Gun Port Patterns (Part 1 of 2)

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Pearl Casey
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Gun Port Patterns (Part 1 of 2) IMPORTANT: - For modeller's who have had no previous experience with the building of this type of vessel, please read the authors observations on 'Page 26' Authors

This was the first time this author had soaked and bent ply, so the process was very much one of 'discovery'.

1 Gun Port Patterns (Part 1 of 2) IMPORTANT: - For modeller's who have had no previous experience with the building of this type of vessel, please read the authors observations on 'Page 26' Authors Note: - This section could be described as a "fly on the wall" description of preparing and fitting the gun port patterns. This was the first time this author had soaked and bent ply, so the process was very much one of 'discovery'. Mistakes were made, and the process of correcting those mistakes are also noted; modelling is very much learning from mistakes! These guidance notes will incorporate the changes that have been made as a result of incorporating the Captain's Cabin into the model; they will be written in grey text, so the modellers who are not constructing the Captain's Cabin can skip the section. Prior to fixing the gun port patterns, this author completed several other tasks, which are detailed below: - Having obtained the original plans of H.M.S. Fly, it can be seen that there was a hatch opening below the main deck grating. According to the Royal Maritime Museum Greenwich, this would have aided air ventilation through the lower decks. This hatch was not included as part of the instructions however, this author will add one for authenticity. Whilst not really visible on the model, it will just be seen through the main hatch gratings, and the suggestion that something is below, will add realism. Rather than just sticking the deck grating to the deck, foil backing has been added Figure K1. To create the illusion that there is a hold below, the foil has been painted with a matt paint Figure K2. This author used an initial coat of Humbrol 53 and then a second coat of Humbrol MATT 74. Figure K1 - Backing foil for deck grating Figure K2 - Back of foil is painted Page 1 of 27

The foil is then glued to the reverse side of the deck grating Figure K3. Figure K3 - Foil glued to back of deck grating. The deck grating is positioned against Pt.

Do experiment to ensure the deck grating will be in the correct position.

2 The foil is then glued to the reverse side of the deck grating Figure K3. Figure K3 - Foil glued to back of deck grating. The deck grating is positioned against Pt. No 42 Main Mast Bitts/Gallows, and to ensure it is central to the deck opening a piece of deck planking is used as a spacer Figure K4. Do experiment to ensure the deck grating will be in the correct position. Figure K4 - Deck grating is positioned central to the main hatch opening When gluing the deck grating in place, only use a small amount of glue around the edge of the hatch and ensure none will come into contact with the main mast bitts, otherwise they will be difficult to remove. The deck grating is inserted into position using self closing tweezers Figure K5, and finally glued into position Figure K6. Page 2 of 27

patterns Figure K7, were glued into place Figure K8.

3 Figure K5 - Deck grating placed in position using a pair of self closing tweezers Figure K6 - Deck grating glued into position Pt. No 18 Plank termin. patterns Figure K7, were glued into place Figure K8. These had previously been shaped in "08 - Preparing the Hull, Figure G35 Plank Termin. Patterns shaped at ends". Page 3 of 27

patterns fitted The fitting of the gun port patterns appears difficult, in particular the part

4 Figure K7 - Pt. No 18 Plank termin. patterns ready to be fitted Figure K8 - Pt. No 18 Plank termin. patterns fitted The fitting of the gun port patterns appears difficult, in particular the part where they come together at the bow; this author has attempted to eliminate the potential difficulties by making a "Gun port pattern bow retainer" (GPPBR). It must be stressed that Page 4 of 27

this is only one method, and for the experienced modeller, there are probably easier ways of fixing them. Cut a part section of the ply wood that holds Pt.

Figure K9 - Section of ply that held the prow in the kit to create GPPBR Figure K10 - Section of ply fitted onto prow, and a 8 mm diameter pencil is acting as the

5 this is only one method, and for the experienced modeller, there are probably easier ways of fixing them. Cut a part section of the ply wood that holds Pt. No 33 Prow Figure K9, and fit onto the bow of the model Figure K19; note end position of gun port pattern. Figure K9 - Section of ply that held the prow in the kit to create GPPBR Figure K10 - Section of ply fitted onto prow, and a 8 mm diameter pencil is acting as the bowsprit Additional support is added for the gun port pattern at the bow Figure K11, which is made out of an odd piece of 3/8 inch flat wood. Ensure that the front bow curvature corresponds to Pt. No 29 Poop deck Figure K12 and K13. Page 5 of 27

6 Figure K11 - Supports added for the gun port patterns Figure K12 - Gun port pattern supports have the same curvature as the poop deck Page 6 of 27

Two are fixed either side of the GPPBR Figure K15, K16 and K17; it is very important that this gap is kept as tight as possible, so when

7 Figure K13 - Gun port pattern supports follow the curvature of the poop deck Side supports for the GPPBR are made from 25 mm x 2 mm strips Figure K14; this author used the wooden strips from an old IKEA 'venetian blind', which are kept as they always seem to be useful. Two are fixed either side of the GPPBR Figure K15, K16 and K17; it is very important that this gap is kept as tight as possible, so when inserting the gun port patterns they are pressed very tight against Pt. No 18 Plank termin. patterns. Figure K14 - Side supports are fitted to the GPPBR Page 7 of 27

8 Figure K15 - View of GPPBR showing two strips glued either side Figure K16 - View of GPPBR Page 8 of 27

For this reason clear sticky tape covers the parts of the GPPBR that are likely to come into contact with

9 Figure K17 - View of GPPBR and bowsprit It is important to remember that the gun port patterns will be fixed with glue, and it is essential that none comes into contact with the GPPBR. For this reason clear sticky tape covers the parts of the GPPBR that are likely to come into contact with glue, and also the end of the bowsprit Figures K18 and K19. Figure K18 - Clear sticky tape covering areas coming into contact with glue Page 9 of 27

Figure K19 - Clear sticky tape covering the bowsprit To get a feel as to how the gun port patterns will lie on the hull, especially around the crucial bow area,

The gun port patterns were measured for thickness, and an equivalent was made up using spray mount, sticking the required layers of cereal box cardboard together.

10 Figure K19 - Clear sticky tape covering the bowsprit To get a feel as to how the gun port patterns will lie on the hull, especially around the crucial bow area, and the GPPBR, cardboard patterns were made using an old cereal box. The gun port patterns were measured for thickness, and an equivalent was made up using spray mount, sticking the required layers of cereal box cardboard together. The actual gun port patterns outline were drawn on the cardboard, and the exact shapes cut out Figure K20. Two staples can be seen close to the bow, as these were added to prevent the cardboard from slipping. Figure K20 - Cardboard gun port patterns Page 10 of 27

11 The following pictures are to give a feel of how the gun port patterns will be fitted Figures K21, K22, K23, K24, and was good practice prior to fitting the ply ones. Figure K21 - Bow view showing how the GPPBR holds the patterns in position Figure K22 - Internal side view of gun port pattern Page 11 of 27

12 Figure K23 - Side view of GPPBR; importance of Figure K14 can be seen Figure K24 - Specially made clips holding gun port patterns into position Page 12 of 27

found that to first experiment with the cardboard gun port patterns

13 Figure K25 - Clip holding gun port pattern into position Figure K26 - View showing the adjustments that will need to be made to the gun deck It was found that to first experiment with the cardboard gun port patterns highlights any potential problems prior to using the actual ply patterns. Page 13 of 27

Figure K28, and it can be seen that the bulkheads are now flush with the edge of the gun deck.

14 Small bull dog clips were adapted to hold the gun port patterns into position Figure K27. Figure K27 - Small bull dog clips showing two that have been modified As a result of above, adjustments were made to the edge of the gun deck Figure K28, and it can be seen that the bulkheads are now flush with the edge of the gun deck. Figure K28 - Gun deck sanded flush with the bulkheads It was found that the sanding tool that had been made was very useful for this task Figure K29. Note that the sandpaper is fixed to the wood with double sided sticky tape. Page 14 of 27

of one gun port pattern; there is a limit to the ply available, but it was found sufficient was available for the crucial bow section Figure K31, which

15 Figure K29 - Home made sanding tool A closer fit is obtained between the gun port pattern and the edge of the gun deck Figure 30. Figure K30 - Closer fit is obtained between gun deck edge and gun port pattern A piece of redundant ply from the kit was used to cut out the front part of one gun port pattern; there is a limit to the ply available, but it was found sufficient was available for the crucial bow section Figure K31, which could be experimented with prior to working on the actual gun patterns. As can be read, experimentation is vital if this operation has not been carried out before! Page 15 of 27

A variety of methods were used to hold them in position against the bulkheads Figures K32, K33 and K34; whichever method is used, experiment

16 Figure K31 - One gun port pattern cut out from redundant ply in the kit for experimentation The gun port patterns were soaked in warm water for several hours, and then positioned on the hull. A variety of methods were used to hold them in position against the bulkheads Figures K32, K33 and K34; whichever method is used, experiment first. Whilst the above experiments may seem like 'overkill', they will help the less experienced builder become familiar with the various techniques. Figure K32 - Holding the gun port patterns in position on the hull Page 16 of 27

17 Figure K33 - Holding the gun port patterns in position on the hull Figure K34 - Holding the gun port patterns in position on the hull Page 17 of 27

of the ply Figure K36. This was rectified by fixing small pieces of wood with two sided sticky tape to act as a fulcrum, and localised the wetting of the ply with tissue paper Figure K37.

18 The wet gun port patterns were allowed to dry over two days before removing the tape and clips Figure K35. Figure K35 - Gun port patterns shaped to the contour of the hull Along the edges of the gun port patterns the clips that were used to hold it place were quite strong, and distorted the smooth contour of the ply Figure K36. This was rectified by fixing small pieces of wood with two sided sticky tape to act as a fulcrum, and localised the wetting of the ply with tissue paper Figure K37. When the dry tissue had been put over the area to reshape, water from a syringe Figure K38 was applied to the tissue. Several hours were allowed for the ply to achieve the correct shape and then it was dried with a hair dryer on low heat. Figure K36 - Section of gun port pattern to be reshaped Page 18 of 27

Figure K37 - Medium bull dog clip and wet tissues paper Figure K38 - Cooking syringe used to wet tissue Fibre optic cables will need to be fed from the

To create continuity, the inner hull was extended between bulkheads 8 to 11 Figure K40 and Figure K41; (please refer to 05 - Hull Modifications - Stern Section,

19 Figure K37 - Medium bull dog clip and wet tissues paper Figure K38 - Cooking syringe used to wet tissue Fibre optic cables will need to be fed from the Captain's Cabin to the base of the hull; these will be fed between the side of the cabin (inner hull) and the gun port pattern. To create continuity, the inner hull was extended between bulkheads 8 to 11 Figure K40 and Figure K41; (please refer to 05 - Hull Modifications - Stern Section, Figure D52). Make sure that the planks between bulkheads 8 to 12 are all in line with the modified stern section Figure K39. Note: - An additional 3 metres of 1 x 4 mm Walnut was purchased. Page 19 of 27

20 Figure K39 - Planks between bulkhead 8 to 12 are all in line with modified stern section Figure K40 - Fibre optic cables will be fed between gun port pattern and cabin wall Page 20 of 27

8; clear sticky tape is placed around the end of the deck beam to prevent it from being stuck to the inner

21 Figure K41 - Inner hull completed between bulkheads 8 and 12 Special mention should be made for Pt. No 38 Deck beam for Bulkhead No. 8; clear sticky tape is placed around the end of the deck beam to prevent it from being stuck to the inner hull planks Figure K42. When the planking has been completed the deck beam can be easily removed Figure K43. Figure K42 - Clear sticky tape put around the end of the deck beam Page 21 of 27

detail in 14 - Gun Port Patterns (Part 2 of 2).

22 Figure K43 - Top of bulkhead number 8 The inner hull and the modified stern section were given several coats of flat matt varnish. This is to prevent the wood from splitting when the gun port holes and windows for the Captain's Cabin are cut into the wood, and will be explained in detail in 14 - Gun Port Patterns (Part 2 of 2). After the gun port patterns have been fixed, the exposed tabs of bulkheads 5, 6 and 7 will need to be removed prior to finishing the deck planking. These tabs are part cut before fitting the gun port patterns Figure K44. Figure K44 - Tabs on bulkheads 5, 6 and 7 are partially cut Page 22 of 27

Figure K45 - First gun port pattern being glue into position After the glued had been given

23 Only one gun port pattern was glued Figure K45, and when the adhesive had dried the second one was then fixed into position. Figure K45 - First gun port pattern being glue into position After the glued had been given sufficient time to dry, the clips removed from the second gun port pattern, Figures K46 and K47. Figure K46 - Both gun port patterns glued into position Page 23 of 27

Figure K47 - Both gun port patterns glued into position There was

rectified by applying a dry tissue along the gun port patterns, backed by a

24 Figure K47 - Both gun port patterns glued into position There was approximately a 2 mm gap between the gun port pattern and bulkhead tabs 5, 6 and 7 Figure K48. Figure K48 - Gap between bulkhead tans and gun port pattern This was rectified by applying a dry tissue along the gun port patterns, backed by a flat piece of timber and then the gun port patterns and tabs were clamped together Figure K49 and K50. Figure K49 - Dry tissue and backing timber Page 24 of 27

Figure K50 - Dry tissue is clamped onto gun port pattern and bulkhead tabs Using the cooking syringe, water was then applied to the dry tissue, just sufficient so all the tissue was wet.

When the moisture was seen on the inner sides of the gun port patterns the tissues were removed, but the clamps were again replaced.

25 Figure K50 - Dry tissue is clamped onto gun port pattern and bulkhead tabs Using the cooking syringe, water was then applied to the dry tissue, just sufficient so all the tissue was wet. This was done on the other side and the water allowed to soak into the gun port patterns; it may be necessary to add more water to the tissue. When the moisture was seen on the inner sides of the gun port patterns the tissues were removed, but the clamps were again replaced. This author used a hair drier on low heat to dry the gun ports patterns so the moisture did not weaken the wood glue used on the gun port patterns. When completed, the gap between the gun port patterns and the bulkhead tabs should be minimal Figure K51. Figure K51 - Gap gun port pattern and bulkhead tabs are minimal Page 25 of 27

Authors observations: - This part of the build is an important step in the process of this model, and unless one has had previous experience there are many things to go wrong.

The GPPBR was very effective however, a disadvantage is that the gun port pattern bow butt could not be seen; this resulted in a 1 mm gap on the port side and 0.

26 Authors observations: - This part of the build is an important step in the process of this model, and unless one has had previous experience there are many things to go wrong. Whilst the author is 90% happy with the end result, there is room for improvements with the techniques used. It is hoped these comments will be useful, but as always they are only from this author. The GPPBR was very effective however, a disadvantage is that the gun port pattern bow butt could not be seen; this resulted in a 1 mm gap on the port side and 0.75 mm gap on the starboard side at the bottom of the butt Figure K52 and K53; the top of the butt is touching, which was considered important. Figure K52 - Gun port pattern on starboard side Figure K53 - Gun port pattern on the port side Page 26 of 27

27 The gun port pattern butt at the bow is tapering on both sides, and would indicate that more chamfering was required on the bulkhead edges. Whilst it was considered that sufficient had been done, in retrospect it could have been more severe to the edges of bulkhead's 3 and 4. The gun port patterns should have both been level with the top of all the bulkheads, and whilst they were prior to fixing, when actually glued the starboard side was 0.5 mm proud on bulkhead tabs 5, 6, and 7 Figure K54. Again in retrospect, 3 or 4 locating pins would have been temporarily fitted either side, to ensure that when the gun port pattern's were being glued in place there would not be the worry of having to ensure that the positioning was correct. Figure K54 - Gun port pattern is 0.5 mm proud on bulkheads 5, 6 and 7. Whilst this is very annoying, it is believed this inaccuracy can be disguised during the build. The main point would be to ensure that the cannon barrels are positioned so there is the same vertical gap between the barrel and the top of the gun port. Lloyd Matthews October 2013 Page 27 of 27

Capstan. The author stresses that this is only one interpretation of assembling the capstan, and should be used as a guide only.

Capstan. The author stresses that this is only one interpretation of assembling the capstan, and should be used as a guide only. Capstan The author stresses that this is only one interpretation of assembling the capstan, and should be used as a guide only. The parts for the capstan are identified, and removed from the 1.5mm Walnut