Le Saint Philippe 1693 after Jean-Claude Lemineur (Ancre) in scale 1:48

[rtwpsom2]

 

[RussF]

Is finishing really necessary? Your wood surfaces look so well finished au naturel that they could be allowed to patinize naturally over time with exceedingly satisfying results. No need to gild the lily. Your joinery and wood surfaces speak for themselves.

Paul, I have to agree with Peter here. With the care that you have taken in preparing the surfaces of your parts, any finish you put on her (or no finish at all) will look fantastic. I know that you're after "that perfect finish" and I fully understand what you're going through. I often spend more time trying to work out what I'm going to do so that it is perfect, rather than actually doing something. Don't stress about it, no matter what you do, you still rank in the top tier of craftsman on this forum!

 

[CLB]

Yup Paul - continue building and dont obsess on the finish - its looking really nice regardless of your choice

 

[Daniel20]

Hello Friends,

As I continue to explore wood finishing options (translation: throwing good money after bad) work continues on the Saint Philippe stern section model.

I have now emotionally committed to working on the exterior hull planking as my next major effort (translation: kicking the can down the road on the wood finishing decision). But I had already begun work on the rider frames and flat crotches so I thought it would be best to wrap those up before starting something new (translation: if I don't finish these now, I'll forget how to do what I am doing).

Here is where I am at the conclusion of the weekend:

View attachment 551451

View attachment 551452

I'm sure you noticed the gap between the rider frames and hull framing. This is intentional. The rider frames actually sit on the ceiling strakes - but I'm not installing ceiling strakes - thus the gap.

I had hoped to show you one more rider frame (actually, two half rider frames) that sit on the upper flat crotch. Unfortunately, while working on these half frames, I cut the fairing bevel in the wrong direction. Double unfortunately, I have now used up the pearwood panels needed for the frames (6.2 mm thick) so I am back to being a woodworker instead of a modeler. Not a major set-back, but still frustrating.

Thanks for stopping by!

Paul your model sure brings the structural elements into focus. I might have a hard time covering any of that beautiful pear with anything other than a clear mat poly and let the pear darken naturally.

 

[dockattner]

Ha! I can completely relate to your “translation mode,” Paul — I think we’ve all been there. It sounds like you’re handling the Saint Philippe project with both patience and humor, which is half the battle with these complex POF builds.
As for the fairing bevel mishap, that’s the kind of “character-building exercise” every woodworker knows too well (translation: muttering under your breath while pretending it’s part of the plan). The rider frames and crotches are looking great, though — even with the missing ceiling strakes, your approach makes perfect sense.

Looking forward to seeing how the exterior planking unfolds once you’ve recovered from your woodworking detour!

Thanks for this nice post, Jim! Indeed, there was some colorful muttering when I tried to fit the new parts to the ship...

 

[dockattner]

Is finishing really necessary? Your wood surfaces look so well finished au naturel that they could be allowed to patinize naturally over time with exceedingly satisfying results. No need to gild the lily. Your joinery and wood surfaces speak for themselves.

Didn't you make or refinish furniture in an earlier life? Your suggestion is well-reasoned but unexpected given the source.

Yup Paul - continue building and dont obsess on the finish - its looking really nice regardless of your choice

Don't obsess? Is that an option?

Paul your model sure brings the structural elements into focus. I might have a hard time covering any of that beautiful pear with anything other than a clear mat poly and let the pear darken naturally.

You too, Daniel!?! Don't worry, I won't paint it!

 

[dockattner]

Paul, I have to agree with Peter here. With the care that you have taken in preparing the surfaces of your parts, any finish you put on her (or no finish at all) will look fantastic. I know that you're after "that perfect finish" and I fully understand what you're going through. I often spend more time trying to work out what I'm going to do so that it is perfect, rather than actually doing something. Don't stress about it, no matter what you do, you still rank in the top tier of craftsman on this forum!

Thanks, Russ. I have a box of goodies arriving tomorrow. I frankly hate doing trials but in this case it seems warranted. Less is more will certainly prevail.

 

[RDN1954]

My wife assures me I am mediocre. I use that for calibration .

Guess your wife has very high standards.

 

[dockattner]

Guess your wife has very high standards.

Or offers grace beyond measure.