Good afternoon Kurt. Wow it seems a never ending event. What percentage of the decorations do you think you have designed? (Just curious) Cheers Grant
Indeed! The carvings were hugely expensive, but remember the main purpose of the vessel was to serve a national symbol, not be ultimate battleship, So, sacrifices in the armament were made to save weight. The problem with the Sovereign was that the guns were a bit smaller so you could get 92+ demi-culverins on board. For the King, it was all about the number. If the ship were larger and of a later design, they could pack a lot more firepower. This great ship, along with the HMS Prince Royal of 1610 were experiments in building larger and larger ships. One of the problems with the Sovereign which became apparent later in her career was the the short range of its guns. However, if you got TOO CLOSE... *BOOM*
I'm on panel #52. There are approximately 69 pieces left to make for the port side, then work begins on the starboard side. When I first started this model, I wanted it to ultimate one, based on my limited abilities. It doesn't have the best materials or the best workmanship, but this model has a lot of time and care invested in the details, particularly the interior, so it will stand out just for that. Of all my projects over the years, from armor to medieval weapons to a full scale ballista, this model will be my magnum opus. If I'm lucky, I'll get it finished before I get finished.
