Resumption of VASA build

[uncchains]

After having completed my build of Corel's "HMS VICTORY cross-section," I am gearing up to resuming my build of Corel's VASA and I am a bit leery of doing so based on my experience with the X-section. As I have commented previously, straight out of the box, that kit was not at all even a reasonable representation of the VICTORY. I had to do quite a lot of scratch building and referring back to the plans I used in building the full model (Mamoli) to do the rigging. I am also a bit leery of creating a build log. I do not have CNC equipment, millers or a lathe (not yet anyway) like many of you do. I am trying to learn how to do 3D printing but the learning curve is rather steep. I do have good power tools but those are wood shop-size. I recently purchased an "X-Y" table for my Dremel drill press stand and have been practicing with it and turning out reasonably looking parts. I have done a considerable amount of research on the VASA including lots of information, drawings, etc., from Dr. Fred Hocker of the VASA Museum in Stockholm. I have saved lots of photos from various build logs for reference use. Still, work by some of you on your VASAs is a bit intimidating. I say that totally in a complimentary way.

So, my quandry is this. I feel that, from reading and following other build logs, I might benefit from the experience of you others, especially other VASA builders, as I progress with the construction of this ship. The vast majority of comments I have read in lots of build logs have been complementary, helpful, insightful and constructive and extremely rarely have negative comments been posted.

I welcome positive comments, especially from those who have built the Corel kit. What ever direction I take, this will be, as we all learn, building a model such as the VASA will require lots of time and patience and the learning of new and/or improved/unexpected skills.

 

[Roger Pellett]

I wouldn’t worry about CAD, CNC, or 3-D printing. I scratch build models without having access to any of these or a desire to use them. You can build a fine model of Vasa without them. Vasa of course was built almost entirely of wood so little or no metal turning requiring a lathe; cannons excepted but maybe you can use the kit supplied ones.

Since you have full size power tools, these can be used for model building. A full sized table saw with the right blade can be set up to rip planking. I use my full sized drill press daily.

And last but not least, much of this is a mind game. Don’t worry about stuff that needs to be done “down the road” focus on what you’re working on today. As you progress you will gain confidence.

Roger

 

[uncchains]

Thank you very much. I know what you mane about the mind game aspect. After having built seven ships, 25 aircraft and 1 helicopter, I have gotten reasonably good at scratch building. And you are correct that large tools can be used to make small parts when done safely.
I have almost completed the first planking of the model and have painted most of the figures. I can resume my log with a review of what I have completed so far and then just see where it takes me.

Thanks again and I look forward to more of your good advice!

 

[PeterG]

I am a past Billings Vasa-builder and completed my model about 3 years ago. As you mention, extensive research is available for this ship, and a visit to Vasamuseet in Stockholm is a wonderful experience. Dr Hocker and his information Is amazing and always reliable.

I remember there was criticism about the hull shape of the Corel kit, and I don’t think it has been revised but plans from Billings and others are available and may be worth examining for comparison. That said, ship modelling is for self-reward, so if you are not as concerned with absolute accuracy, it should not be an issue.

Good luck with the build, and if I can assist (or any other of the avid and amazing Vasa builders out there), please contact us.

Regards,

PeterG

 

[Stuart Little]

After having completed my build of Corel's "HMS VICTORY cross-section," I am gearing up to resuming my build of Corel's VASA and I am a bit leery of doing so based on my experience with the X-section. As I have commented previously, straight out of the box, that kit was not at all even a reasonable representation of the VICTORY. I had to do quite a lot of scratch building and referring back to the plans I used in building the full model (Mamoli) to do the rigging. I am also a bit leery of creating a build log. I do not have CNC equipment, millers or a lathe (not yet anyway) like many of you do. I am trying to learn how to do 3D printing but the learning curve is rather steep. I do have good power tools but those are wood shop-size. I recently purchased an "X-Y" table for my Dremel drill press stand and have been practicing with it and turning out reasonably looking parts. I have done a considerable amount of research on the VASA including lots of information, drawings, etc., from Dr. Fred Hocker of the VASA Museum in Stockholm. I have saved lots of photos from various build logs for reference use. Still, work by some of you on your VASAs is a bit intimidating. I say that totally in a complimentary way.

So, my quandry is this. I feel that, from reading and following other build logs, I might benefit from the experience of you others, especially other VASA builders, as I progress with the construction of this ship. The vast majority of comments I have read in lots of build logs have been complementary, helpful, insightful and constructive and extremely rarely have negative comments been posted.

I welcome positive comments, especially from those who have built the Corel kit. What ever direction I take, this will be, as we all learn, building a model such as the VASA will require lots of time and patience and the learning of new and/or improved/unexpected skills.

I had the same opinion of that Victory kit, in fact after getting 60% of the hull built, I gave up & sold it. I'm now building Caldercraft version, but even this one is not without faults in materials, & some quality issues. For example, the ship's barge has a davit made up of two shaped pieces of 1.5mm walnut [rubbish], I made one from 3 x 7 solid quality walnut, using my MF 70.

 

[Daniel20]

As a Vasa builder myself I would love to see your finished version. The experience you would gain from just the rigging alone would be well worth your effort.