- Joined
- Aug 8, 2019
- Messages
- 5,727
- Points
- 738
I haven’t been able to do much model building for a while. I’ve been busy with other things, like making rope walks, reorganizing my hobby room, getting the hang of my new 3D printer, writing for *De Modelbouwer*, doing odd jobs around the house, and my health has also been an issue. Now that the weather has warmed up, I’m starting to feel the urge to get back to it. Especially since all the chores—except for one (sanding and refinishing the dining table top)—are now done. I’d been thinking about making a stern decoration for quite some time. Since I’m in a Dutch mood with my ships, I wanted to choose a Dutch one. But after a long search, I came across an image on the museum’s website. That’s where the stern decoration of the Royal Charles is displayed.
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Why an English ship instead of a Dutch one, and why woodcarving instead of continuing with my other projects? Simple: I just felt like doing some woodcarving right now, and since it’s a hobby that’s supposed to be fun, the decision was an easy one. Why the Royal Charles instead of a Dutch ship? The Charles is sort of Dutch. It was war bounty and is still an existing original object that can be viewed. This is mentioned on the website:
The stern decoration of the Royal Charles has been hanging in the permanent display of the Rijksmuseum since its opening in 1885. By tradition it symbolises the naval successes of the Dutch Republic, most notably those scored over Great Britain. The capture of the British flagship by a Dutch fleet under the command of Michiel de Ruyter during the Raid on the Medway in 1667 was a famous feat of arms.
I contacted the museum and asked for a few more photos and some additional information. I had noticed that this stern decoration wasn't flat but curved, and I needed more information about that.
The scale of the project will be roughly 1:34. And using archival photos, I was able to determine the curvature. All roughly measured, because on the model it won’t make much difference if it’s a millimeter thicker or thinner. I have a PDF printout, which I’m using as a template. On the 3D printer, I created a mold into which I can insert slats to produce a wooden frame onto which the stern decoration can be mounted.
Next, I cut strips of apple wood to size and joined them at an angle to create the curve.
Then I sanded it down to achieve the desired thickness and to fit the yellow trim onto the frame.
I cut out the outer contours. Then I ran it through the disc sander again to make it another 4 mm thinner.
I printed the image in mirror image and, following Maarten’s instructions, transferred it to the wood using varnish.
I was able to start making fabric, but it’s going excruciatingly slowly. That’s because apple wood isn’t as easy to work with as boxwood. But based on my experience, I’m sure I’ll be able to add the details.
I don't know if I'll be able to pull it off, but I hope I can get you all excited about this adventure by posting regular updates.
The original is in the museum; this photo was found online.
The stern decoration of the Royal Charles - Rijksmuseum
Hoe het zeldzame stuk scheepssier met grote symbolische waarde is vervaardigd en welke materialen zijn toegepast is niet eerder onderzocht. Ook worden de historische bronnen opnieuw op een rij gezet.
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Why an English ship instead of a Dutch one, and why woodcarving instead of continuing with my other projects? Simple: I just felt like doing some woodcarving right now, and since it’s a hobby that’s supposed to be fun, the decision was an easy one. Why the Royal Charles instead of a Dutch ship? The Charles is sort of Dutch. It was war bounty and is still an existing original object that can be viewed. This is mentioned on the website:
The stern decoration of the Royal Charles has been hanging in the permanent display of the Rijksmuseum since its opening in 1885. By tradition it symbolises the naval successes of the Dutch Republic, most notably those scored over Great Britain. The capture of the British flagship by a Dutch fleet under the command of Michiel de Ruyter during the Raid on the Medway in 1667 was a famous feat of arms.
I contacted the museum and asked for a few more photos and some additional information. I had noticed that this stern decoration wasn't flat but curved, and I needed more information about that.
The scale of the project will be roughly 1:34. And using archival photos, I was able to determine the curvature. All roughly measured, because on the model it won’t make much difference if it’s a millimeter thicker or thinner. I have a PDF printout, which I’m using as a template. On the 3D printer, I created a mold into which I can insert slats to produce a wooden frame onto which the stern decoration can be mounted.
Next, I cut strips of apple wood to size and joined them at an angle to create the curve.
Then I sanded it down to achieve the desired thickness and to fit the yellow trim onto the frame.
I cut out the outer contours. Then I ran it through the disc sander again to make it another 4 mm thinner.
I printed the image in mirror image and, following Maarten’s instructions, transferred it to the wood using varnish.
I was able to start making fabric, but it’s going excruciatingly slowly. That’s because apple wood isn’t as easy to work with as boxwood. But based on my experience, I’m sure I’ll be able to add the details.
I don't know if I'll be able to pull it off, but I hope I can get you all excited about this adventure by posting regular updates.
The original is in the museum; this photo was found online.
Last edited:
