Hi Vic, Just wanted to say Hi and the ship is coming along very nicely.
Hi, Jodie! Thanks for the encouragement. It’s been too long since we last communicated. You’ve given me a lot of ideas, the most important being slow it down and do the research. I’m still learning that one.
Just received some single and double sheaves and some rope from Dry Dock Models and Parts. 
How do you like the goodies? Don't be shy, Vic.
I have to say, the smaller ones seem to fit the scale for my gun rigging better. They are easily stropped due to grooves on the sides and tops of the blocks. They are well polished and look more realistic than many of the supplied blocks I’ve seen. I like the rounded edges. Sometimes the single sheaves are hard to handle because they are so rounded that it’s hard to keep them oriented in the right direction. The supplied standing rigging for the front of the ship was cream colored, so I measured the thickness and ordered some dark brown 1.5 mm rope.
Good choice Vic
I just received some cannons from Corel. The carriages are shaped with rectangular bases instead of angled. I bought them because the original ship supposedly had two smaller guns. I had misplaced two of my upper deck guns and one
Of my main deck guns. I’ll probably place the bigger gun under some decking. Besides, I wanted to experiment with some different gun choices.
Of my main deck guns. I’ll probably place the bigger gun under some decking. Besides, I wanted to experiment with some different gun choices.
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Hello Vic...new blocks, new rope, new cannons....it’s like Christmas again. I love the experimenting options- always fun. Cheers
I just received some cannons from Corel. The carriages are shaped with rectangular bases instead of angled. I bought them because the original ship supposedly had two smaller guns. I had misplaced two of my upper deck guns and one
Carefully cut the cheeks off, making the cur through the bottom base and not a side cut through the cheek. File the cheeks on the bottom edge to the desired height, and re-glue them to an angled base made of walnut and shaped to your liking. Not too much work for only two cannons. Plus, you earn that coveted Scratchbuilder badge.
Wow! I wonder where I could display that badge! I could probably put it in my shadow box along with my medals, rank insignia and wings! Actually, I am enjoying playing with things a bit and experimenting around.I just received some cannons from Corel. The carriages are shaped with rectangular bases instead of angled. I bought them because the original ship supposedly had two smaller guns. I had misplaced two of my upper deck guns and one
Carefully cut the cheeks off, making the cur through the bottom base and not a side cut through the cheek. File the cheeks on the bottom edge to the desired height, and re-glue them to an angled base made of walnut and shaped to your liking. Not too much work for only two cannons. Plus, you earn that coveted Scratchbuilder badge.
It's such FUN, isn't it?
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OMG Vic, I finally caught up to this build of yours. Incredible! You have come so far since the Pearl build! I’m impressed how you have tackled the complexity of this beautiful ship! I have the San Felipe locked away…likely won’t get to that for a few more years!Rick
Slowly learning. The BP was a good beginner kit for me.
Still building guns. Put in pin to fasten the gun in the deck and served the recoil rope after looping it around the eyebolt. 
Starboard guns are done. I’m still debating whether to add the rigging to pull them back. Can you just use the same rigging and attach it to eyebolts lined up behind the guns?
Good morning Vic- the debate of adding the train tackles to your guns. I personally like them, however that is many guns you have there- going to have a busy deck. I also don’t know if La Soleil had these from this period. I read your discussion with Kurt (super interesting). Thank goodness for personal choice
. Looking great your ship is. Cheers Grant
Thanks, Grant.Good morning Vic- the debate of adding the train tackles to your guns. I personally like them, however that is many guns you have there- going to have a busy deck. I also don’t know if La Soleil had these from this period. I read your discussion with Kurt (super interesting). Thank goodness for personal choice
One final point regarding train tackles; they were usually not fitted when the guns were engaged in combat, since the recoil would move the carriage rearward for reloading. They would only be used if the ship were leaning such that the carriages wanted to roll forward naturally, making reloading a problem. I made the mistake of fitting all train tackles on my first ship, La Couronne. It was too early to even have them. I could have saved myself a lot of work.
We live and learn.
That would save me a lot of work.One final point regarding train tackles; they were usually not fitted when the guns were engaged in combat, since the recoil would move the carriage rearward for reloading. They would only be used if the ship were leaning such that the carriages wanted to roll forward naturally, making reloading a problem. I made the mistake of fitting all train tackles on my first ship, La Couronne. It was too early to even have them. I could have saved myself a lot of work.
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I think your model would be fine without train tackles. You could install the ringbolts behind the carriages adjacent to the hatch coamings if you wanted to add some nice additional detail, though. I like how they made my deck look:
