HMS Surprise
52.4" length, 38" high, 18" wide, Scale 1/48
Now this is my biggest ship at over 52" long. This will take some time.
Again, I put balsa wood inbetween the ribs as this is a single planked ship and I do not care for nails.
First the top planking of the hull with a light wood, cutting the portholes and then the decking:
Then the bottom planking:
The first coat of sealer to protect it as I work:
Shaping the transom. Tricky! Curving the wood and multiple angles to be figured out.
Framing the portholes:
Letting the varnish dry:
As the varnish cures, I start on the 42 cannons. Lots of parts!
Cannons Done!
Cannons nailed but not secured with the blocks in the 2 containers. Top portholes cut out.
More cuteness:
Deviation from the instructions again. I made the second deck with thin sheets of basswood so that I could plank the deck properly with shorter, staggered planks instead of long ones. As the sides of the ship narrowed at the top, I had to bend the decking to fit.
Top railing done:
Transom:
The Bow:
The Launch:
The Launch (side view), the chainwales and the stanchions with netting:
Next, the masts!
Nothing about this ship is easy!
Shrouds and rat lines with some rigging:
The Yards cut and ready for shaping:
The yards tapered and fittings added:
Sails sewn on yards:
Bow detail:
Finished!
Anchors Aweigh!
