Foamboard Sloop (New Pics)

[Furt]

This is my first ever attempt at modeling. It is a scratch built sloop based loosely on Gary Chalk's ship's boat.
 


She follows the LotHS criteria for a small ship. I intend to rig her fairly realistically, but the mast is collapsible.

As I am preparing a Barbary privateer crew she will most likely never be used by myself in play.

I will post some more pictures as she develops.

[Malamute]

For a first ever attempt, thats pretty good. Keep us posted

[twrchtrwyth]

Impressive.

[Aaron]

Very nice. A bit of balsa or card planking on the deck would dress it right up. You also might consider some trim around the gunwales to make them look a bit thicker. I'm not knocking the work done so far at all though. I really like the job on the mast and bowsprit!

[Furt]

Thanks for the encouraging words.  She is of course a work in progress - but I thought I needed to share something.

A bit of balsa or card planking on the deck would dress it right up.

I've used a single sheet of slightly corrugated cardboard on the deck and avoided using paddle pop stick planking because it would be too hard (for me anyway) to cut them to the shape of the prow. I did intend on doing something on the deck but opted for the easy out. Is there another easier method I could use?

You also might consider some trim around the gunwales to make them look a bit thicker.

I couldn't agree more. I have attempted this with a length of 3mm square balsa - but the balsa kept snapping around the prow - even after heating and soaking it. It would improve the appearance tenfold. I have considered a couple of layers of cardboard in a long thin strip - but am unsure about the appearance. Any suggestions?

I am awaiting my Eureka swivel guns before work can commence. I need to see how they can be mounted and removed easily - probably in posts set on the deck. So until then I am beginning work on a tartane.

As a side note - when the time comes, in preparation for painting, should I prime the entire ship black (including the mast etc) or only the hull? 

[Aaron]

The deck planking doesn't show up in the pic for me, probably because of the angle. I've seen it done with strips of card, plastic, or balsa and even just a sheet of balsa scored with a pencil to look like planks.It all comes down to what looks good and saves time.

I'd probably build up the gunwales with cardboard or thin plastic myself.

If you had used balsa for the decking I'd say mask it off as it looks quite good stained with thinned down brown paint or ink. I think I'd avoid priming the mast for the same reason, although masts and spars were often painted.

[Furt]

Finally some completed pictures of the sloop!

She has been christened the "HMS Sharke" by myself - but I'm sure her Royal Navy player has other suggestions.

Generally a fun model to make - must say the rigging was a challenge (read - pain in the arse), especially since I made it removable. I intended on doing ratlines but her playing area, in my opinion, is already too hampered by the existing rigging.









The only thing that may be added later is an anchor and of course her flag.

[bandit86]

Very cool!

[Arcticman]

 

That is a real beauty! The Sails really look the part and the deck is superb! I want one! 

[Sendak]

Great work in a small package!

You began extremely well and the latest results are spectacular.

Good for you, matey.

[Maksim-Smelchak]

Hi FS,

Great-looking sloop!

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.
http://6mm-minis.blogspot.com/

[Furt]

Thanks for the kind words. 

I will be posting pics of my completed Barbary Corsair's ship soon - which I was actually working on at the same time as the sloop.

[Aaron]

Amazing job! I really like the rigging. IMO it was well worth the effort.

[Malamute]

most excellent