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BALDER, Vlaardingen Herring Lugger from 1912, scratch build scale 1:50 Plate-On-Frame

A few parts still need to be installed on the bow and foredeck: the three supports for the jib boom:
0844 KluiverSteunen.jpg
In this drawing from the Amsterdam archives:
When the jib boom is extended, it rests on the forward (V) and middle (M) supports.
When the jib boom is retrieved, it rests on the forward (V) and aft (A) supports. It then hangs freely above the middle (M) support.
Because some confusion may arise later, I've also indicated the so-called traveler with the letter "T." This is a ring with hooks that hangs around the jib boom in front of the forward support. It guides the tack of the jib into the correct position.
0845 KluiverSteunen.jpg
Also indicated here in the photo with the "T." However, without the jib. The aft (A) support is on the port side besides the main mast.

These are the three supports, where the jib boom is resting:
0846 KluiverSteunen.jpg
When resting it's above the middle support (M). That's why the opening is hinged.

First, I started working on the forward stay. When constructing it, I have to take into account that I'll also use the parts to clamp the two halves of my model together at the bow.
Some images for clarification:
0847 Voor Ijzer.jpg
- The "T" arrow on the largest insert is the traveler, because it looks like the hook block is attached to the forward stay. But that's the hook block for the jib head halyard. I'll explain that in more detail once I get to the rigging, as well as the other ropes and cables in the image.
- On the small insert, you can see the wedge with the locking ring inserted through the pin. The pin is locked on the other side in the jib ring.
Indeed: they didn't secure the ring properly around the pin.
- The pin also holds the arm of the large metal 4-sheave forestay block, which lowers the mainmast, between the two bow plates. As I described at the beginning of this report, when fishing and the ship with its mast lowered keeps the nets taut.

A drawing and photo of the rear view of the support mounted on the port side of the stem:
0848 Voor Ijzer.jpg
The ring has an inside diameter of 340 mm and is covered with rope. This allows the jib boom to slide through easily and prevents damage.
In the extended position, the jib boom is 300 mm thick at the location of this support and is then almost enclosed.

First, I drilled a 1 mm hole in a piece of 2 mm rod and beveled the end.
0849 Kraag.jpg
Then I sawed it off to a length of 2 mm to be used as a collar.

My soldering skills were refreshed:
0850 Solderen.jpg
The collar sits between the ring and the port side plate. A 1 mm pin goes through the collar and into the ring. The ring has an inside diameter of 1:50 of 340 mm = 6.8 mm. Above the pin is the arm for the large forestay block that will be made later. The loose plate can also be slid onto the pin. The whole thing is then secured with a wedge that fits into a slot in the pin. It took three attempts before I had a 0.4 mm slot milled into the 1 mm pin ....... :confused:

The ring covered with 0.35 mm black wire:
0851 Windingen.jpg
The opening was fitted with a piece of 6 mm spar. The diameter of the jib boom at that location in the extended position.

Then it was time to see if theory matched practice again. Exciting, because on either side of the stem, both plates had to be secured in the right place:
0852 Kluiver ring.jpg
The starboard section slid neatly over the pin, and the wedge locked it in place.
0853 Kluiver ring.jpg
Yet another action I have to perform if I want to separate the two parts again.
Regards, Peter
 
Last edited:
Thanks you all for the compliments, nice words and the others for the 'likes'.
“First I drilled …” … of course you did. Simple.

On our bell curve, you are wayyyyyy right.
By every part you have the start action ....... Often not the most interesting ... ;). About the bell curve, Marco: I hope I'm not at the top now ..... :)
1761377656244.png
Inspired and inspiring. I especially respect the conviction that the scale needs to be right.
That's why the build is in scale 1:50 and not "+/- 1:50", Paul.:) And there was also this technical drawing with all the measurements:
0854 Drawing.jpg
Then I couldn't avoid having to recalculate everything.
Again, great details
Yep, Stephen, I've written it before "It's all in the details".;)
With every new post you make, Peter, I find myself wondering, “What’s he going to come up with this time?” As always, Bravo mon ami!
For your peace of mind, Jim: the next are just 2 other supports ....... ROTF
This again looks very convincing like real forged iron rods up close.
Your work really stands out at macro images.
Most of the time the macro's are killing, Maarten :rolleyes: That sometimes makes the challenge greater .......
Hi Peter,
Tricky job, beautifully executed.

Cheers,
Stephen.
There were more tricky items to make it indeed a tricky job, Stephen.

Regards, Peter
 
It took three attempts before I had a 0.4 mm slot milled into the 1 mm pin ....... :confused:
Making slots, using a drill: monk's work and low probability of first time right.
Your rendition of the boom support very closely resembles the full-scale example, to the extend that when looking at a picture it'll be hard to see whether it's the model or the full scale Balder.
 
A few parts still need to be installed on the bow and foredeck: the three supports for the jib boom:
View attachment 552471
In this drawing from the Amsterdam archives:
When the jib boom is extended, it rests on the forward (V) and middle (M) supports.
When the jib boom is retrieved, it rests on the forward (V) and aft (A) supports. It then hangs freely above the middle (M) support.
Because some confusion may arise later, I've also indicated the so-called traveler with the letter "T." This is a ring with hooks that hangs around the jib boom in front of the forward support. It guides the tack of the jib into the correct position.
View attachment 552472
Also indicated here in the photo with the "T." However, without the jib. The aft (A) support is on the port side besides the main mast.

These are the three supports, where the jib boom is resting:
View attachment 552473
When resting it's above the middle support (M). That's why the opening is hinged.

First, I started working on the forward stay. When constructing it, I have to take into account that I'll also use the parts to clamp the two halves of my model together at the bow.
Some images for clarification:
View attachment 552474
- The "T" arrow on the largest insert is the traveler, because it looks like the hook block is attached to the forward stay. But that's the hook block for the jib head halyard. I'll explain that in more detail once I get to the rigging, as well as the other ropes and cables in the image.
- On the small insert, you can see the wedge with the locking ring inserted through the pin. The pin is locked on the other side in the jib ring.
Indeed: they didn't secure the ring properly around the pin.
- The pin also holds the arm of the large metal 4-sheave forestay block, which lowers the mainmast, between the two bow plates. As I described at the beginning of this report, when fishing and the ship with its mast lowered keeps the nets taut.

A drawing and photo of the rear view of the support mounted on the port side of the stem:
View attachment 552475
The ring has an inside diameter of 340 mm and is covered with rope. This allows the jib boom to slide through easily and prevents damage.
In the extended position, the jib boom is 300 mm thick at the location of this support and is then almost enclosed.

First, I drilled a 1 mm hole in a piece of 2 mm rod and beveled the end.
View attachment 552476
Then I sawed it off to a length of 2 mm to be used as a collar.

My soldering skills were refreshed:
View attachment 552477
The collar sits between the ring and the port side plate. A 1 mm pin goes through the collar and into the ring. The ring has an inside diameter of 1:50 of 340 mm = 6.8 mm. Above the pin is the arm for the large forestay block that will be made later. The loose plate can also be slid onto the pin. The whole thing is then secured with a wedge that fits into a slot in the pin. It took three attempts before I had a 0.4 mm slot milled into the 1 mm pin ....... :confused:

The ring covered with 0.35 mm black wire:
View attachment 552478
The opening was fitted with a piece of 6 mm spar. The diameter of the jib boom at that location in the extended position.

Then it was time to see if theory matched practice again. Exciting, because on either side of the stem, both plates had to be secured in the right place:
View attachment 552481
The starboard section slid neatly over the pin, and the wedge locked it in place.
View attachment 552480
Yet another action I have to perform if I want to separate the two parts again.
Regards, Peter
What they all say Peter.
 
Making slots, using a drill: monk's work and low probability of first time right.
Your rendition of the boom support very closely resembles the full-scale example, to the extend that when looking at a picture it'll be hard to see whether it's the model or the full scale Balder.
What they all say Peter.
You both also thanks for this compliments and nice words, Johan and Grant.
Regards, Peter
 
A few parts still need to be installed on the bow and foredeck: the three supports for the jib boom:
View attachment 552471
In this drawing from the Amsterdam archives:
When the jib boom is extended, it rests on the forward (V) and middle (M) supports.
When the jib boom is retrieved, it rests on the forward (V) and aft (A) supports. It then hangs freely above the middle (M) support.
Because some confusion may arise later, I've also indicated the so-called traveler with the letter "T." This is a ring with hooks that hangs around the jib boom in front of the forward support. It guides the tack of the jib into the correct position.
View attachment 552472
Also indicated here in the photo with the "T." However, without the jib. The aft (A) support is on the port side besides the main mast.

These are the three supports, where the jib boom is resting:
View attachment 552473
When resting it's above the middle support (M). That's why the opening is hinged.

First, I started working on the forward stay. When constructing it, I have to take into account that I'll also use the parts to clamp the two halves of my model together at the bow.
Some images for clarification:
View attachment 552474
- The "T" arrow on the largest insert is the traveler, because it looks like the hook block is attached to the forward stay. But that's the hook block for the jib head halyard. I'll explain that in more detail once I get to the rigging, as well as the other ropes and cables in the image.
- On the small insert, you can see the wedge with the locking ring inserted through the pin. The pin is locked on the other side in the jib ring.
Indeed: they didn't secure the ring properly around the pin.
- The pin also holds the arm of the large metal 4-sheave forestay block, which lowers the mainmast, between the two bow plates. As I described at the beginning of this report, when fishing and the ship with its mast lowered keeps the nets taut.

A drawing and photo of the rear view of the support mounted on the port side of the stem:
View attachment 552475
The ring has an inside diameter of 340 mm and is covered with rope. This allows the jib boom to slide through easily and prevents damage.
In the extended position, the jib boom is 300 mm thick at the location of this support and is then almost enclosed.

First, I drilled a 1 mm hole in a piece of 2 mm rod and beveled the end.
View attachment 552476
Then I sawed it off to a length of 2 mm to be used as a collar.

My soldering skills were refreshed:
View attachment 552477
The collar sits between the ring and the port side plate. A 1 mm pin goes through the collar and into the ring. The ring has an inside diameter of 1:50 of 340 mm = 6.8 mm. Above the pin is the arm for the large forestay block that will be made later. The loose plate can also be slid onto the pin. The whole thing is then secured with a wedge that fits into a slot in the pin. It took three attempts before I had a 0.4 mm slot milled into the 1 mm pin ....... :confused:

The ring covered with 0.35 mm black wire:
View attachment 552478
The opening was fitted with a piece of 6 mm spar. The diameter of the jib boom at that location in the extended position.

Then it was time to see if theory matched practice again. Exciting, because on either side of the stem, both plates had to be secured in the right place:
View attachment 552481
The starboard section slid neatly over the pin, and the wedge locked it in place.
View attachment 552480
Yet another action I have to perform if I want to separate the two parts again.
Regards, Peter
I already want to make masts and rigging... sails and everything related to this... But that's still so far away... You're doing great, I'm glad to follow your updates!
 
I already want to make masts and rigging... sails and everything related to this... But that's still so far away... You're doing great, I'm glad to follow your updates!
Thanks, Sergey. I also see so many things I want to tackle. But I'm sticking with my plan... which I've adjusted many times.;)So... who knows...
Regards, Peter
 
The aft support for the jib boom:
0855 Achter ijzer.jpg
This is located on the port side of the mast tube. Once the three supports are in place, the line-guide block (B) and the nail bank (C) must also be attached to the mast tube.

Apparently, this guide roller was later added to the rear:
0856 Achter ijzer.jpg
Then the jib boom can be partially rolled in and out. The roller can be adjusted to the correct height with two bolts so that the jib boom just doesn't scrape the bottom.

I'm getting better at working with and soldering of the brass. I now solder with a flame that I adjust just between blue and yellow. This allows me to control the melting of bits of solder and without deforming the brass. Or even melting it, because that also happened with a blue flame.:rolleyes:
0857 Achter ijzer.jpg
In the left photo: I first heated the U-profile so that I could bend it into the 6 mm internal curve. I filed the double angle at the arrow so that the profile could then bend to the correct angle.
Then, on the rear, I soldered the support plate and guide roller with the adjusting plate and primed it.

After spraying the support glued on the side of the mast tube:
0858 Achter ijzer.jpg
I used 2 mm, 6x5 bolts for adjustment. However, it isn't functional this time...... ;)

For alignment, I used a piece of 250x6 mm round timber:
0859 Achter ijzer.jpg
That's also the size of the jib boom (12.5 m x 30 cm). It just hasn't been sanded into shape yet.

From the other side:
0860 Achter ijzer.jpg
On the Balder, the support is attached to the mast tube with 2x3 bolts. My M0.6 bolts are still a bit too large. That's why I attached it with 4 bolts.
Regards, Peter
 
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