Trumpter Mayflower in 1/60th.

[Big Jake]

This build in going to be about 10-15% modification on the current kit, the while the model is correct in the general shape, the stern decorations are just (goofy), the bow/jib area has to be modified. while you can only do so much, I want to at least try to correct some of the mistakes. Bill97 on another forum built one just beautifully, which I'm using as my guide. The biggest handicap is the lack of any historical artist renditions (late 1760's paint not withstanding), or decent write up. The rigging instructions and other tidbits are lacking as well. I'll try to make post with each sub-assembly including this post is the model prep. When doing wooden models (in plastic), I like to blacken the base part, then topcoat with a light shade of tan, then lightly rub off the tan to bring out the grain detail. The factory punch marks were all over, so I used a hole puncher to make some round plastic fillers so I would have so much filler to sand.

 

[Big Jake]

The rework of the stern is a post or two by itself. Where Trumpeter got the idea of the dolphin is just strange, they are wildly wrong had to be removed. using a Dremel drum sander, I lightly sanded off the dolphins, windows, clamshell and name (no evidence of a name of the stern) most ships did not have name on the stern generally until 1720's or later. After sanding the section down, I put plastruct sheet as backing and filled the openings with putty and let dry for 72 hrs. I sanded it some more then I re-scribed the planks, then using a fine-tooth saw, I drug and scratch some grain effect back in the section. While I can't duplicate the knees next to the windows, the curve is too shallow (and incorrect as well), I could at least frame in the windows similar to the current vessel. The white Hawthorn Flower is correct, Although the current ship has a slightly different design.

 

[Big Jake]

Although the current ship has a flush mounted window frame's, there was no way I could do that as it would warp the stern too much, so I had to build the frames on the surface. The last pictures is a white Hawthorn bloom, which the ship did have. before I mount the stern up, I'll trim and detail the flower.

 

[Big Jake]

The kit suppled deck was lost to time, as the model was a Hurricane Katrina Survivor, so I had to make one, which is better and more sturdy in my opinion anyway.

 

[Big Jake]

Next came the hull painting, I bet I used 25 yards of tape..... and it took about 2 weeks. I had to spot sections with the color as it got a bit confusing

 

[Big Jake]

Now I finally get to drop in some decking.

 

[WilliamM]

Now I finally get to drop in some decking.

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Jake,

You are doing a magnificent job! I have always heard that one problem with this kit is that the masts are too short, so I am interested in how you deal with that problem when you come to it.

Bill

 

[Big Jake]

OH Lordy, I never knew about that, just the short jib boom...... can you share any knowledge? If I can fix it reasonably, I'll try.

 

[WilliamM]

Jake,

You are doing a magnificent job! I have always heard that one problem with this kit is that the masts are too short, so I am interested in how you deal with that problem when you come to it.

Bill

Jake,

I will look through my references and get back to you.

Bill

 

[Big Jake]

Jake,

I will look through my references and get back to you.

Bill

Thanks.

 

[Uwek]

This build in going to be about 10-15% modification on the current kit, the while the model is correct in the general shape, the stern decorations are just (goofy), the bow/jib area has to be modified. while you can only do so much, I want to at least try to correct some of the mistakes. Bill97 on another forum built one just beautifully, which I'm using as my guide. The biggest handicap is the lack of any historical artist renditions (late 1760's paint not withstanding), or decent write up. The rigging instructions and other tidbits are lacking as well. I'll try to make post with each sub-assembly including this post is the model prep. When doing wooden models (in plastic), I like to blacken the base part, then topcoat with a light shade of tan, then lightly rub off the tan to bring out the grain detail. The factory punch marks were all over, so I used a hole puncher to make some round plastic fillers so I would have so much filler to sand.

Hallo @Big Jake
we wish you all the bEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[WilliamM]

OH Lordy, I never knew about that, just the short jib boom...... can you share any knowledge? If I can fix it reasonably, I'll try.

Jake,

I came across Model Expo's plans online for their Mayflower that shows clearly their version with higher masts. The replica ship in Plymouth, MA also has demonstrably higher masts than those in the Trumpeter kit. I've seen several completed Trumpeter Mayflower models completed with stumpy masts, I'll keep looking.

Bill

 

[Big Jake]

Thank you, is the Model expo at 1/60th or close?

Jake,

I came across Model Expo's plans online for their Mayflower that shows clearly their version with higher masts. The replica ship in Plymouth, MA also has demonstrably higher masts than those in the Trumpeter kit. I've seen several completed Trumpeter Mayflower models completed with stumpy masts, I'll keep looking.

Bill

 

[Peter Gutterman]

What a stunning job! Congratulations! I look forward to seeing how she turns out. You set a very high bar for this model in plastic OR wood

 

[3L120]

Thanks…have one of these kits on a shelf. Now need to build her, using your work as a guideline!

 

[Big Jake]

Bit off topic, but I found and added another crazy shirt to add to my collection - the louder and wilder, the better, but this sure fits the hobby. All the ships names are in Russian (Crylic)

 

[Kiwi]

This build in going to be about 10-15% modification on the current kit, the while the model is correct in the general shape, the stern decorations are just (goofy), the bow/jib area has to be modified. while you can only do so much, I want to at least try to correct some of the mistakes. Bill97 on another forum built one just beautifully, which I'm using as my guide. The biggest handicap is the lack of any historical artist renditions (late 1760's paint not withstanding), or decent write up. The rigging instructions and other tidbits are lacking as well. I'll try to make post with each sub-assembly including this post is the model prep. When doing wooden models (in plastic), I like to blacken the base part, then topcoat with a light shade of tan, then lightly rub off the tan to bring out the grain detail. The factory punch marks were all over, so I used a hole puncher to make some round plastic fillers so I would have so much filler to sand.

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I'm always totally blown away on the forum by what the skilled craftsmen and women achieve working with wooden ships, but equally what you guys do with plastic wooden sailing ships to replicate wood is truly amazing!! I love the wood grain effect you achieve by sanding back to the black undercoat, really cool!
Cheers - Karl

 

[WilliamM]

Jake,

Do a search for Mayflower II images. The mast proportional discrepancies are obvious.

Bill

 

[Big Jake]

Been a bit since I updated this post, I was tied up with an antique restoration project. I re-made a jib following other builds. I temporarily stepped the mast and generally getting ready to set the shrouds I'm trying to decide if I want to completely remake the masts. I am not happy with the belaying pins (lack thereof) just yet; the scale is off (of course the whole model scale is off as well), I ordered several sizes of pins, but they are either too small or too big, I may just cut sections of round stock. I ordered a book on the rigging of the Susan Constant to help guide where I need to put the pins or if I need to create pin racks and or drill thru the top rail as some ships of the period were. I recut the jib boom to the correct length and stepped it to the forecastle area. The gammoning came out good for once too.

 

[Buster]

Really enjoying this build log. Well done @Big Jake