Imai/Aoshima 1/60th Junk build

Big Jake · Jul 15, 2026

I was able to rig up the last parts, now all I need to is make up the spare rope coils for the lines. It's been a fun and sometimes challenging build, mainly due to lack of any historical reference materials.

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Big Jake · Sunday at 6:47 AM

Started making up the various rope coils.

My method is using an appropriate sized brass tube, polished smooth with a rounded down end - to make sure there are no burrs. Then run the same line/rigging you used for the lines you need the coils for over bee's wax to keep the fuzz down and to cause the lines to stick together. Start with a single overhand knot, then wrap 3,4 or 5 loops, make sure to cross over the other end of the line. Then using a granny knot, tie the lines together, then pull the long lead hard to set and remove any slack. Carefully slide the coil off the brass tube, touching the knot with a tiny drop of acc glue.

Using several different types of tweezers, place the coils where needed. Also make up several extra coils to lay about the deck.
I added the rice bags and small wooded barrels to give a cluttered deck appearance as well; I need to add more coils and she will be completed.

Big Jake · Tuesday at 6:58 AM

For what's its worth, its done. Chinese junks tacked by steering the boat directly through the wind; the sail's semi-rigid, battened structure automatically swung to the new side without the need for sailors to physically pull it across, adjust lines, or worry about dangerous, uncontrolled jibes, I had the last two pics taken off a filtered screen, that why the colors look a bit faded. Next up will be the old Aurora Wanderer Whale, pressed in 1966 which I've been meaning to build since the 1990, there will be a LOT of modifications. I don't think I can pull off a convincing level of detail on the thick molded plastic sails as I did with the Junk. Stay Tuned.

johnlattanzio · Tuesday at 6:24 PM

Nice work Jake. Very impressive! I hope mime looks half as good

You don't seem to have added the sheets? At least, not the way I imagined them (in the file I sent). Was that wrong? Or was there another reason?
Cheers. I hope to start painting mine next week - as a break from the Golden Hind after I get the deck guns done.

AndyA · Tuesday at 7:27 PM

Big Jake said:
OK, just spent an hour researching, general consensuses is the use of a long tiller sweep, so I think I need to make something up.

Cap'n Jake:
Yup. They are specialized sculling oars called yulohs. Quite a bit has been written about them. Fair winds!

Big Jake · Tuesday at 8:58 PM

AndyA said:
Cap'n Jake:
Yup. They are specialized sculling oars called yulohs. Quite a bit has been written about them. Fair winds!

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I still need to make one for the boat, I have a post it note on it, for the next few days I'll hopping with the storm approaching, I serve as a supt. of a water and wastewater plant, so I'll prob be at the plant for a day or two.

Big Jake · Tuesday at 8:59 PM

johnlattanzio said:
Nice work Jake. Very impressive! I hope mime looks half as good

You don't seem to have added the sheets? At least, not the way I imagined them (in the file I sent). Was that wrong? Or was there another reason?
Cheers. I hope to start painting mine next week - as a break from the Golden Hind after I get the deck guns done.

I have not rig them up yet, I need to mount it perm. to the stand, its sits off center and wants to fall over easy with the main sail hang so far over.