Hi out there!!
I have been a member of this site for a few months now and have a look at bods that are building the Bluenose I and II, there seem to be quite a few!!
(Few Posts though.... :( ) (Maybe I am alone in my efforts, nah, can't belive that....)

I'd be interested in hearing moddeling experiences and comparing notes if people are of like mind to do so.

I, personally, am on what I think is about 2/3 the way to completing the Hull/Superstructure, (Deckhouses, sorry), on the AL Bluenose II

I cannot say that it has been a trouble-free experience and that there are mistakes, but, I move on regardless.
Missing kit wood stock has been just one of the problems....

Anyway, if you care to "Regail" me with your problems, maybe we can all find "Workarounds" that will help all.

Looking forward to your input!!

Cheers....HOF.

For all you ''Bluenosers'', especially the II, these photos (if you haven't seen them already) may be of interest to you. They are of the real Bluenose II taken at the Tall Ships Challenge, in Greenport, Long Island, New York, July 11th, 2004:
Photos (approx. 100) - Tall Ship Challenge of 2004 - Bluenose II (http://shipmodeling.net/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/506)

To download all of the photos (zip file, approx. 18 MBs) - Photos - Bluenose II (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=8)

Post with info on the Tall Ship Challenge 2004, Greenport, NY (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/post803-1.html)

Scanned Images of the Bluenose II Pamphlet, To view Images, just click the links. To download Images, right click the links and use - ''Save Image As'' or ''Save Target As'':
Bluenose II Information - Sheet 1 (http://shipmodeling.net/forum/greenport/bluenose_info1.gif)
Bluenose II Information - Sheet 2 (http://shipmodeling.net/forum/greenport/bluenose_info2.gif)
Bluenose II Information - Sheet 3 (http://shipmodeling.net/forum/greenport/bluenose_info3.gif)

To download the fact sheets in one file (zip) - Bluenose II Fact Sheets (http://shipmodeling.net/vb_forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=16)

Enloy, John :cap:

Thank for the info John but have found the gallery by yourself very useful also.
The web site of John Earl on this build is very factual also.

One thing that I can say about this model, (And probably have already said it....), is that it is anything but scale.... There are so many "Correct" ways to build this ship, so many "Right's" and so many "Wrong's" that I was starting to loose faith in what I had done/was doing.
I can say that most of the insparation that I got initially with the build was from a member's model of this AL kit, Aka, HMSBounty. (Thanks Chris!!)
Chris had done a very, very fine and "Clean" build and to this I am still aspiring to do.

I can say that it was with great trepidation that I embarked on the second layer of planking.... "What if I stuff it up?" "You won't chap," I tried telling myself....
Well, even with the second layer of planking, and my "Whizzy" propotional dividers, I still managed to make mistakes.... Back to the books.... Ahh, "Tic" strips!! The penny more or less dropped. All in all, the planking effort wasn't too bad, the hull turned out smooth and wholesome. (After a damn good sand!!) (Some filler helped :) )
After the false Keel was fitted, things looked better and more like a proper Hull.

I had built most of the deck fittings as some "Light Relief" after the the arduous fist layer of planking, this was anything but!!
Skylights, hmm, 32 individual pieces and three attempts to build them, 1st attempt, "No, don't like that much Harry, take it apart." 2nd attempt, "Ditto." 3rd attempt, "Much better chap, but if you are going to do this again, use much thinner wire for the Skylight bars, remember, there are seven bars on each window pane, got it?"
(I don't talk too much to myself in reality, just in case readers think I am at one of the more advanced stages of MADNESS!!)
Planking the deckhouses was a doddle, nice and straight, what could possibly go wrong? (Nothing.... :) )
To complete the structures I used brass Port Holes from Loyalhanna Dockyard, 6mm on the rear Deckhouse and 3mm on the front.
(John Earl had said that they were not scale, but, I'm one of those people that like a little bit of Brass, and hey, I am aware it's not 100% scale....)
Hand Railing on the rear Deckhouse, again the brass, and yes, not scale but I like the look.

I am however reasonably happy with how my second model ship is shaping up, in my books, not too bad so far.

Problems resolving wood types and quantities were very interesting, Ramin, as AL would have it, comes in various colours.... Never mind, I thought, just carry on, try and have fun and learn everything you can, remember, this is a step to even greater challenges!!

Material for the Taff-Rail/Stanchions/Forward Bulwark rails were non-existant, solution, use basswod, (Lime), planking strips left over.... I hate to waste things, and like to try and use what is available, I hate to give up/admit defeat also....

My latest challenge is to start to paint, I have a Compressor and Airbrush but the Bulwarks/Stanchions/Rails must all be hand painted, on the second coat tonight and rubbing down between each to try for the best possible finish.

I am looking forward to the deck fittings after the Warter-Line is marked and then I'll really know that things are coming together.

John Earls documentation is going to be invaluable for the finer points, Knighthead, etc.
I'll take some photos soon and keep you all posted on my wonderful little ship....

Cheers....HOF.

Back again,
Not much tonight, sick Abbysinian, (Cat), is taking the limelight....
Nevertheless, alother coat of white on the Rails after rubbing down, just wonder how many more it'll take.... Paint is a Matt finish, much easier to apply than a gloss/semi-gloss. Will have to finish with satin waterbased "Endothane" to keep those nasty finger marks off it.

Thoughts on scale, Mastini has said in his book something like that it was very much up to the modeller how he/she wished thier ship model to look, painted or unpainted, the model is the product of the modeller and thier own peice of art.... Couldn't agree more.

Cheers....HOF.

AL Bluenoser here,

I'm currently only a 'weekend modeler' But started this kit only last week, and am making good progress. You're way ahead of me then, so looks like you'll be dispensing more advice then receiving from me i'm afraid.

I do have a copy of Jensen's book, which is invaluable. I'm going to try my best at making as accurate to Jensens drawings as possible.

Hi there Robert,
Pleased to make your aquaintance!!
Dispensing advice? Well, I try, as much as my limited experience will allow me to, I am certainly no expert when compared to some of the members creations on this site.
Knew that somewhere in the world, someone would be building this model.
It will be a definite advantage for you to have the "Jensen" book. I have read much about it but unfortunately never laid my eyes on it.
Have you seen this site? http://www.modelboatyard.com/bluenose2.html
Wished I'd seen it before I started, never mind.... Download the article and let me know what you think.... I would be making a much more "Scale" version if I had seen this!!
I built a 1/115 scale AL Bluenose I to see if I enjoyed the hobby, I did but found the scale too difficult to work with, or, that I needed new glasses....

I am using the current model to "Hone" my skills before embarking on other projects, it has taught me much.

How was the supply of wood stock in your kit? Mine was fine for Planking/Doweling for masts but lacked quite a bit in the Bulwark/Handrail department.
I belive that there also should have been a video included in the kit, (Maybe), of Frank Mastini building this kit? I certainly didn't have it.... :(

If your kit instructions were the same as mine, you will notice that the blocks of Walnut for various bits and pieces of deck superstructure are missing, damn shame that.... The Laser-Cut plywood pieces that were supplied are rather "Flimsy" and I used small pieces of balsa to give these structures a base while I was constructing them. (Gluing the ply to the balsa base.) Made life more tolerable I guess. :) )
It will help also when you form the deckhouses to the camber of the deck.

How are you getting on with the Bulkhead arrangements? I found that a couple of these were virtually identical, around Bulkhead 7/8

In the times when I was waiting for things to dry, etc, I made up sub-assemblies, Deckhouses/Deadeyes and Chainplate to fit later, to my mind, it gave me a better sense of achievement and helped when I was a little despondent about things.

I posted some more photos this morning, have a look if you are of a mind to and take a look also at the member HMSBounty (Chris's) photos.

I guess that's all from me for the moment....
Let me know how you get on and would be interested in your comments from John Earl's web site. (URL Above.)

More than happy trying to "Dispense" advice and share opinion, this is what it's all about chap!!

Cheers....HOF.

Have you seen this site? http://www.modelboatyard.com/bluenose2.html
Wished I'd seen it before I started, never mind.... Download the article and let me know what you think.... I would be making a much more "Scale" version if I had seen this!!


Yes I've been trying to go off a combination of the book, and those articles, plus i purchased a few other recommended books, I've started reading. The Jenson book is superb. All the tiniest details inside and out are all laid out in great prescision. The diagrams of the rigging alone is the most comprehensive I've ever seen.


I built a 1/115 scale AL Bluenose I to see if I enjoyed the hobby, I did but found the scale too difficult to work with, or, that I needed new glasses....


Wow I salute you.


I am using the current model to "Hone" my skills before embarking on other projects, it has taught me much.


Me too, I figured this is a popular first model to start out with.


How was the supply of wood stock in your kit? Mine was fine for Planking/Doweling for masts but lacked quite a bit in the Bulwark/Handrail department.


Doesn't seem to, although i took the articles advice and didn't take a thorough inventory of the parts.


If your kit instructions were the same as mine, you will notice that the blocks of Walnut for various bits and pieces of deck superstructure are missing, damn shame that.... The Laser-Cut plywood pieces that were supplied are rather "Flimsy" and I used small pieces of balsa to give these structures a base while I was constructing them. (Gluing the ply to the balsa base.) Made life more tolerable I guess. :) )
It will help also when you form the deck houses to the camber of the deck.


Good to know, I'm probably going to end up trying to scratch build most of the deck structures. The Jensons book has me very inspired to try and get the model accurate.


How are you getting on with the Bulkhead arrangements? I found that a couple of these were virtually identical, around Bulkhead 7/8


Not bad so far. I nervous about taking too much wood off when it comes time to fair up the bulkheads. and the slot on pieces 6 and 7 were completely off center. strange.


I guess that's all from me for the moment....
Let me know how you get on and would be interested in your comments from John Earl's web site. (URL Above.)


I will, especially his single planing recommendation. We'll see about that. I'm pretty sure it's going to be two layers for me. I'll be sure to get some pictures up of my own soon.

Morning Robert, (For me anyway....)
Sounds like your'e "On to it!!"
I am thinking about drilling the Bulwark rails for the chainplate installations, I believe thinking is all I'll get done today as I have to work in the Computer Suite tonight/tomorrow.... :(
Never to mind, I'll get there.... I have more than a little trepidation when it comes to this, don't want to break anything.
Looking forward to your progress pictures and think that your idea of scratch building the deck stuff is probably the right way to go.

Double planking? I think that this is good also, some may dispute this but the finish obtained with the Walnut is, to my mind, far superior to that of the Basswood/Lime.

Enjoy your weekend chap!!

I'll post tomorrow if I get the chance.

Cheers....HOF.

Allrighty....
Drilled the Bulwark rail to accept the Chainplate/Deadeye assemblies, worked out o.k. but very careful work is needed with the Pin-Vise.

The rear Deadeyes are the worst and need the most attention so I started with these first, placed the pieces in to see how the'd look and check alignment, no worries....
I am pleased that I used the Basswood/Lime for the Cap-Rails, makes life so much easier cutting these "Microscopic" slots.

I am really champing at the bit, so to speak, with getting the Waterline marked but am cautioning myself to ensure that everything that can be done is before painting the hull.

That's it from me for now....

Cheers....HOF.

I've completed the placing the bulheads after making sure they're symetrical.

I glud on the fore false deck with a bunch of the supllied nails and plenty of wood glue. Then i went about fairing the bulkheads, but...i took a bit too much off. oops. When i ty and dry fit a plank across it didn't even tough bulkheads 3 - 4 - 5. Ugh. So i went about glueing on some scraps...

I'll probably be a while before i begin planking, I'm afraid.

No worries Robert,
Just take your time and I am sure all will be well....
Plenty of scraps to fair the Hull, my advice to glur these on is to use an "Aliphatic" resin maybe? (Like PVA but sandable)
How long is the sanding block that you are using to fair the bulkheads? Mine is a piece of timber about 300mm, (1ft), long and I used 60 grit paper, to start with anyway.

I think that time is really the essence for these things, it is impossible to rush or try to do too much in one sitting, your patience and perseverance will be tested to the max.

Have had some issues myself also.... I have to remove one of the rear Pin-Rails, it's about 2mm too far back.... I'm ever so slightly "Gutted" but I tnink it'll be worth the re-work.... I hate the re-work!!

Take it easy chap and you and your ship will be just fine.

That's it from me for the moment.... If you need extra advice on fairing etc, post on the Scuttlebutt.

Looking forward to hearing more progress.

Cheers....HOF.

I'm going to get some picture up soon. Thanks!

If you're interested, I rarely see this on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7015283693&fromMakeTrack=true

The book on E-Bay looks good, maybe if I posted on the "Scuttlebutt" someone may be interested.... I am, but it is too late for me to do any real modifications, Damn!!

How's the Bulkhead fairing going? From memory, I had a couple of bulkheads that needed a little adjustment also after fairing, a good use for the scrap wood.
Are you going to install support blocks ether side of the hull at stem and stern? I personally did not but the Mastini book recommends this. (Extra support for the planking....)

I cut off the rear Pin-Rail a couple of minutes ago and will make another. This time, I'll make sure it is symetrical with the other!! (Just a little re-work....)

Cheers....HOF.

Okay, I havn't been able to touch the bluenose this week so far, but i've uploaded 2 pics so far of the progress.

I still have to shape bulkhead #14 and glue in place so I can place the aft false deck.

So much to do yet, even before i plank!

Looking good chap!!
A quiet weekend for me so far.... The garden has taken priority for the Saturday anyway.
As I mentioned, take your time and remember the "Foundation" is the most important. Once in place, all ellse will follow very nicely.

Cheers....HOF.

Allrighty....
Bulwark interiors/Pinrails/Taffrail are now painted.... Wot a mission!!
Impossible to spray, for me anyway.
Needs a coat of Satin Poly/endothane and some Steel Wool treatment after the paint hardens.

Holes/slots cut in Bulwark rails to accept Deadeye/Chainplate assembellies....

I guess I'm allmost ready to mark the warterline. Before I do so, I think a coat or two of sanding sealer and a gentle sand to give that nice, smooth, (Sexy?), feel. I have convinced myself that this will help in the adhesion of the masking tape.

Some 220 Grit Aluminium Oxide over the camber of the deck to shape the base of the Deckhouses, thinking of adding corners to these and Coamings, we'll see.

I also have to fabricate the Knightheads and a new Fife-Rail not forgetting Pins/Rings, fore and aft Sheet Horses and Blocks, Moring Bitts, Boom Supports, Anchor Davits....

Nevertheless, I now feel that I am making some real progress, not 100% perfect but not too bad either.

How are you getting on Robert? (Finished yet? :) Sorry chap, Kiwi humor....)
Maybe we'll get to hear from some other "Bluenosers" in the near future, whadda ya reckon?

Hey there fellow Bluenosers,
How's it going Robert? Any progress?
At his stage of things, I am starting to do a little "Scratch-Build" of various components, feels good to start cutting some stuff for a change.

Created a new Fife Rail and Knightheads, according to Mr. Earl. (Thanks John!!)

I guess I am done with the bulwark rails and the painting thereof, at this juncture, they are probably as good as they are going to be withought me runing them by trying to go over again....

Sanded the base of the Deckhouses, much better but needs more, esp. if I do Coamings....

Been reading heaps about "Blacken-It" for the copper bits and pieces but we do not have anything like that here in NZ apart from things like "Pot-Belly" stove blackener.
I do like the look of Copper/Brass but am only too aware of the scale "Implications."

I think that the Waterline will be attempted tonight/tomorrow....

Regards to everyone.

Cheers....HOF.

Well, I didn't get the hull painted today nor the Water-Line marked, concentrated on the deck components, finished the Fife Rail, Knightheads, (John Earl's version looks tiny but I guess is correct, he should know....), and drilled holes for the Anchor Davits.
Placed all the pieces on and is now looking like the ship "Means Business."
I am very pleased that I made my own Fife Rail, the kit version is way too big!!

Last thing done today was a coat of Sanding Sealer.... That Walnut second hull covering looks just wonderful, what a shame to paint it.... Never mind.
Once the sealer is completley dry, I will rub down with OOO Steel Wool and recoat. I want to try for the best finish I can.

Anchor Hawse hole was looked at.... Looks like the positioning of this is in line with the Deck-Shear, the bottom of the Hawse hole more-or less in-line with the scuppers, shouldn't be too difficult.

Jaws of the vice now have some cloth inserted, last thing I want now is scratches on the Keel.

That's it from me today, back to work tomorrow.

Cheers....HOF.

Have looked at the White Metal catings that A/L provided for the Scroll/Anchor Hawse hole that is designed to go on both sides at the bow....

If anyone reads this "Post" and is making this Bluenose, please, please do not put any pressure on these pieces, one of mine did a very quiet "Snap!!"

CA glue holds the repair o.k. but the bow of the ship is not 100% flat, there is a very gentle curve and the A/L castings are flat!!

So, off to see a Manufacturing Jeweller close to work, they advise that they can do a Bronze casting for me for about NZD $30.00 and turn around in about ten days, I'll take the pieces in tomorrow, and, while I'm at it, I'll get the "Bluenose II" plaques done at the same time.

There are a few advantages here as I see it:

- Bronze is more malleable
- Bronze will be able to be thinned/Filed so the part is not so thick in section
- the Hull will be spray-painted after these pieces are in place and I will be
able to remove the paint where necessary to show proper Bronze relief
- I'll get to keep to molds if anyone else wants them

Sound like a plan?

I certainly hope so....

HOF.

I took the Scroll-Work/Name Plate to the Manufacturing Jewelers.... Got quoted NZD $70.00 for each "Rubber" so was advised that the Jewelers CNC milling machine would be a cheaper and faster option.

Just the act of carrying these things into the city made some more of the Scroll-work fall apart!!
You might ask why I am using these at all, I like them, simple.

Be really, really careful with these things....

I'll be very interested to get them back.... (I'll post a picture.)

Cheers....HOF.

Oky-Dokie,
The latest craze is the Sanding-Sealer.... The hull is sooo smooth, just hope the acrylic paint adheres o.k.
I am going to be most unhappy to cover the wood up with paint.... Never mind, my choice to build this and a conscious decision to complete as true as possible, anyway, would not look right without a coat of colored stuff. :)

I am actively looking at the deck-houses, (Again....), am thinking of re-working the companionway doors, they are split down the middle. Also looking very seriously at Coamings around the various deck components.... Where will it end?

The Jeweler still has my Anchor Hawse-Hole/Scroll work and plaques, don't think I'll get these back until next week.... No problem.

Tomorrow's another day, Sunday here and I don't have to go to work for a change.... Ship Modeling Day!!

Until then, have a great weekend all!!

Cheers....HOF.

Greetings all,
After a perfectly "Horrendous" night, (Stomach Upset), I decided to not go to work, what better medicine than to work on my ship.... Nice and quiet.

Anyway, I modified the Companionways and deckhouse Door panels so that they have a distinct division down the middle, as they should have.
Door Knobs added in the form of Copper Nails from the kit, Nice!! Looks heaps better and I am so pleased I did the work, there was no re-work as such, just addition.

Also put corners on the above items, much, much better.

That's it for the day!!

Cheers....HOF.

Greetings All,
Have been building/engineering today,
Things to make my life a little easir?

The first "Cab off the rank" was an adjustable "Waterline" marker....
Easy....

A lathe....
Almost complete, a "Spare" active head and I have only to complete the Tail....
Looks like It'll work o.k.
The Bed is from "Rimu" (Native Timber) well seasoned and damn hard!! Most components are from this beautiful wood.... (I had it to hand, left over from my kitchen re-build)

Mounting the tool/head was the challenge, a rebate in some additional Rimu components and consequent shaping to accept the curvature of the underside of the head/tool.
Mounting the tool? A challenge.... I'll take some photos if all o.k.

I think luck rather than good management has ensured that the tool is parallel to the bed....

Cheers....HOF.

I would love to join in on this post.
I am a Brownnoser. :=((

Feel Free to contribute, "Brown Nose or Blue Nose" your a bunch of funny guys!! :-)

(I say this in good humor....)

Cheers....HOF.