Brian Clark's -  Susan Constant - 1/24 scale

 
Hi Martin,
Just a line with a few photographs, of the No. 2 ... Model I have just started - H.M.S. Killingworth - 1/24 scale. ( You can see H.M.S. Killingworth in scale here)

After ironing out problems of control & operating " H.M.S. Killingworth " I wanted to build a true plank on frame model in same scale ... 1/24th. But make the mechanics simpler yet as positive for lake sailing.

The Model Ship chosen was called " Susan Constant " A merchantman of 1505. Its the historical ship that took the colonists to start " Jamestown " in America 1507.

Using Hi-Tech servo winches with home made toothed belt drums, These will power the large pulley's
that drive shafts mounted ( inside ) the masts ... (The toothed belts & drums plundered from model Helicopter tail rotor drives ). The Idea is to sort out & build all accessories and complicated parts before hull construction ...

When building the Hull one cannot get moved in a small shed. The drawings and templates were cut first, For checking installation & travel of working parts ! ............To be continued.

.......................Regards Brian
 

With me just starting the second sailing model "Susan Constant " I thought there might be some interest in the book that gave me the Drawings - Plans - Information for the build. All you require if looking for a new modelling subject ! The copy goes into great detail of the ships History - Layout - Fittings & Guns.

I have now bench tested the winches, Running the large pulleys at a scale speed. Turning the yards via shafts inside the masts. They are very powerful ... The aluminium frames, Will have large holes drilled in later for less weight.

Piranha Pine Masts - Bowsprit & most of the yards are quartered in section, Then laminated together. This overcomes the tendency to bend out of true, a suggestion given to me by a friend builder, Mike Taylor when starting " Killingworth "


 

  PART 2   

Hi Martin, I have now completed the Six off Sails, Fitted with the Bolt Ropes & Cringles. The Bolt ropes do give the sails a nice curve when hung. Masts are finished with 50% Satin Poly Varnish, Then sanded with wire wool to get rid of the shine.  Then black rope bands fitted. Finally a matt white paint band round the Tops. Mast footings are now fitted to the Servo Plates with the large drive wheel turning the yard. When driving the yard it works in a nice slow & smooth scale speed.

 The mast is bolted onto two pillars fixed to the Servo frame  and held fast ! ... The large wheel rotates under the top frame, driving a crank arm that goes into bearings up and inside mast. Coming out with a short arm to carry the yard ... The mast does not rotate. The Idea is to conseal all the mechanics ... But have a simple & positive control. The Idea has been done many times before, but the drive shaft was outside & in front of the mast.

Next ... Thinking about making Jigs for three sizes of Blocks & two sizes of dead eyes !
 

 
  PART 3   

Hi Martin , Just a line to let you know how far on I am with the building of "Susan".


As you know she was going to be rather large to build so I kept the hull construction till last .This let me complete the masts - sails & fittings first ! With plenty room in the 12' by 8' work shop. The Timber Supplier for the Hull was my friend Steve Pickering of Dumfries, Who is also marketing Chylds Hall Model Shipyard. The timbers ... Pitch pine for the keel - Tulip wood for the frames.

All timber was beautifully dressed 6" by 1/2" planks cut to order ! All the cut frames & keel  are only made to test fit together ... As the building will have to stop now for approx 18 months. We are leaving the U.K. for a while to live in Phuket Thailand ... On a long visit to live with our three sons living with their families ... But on our return "Susan" will be completed!
.............. Regards Brian.



 

       See my  H.M.S. Killingworth   

P.S. ... You can give my E-mail address if anyone requests information.
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