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aftermarket goodies

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  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: Greenville, NC
Posted by jtilley on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 10:56 AM

There are several good sources for aftermarket blocks, deadeyes, and other fittings.  Lots of modelers like the wood ones available through Model Expo, but my personal favorites are the cast britannia metal ones from Bluejacket ( www.bluejacketinc.com ).  They have to be painted (or "blackened" with a chemical called "Pewter Black," which Bluejacket also sells), but they're far better detailed and more accurately proportioned than any of the European ones I've gotten from Model Expo.

The bad news is that Bluejacket raised the prices of its fittings a couple of weeks ago.  The good news is that a Santa Maria doesn't need many of them.

It's awfully difficult to suggest what types, sizes, and numbers of fittings you need.  Part of the problem is that we know so little about ships of the fifteenth century.  Some authorities think the Santa Maria's shrouds were set up with deadeyes; others think simple block-and-tackle arrangements would be more appropriate for the period.  (I'd vote for the deadeyes; they show up in quite a few contemporary paintings and drawings.)

The second question is how much you want to modify the kit.  I haven't looked at the Heller Santa Maria for many years, but I imagine it contains some representations of blocks and deadeyes.  Many plastic sailing ship kits represent deadeyes by molding them integrally with the lanyards (the ropes that connect the pairs of deadeyes together).  One of the most effective ways to improve a large-scale model like this is to replace those moldings with "real" deadeyes and lanyards.  You can count the ones in the kit and order Bluejacket "Old Style" deadeyes - half "upper" and half "lower."  I suspect at least two sizes would be appropriate - one for the fore and main lower deadeyes, one for the mizzen and main topmast deadeyes.  The two smallest sizes Bluejacket offers would be about right.

To figure out how many blocks you need, and of what sizes, you really have to have a rigging diagram.  My guess is that whatever came with the Heller kit is useless.  (Those Heller designers were wonderful artisans, but experience makes it pretty clear that they had no understanding of how a ship's rigging works.)  My suggestion is to sketch out a rigging diagram yourself, using any of those books that I recommended earlier as your starting point.  You'll quickly figure out, I think which lines are particularly important and which ones can reasonably be omitted.  You'll probably want to include all, or nearly all, of the standing rigging (the lines that support the masts).  Some of the more intricate running rigging (the lines that control moving components, including yards and sails) can be omitted on a model.  When you've got your diagram in hand you can make an inventory of the blocks you'll need, and send in your order.

You may want to order a small stockpile of blocks in advance.  I suspect if you order the following you won't be wasting your money:

2 dozen single rope-stropped blocks, 3/32" 

2 dozen single rope-stropped blocks, 1'8" 

1 dozen double rope-stropped blocks, 3/32" 

1 dozen double rope-stropped blocks, 1/8"

That probably won't be enough to rig the whole model, but it'll get you started.

If you do use Bluejacket blocks, you'll need a couple of tools:  a pin vise with a set of #60 to #80 drill bits (for reaming out the holes) and a small file with at least one sharp edge (for cleaning out and fully defining the grooves).  Be warned:  the flash and general crud on those 3/32" single blocks takes some time to clean off - and they're mighty small.  You'll probably get pretty frustrated filing out the grooves on the first few.  Your fingers, however, will follow the usual learning curve (ship modeling has lots of short but steep learning curves).  My little model of the frigate Hancock required several hundred of those 3/32" single blocks, and I survived.  And the result, in my opinion, was worth the effort.

This is a good project for getting acquainted with ship model rigging.  Good luck. 

Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 9:57 AM
No offense taken Robert!

I didn't know what part of Taiwan you live, and all the English named stores were located in Taipei. I'm very surprised that it is so difficult to buy a simple thing like thread. I'm lucky that my wife sews, so I just steal, I mean borrow, some from her.

Bill

So long folks!

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 9:47 AM

Bgrigg,

Thanks for the quick help. However, that won't really work. It would take about 2 hours for me to get to Taipei. Than find the stores, Then get them to understand what I really need. It is easier to it online. I have tried the large stores, craft stores and fabric stores. I just get a funny look from them, a suggestion on a bolt of sewing thread and that is all.

I may be in luck as a friend is a teacher of a thread manufacturer. This however could take forever as my friend tends to forget these things. Even when I call him while in class.

But again, thanks for the assistance. I was just search in the tips section and saw a thread. 1 guy was asking for help on where o get some plans. A modeler replied and got a nasty reply back as "look at line 4 mid of paragraph. I have already done that." I definitely don't want to be like that guy, so when I say I have tried places as you mentioned, I just mean that. Thanks.

Robert

 

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 9:19 AM
Robert,

Given all the clothing I've bought that is made in Taiwan, you must be able to buy thread. Look for a fabric store. They will sell thread. Also some of the larger department stores as well. I don't read Chinese so I can only suggest the stores that have English names:

Momma Bear's Crafts Material Wholesale D.I.Y. Store
51, YenPing N. Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei


Mary & John Fabric Store
75, MingLe Street, Taipei

Are just two examples. Good luck!



So long folks!

  • Member since
    November 2005
aftermarket goodies
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 9:02 AM

Hello all,

Here's a good one. Went to my LHS. I needed to buy thread for rigging. I want some black and tan thread in various diameters. When I mentioned this to him, he jsut pointed to some thread on his shirt and said I could go to a sewing shop to buy thread. What's that. But since I am in Taiwan, What can I expect. He did carry other things such as Evergreen plastic, tools some PE etc.

I have been to all the Hobby shops, craft stores etc to find thread. No go. So I must order from the on-line. Since I am currently building the Pamir and Santa Maria. It will still be a while before I get to rigging the Pamir so now I am only thinking of the Santa Maria and later the Nina and Pinta by Heller at 1:75 scale.

The thread to order is no problem, but now I want to know what else to order. I am planning on buying blocks, etc. What types will I need? How about other rigging parts?

I have several books on thier way about modeling and have just order Anatomy of a Ship: Columbus's ships. but I would like to order the above items prior to this so that I can again get going on the Santa Maria.

Thank you for your suggestions,

Robert

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