The goal: a USS Constitution "reasonably accurate model" that can be actually sailed.
The quote marks are because the goal of making this model be an actual functional sailing vessel will require several compromises regarding strict accuracy. For example, the decks are absent in several sections, because the sailing crew needs to sit as low as possible, to keep a low center of gravity. Possibly the beam will need to be increased, with the same goal of stability. The rigging simplified, as the crew will be very limited. Ratlines with more space between the rungs. You get the idea. Structurally, a fiberglass hull will exist between two layers of thin planks, generally respecting an accurate frame. Suitable flotation devices attached to the hull as required by current safety good practices. Stronger materials might replace wood in certain places, both for safety, but also to make the ship lighter, easier to load for transport in a trailer.
Despite all those necessary modifications, the intention is that the only thing that could get an observer to doubt they are looking at the real thing, is those giants manning the rigging...
Right now, as of December 2020, I am at the "due diligence" stage. Meaning, really no idea if I will do this, so, let's not hold our breath...
My main concern regards the fact that, apparently, large scale models of sailing ships are quite rare, and those that can actually put to sea essentially none. I have so far noticed two, one of them a 2017 project, unheard of since, https://5500.forumactif.org/t2423-la-belle-1684-au-1-6eme
This matters, because, if nobody is doing this kind of thing, maybe there's a good reason that I haven't thought of?
Then, of course, I am aware this will be unduly complex, unnecessarily expensive, and a general inconvenience to operate. However, no news there for anybody who has built a somewhat large-scale model, except perhaps the issues related to operating the thing, expensive and complex are expected... Expensive especially regarding time, as I intend to use a chainsaw and friendship with local landscape and tree professionals to procure suitable lumber for the frame. As mentioned above, the planks themselves will be a "cheat", rather thin, well waterproofed, essentially sealed in resin, this latter likely my largest out-of-pocket.
But it will be spectacular. I might get away with not having to pay berthing fees for the duration, as "obviously," famous last words, anybody would love to have this be-au-ti-ful, historical 12-foot Tall Ship tied to their dock, right?
Being practical, the main difficulty I cannot really assess right now is the operation. Tall ships, by design, require a large crew, because there are so many moving parts. THAT would be a good reason not to attempt this kind of project. My own initial motivation was to have the ultimate playground for my nieces and nephews, four at the last count. They probably will not appreciate it as much as how I would have totally LOVED to spend all my time in a toy tall ship, that works! I noticed almost right away that this it is actually a very bad idea, to try to relive one's "improved" childhood vicariously. Then I realized that I myself could enjoy playing with this toy, take the wife along... The complexity of operation can be dealt with, through robotics, essentially the necessary lines are maneuvered by motors. This has been done a lot, not much to invent, there. It will be fun to put a few Beanie Babies (they are almost 1/12 scale) for photo ops. The pint-size relatives and their friends can come enjoy, also, but are not required or necessary to the success of the project. More healthy, right?
Then, it probably will take forever, perhaps 3 years? Maybe in a year I'd have a floating hull, that can be played in, with oars. Finishing that with all the carvings and stuffs, another year, then one more for the rigging. I hope I will be reporting regularly, but that's also a "too be seen."
Meanwhile, merry Christmas to all
Yama
My introduction: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...hip-models-yama-form-austin.6599/#post-145389
The quote marks are because the goal of making this model be an actual functional sailing vessel will require several compromises regarding strict accuracy. For example, the decks are absent in several sections, because the sailing crew needs to sit as low as possible, to keep a low center of gravity. Possibly the beam will need to be increased, with the same goal of stability. The rigging simplified, as the crew will be very limited. Ratlines with more space between the rungs. You get the idea. Structurally, a fiberglass hull will exist between two layers of thin planks, generally respecting an accurate frame. Suitable flotation devices attached to the hull as required by current safety good practices. Stronger materials might replace wood in certain places, both for safety, but also to make the ship lighter, easier to load for transport in a trailer.
Despite all those necessary modifications, the intention is that the only thing that could get an observer to doubt they are looking at the real thing, is those giants manning the rigging...
Right now, as of December 2020, I am at the "due diligence" stage. Meaning, really no idea if I will do this, so, let's not hold our breath...
My main concern regards the fact that, apparently, large scale models of sailing ships are quite rare, and those that can actually put to sea essentially none. I have so far noticed two, one of them a 2017 project, unheard of since, https://5500.forumactif.org/t2423-la-belle-1684-au-1-6eme
This matters, because, if nobody is doing this kind of thing, maybe there's a good reason that I haven't thought of?
Then, of course, I am aware this will be unduly complex, unnecessarily expensive, and a general inconvenience to operate. However, no news there for anybody who has built a somewhat large-scale model, except perhaps the issues related to operating the thing, expensive and complex are expected... Expensive especially regarding time, as I intend to use a chainsaw and friendship with local landscape and tree professionals to procure suitable lumber for the frame. As mentioned above, the planks themselves will be a "cheat", rather thin, well waterproofed, essentially sealed in resin, this latter likely my largest out-of-pocket.
But it will be spectacular. I might get away with not having to pay berthing fees for the duration, as "obviously," famous last words, anybody would love to have this be-au-ti-ful, historical 12-foot Tall Ship tied to their dock, right?
Being practical, the main difficulty I cannot really assess right now is the operation. Tall ships, by design, require a large crew, because there are so many moving parts. THAT would be a good reason not to attempt this kind of project. My own initial motivation was to have the ultimate playground for my nieces and nephews, four at the last count. They probably will not appreciate it as much as how I would have totally LOVED to spend all my time in a toy tall ship, that works! I noticed almost right away that this it is actually a very bad idea, to try to relive one's "improved" childhood vicariously. Then I realized that I myself could enjoy playing with this toy, take the wife along... The complexity of operation can be dealt with, through robotics, essentially the necessary lines are maneuvered by motors. This has been done a lot, not much to invent, there. It will be fun to put a few Beanie Babies (they are almost 1/12 scale) for photo ops. The pint-size relatives and their friends can come enjoy, also, but are not required or necessary to the success of the project. More healthy, right?
Then, it probably will take forever, perhaps 3 years? Maybe in a year I'd have a floating hull, that can be played in, with oars. Finishing that with all the carvings and stuffs, another year, then one more for the rigging. I hope I will be reporting regularly, but that's also a "too be seen."
Meanwhile, merry Christmas to all
Yama
My introduction: https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/...hip-models-yama-form-austin.6599/#post-145389