H.M.S. Surprise by Artesania Latina - Build log

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

I jettisoned the "kite sting/yarn" that was supplied with the kit. The black ropes were purchased from "Ropes of Scape", and I've learned to make small diameter ropes in the tan colour (0.15mm, 0.25mm and 0.5mm ropes) with acceptable results. I'm fortunate to have a 22 foot countertop in my kitchen, and I live alone - so no one around to scream about my kitchen use for the ropewalk. LOL!

I also purchased some medium brown ropes and thread from Ropes of Scale which I have plans to use for some of the stays. I'm not a "purist" when it comes to colour selection. To be honest, I am disappointed in the black shrouds. The fact that I served these is almost impossible to see because the black colour hides it so well. My next ship will not be using black rope at all. Live and learn.

Would dark brown offer better contrast so your parcelling or serving can be visible?

 

[RegW]

Would dark brown offer better contrast so your parcelling or serving can be visible?

Possibly. I have made several hundred feet of dark brown rope at 0.8mm diameter. I have not served any of it yet. I was thinking of using the dark brown rope as a core and serving it with medium brown thread. Not sure if it will make any difference, but I do know that the medium brown shows the serving much better than the black does.

 

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

Possibly. I have made several hundred feet of dark brown rope at 8mm diameter. I have not served any of it yet. I was thinking of using the dark brown rope as a core and serving it with medium brown thread. Not sure if it will make any difference, but I do know that the medium brown shows the serving much better than the black does.

I was going to suggest that also, as long as the contrast isn’t too great between the two threads.

 

[AllanKP69]

I'm fortunate to have a 22 foot countertop in my kitchen

You are indeed lucky not to have to set up a bunch of tables!!
Allan

 

[RegW]

I have been working with a single semi-functioning hand. My physiotherapist thinks this hobby would be good for the recovery and sensitivity of my fingers. I told her that my fingers were never very sensitive.

So I rigged a few blocks. But to do them as well as I hoped required some clamping action...


Made the Main Topsail Yard Tye. This took me awhile - sorry about the focus... my camera skill is questionable.

So I learned a number of things when I created this assembly:
1. Serving small diameter (0.35mm) rope is a challenge.
2. Making a served rope perform a loop without the serving "spreading" on the turn is, ummm, difficult.
3. A one-armed idiot should not attempt this type of delicate construction.


I was really proud of my lashing on the tye, until I discovered that I had the rig reversed, and had to disassemble it and apply it to the other side of the yard.



I plan to continue rigging the yards until my hands are functioning better. These items can be redone without much difficulty. Once my hands are reliable, then I'll get back to stays and ratlines.

Wishing all a Merry Christmas!