HMS Victory Cross Section - 1:98 - Corel Build

[Brad Shannon]

I’ve been enjoying reading all the information posted on SoS for the last couple of years, especially when researching building techniques. I’ve particularly enjoyed the weekly popular posts, what a great way of generating interest in what others are building.

I was looking for a relatively small project after completing a couple of challenging longer term kits so I thought a cross section would be fun. I found a kit locally from a private seller - HMS Victory by Corel (SM 24). It looks like the kit was manufactured in the mid ‘80s but it aged well. My main concern were the 2 plywood hull halves ( look like clam shells ) but they are quite true.

The instructions are pretty good but reflect the standard back in the day ( no photos or videos). I’m just working from a couple of the plans and they’re well designed. So here’s what I’m starting with.

 

[Brad Shannon]

Corel recommends attaching the frame halves to a plywood base that can sit vertically. Their technique works pretty well, I just used an old base I’d used to build the Surprise because it can lay flat or sit up. The construction strategy is basically line the inner hull working from the keel to the top deck. It’s done stepwise, lining the hull until the lowest deck is reached, build that deck then continue lining the hull until the next deck, etc. Corel advises using small nails at the end of each deck beam because of the slight bow in the beams. I did this but removed the nails after the glue dried to provide a smoother surface for the waterways. The pics are roughly in sequence building from the bottom of the hull upwards.

 

[Brad Shannon]

Rats, I messed up the order & I’m not sure how to fix it, this post brings me up to current progress so in the future I’ll just add a few at a time.

 

[Uwek]

But we can see the progress ......
BTW: You can adjust your own posts whenever you want via the button "Edit" at the bottom of the post

 

[Brad Shannon]

I had to take care to ensure the alignment of the main mast opening with each successive deck.

I left a small length of the decking and planking overhanging the edge of the structure planning to sand it flush later. Sure hope that works out!

 

[Brad Shannon]

Once the decking is complete on the top deck, the braces are removed from the backing board in order to allow installation of the outside planking. The assembly is still stuck to the backing board.

I used the template and plans that Corel provided to position the marking for the gun ports and doors. Since my positioning of the decks isn’t absolutely perfect, I decided to assemble the guns/trucks in order to dry fit them on the decks. I then adjusted the vertical positions of the gun port markings so that the guns could actually fit through the ports when I cut them out.

 

[Brad Shannon]

Exterior planking is completed, I had to make a few minor adjustments in order to make the spacing/pattern work out. Then the main structure was removed from the mounting board. I then stuck a full sheet of 220 grit sandpaper to the mounting board and sanded the front & back surfaces flush and smooth.
Then I began opening up the gun ports and doors with my Dremel tool using a 2mm bit and various grinders. I used small files to straighten up the openings. Still have some work to do on the ports/doors but it’s coming along.

 

[neilm]

Nice steady work. Lovely build.

 

[GrantTyler]

Nice steady work. Lovely build.

Ditto

 

[seadeep]

That's a great start, and really nice to see someone else tacking that kit. I'm very much looking forward to following your build log as you progress though it.

That cross section was the third kit I ever built, and I did it at work at noon hours. It took me well over a year of those noon hours, and I had a wide bookshelf/filing cabinet that I could lay it flat in to protect it when I was done each day. People say the cross section isn't very realistic (which is indeed true, as I've been fortunate enough to get inside the real ship while visiting Portsmouth)... but for me it was a fun and challenging build that I'm proud of... as I know you will be as well when you're complete your build. In fact, I liked it so much, I purchased the Corel version of the full ship at the same scale, which is something I'm currently working on. For gits and shiggles, here's a photo of my version of the Corel 1:98 HMS Victory main mast cross section... as well as the main mast cross section of the USS Constitution. Sadly, spiders have taken a liking to the rigging and now man the guns below deck on both of them. I seriously need to get a ladder and deal with those spider webs... yikes... They're on a shelf to one side of my fireplace, and about 12' in the air. I had no idea it was as bad as it is till I zoomed in the photos I just took. egads!

Also, in case I've erred, if you prefer I not post the images in your build thread, just let me know and I'll gladly delete them.