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Hello Dear Model Shipbuilding Friends
I know I have been quiet for a while, but I have not been idle.
I invite you all to join me in the build of the Falkonet Leudo Vianio or Vinacciere.
So, why this kit and why this build?
First, I wanted to experience a different building method than a conventional Plank on Bulkhead construction. Below the waterline, it uses a modified “shell-first” method in which the bulkheads remain in place. Above the waterline, it actually features a Plank-on-Frame construction method.
Second, I wanted to experience what a different kit manufacturer is like to work with. Falkonet - along with Master Korabel and Piroscaf - is regarded as a state-of-the-art Russian manufacturer which is well-known for its high-quality kits and build methods that require a high level of precision during the assembly process.
Third, I wanted to work with different materials. (MDF, Anegri and Swiss Pear).
Lastly, it offers some variation during the build of the Haarlem and gives me something to do while I’m waiting for the glue to dry - or maybe, - just like @DocBlake says, I just have a short attention span.
Felice Manin (The Happy Manin)
The Origins of the Leudo.
For about 200 years - from the second half of the 18th century until the early 1960’s the Leudo was the boat on which the economy of the Liguria region in Italy depended. The Leudo was a typical Mediterranean vessel, whose origins are still uncertain: one of the most likely possibilities, traces its birth to the Middle Ages. Originally the boat had a rig with two masts inclined towards the bow with Latin sails; later the foresail would be replaced by a bowsprit with bows, which made the Leudo more agile to manoeuvre. Characteristic was the egg shape of the hull, and the very arched beams and deck.
It was a very seaworthy boat and could face severe climatic conditions only deemed suitable for much larger hulls. With a length of 15-16 metres, a beam of 5 metres and displacement of between 15 and 20 tons, it was It was mainly used by small businesses to transport wine, cheese and sand. The Leudo was used for wine (from which the name "Vinacciere" comes). The hold contained twenty large wine barrels while on deck there was space for a dozen smaller barrels. The deck also housed two large hatches for stowing the load and a winch in the bow for the most tiring makeovers. A unique characteristic of the Leudo was that it could be “winged” (towed) onto the beach, thus offering the advantage of being able to trade with all coastal towns without a port or pier.
The winch at the bow was used for heavy work.
A Leudo being "winged" (pulled out) onto the beach.
Aft was a small cabin with two berths (for the captain and the boatswain). In the bow, there was also a small hatch that led to another small cabin, also with two berths, intended for the crew. At the bow, near the deckhouse was a large cast-iron stove. If weather permitting, it served as a kitchen and was called a "gnafra".
What is in the box?
A great kit review was posted on SOS by member @Jimsky (https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/leudo-vinaino-pob-scale-1-48-by-falkonet-russia.5509/) so there is no need to repeat that. With his kind permission, I will use some of his photographs in my log.
The box. Photo by @Jimsky
Opening the box. @Jimsky .
My example, though, was off to an auspicious start. My plastic container with fittings was broken and I found small parts strewn all over the box. Also, my three brass photo-etched sheets were missing from the kit. A quick PM to Mariya of Falkonet put that right and I am happy to say that I have already received my missing parts.
So with all formalities out of the way, please join me on what I promise will be a very different build.
Kind regards - Heinrich
I know I have been quiet for a while, but I have not been idle.
I invite you all to join me in the build of the Falkonet Leudo Vianio or Vinacciere.
So, why this kit and why this build?
First, I wanted to experience a different building method than a conventional Plank on Bulkhead construction. Below the waterline, it uses a modified “shell-first” method in which the bulkheads remain in place. Above the waterline, it actually features a Plank-on-Frame construction method.
Second, I wanted to experience what a different kit manufacturer is like to work with. Falkonet - along with Master Korabel and Piroscaf - is regarded as a state-of-the-art Russian manufacturer which is well-known for its high-quality kits and build methods that require a high level of precision during the assembly process.
Third, I wanted to work with different materials. (MDF, Anegri and Swiss Pear).
Lastly, it offers some variation during the build of the Haarlem and gives me something to do while I’m waiting for the glue to dry - or maybe, - just like @DocBlake says, I just have a short attention span.
Felice Manin (The Happy Manin)
The Origins of the Leudo.
For about 200 years - from the second half of the 18th century until the early 1960’s the Leudo was the boat on which the economy of the Liguria region in Italy depended. The Leudo was a typical Mediterranean vessel, whose origins are still uncertain: one of the most likely possibilities, traces its birth to the Middle Ages. Originally the boat had a rig with two masts inclined towards the bow with Latin sails; later the foresail would be replaced by a bowsprit with bows, which made the Leudo more agile to manoeuvre. Characteristic was the egg shape of the hull, and the very arched beams and deck.
It was a very seaworthy boat and could face severe climatic conditions only deemed suitable for much larger hulls. With a length of 15-16 metres, a beam of 5 metres and displacement of between 15 and 20 tons, it was It was mainly used by small businesses to transport wine, cheese and sand. The Leudo was used for wine (from which the name "Vinacciere" comes). The hold contained twenty large wine barrels while on deck there was space for a dozen smaller barrels. The deck also housed two large hatches for stowing the load and a winch in the bow for the most tiring makeovers. A unique characteristic of the Leudo was that it could be “winged” (towed) onto the beach, thus offering the advantage of being able to trade with all coastal towns without a port or pier.
The winch at the bow was used for heavy work.
A Leudo being "winged" (pulled out) onto the beach.
Aft was a small cabin with two berths (for the captain and the boatswain). In the bow, there was also a small hatch that led to another small cabin, also with two berths, intended for the crew. At the bow, near the deckhouse was a large cast-iron stove. If weather permitting, it served as a kitchen and was called a "gnafra".
What is in the box?
A great kit review was posted on SOS by member @Jimsky (https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/threads/leudo-vinaino-pob-scale-1-48-by-falkonet-russia.5509/) so there is no need to repeat that. With his kind permission, I will use some of his photographs in my log.
The box. Photo by @Jimsky
Opening the box. @Jimsky .
My example, though, was off to an auspicious start. My plastic container with fittings was broken and I found small parts strewn all over the box. Also, my three brass photo-etched sheets were missing from the kit. A quick PM to Mariya of Falkonet put that right and I am happy to say that I have already received my missing parts.
So with all formalities out of the way, please join me on what I promise will be a very different build.
Kind regards - Heinrich