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Amerigo Vespucci 1:84 by Panart/Mantua Build – RC Enabled

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We've reached a milestone today with the automation of the foremast sails.

The geometry is complete and all the running rigging has been pulled. I do see some minor adjustments will be needed, however I'm pleased with the results. All the running lines are above deck, and the servo winches are easily accessible for maintenance.

Of course the proof will only be realized once she's on the water.

I estimate it will take me 10-days to complete the automation of the mid and aft masts.


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Brace Line Tensioner

I mentioned back on Nov 19. 2025 (Post #121) that I might need a brace tensioner. Due to small irregularities in the brace line geometry, the line slacks at times and risks jumping the sail servo pulley.

There are many ways to address brace line tensioning, however they all required more space than this project allows for.

As a graduate of the KISS school on engineering, I came up with this simple solution that seems to do the trick. Again, sea trials will prove its reliability.

Brace Idler Pic.jpeg

 
Happy Anniversary

It's been 1-year since I started this project.

A few challenges has put me a couple of weeks behind schedule as I've had to address resistance in the brace-lines that demands proper blocks to ensure smooth operation.

And while I wait for these items to arrive from across the pond, I continue to assemble deck features and scale details.

The blocks are due to arrive in 1-week after which I'll finalize the brace lines, and with hope... have her in the water by months end.

AV 1_Year.jpeg
 
We've reached the 1-year milestone! (full disclosure... 2-weeks late :D )

The ship is ready for its second sea-trial, the first on sail power.

The radio checks are complete, sheet geometry appears to have worked out with no sail binding.

I estimate that I have about 300 man-hours remaining to complete all the deck scale details.

Those who have built this ship will notice the modifications I've incorporated to support radio control. I've tried to conceal as much of the radio gear as possible. I'll let you judge how successful I was.

Now it's off to the pool to test the sails, and to confirm how much additional ballast will be needed.

Stay tuned.

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Radio Checks Vid:

 
So I’m thinking as fabulous as this is you still need a fully functioning water cannon or 50 caliber deck gun.
Hahaha
Great job. That video makes it look 2 meters long.

The Amerigo Vespucci carries two 6-pounder (6-pdr) saluting cannons on its deck mounted on pivot fixtures forward of the mainmast.

I'll see what I can do to make them functional. :D
 
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