Most of you are probably aware of problems related to “La Sirene” kit (Heller). I have decided to use it as a base for “Duc d’Orleans”- a ship built in 1724 in Toulon, drafted by R. Levasseur (theoretic lines of hull are similar enough). To give you an idea as to how it looks like:
Of course Heller kit requires quite heavy modifications- rear part is to be cut quite significantly, absurdly pronounced lines “shaved off”
So- that’s where I am at the moment. Hull slowly takes shape.
A lot has changed since original post. Hull got properly sanded AND shaped, with stern lowered. Gaps filled with white polystyrene (0.5 mm sheets), then putty and sanded.
Upper deck gun ports will be closed, so I have glued in squares of plastic to be able to put gunport covers later on.
Now- of course that mini- lower deck in bow section should be on same level as entire deck along the ship, but since “interior” will not be visible, I was not correcting those mistakes. Today I’ve prepared drawings of deck for laser cutting/ engraving. Proper grettings, as well as correct (more or less) plank layout.
This is one of the most interesting threads to appear in the Ships Forum. I’ll be fascinated to follow its progress. I’m particularly intrigued to see how the 3-D printing works out.
JTilley- since it was your writing about La Sirene that pushed me to start work on this model, I got a little teaser for you. Black- original, kit parts. White- 3d printed, historically correct (although a 50 y. later) model of comparable cannon. I hope you like it.
I, too, am very impressed. I have read that “layering” can be a real problem with 3-D printing, but I see no evidence of it in your cannon. It looks beautiful.
I agree that this is one of the most interesting threads I have seen in a long time!
Starboard with major parts in place (no decorative elements yet), ready for final sanding. I am quite happy with result- ship finally seems to be getting right proportions. Sure, she will sit in water rather deep but those things were not uncommon.
I am working on other side so I will not bore you with repeating same steps. In the meantime I’ve started preparing 3d reconstruction of gallery and boy… is it all twisted. I think 3d model will give you some idea of how many weird curves are there (and it is but a begining). Oh- and I do realize railings were not (and will not) be just straight lines (when seen from top). Those are just temporary helpers.
nice use of the current technology here! Do you own any of the machines you use? What kind of 3d printer are we talking about here? It would also be interesting to know if you do PE, too - you could help me out here… Good luck with your build and have a nice day
Thank you very much for kind words. No, I do not own those machines (I was considering buying a MakerBot, but it can be used for hulls of ships- detail level on those is really too low)- I just prepare 3d models/ drawings and send them out to companies offering those kinds of services. If you do need any help with your projects- please, let me know, I will do what I can.
