Model Shipways "Sultana" Group Build 2006

Nice boat! I made mine but decided not to use it, a) because I thought it looked terrible and b) I wanted a clear deck.

I've almost finished doing the shrouds - well not the full ratlines, just the lines running from trestle tees to the deadeyes. Some are ok, some are not so good, but at least I;m making progress. I took your advice and ordered more of every rigging for the sake of $10. It's definitely going to be a close call - they were't overly generous.

This might sound crazy, but I have already ordered my second round with the smaller blocks and three rounds of the smaller rigging manila and black .008 size.

Donnie

 

Looks like I'm going to run out on my first reorder too. Making the ratlines uses a surprising amount of thread. This weekend I'm off to a local hobby shop to see if I can get a local source of these, rather than ordering online all the time.

I'm 90% done on my ratlines, and about to start on the booms.
Donnie, did I remember you saying you were going to construct your own display case. There's a great tutorial on MSW. I wanted to buy one but cases are so expensive.

Yes,  I built my own case last year some time. I have a table saw that I used. I need to post images of that as well. I don't really know how to describe it but to give pics of it. My wife works at a Hobby Lobby, so I was able to get the glass from her. I used the table saw to carefully cut out the grooves for the glass to slip into.

Donnie

Hello Donnie and Flippy,

You guys are doing a great job!  I've downloaded and saved your pictures and followed your progress through this project from day one and can only say I'm humbled and impressed by your skills.  I feel guilty that I haven't participated as much as you 2 but I did manage to get some things done: work on the hull - started planking (don't really know why but I'm going to eintirely plank it); built a new work area including desk; spent some time cleaning castings and painting.  But now it is again all packed away.  As you know I've been very involved with work over the past year, now I'm in the process of moving to a new house!  Everytime I get started on working the Sultana some BIG thing comes along - so far all of it for the better!  Hmmmm... maybe I'll never finish.  For now all I can do is monitor the site.

But it has been alot of fun watching your progress - both your models are looking super.  I'm not signing off, but will be out of touch for the next couple of months.  Thanks for the inspiration and pleasure of your company.

Till calm seas return.

Cmac

Hi Cmac,

glad that you posted. It is good to hear from you. I am just now finishing up the Sultana. I am now trying to mount this on a board so that this whole assembly will go inside a glass case.

I am going to post pics of the final project. I am still going to visit this Group Build becuase Fippy and you are still trying to build and I want to stay posted in case someone has a question.

Thank you very much for your compliments. This Sultana to me was more for intermediate builders. I don't know, I am still wondering - it took me 11 months and 2 weeks to complete.

Donnie

Please check back in the next few days to see my final pics. I hope to have them up soon. 

 

Hello Seamac,
It's great to hear that you are still around even if you aren't getting much building done. I proceed in fits and starts. Sometimes I work on it every night of the week, and sometimes whole weeks go by without me finding time. No hurry, I say. I'd love to see some photos of how far you have gotten, once you get back to it.

Donnie, I'm jealous that you are done. The rigging is driving me nuts :) I'll post a photo or two tonight of how far I am along. I'm really looking forward to seeing your finished photos and the case as well. Your alst set of photos showed some very nice rigging work. Well done.

Finally Done !!!

Man, this has been a journey. But, she is done - 11 months and about 3 weeks.

Here are the completed photos. I am still around checking on everyone elses progress. I am not going away in case someone needs some help.

Donnie

 

Very nice job, Donnie! That came out very well indeed. What made you decide to put the window shutters on the stern windows? I'm not sure it needed those, but otherwise I love your model!

Perhaps you can post some photos of your glass case and instructions of how you made it, if you have time?

Here's a couple of my latest photos of my shrouds and bowsprit rigging.

I'm into the home straight now! The main boom is done, as are the anchors. I have the main and fore gaff completed but not attached yet, and then it is down to the yards and final rigging! I'm getting very excited about finishing.

Fippy,

it looks like your model is going to turn out very nice indeed !  I think you should be proud of work you have done.

 

Donnie 

Well I am finally progressing with the rigging after fits and starts, sometimes going a whole week without spending time with the Sultana. Here's some more photos:


The is a closeup of the foredeck showing some of the rigging ans the anchor cables which I am rather proud of. The deadeye rigging is a little messy, and I chose not to lash cleats to the shrouds when I simply failed to do so a dozen times in a row. Maybe next time. :)


A closeup of the mounting of the mainboom to the mast. Wiring those beads was a challenge - I managed to spill them twice.


A general view of the rigging with all booms. The topsail yards look wrong because as yet they are not fastened with braces or lifts, so they are just flapping about. The booms might be at too severe an angle - I'm not sure. You can also see that I never went back to fix the topmasts that lean forward. As I think I mentioned earlier, I'm of a mind to leave some of the errors on this, my first build, so that I can look back in half a dozen ships time and see how far I have come.


Finally, a closeup of the foremast, showing the rigging of the boom. Sorry about the harsh shadows.

So... I hope to finish the braces and lifts on both topmasts tonight, and then I have the main yards and some ancilliary rigging to go and I am done! Yay!

Fippy,

I think your ship is going fine!  Building a wooden ship has some serious challenges. I personally would not become discouraged.

I like your booms main fore and aft. They look fine. The shroud cleats are "hard" to do in my opinion. I like your windlass and the way you did this.

You mentioned that your deadeyes are not tight - well, those are hard to get done as well.

Overall - this ship should really help you on the next one - this ship will help me on the next one as well. I am not an expert either.

Donnie

Donnie,
I saw your pictures in the latest issue of MSW magazine. Great job! Now everyone can appreciate your decent work.

I'm finishing over the last of my yards now. I never realised so much rigging went into them. Then its just some more backstays, vangs, bowsprit rigging and I'm done. I think I found a great prebuilt perspex case for a decent price so I need to order that.

I'm getting excited about moving on to the next model.
What are you up to Donnie?

Well, other than viewing your work, I am working on a Midwest Boothbay Lobster Boat 30" Radio Controled. I think I have about a month to do on it. It is a rather quick build. After that, I have no idea what to do. I have been following Chuck Passaro's Syren scratch build on the model ship world website   http://modelshipworld.com/phpBB2/index.php

It is a group build project in which Chuck is providing step by step instructions. It is very interesting - he has alot of talent and obvisouly alot of time and dedication.

In order to follow along, I am sure that you must join. Just go to the main forum page and about half way down on the list is USS Syren 18 gun brig
Welcome to the online practicum for Chuck Passaro's Syren project. We are OPEN to new members.

This is something perhaps you can look into - if you join, let me know.

Donnie 

As an MSW member I have indeed seen that group build. It looks interesting, as does the Triton one.

However, I have already ordered my "Lady Nelson" from Victory Models/Amati and looking forward to doing that. I hope to be starting it in a couple of weeks, though it might take longer to get here from the UK. (I saw that modelexpo was selling it but weren't expecting shipments until mid August anyway.

Did you put your Sultana in a display case? If so, can we see a photo or two?

I am sure that the Lady Nelson will be a fine build. I will get some photos of the case.

Donnie 

My Sultana is complete! I am thrilled to think I pulled off the 15 month build without losing patience. Despite some flaws I am proud of her. A good start to a new hobby I think.

Here are a couple of last photos of her. I may post some better closeups later on my build log on Model Ship World. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the folks in this forum, especially Donnie and Chuck who kept my interest level high with their own expertise and enthusiasm. I'll try and tune in here from time to time to see if there is further activity. Good luck folks with your own Sultanas. :)

Fippy,

your Sultana is very fine work indeed. I know that you are very proud of your accomplishments, just like I was when I finished mine.  Have you checked out Chucks scratch build of the SYREN on Model Ship World?  Maybe you should try scratch build with us next. You know that basically that is what the Sultana was, was a scratch build with instructions and wood already. There were not very many pieces that was done for us on that Sultana.

Well, Fippy, I hope that this is not the end, but the continuation of another project. It looks like just a few of us finished - thanks for hanging in there with me. It meant alot to have someone for the duration.

You are welcome to touch base anytime you wish - just come on over to the model ship world. 

 

Donnie

zerodb@bellsouth.net