Billings Boats Henriette Marie

[Mike905603]

So the Henriette Marie from Billings Boats is marketed as an advanced beginner level kit. It introduces basic plank on frame, but thankfully most sins can be hidden as the hull is sanded and painted when complete.

I didn't want a huge model to start with as I feared being overwhelmed by a project that couldn't be completed. This is the ideal size for me, she's a French pilot cutter with basic rig that will allow me to learn the ropes and, hopefully, end up with a nice model at the end.

The decking is down and I'm progressing slowly with the planking just doing an hour each evening.

I've not delved into the black art of planking yet, but decided to purchase Model Shipways shipwright series to hopefully help develop my skills so I can attack more complex models.

Any constructive criticism is welcome, hope you enjoy the images thus far and I'll hopefully be adding to this as the build progresses.

Mike

 

[Mike905603]

I've come back to this build in the last few months and things are moving along. The hull is awaiting a few last fittings and the mast and booms are almost complete.

I've been experimenting with sails. I was unsure initially whether to stitch them or opt for fine pencil lines. I think I've decided in the end to go for the latter so the sails won't look too clumsy.

 

[Mike905603]

So I've made a start on the standing rigging. Wasn't very happy with the thread in the kit (Its white to start with) so I managed to get hold of a model shipways rope walk and had a go making my own. So far I'm pleased with the result and am just trying to keep everything as neat as possible.

 

[Heinrich]

This is a beautiful model - I love it! Do you mind sharing the colour of the blue/green/teal?

 

[Mike905603]

This is a beautiful model - I love it! Do you mind sharing the colour of the blue/green/teal?

Thank you Heinrich, the colours are from the Billings Boat paint range. BCA007 Sea Blue for the upper hull, BCA020 Satin Brown for the rubbing strake and below the water line and BCA001 White for the strip above the rubbing strake.

 

[Mike905603]

So I think I'm done with the standing rigging. Spent the last week finishing the bob stay, bowsprit shrouds and the line from the mast to the bowsprit. The original kit showed three chains from from the hull to the end of the bowsprit, but having spent some time looking at pilot cutter rigging I thought it would be better to have two rope shrouds either side and a chain with block and tackle to look a bit more authentic. Let me know what you all think . Happy modelling!

 

[Bill-R]

Hi Mike,

Your Henriette Marie is looking great.

Bill

 

[Mike905603]

Hi Mike,

Your Henriette Marie is looking great.

Bill

Thanks Bill. I've pulled up a chair for your le rochfort build. I'd like to scratchbuild a model one day, think I'll cut my teeth on a few kits first .