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HMS Medea (28) (1778) 1/48 scratch build

Masters Mate

Masters Mate

Joined
Nov 6, 2019
Messages
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Location
Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
Here are some examples of the plans I will be working from. They are a mixture of Polish Shipyard plans and original plans from RMG for Enterprise class ships. I have used the RMG plans to correct some inaccuracies in the Shipyard plans.
It took some time to work the plans up to correct scale from the original PDF, but I finally managed to get it right by printing Shipyard plans at 440% on my A4 printer and stitching together. The RMG plans are printed at 85%.
That done, I have now started milling timber for the frames which will be from Silver Ash (Flindersia schottiana) grown on my farm over the past 40 years.
Although I have reasonable woodworking skills this is my first attempt at building a model ship, so bear with me...

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Norway said:
Excited projects you have started, I look forward to seeing your work along the way, I wonder what Silver Ash (Flindersia schottiana) looks like.
Good luck.
.
Click to expand...
The Silver Ash or Bumpy Ash is a rainforest hardwood, close grained, easy to work and holds its shape. Planes, sands and bends well.



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This is a bookpress we made out of the same tree as I am using now for the build.
 
This is the jig I built to speed up cutting multiple thin pieces the same thickness.
Although I have a good home workshop I also have access to a community workroom with most machines, so I can work in whichever environment is best suited to the job.
The second image is a few pieces I cut today for the frames which I will start gluing and cutting out over the next few days.IMG_20191107_102158658.pngIMG_20191107_102259429.png
 
I have found this book very helpful in understanding the plans of the Enterprise class frigates. Charles Davis was a ship builder and his references to real ships throughout helps put things into perspective.
Reprints in paperback form are readily available online. I have ordered a copy of his companion book - The Ship Model Builder's Assistant - as well and I think it will be equally helpful.
There is already a review on SOS.IMG_20191114_102211576.png
 
While I have access to industrial machinery in our community workshop I also want to work at home, especially at night, so I have set up a tiny workbench in the only available corner of my garage and have now started to adapt my tools to suit the space.

I love my Dremel drill press attachment and today I adapted it with found bits and pieces to provide a safe and stable platform for cutting, grinding and sanding.

This is the space I have.
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The underside of the materials rest. I used scrap timber and steel building brackets, spaced to be a firm fit on each side of the drill press base.
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The materials bench in position
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I've been concerned about not having a proper eye shield, but I hate wearing the face mask, so I have used it to fit onto the bench instead. I made up one bracket from a steel corner brace and the other from a piece of pine.
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The finished article, without having to go to the store or buy anything I didn't have lying around.
I'm hoping my small wet & dry vacuum cleaner will collect the dust from the aluminium tray on the left side, otherwise I will have to modify that part.
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My tiny corner work space. I also have a drop down bench where I can do larger work if I move the car outside, otherwise I take it all to the community.workshop.
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Now to get on with my HMS Medea build !!

Ian
 
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