HMS Pegasus - by Amati [COMPLETED BUILD]

[STGCS]

Well I think I'm ready to tackle something a little more complicated. I haven't seen a Pegasus build log posted for a while so I will start one. Bought the kit as well as Bob Hunts practicum so ready to start. First thing I noticed when the kit arrived was the weight, maybe 5 pounds or more. I was really impressed with the contents especially the drawing sheets of which there are twelve. The instructions have been translated by someone with a better working knowledge of English than other Italian kits I've built so I don't need the English - Italian dictionary for this build. The bulkheads, keel, and deck parts are made of some kind of pressboard. Not crazy with the stuff but no warping like can get with plywood. It's very thick and heavy. I was amazed when all the parts fitted together perfectly with no adjustments necessary. When I glued in the lower deck it locked in all the bulkheads and it wasn't really necessary to add any more glue to the them but I did as a precaution.

 

[STGCS]

At this point I add some support blocks and drill the hole for mounting pedestals.

 

[STGCS]

I like to plank a deck before I install it when possible. The kit has the deck in two pieces and they fit with no problems. For the treenails I punched a small hole with a needle at each location then twisted a .5mm mechanical pencil in the hole. A coat of sealer was then applied and sanded. After bulkhead tabs 5, 6, and 7, are removed in a later step, the planking will be completed and a coat of poly applied.

 

[Uwek]

Many Thanks for starting this building log
- The Pegasus was also on my wishlist - so I will follow your log with big interest

 

[STGCS]

Many Thanks for starting this building log
- The Pegasus was also on my wishlist - so I will follow your log with big interest

Hope I can be of help. Been waiting a year to try this one. Love the decorations.

 

[STGCS]

I'm kind of working back and forth between Bob's practicum and the kit directions. Also following another Pegasus build and doing a few modifications of my own. The plans call for planking the bow and stern section of the gun deck and leaving the midships section unplanked for the time being. Like Bob I planked the entire deck. He also installed the riding bits and the main mast bits at this point. They looked a little fragile to me and I'd probably break them off while planking the hull with the ship upside down so I left them off for now. I also filled the space between bulkheads 1, 2, 3, and 11, 12, 13 with some scrap balsa for more gluing surface and it made the bulkhead faring easier to "visualize". Some cleaning up to do then the major step of glueing on part 32, the gun port pattern. The instructions say to soak them for at least an hour before bending the into position. Seems kind of excessive to me. Hope the ply doesn't delaminate while installing.

 

[STGCS]

Adding the balsa blocks was really helpful. The gunport strip bent around the bow with no problems. Here is the wet install. Waiting overnight for the ply to dry and set then I can glue it on. First planking not far behind.

 

[STGCS]

I let the gunport strip dry overnight and now starting the first planking. The balsa filler at the bow and stern was a great help. Will do this for all future builds.

 

[STGCS]

Port side first planking completed and starboard side nearly so. Some serious filling and sanding ahead.

 

[vintagemodeler]

Port side first planking completed and starboard side nearly so. Some serious filling and sanding ahead.
View attachment 182375View attachment 182376

Moving right along! But looks like your expecting a lot off stress with all the "Meds" on the shelf

 

[STGCS]

Moving right along! But looks like your expecting a lot off stress with all the "Meds" on the shelf

When you're 80 it takes a lot of drugs to keep you going.

 

[vintagemodeler]

I know, I'm there too. Maybe a bourbon here and there also

 

[STGCS]

Finished the first planking and applied the wood filler. Really looks messy so lots of sanding ahead. At this point I almost missed installing the stern counter pattern (part #146). Bob's practicum doesn't do it until later in the build but I went with the kit directions and did it now. Also not much attention is paid to the rabbit except for the keel. I think it needs to be cut in the keel, stern post, and the stem before the second planking. Will tackle that after all the sanding is complete and before I start the second planking.

 

[vintagemodeler]

Looks familiar. Start with a rough grade on a sanding block like 180 and work your way down. It will be gone in no time

 

[STGCS]

Looks familiar. Start with a rough grade on a sanding block like 180 and work your way down. It will be gone in no time

I have some of those foam block sandpaper things that work pretty good for starters.

 

[vintagemodeler]

Foam blocks work well but they may be a little short. I make my own by wrapping part of a full sheet of sandpaper around a 1x2x12 so I can fair the hull better and avoid lowspots

 

[STGCS]

Foam blocks work well but they may be a little short. I make my own by wrapping part of a full sheet of sandpaper around a 1x2x12 so I can fair the hull better and avoid lowspots

Thanks. Will give it a try. Always appreciate input.

 

[Short John Bronze]

Very clear pictures and informative commentry

 

[STGCS]

Very clear pictures and informative commentry

Thanks. Photography # 2 hobby.

 

[STGCS]

After a few hours of sanding, the hull is about ready to start the second planking. I test fitted the bowsprit while I had access to the inside mount. It needed a little trimming and now fits well. Started working on the rabbit. Not a job I'm crazy about but used my gunsmith checkering tools aided in the process. I have lots of hobbies that have tools that cross over and will show them in use as I progress in the build.