed -especially when scale is involved. Kits are not designed to be perfect. In fact, kits only present a basic generic of detail -and much of it is not guaranteed to be scaled properly. It's a matter of choice as to the level of detail pursued, but it will cost many hours of research and patience. There are no shortcuts. In the supporting images I begin working on the cannons  -building  them (to scale) accordingly to the ship's deck furniture.

Below are images that reflect the level of  'miniature' I desire to achieve.

As viewed, these cannon miniatures are no longer than two-thirds the width of an American dime (as shown above). The materials used are bass and birchwoods, paper, copper wire and vintage carpet thread for the recoils.

 In this image the cannons are installed. To compliment them, I secure  the shot trays between the guns. In them I simulated cannon balls which can be seen with a magnifier...Below a closeup view of the shot tray.

On many VASA models I noticed the capstan not properly clearing the stowed boats. But what really caught my attention was the absence of the belfry. All ships, especially naval, carried this forward at the bow area of the forecastle.Without this (the belfry) ships would not be functional, especially in battle.

My draft and build of VASA's belfry -using birch for the bell and basswood for the overall structure. A fine sable brush was used to achieve the hairline gold-edged corners and scroll work on the roof facade.

After carefully investigating VASA's forecastle layout, I concluded that the belfry was located between the barrister rail and foremast which void all fouling of cannon tackles and sail rigging as shown in the supporting images.

Stern detail of VASA's deck furniture and cannon. No kit involvement here; all details were scratchbuilt in wood. The next and final approach to finishing the hull will be the inboard boats and ship lantern.

In this three-stage process I use Mr. Landstrom's book to scale (in miniature) the VASA's stern lantern.  Measuring both top and base features, I move the template down to the transom for scaling. From there, I am able to make a template (red half-circle) to assist in the building of an accurate miniature for the model.

The three supporting images show the finished lantern...At least 46 pieces combined in wood, paper, acetate, and metal make up its design. Not only can one see through the simulated glass; but looking closely,  wings can be seen framing the windows from the sculpted uprights.

Fast forwarding, I now address the ship's boat -the longboat that was discovered next to VASA when she was raised in 1961. From Mr. Landstrom's writings it was defined as a sloop that carried leeboards port and starboard. On many models (small or large), I have not seen this item featured; so after many hours of study, I decided to add them to further authenticate the miniature.

The supporting images show the start and finish of the build:

The VASA longboat (sloop) shown as it appear at the museum.

Above, these three images show the build's progress, the rigging of the leeboards, and the final installation of the sloop. Overall, it took approximately three days to build...using pine, bass and birch woods.

Now that this segment has been achieved I will move on to the masts and rigging in the hopes that it will encourage many of you to take on the Airfix Classic Series kit of Wasa c. 1628.

I never snubbed my nose at the fact that the kit was plastic. I studied details and researched products to modify it into being a museum piece. Taking nothing away from it's properties, rather adding to it to prove how exquisite a regular kit such as this can become...with patience.

I appreciate the follow and hope to read your accounts relative to this.

Fair winds!