Got time to paly with my Victory
. I decided to fit the upper gun deck, gratings and hatchway for the steps down to the middle decks. I built these at the beginning of my build and when I dry fitted them they where very sad. Clearly clueless with regard to grating construction and 45 degree joins.
Had to break and remake :
I counted the grating pieces left in kit and checked the on plan sheet to ensure sufficient remained and I was hopelessly short. I was also aware that I was limited with the 4x2 walnut. I had to reuse the parts I just broke (was interesting) Do all kits provide just enough for the build...no room for error for us rookies. I cleaned up best I could with the above grating strips and had to lose a line, making the unit thinner. Problems coming....
The remake fitted into the holes on the deck, not over like the kit build required and my view looked better, however as the original fitted over the holes, I did not take care in preparing the holes and deck for this. I will sand and make the grating look better, however it does not fit the decking snuggly. I am hoping that if I make cannon ball racks (as the real ship has) it will solve this.
I think I can get these looking good. Loads of sanding and clean up all-round. I have a feeling that this upper gun deck and I are going to battle each other.
Gammoning the bowsprit :
This went well for my first attempted and was happy that the rope fitted ok in the gap made on the bowsprit. I think I have made my life difficult in the future by making the forward one first, and also fitting the bowsprit before inserting the block fittings etc. for the rigging on it. Apologies the photo angle makes the bowsprit seem out of line.
I have also added more decorations above each gun port, fitted 3 more and made the side door. The side door block I had shape more than directed to sit tightly against the wales. I glued the engraving provided on, however as with my Stern engravings for the balustrades I do not have the fine art skills to paint this- will look horrid. The jury is out on this...any ideas would really help me here. Dry fitted.
Here is my HMS Victory build thus far. I have applied a thin layer of gloss poly (my family want this...hmm) to the hull however I am tempted to do the second Matt? Is this possible? Should I paint in the waterline? I need to make these calls now as I will have to invert the ship. The jury is out. Cheers SOS have a great weekend for those with some to go, and those just starting.
Why edit anything? There is no need for that!
. Before and after photo. Still loads of final painting. (So much painting LOL)
