I received today the box containing Occre HMS Beagle, I opened the package and it looks like it that there are no missing parts, but, is to early to tell, in any case it comes with an order form to order any part that may be missing.
I looked at the documentation and they look pretty good, a lot better than the one that comes with Artesania Latrine. Part of the documentation is a listing of Youtube films ( over 140 of them ) that supposedly goes step by step on how to build the model. The actual paper instructions has a lot of clear photos and what looks like a very clear schematic on how to do the rigging. There is minimal written instructions, but, with all the photos and Youtube films, there may not be a need for written instructions.
I will try to keep every one up to day with the construction.
I’ll be hanging in here too Joe. Looking forward to seeing this build.
Tcoat, If you’ve had any experience with working with wood, I think you’d have no problems building one of these kits. From what I’ve seen of your building skills I’d say “Try it, you’ll like it”. [;)] Start small and work your way up.
I have attached the decks and also plank them, the ship is coming along fine thanks to the Youtube step by step instructions together with the printer photos, when together makes it relatively easy to follow and do what needs to be done. The written instructions are simply an overview, if there were no other Youtube and or photos and diagrams, it would be very difficult to build this model.
So far the instructions that came with this model are 90 to 95% helpful, better than those that come with some of the plastic models.
Next is to prepare the hull to start the planking.
I have started to add the first level of planking, yesterday I spend some time bending the planks to fit the hull. The instructions tell you to put the planks over the canon windows, then cut them open, I decided that is is easier to simply cut the planks to fit between the windows so it will be easier and less material to cut. I am using crazy glue for the first plank then wood glue for the rest as per instructions. So far so good, Following is the photo showing the progress made.
I finished installing the first plank level and I am very advanced on the second level, ( see photo) I continue to follow the instructions provided by Occre and their You Tube short videos. These videos show, with a lot of details, what and how the steps are to be done, I have learned a lot on the proper way and tricks in laying out the planks.
I do have a question regarding the glue, Occre indicates that contact cement is to be used to put the second course of planking, so, I went ahead and used it, but, I have run into a problem. The instructions that comes with the cement indicates that the planks are to be “painted” with the cement and so the side of the hull, and to wait about 15 minutes, then start mating the items, and for the most part this work fine, but for some reason some areas do not stay glued, they separate the moment I release the pression of the part.
Thinking that I may not be putting sufficient glue on both parts, the second time I made sure that they both had plenty of glue, and instead of waiting 15 minutes, I waited 10 minutes. This time it worked better, but I still had several areas were the glue will not hold. Any ideas why?
I have completed the planking on the ship, I also added the “strakes” and the “chaffing boards” to both sides of the hull ( first photo ). I also added the decorations inside the hull as per instructions ( second photo ) Next step is to do some painting with clear polyurethane to seal and protect the outside of the hull.
Once the paint is dry, the next step is to mask the null as per instruction and add the black and white paint.
The model is coming up nice, the fact that the instructions are good allows me to continue with the project and to concentrate in making it as good as possible.
Well I have finished painting the hull, I also started to add deck items including the anchor posts and some of the railings. It is coming along nicely, At this rate I may finish the model in about 2 months.
I have added several small things to the boat, including the front decorations which includes the installation of a wire detail. Right now I have completed the installation of the dead eyes on one side of the ship, tomorrow I will try to complete the other size, the progress is slow since everything has to be manufacture. Well I can not complaint, after all, I wanted to build wooden ships! (Be careful what you wish for )
Thassa Nicea Boat! My Goodness, did you say you had never worked in wood before? Looking at these pics I have to say you fibbed to us! A beautiful Job so far. Wait til you get to the the rigging though!
I have had that problem crop up sometimes. Contact Cement is like Super Glue in that regard. Sometimes it has no torsional strength!. Then Epoxy is my choice or actual ship nails for model ships.
This is my third wooden boat, I first build a Dapper Tom, which is supposed to be for beguines. and it would have been a relatively easy build if the instructions would have been better, then I did La Pinta by Artesania Latina, were I encounter same problem with the instructions. I have build logs for both of these, finally I am doing this HMS Beagle by Occre, although it is a more difficult vessel to build, the instructions that come with it are very good which makes the construction a pleasure, they are not perfect, but, a lot better than AL of the other one. I also have build several plastic ships including the Le Solei Royal by Heller.
With every build I am learning more and more on how to build these type of ships, working my way up to the more complex warships of the era. Thanks for your comments.
Well, I am trying to make it as accurate as possible withing the kit and my skills ( rather limited) limitations.
Attached are 2 photos of the front showing the progress so far, it is a slow progress since just about all the parts has to be manufacture, but, I guess that is part of the fun of building models.
It looks that this model will be the most accurate I have build since I started building sailing ships.
