NORSKE LOVE - Billing Boats 1:75 scale

Wow, wonderful work on those carvings Dean. You have become a master of the intricate.
Thank you very much! I don’t know about the master part…ROTF, however I am learning important lessons when it comes to carving. Hardwoods make more crisp and precise cuts and you want a super fine grain for smooth surface texture. But I tend to use what wood I have on hand and sometimes that makes it more difficult. But since these are being painted, I have some forgiveness on the wood selection. ;) Unpainted carvings would require premium woods only!
 
Moving to the port side lower galleries…
First the wall has to be bent. The instructions show placing it in a straight line across the curve, however I think we know they were actually curved! ;)
So I soaked it and bent it around a large dowel…
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Then it was installed and trim pieces added…
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So it is curved and at an angle. Next will be fitting the column in the corner. Then I can sand and paint in preparation for adding the carved decorations around this port side.
And yes, that’s wood shavings you see on the floor of the galleries. I have to vacuum them out once I’m ready to paint. ;)
 
Work on the port side lower galleries is progressing. I finished the wall and added the corner piece. Then I did the carvings for this side…
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I think this side is actually better than the first side. Ignore the ugly corner piece, a figure goes on top of it, and a scroll goes beneath that, so you won’t actually see it in the end. ;)
For comparison, here is the starboard side…
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I wish I would have started with the port side, as my display side will be the starboard side, because the scrolls on the railings are better. ROTF Oh well, it’s not bad, just not as good!
Next will be the port side stern carving, that ties into the side carvings.
Happy modeling!
 
Very nice Dean. Rather ornate isn't she?!
Thanks Paul, yes she is... and we are just getting started! ;) But I am not complaining, it is not as ornate as the Vasa or some of the other popular ships! But there is certainly a lot of ornamentation on and around the galleries.
That’s looking very nice, Dean. You know the differences but we ……… ;) Just great ornaments that follows the curves very well.
Regards, Peter
Thanks Peter, true... I know every detail because I had to create them. ;)
I'm playing a little catch up here. Your carvings look exquisite to me. I do enjoy you sharing your workflow on them.
Thank you Daniel, I appreciate the complement.
For me personally, I am satisfied, but would have liked a little better outcome. But I am always critical of my own work, perhaps my expectations exceed my abilities! ROTF
 
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Congratulations! It could easily be mistaken for a museum piece! Your attention to detail and craftsmanship are exceptional. You’ve truly captured the soul of the Norske Love—it’s a true gem of model-making! I can feel all the passion and precision you’ve invested in it! :)Thumbsup
 
Congratulations! It could easily be mistaken for a museum piece! Your attention to detail and craftsmanship are exceptional. You’ve truly captured the soul of the Norske Love—it’s a true gem of model-making! I can feel all the passion and precision you’ve invested in it! :)Thumbsup
Thank you very much for your generous compliment! I’m not even sure I am deserving.
I have always loved this ship, the design and the ornamentation of the galleries, the figurehead (Lion), etc. led me to build it. Unfortunately the kit offering leaves a lot to be desired, and you really have to go the extra mile to make something acceptable out of it. After trying to carve a few things, and getting some advice and experience, I decided to take on making the carvings myself. I started with the coat of arms and Lion. I wanted to take the kit to the next level and forgoe using the horrible plastic ornaments and decals provided in the kit.
At this point I know I made the right decision. The color scheme was referenced from some ship models in the Danish nautical museum. Because of the time period she was in service, she could have had few different schemes, because they changed in the middle of her service life. So I ultimately chose my favorite to follow. How correct it is, I can’t say for sure because there are no existing pictures of the actual ship that I could find. ;)
And finally, I have decided to add a few things the kit instructions do not show or provide, like a life boat, and the boarding steps on the side that would have been common. Those will be later along with ships furnishings, etc.
 
After looking at the port side stern carving, I noticed a few things that were very different, like the floral leaf at the top was facing the wrong way. So I changed that and a few other minor things about it, and I now feel comfortable enough to move forward.
There are still certainly differences, but in my opinion, that is more realistic. ROTF
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I think I am going to work on finishing the windows for the lower galleries next. I ordered some Micro Krystal Klear to do the windows in lieu of using plastic behind them. So I can work on making the frames until that arrives.
Also there are tiny floral carvings between each window. At this scale that is going to be a big challenge, still pondering how I am going to accomplish that. ;)
Also once the upper galleries are done, I will make the rudder, and add the chains for the rudder stops, and finally the two cannon doors at the back. There is certainly still a lot to do at the stern!
 
perhaps my expectations exceed my abilities! ROTF
Good evening Dean. Luckily for you, you have very high expectations so no issues here. ;)
After looking at the port side stern carving, I noticed a few things that were very different, like the floral leaf at the top was facing the wrong way. So I changed that and a few other minor things about it, and I now feel comfortable enough to move forward.
There are still certainly differences, but in my opinion, that is more realistic. ROTF
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I think I am going to work on finishing the windows for the lower galleries next. I ordered some Micro Krystal Klear to do the windows in lieu of using plastic behind them. So I can work on making the frames until that arrives.
Also there are tiny floral carvings between each window. At this scale that is going to be a big challenge, still pondering how I am going to accomplish that. ;)
Also once the upper galleries are done, I will make the rudder, and add the chains for the rudder stops, and finally the two cannon doors at the back. There is certainly still a lot to do at the stern!
I love the last pic. Very majestic and shows some impressive modelling.

Clearly Your ability exceeds my expectations ROTF. Jokes aside stunning work Dean. Cheers Grant
 
Good evening Dean. Luckily for you, you have very high expectations so no issues here. ;)

I love the last pic. Very majestic and shows some impressive modelling.

Clearly Your ability exceeds my expectations ROTF. Jokes aside stunning work Dean. Cheers Grant
ROTF thanks Grant! I appreciate the compliment and the humor.
It’s my goal to make the galleries look majestic and there are a lot of elements that will determine that, especially on the upper section. There will be carved railings, columns, etc., that will contribute to the overall picture.
Stay tuned… ;)
 
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