Uss Columbus 1819

[JIM BAUMANN]

Good and quite rapid work !

what are the mast-bands made off?
and ........how did you spring them in?

( I am interested as I am planning a build of a 130 gun sail/steamer... albeit in my usual small scale...

Regards

Jim Baumann

[carr]

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[threebs]

The mast bands are fly fish lure making tinsel. It comes in various widths. I warp it around the mast until i get the thickness I need. Use superglue sparingly to hold the warps together. I have since the photos were taken added the rubbing paunches. I have yet to put battens on the mast tops doubling squared section since they need to be done after the top platforms are on or the tops will be lose sliding over the battens to rest on the bibs.

I did flare the hounds slightly. From what I have read, it looks like the slight flare was used on some of the earlier American ships of war but not all. I do not think the Constitution has flared hounds. I honestly think some ship builders copied British designs more closely than others?

[threebs]

Working on upper masts, tops and cross trees photos show work in progress NOTHING is completely done yet, soon though!

[carr]

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[threebs]

The topgallant/royal masts are one piece, so, I only have one section clamped in at a time, while the other half juts out the chuck end through a 1/2 inch hole in the housing. Only 8 inches or less are worked on at a time so the bending is minimal. Plus, these dowels are hickory. I like hickory for masts and yards for the very reason you ask. They bow very little so I can press down pretty good with my 8 inch file. Hickory does not carve very well with standard carving gouges against the grain so I have to be careful which side I press the gouges against.
But, most of the shaping is with files and sand paper, I only rough it in with gouges.

[JIM BAUMANN]

....diligent work with great tenacity to achieve high quality

The tops look wonderful! ##

most laudable

JIM B

[threebs]

I am allllmost done with all the mast sections, tops, caps, and cross trees. A little more paint and I will be posting the results. However, before I get to much further, I need to put in the hammock "netting". In the 1830's the hammock storage area on the spar deck wale cap was covered over with vertical slats. I cannot be certain, but, I think it is probable that the Columbus was done this way as an "upgrade" at one point. Peace time "decoration" to make the ship more "tidy" was not uncommon.
Soooo, I have posted a photo or her bow with an arrow pointing to where I believe the Hammock netting stopped at the bow. There is a break at the ships' side stairs, and it ends at the raised poop deck rail. Any one disagree with that?

[carr]

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[carr]

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[threebs]

Except for one area under a cross tree, the masts are done. Working on last two bow sprits. And etching planks on hammock surround. Wish I could drag and drop photos like the other modeling site I am on allows.

[threebs]

a few more.

[carr]

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[threebs]

I could put small swivel guns in the tops, but, are the guns a permanent fixture or are they only clamped to the rails when the call to action is made? I suspect the later. Even so, making a few swivel guns would not be to hard, and as you say, would be way cool. I beleive the US switched to Iron sanctions wooden rails in the early 1830's.

I have started to spin rope for the shrouds now, too. Serving it where appropriate.

[carr]

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[JIM BAUMANN]

.....that is a very powerful and lofty looking Rig!

she must have carried some ballast!

beautiful platforms and tops

Jim B

[threebs]

wife's parents are moving in with us, been busy preparing rooms for them, so not much getting done on ship until they are settled in. yeah, I know the ladder rung on top is crooked, I'll fix it soon. I get along great with them, so, no need to send condolences, lol!

here is what I have done so far though, will be seating masts and remaining two bow sprit sections next. Also I am making rope for the shrouds.

[threebs]

I have some photos to share. The Catharpins are a beach to rig.

[harristotle]

Your work is beyond stunning, beautiful job!

[threebs]

Thank you for your kind comments. I do not get many comments, kind or otherwise, lol, and they kind ones motivate me when I start to slack off, so thanks again!