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Bomb Ketch Salamandre 1:48

Nice work Brad - serious compliments as I know how difficult it can be to work with Ebony!!
Happy birthday, Salamander! Looking great, Brad. Lots of work goes into a one-year scratch build!
Chris,

Thanks! Learned a bit about ebony splitting on the first layer! Second will go faster and have much tighter seams.

Paul,

Thanks for the B-day wishes to this young one emerging from her larva stage. In a few more years and she'll be a full grown and recognizable Salamander!!
 
Metal or Wood Treenails???

My original intent was to emulate the beautiful method Tobias used on his "Le Rochefort" (metal above the waterline & wood/metal below).

Fact: The French used metal fasteners above the waterline and a combination of wood/metal below.

Most models of La Salamandre follow this convention.

I may deviate and use wooden treenails above the waterline.

WHY?

1. I believe in actual practice, metal bolts were countersunk and covered with a wood plugs/bungs to prevent corrosion and gouging of piers or ships alongside. This would make them almost invisible on a model.

2. I like how subtle the wood plugs look. The pictures below show the various metal treenails versus the wood plugs in various lighting.

a. Taken in the photo box with extremely uniform light. I think the wood (top) treenails are more aesthetically pleasing/less distracting.

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b. Taken "perpendicular", in the spot where I plan to display the model.

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c. Taken from the side, in the display location. I think the shine of the metal is overwhelming/distracting???

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I know Chris is struggling with this issue on his (Le Renommee) and is considering not using ANY treenails.

Any feedback or thoughts are appreciated. Plenty of time, since I won't add treenails until all the external planking is complete.
 
Beer1-YEAR Photo Montage!!! Beer
Always nice to see another ‘over-the-year’ project, Brad.
That is looking very nicely aligned!
Regards, Petrr
 
Good morning Brad. Lovely work and plenty patience on display with 3 layers of ebony to make the wales work _ respect. I dislike shiny metal treenails however tarnished or “slightly corroded “ metal looks awesome IMHO. I have no idea how to achieve this look thoROTF.
From an aesthetic point of view the treenails definitely look better….again IMHO. :D.
Cheers Grant
 
Another week on the wales (SLOW and Steady)!

Workers widened the mortise for the second layer. Careful work with tiny chisels and they fit tight.
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The stern tuck turned out nice. EBONY DUST (yuck)! Some 400 grit will clean it up nicely.

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Subdued 1mm wood treenails that Brutis tested and the shipyard superintendent approved.

Unforgiving photo booth lights:
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Display shelf lighting
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Workshop lighting against the first layer of wales.
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No glare or shine like the many different metal ones the shipyard tested. At certain angles, they almost disappear, like I believe they would.

PS: Tomorrow My old "Navy Rugby" team plays CAL for the national championship!! GO NAYV, you're making an OLD Inside Center proud!!!
Bam.jpg
 
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