Changed out the ship’s wheel
A couple of eye straining days working on the ship’s wheel. I wanted to use a wooden wheel instead of the supplied metal one so turned to a boxwood kit, which I know a few Syren builders have used on their models.
I purchased the 24mm kit, which is in keeping with the early 1800’s wheel diameter of 4 to 5 feet, spoke to spoke. The parts for the kit are extremely small and fragile but working slowly and carefully it’s fun to see the wheel take shape. The only part that I found a little frustrating was the char that needed to be carefully removed from various parts without affecting the size of the tiny pieces. Nevertheless, the supplied templates are well cut and a must for a successful build. The hardest part is “turning” the ten flat 3/16” (1.2mm) wood pieces into a reasonable and consistent depiction of round spokes. I used sandpaper, needle files, and cut up emery boards.
I think the following photos are self explanatory. The last one is the completed wheel before final clean up and before applying a suitable finish. As usual close ups are not complimentary but from a foot away I think the wheel looks ok.
My next step is to cut out and make pedestals and a barrel from pear. I might add a platform once I start seeing this mini project come together.
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