1669 Soleil Royal - ZHL [COMPLETED BUILD]

Gilbert, I’m impressed with your rigging and yards. Your work is meticulous. You are a craftsman. I do have two questions. 1) Are the blocks original with the kit? 2) Are the black cat’s heads installed? I don’t think they can bring up the anchors in that position.
Hello Vic
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate it
Regarding the blocks, I did not use those provided by ZHL; I purchased them at Drydoc (boxwood); they are of much nicer quality.
I don't understand what do you mean by "black cat's heads". What are those?
 
Hello all
Bowsprit yard is now installed. I need to adjust the tension on the various ropes, but I'll do this in a second step.

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As previously indicated, I did not like too much the upper deck cannons that are provided in the kit as I feel they do not represent the reality of the Soleil Royal and have decided to change them. I have used 36mm cannons from Amati instead.
I have to say that installing the cannons while the masts, shroud and stays are already in place is a pain. I spent almost 3-4 days on the first 3 cannons (starboard side). Hopefully is should be faster for the others.
Below picture of the results. Note that the kit provided cannons are still in place on the port side.

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Next will be to install the forward 3 cannons on the port side.
looking good Gilbert I agree about the upper deck cannons.
 
Hello Vic
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate it
Regarding the blocks, I did not use those provided by ZHL; I purchased them at Drydoc (boxwood); they are of much nicer quality.
I don't understand what do you mean by "black cat's heads". What are those?
The cat heads are the long wooden pieces that stick out in front of the foremast. They haul up the anchors. I think you have painted them black.
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Okay. It looked like they were installed. I’m having some trouble getting them to stick out enough. There is a long gold piece with a man’s head that attaches to the gold swooping framework and supports the cathead. I still need room for the lines to come down from the cathead to pull up the anchor.
 
Beautiful job! I have been following with great interest as I am just starting mine. I am just starting first planking on hull and was wondering if you find this model top heavy with all the bling/lead that is on it. I am considering rocks/ballast in the bottom of the hull before I seal it up. If this issue has been asked please forgive as I may have missed it.
 
Beautiful job! I have been following with great interest as I am just starting mine. I am just starting first planking on hull and was wondering if you find this model top heavy with all the bling/lead that is on it. I am considering rocks/ballast in the bottom of the hull before I seal it up. If this issue has been asked please forgive as I may have missed it.
Hello
Great to read you are also starting on Soleil Royal
And to answer your question, YES, it is quite heavy with all the metallic decorations.
I would say around 10kg
 
Hello all
I have now completed (redone) the 6 cannons on the fore deck.
See below
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I can now get started on the fore mast yards.

One question to the community: Should I start with the top most yard (top gallant) or with the lower yard?
I appreciate your input
Good morning Gilbert. Your reworked canons look great. Excellent rigging and rope coils. I have not got to rigging the yards and halyards yet, however I have read that a top down approach is the best- make logical sense as well however I would get an opinion from the guys who have built the Soleil Royal before as each ship has its own nuance and challenges....as well all know. Cheers Grant
 
Not knowing anything at all about rigging I’d scour the Forum looking for advice. Maybe one of the Vasa builders.
 
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