The Fully Framed Model: HMN Swan Class Sloops 1767-1780 Vol III by SeaWatch Books

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS 1777 Volume III

Greg Herbert

Greg is a small animal veterinarian who practices in Baltimore, Maryland, where he lives with Susi, his wife of thirty-three years. He can be found in his workshop most evenings with Callie, his faithful Golden Retriever, asleep at his feet and covered in a thin layer of sawdust.

19 Sea Watch Place, Florence, OR 97439 USA Phone (541) 997-4439 • Fax (541) 997-1282 E-mail: seawatchbooks@gmail.com • Web: www.seawatchbooks.com

VOLUME III

found he preferred to make his models from

GREG HERBERT started to build ship models in his teens but, like so many others, left the hobby when career, family and children took precedence. In his forties he rediscovered the hobby and

scratch rather than build from kits. Greg's ultimate goal was to build a model in the style of the beautiful contemporary Navy Board models he had seen during his many visits to the Naval Academy Museum years before. A chance meeting with renowned ship modeler David Antscherl at a nautical conference led to a friendship and mentoring that ultimately resulted in the realization of his dream. Together they have collaborated on

GREG HERBERT

SEAWATCHBOOKS LLC

The Fully Framed Model, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS 1777

The Fully Framed Model, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS 1777 VOLUME III

the Swan class practicum which introduced numerous others to the joys of scratch building, and have held workshops in the United States and Canada to further improve the ship modeling

SEAWATCHBOOKS LLC

Greg Herbert

skills of others. (Continued on back flap)

The Fully Framed Model Building the Swan class Sloop Pegasus 1777 VOLUME THREE by Greg Herbert, DVM

SeaWatchBooks LLC

The Fully Framed Model Building the Swan class Sloop Pegasus, 1777 VOLUME THREE by Greg Herbert, DVM

PUBLISHED BY SEAWATCHBOOKS LLC

To Susi, my wife, who has always recognized the peace and joy I derive from hobbies, and without whose love and support this book would never have been written.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publishers.

Published and distributed by SeaWatch Books LLC

2040 Milburn Ave., Suite 102 #109 Maplewood, NJ 07040 Web: www.seawatchbooks.com Email: info@seawatchbooks.com Tel: 201 292 4262 ISBN 978-0-9820579-4-0

Manufactured in The United States of America

CONTENTS

Forward by David Antscherl Acknowledgements and thanks Introduction

9 11 13

CHAPTER ONE Building board Keel Boxing joint False keel Lower stem Upper stem Lower apron (false stem) Upper apron Fore deadwood Finishing the stem and apron Stern deadwood and knee Stern post and inner post Mortising the inner post Rabbet Wing transom Completing the building board Keel bolts Filling transoms Metal fittings of the keel

15 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 24 24 25 27 31 31 36 37 39 39 41 43

CHAPTER TWO Aft fashion piece Fillers below transoms Aftermost cant frame Scarphed futtock joints Aft cants Bollard timbers and knightheads Foremost fore cant frame Hawse pieces Hawse holes Filler piece Fore cant frames Progressive fairing Aft cant frames Side counter timbers Finishing the aft side framing

45 45 45 46 47 48 49 50 50 51 52 55 56 57 58 60

CHAPTER THREE Knee of the head Square body frame construction Aft floors and chocks Shifted toptimber construction Chocked joints Cast toptimber construction Fixed double block Sills Installing the square body frames Spacer blocks Fully framed hull

61 61 62 63 64 64 66 67 68 69 70 71

CHAPTER FOUR Keelson Stemson Ribbands and harpins Limber strakes Inner planking Lower deck clamp Remaining clamps, string in the waist Main mast step Foremast step Breast hooks and crutch of mizzen mast Transom knees

73 73 73 74 75 77 79 81 82 83 84 85

CHAPTER FIVE Barrels Aft platform Lower deck beams Well and shot locker Fore platforms Palleting beams and carlings Magazine lantern and bulkheads Cartridge racks Magazine passageways and doors Fore platform bulkheads

85 86 87 88 89 91 91 92 93 94 96

CHAPTER SIX Lower deck hook and ekeing Lower deck beams, continued Lower deck beam arms Iron lodging knees Fore mast partners Hatch coamings (lower deck) Gratings

97 97 98 98 98 99 101 102

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Riding bitts Main topsail sheet bitt pins Main jeer bitts Chain pump tubes Pump intake chambers Upper well Lower deck cabin bulkheads Cabin bedplaces Stowed sails Sail locker

103 104 105 106 106 108 109 111 111 111

CHAPTER SEVEN Quarter deck transom Counter timbers Helm port Wales Top and butt planking Rudder Rudderhead hoops and straps

113 113 114 116 117 118 121 122

CHAPTER EIGHT Lower deck breast hook Upper deck hook, ekeing and deck beams Upper deck beam arms Crossed lodging knee Hanging and lodging knees Framing the upper deck Main mast partners Fore, mizzen mast partners Bowsprit step Port inner planking Hawse holes finishing Bolsters, manger Riding bitt standards, bitt crosspiece Upper deck bulkhead construction Galley stove Galley cowl Cisterns Pump sprocket wheels and chains Pump dales

123 123 123 124 125 126 126 127 128 128 129 130 130 131 132 133 136 137 138 141

CHAPTER NINE Capstan barrel Lower capstan whelps and chocks Trundle head and drum head Upper and lower capstan assembly Aft cabin bulkheads Rudder head trunk Framing for the cabin lights Internal counter planking, locker Stern light frames

143 143 144 145 147 148 149 151 151 152

CHAPTER TEN Moldings Forecastle half hooks Forecastle deck beams Forecastle framing Forecastle coamings, cowl base Belfry Forecastle breastwork Quarter deck beams Rudderhead framing Curved hanging knee Quarter deck transom knee Quarter deck framing Companion top Steering Wheel Tiller Quarter deck capstan partners Upper capstan Ladderway railings Quarter deck breastwork

153 153 154 154 155 156 158 158 159 159 160 161 161 162 163 166 166 166 167 168

CHAPTER ELEVEN Fixed gangways Planksheer in the waist Gangboards Breast hook over the bowsprit Forecastle planksheer Figurehead

169 169 170 171 171 172 173

CHAPTER TWELVE Fixed gangway newel post & railing Entry steps Timberheads Rudderhead cover Tafferel Necking Pilasters Arched coves Quarter rail iron stanchion Quarter rail Stern lantern

175 175 177 178 180 183 183 184 185 185 186 187

SOURCES

191

BIBLIOGRAPHY

192

PEGASUS DISPLAY

193

APPENDIXES

202

Foreword to Volume III

t is a privilege and pleasure to be asked to write this foreword to this, the third volume on building fully framed ship models. The plot was set in motion in the Fall of 2000 by a chance meeting

between Greg Herbert and myself in a Newport News hotel elevator. Greg was carrying his model of Druid up to his room, and we struck up a conversation. Neither of us realised at the time that this would lead to not only a lasting friendship but also to a beautiful framed model of Pegasus, a small Internet business and, now, a third volume on eighteenth century ship models.

In this book you will see a step-by-step photographic essay on the construction of Pegasus, one of the Swan class of ship-rigged sloops of 1767-1780. Greg Herbert and I have corresponded on an almost daily basis for the past eight years while he has been building this fine model. Greg has recounted the development of the writing project in his foreword to Volume I. Now, in 2009, his model is complete, and it is time for him to show and tell the balance of this story.

Greg has been, in a sense, the guinea pig for the writing of the first two volumes. It was he who asked the questions, sought clarification and discussed problem-solving ideas with me throughout the years of work involved in the building of Pegasus. You will see for yourself how, with only two previous models to his credit, Greg struggled with, and succeeded in building, one of the finest modern fully framed ship models. His determination and development of his skills will, I hope, be an inspiration and encouragement to others to also attempt what at first seems almost impossible: build a ship piece by piece in miniature in the same way as the old-time shipwrights did.

It would be chary of me not to also acknowledge the patience and encouragement of Bob Friedman in prodding us towards publication of this third volume. Greg’s photographic skills

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

should also be acknowledged and enjoyed. Thank you, Greg, for keeping me honest in the first two books and for suggesting various other projects. Now it’s my turn to lean on you. Last, but not least, grateful thanks also to our families for their indulgence towards us with our strange obsession!

David Antscherl

Acknowledgements To David Antscherl, my mentor, partner in the Swan series, business associate and most importantly, my good friend. A chance meeting at a nautical conference almost a decade ago started a friendship that ultimately resulted in the publication of this book. David’s craftsmanship, artistic ability and teaching excellence have made him a truly great mentor, and I have hopefully passed on some of these skills to other modelers. To Norm, my father, for instilling in me a love of hobbies at a very early age. He is also a veterinarian and I learned, growing up, the value of hobbies in relieving the everyday stress of our profession. To Rita, my late mother, for introducing me to ship modeling at the tender age of five. Having never built a model before, she purchased and constructed Revell’s Cutty Sark. It’s one of my earliest memories, and the model was part of my bedroom décor for as long as I can remember. To Grant Walker, Naval Historian at the United States Naval Academy, for allowing me to study and photograph Model no. 43, of the Swan class, as well as sharing his extensive knowledge of the use of sloops of war in the Royal Navy. To Jeremy Michell, of the National Maritime Museum, who assisted in the procurement of Swan class plans for our practicum. To Bob Friedman, of SeaWatch Books, for his support and encouragement in the writing of this book. To Cathy DuPont, for editing the work of this first-time author. To Janice Pfeiffer, for turning my jumbled draft into a beautiful book. To Harold Hahn, renowned modeler, whose unique “upside-down” framing system opened the door for many a fledgling scratch modeler. And to my sons Corey and Jarod. It couldn’t have been easy growing up with a dad who built ship models, collected stamps and loved butterflies. To their credit they never seemed to be embarrassed of their Dad when friends came over and some of them even thought the models were cool.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Introduction In the course of building my Swan class ship model Pegasus I documented virtually every step of construction with photographs. I had originally intended the photos to be included in the first two volumes of The Fully Framed Ship Model by David Antscherl. Unfortunately only a fraction of them were included in his books. The primary reason for this was simply that David wrote a lot faster than I could build! Also, lack of space in the books made it impractical to include more than a few photographs per chapter. Now, almost seven years after I laid the keel, the project is finally completed and over 1000 photographs have been taken. Interest in the Swan class has been extraordinary and many other builders have expressed an interest in viewing more photographs of my model during its construction. For this reason we felt a third volume of this series would be welcomed. I started Pegasus in 2002 after David drafted the plans for me. I had originally intended to build a model in the fashion of Harold Hahn who had made plank on frame modeling a possibility for virtually any ship modeler with his innovative upside-down method of construction. But to my amusement (and horror) David had other plans for me. He convinced me not only could I build a ship model upright but I would do it following contemporary framing practices. He had lofted each frame with chocks, scarphs, and diminishing futtocks. Some of the top timbers were shifted or cast to mirror real ship building practice. With this knowledge I decided that my Swan class model would be left in frame with a minimum of exterior planking. After going through all the trouble of building a fully framed ship model, I had no intention of obscuring those details. Thus my “finished” model has been left in frame and is displayed on the building slip in a quasi-diorama. I have added many more interior details than I had originally intended, but only because David illustrated them in such exquisite detail that I felt obliged to model them. Therefore the model as displayed includes some details that would have been added later during construction of the actual ship. Call it artistic license. I have arranged this book into twelve chapters to mirror the organization of Volumes I and II of The Fully Framed Ship Model. Readers may easily refer back to David’s text after viewing the photographs. The chapters are not all equal in size for reasons stated above. Building a fully framed ship model has not been well described in available books on ship modeling so I have devoted particular attention to the earliest chapters. Thus one will find that the first volume of David’s book is well represented in photographs while the later chapters in Volume II (covering many details of the external hull) have far less coverage. I make no apologies for this. The beauty of a project such as this is that each Swan class modeler may offer his or her own unique interpretation of David’s books. After seven years, I am well satisfied that I have achieved my goal of constructing a fully framed ship model reflecting actual practice. All measurements given in the text are full size. I found that thinking in actual dimensions helps one better visualize the relationships of the individual scantlings to each other. I use an architect’s scale ruler, available at any art or office supply store, when marking out timbers or

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

taking measurements off the plans. It is imperative that every frame is in its correct location on the keel and that it is properly oriented to the building board. My first effort at framing was sabotaged by cumulative errors and, after the first year of construction, I decide to scrap the model and start anew. The decision was not made lightly, but I realized that, like a house, a bad foundation will cause major problems down the road. For the most part I have followed David’s instructions very carefully. While he is not dogmatic in his approach, his “suggestions” are based on decades of ship modeling experience, I assume he has made his own errors in the past, and he has refined his techniques to the point where they guarantee the best chance of success. Sometimes I used other methods that made more sense to me, but more often than not, I had to grudgingly redo the items his way. One area where we differ significantly in modeling technique is with regards to power tools. I never met a power tool that I didn’t like and use them frequently. In fact David and I once had a “chockoff ” where we simultaneously produced a chocked joint. He employed his trusty, well honed chisel while I machined my chock on the Sherline mill. I can’t remember who finished first, but it’s my recollection that I won the contest. I suspect that his recollection is somewhat different from mine.

Pegasus was built at Chatham Dockyard by Master Shipwright George White. Her keel was laid in January, 1776, and she was launched September 14, 1776. She was built at a cost of £8,688.4d (including fitting out). She was commissioned in December, 1776, under Commander John Hamilton Gore and sailed for Newfoundland on April 3, 1777. She was lost with all hands (presumed foundered) in a storm of Newfoundland in October, 1777.1

1. Winfield, Rif, "British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714-1792", (Minnesota: Seaforth Publishing, 2007).

CHAPTER

ONE

The completed building board has been covered with two coats of flat white paint. The centerline has been scribed, fore and aft perpendiculars drawn in and holes drilled for the keel securing bolts. The two vertical support legs (underneath) are attached with drywall screws (1.11).

A copy of the half-breadth plan is secured to the building board making sure the perpendiculars are aligned. The station lines and cant positions are scribed onto the building board with a utility knife blade. Also included are the half-breadth and toptimber lines.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The vertical keel scarphs have been cut and glued together. Black photographers’ paper is used to represent a tarred joint. A simple halving joint is used as it will be hidden (1.13).

Six keel bolts have been placed through the side of the keel. Note that they are placed low enough to avoid running into the rabbet of the keel (1.14).

All the various components of the keel are laid out including the four main pieces with their vertical scarph joints. The five pieces of the false keel with their Harris cut joints are grouped below. These diagonal joints will also be lined with photographers’ paper to represent “tarred flannel” (1.16).

CHAPTER ONE

The boxing joint has been cut and “tarred”. A simplified halving joint has been used (1.15). The bulk of the material was removed using the Sherline mill and the edges cleaned up with a chisel.

The false keel has been fitted to the bottom of the keel. The Harris cut joints are tarred and offset from the keel scarphs. The false keel is glued and pinned to the keel (1.16).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The lower stem is fitted to the boxing joint of the keel. It is cut from 12" stock. Once the joint is a snug fit, the pattern for the rest of the piece is transferred to the stock (1.17).

After the pattern is applied to the lower stem with rubber cement, the upper and lower surfaces are trimmed to their final shape.

The finished lower stem is in place with the upper scarph joint ready to accept the upper stem. The lower stem/boxing joint is not glued yet. This is best done after the upper stem has been fitted. This joint will be “tarred” with photographers’ paper as are all joints under water.

The upper scarph is cut into the lower stem. A mill was used to make to make most of the scarph joints on the model, but a chisel works equally well.

CHAPTER ONE

The scarph of the upper stem is milled. The upper stem is 14" wide at the top and will fay into the lower stem which is 12" (1.18).

The upper stem is shaped and its scarph fitted into that of the lower stem. Note the 2" overlap in thickness between the two pieces at the scarph joint.

The two pieces are glued together after lining with “tarred” paper. Five .021" diameter holes are drilled and bolted with trennels of split bamboo drawn to proper size with a drawplate. The 2" difference in width between the pieces is well shown in this photograph.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The upper end of the stem is trimmed to the correct angle. The upper and lower stem assembly is then glued to the boxing joint of the keel. A machinists square is used to ensure that the stem-head assembly sits at the correct angle to the baseboard and is exactly on the centerline. (1.18)

The lower apron (or false stem) is first shaped to fit the keel and lower stem. At 18" it is much wider than the other pieces, but this extra thickness will be necessary to form the stepping line. A precise fit is important here. The assembly is laid on a light box. Light shining through indicates a low spot. The high spots are gently sanded until no light leaks through (1.20).

CHAPTER ONE

After cutting the upper and lower scarphs, the pattern for the stepping line is rubber cemented to the piece. The centerline is carefully marked (1.20).

The piece is positioned in the mill with the stepping line parallel to the axis of the mill jaws. This will remove the bulk of the 3" above the stepping line.

The stepping line is milled using a .060" bit, removing 3" from each side. The corners will be squared up with a chisel after the milling is completed.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The stepping line as viewed from above. The three inch stepping line is clearly marked. The material forward of the stepping line has yet to be removed (1.19).

The lower apron’s finished shape above the stepping line is completed. The widest dimension is 18" at the top of the stepping line. The central portion is 12" after removal of 3" from each side. The amount of wood below the stepping line diminishes to less than 1" aft of the scarph joint.

The lower apron is temporarily in place on the keel. While the area above the stepping line is completed, the area below still needs final shaping.

CHAPTER ONE

The lower apron (as viewed from underneath) is in the process of final shaping. The material is removed from the 15" steps to the sided dimensions of the keel which is 12" aft (top of photo) tapering to 10" fore (bottom of photo). This taper matches that of the keel at the bow (1.19).

The lower apron is now glued to the keel. The area under the stepping line will eventually be shaped to fay into the rabbet, but this is done after the cants are installed. Note the six bolts used to secure the lower stem to the boxing joint.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The upper apron is shaped and installed. The joint has been made more visible by mixing some burnt sienna pigment powder with yellow glue. Making this joint more visible aids in cutting the rabbet later on (1.20).

The final piece of this assembly is the fore deadwood. The lower edge is carefully fitted to the apron using the light box to check for gaps. An oscillating spindle sander helps refine the sweeping curves (1.21).

CHAPTER ONE

The various pieces of the stem/apron assembly are now sanded to their final shape using a combination of shaping blocks (sandpaper rubber cemented to a curved surface) and utility knife blades (1.22).

The stem and apron tapering is almost complete. The width at the top is 14" and diminishes to 10" where it joins the keel. This is most easily accomplished by affixing the pattern provided in section 1.22 of The Fully Framed Ship Model.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The completed stem/apron assembly. The tapering stem is easily appreciated by the shadow underneath. All that remains is to hollow out the seat for the bowsprit (1.22).

CHAPTER ONE

The stern deadwood consists of five carefully cut and shaped pieces. They are 16" in width. Below the lowest piece is fitted to the keel. Locator pegs of brass are used to ensure correct positioning as the assembly will be removed for shaping off the keel (1.23).

All five pieces of the stern deadwood assembly are glued together and ready for the milling of the stepping line.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

This x-ray shows the position of the brass pins used during glueup of the individual pieces. Note the three pins protruding from the bottom piece to secure the deadwood to the keel. Final trimming of the aft edge is still to be done(1.23).

The stepping pattern is rubber cemented to the assembled deadwood and the bulk of the material above the steps is removed. The width of the deadwood above the stepping line is 12". At the top of the stepping line it is 18". A scrap piece of wood is attached to the deadwood bottom to avoid splitting during the milling process.

After milling, the corners of the steps still need to be cleaned up. This is accomplished by using a well honed chisel.

CHAPTER ONE

The stern deadwood assembly is temporarily fitted to the keel. The stepping line has been completed. At this point, the material below the 15" stepping line needs to be reduced to 10" to fay into the keel rabbet.

The material below the stepping line is removed using various sanding blocks, chisels and scrapers. A hobby knife with a convex blade is very useful in shaping this area (1.23).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The bulk of the material below the stepping line has been removed, forming a concave surface that fays into the keel. More refining at the step level needs to be done once the aft cants are installed (1.23).

Above the stepping line, the stern deadwood taper of 12" fore to 10" aft at the knee is marked out. The taper is seen on the finished piece (right).

CHAPTER ONE

The sternpost is made of two pieces to better delineate the rabbet. The inner post was added to the assembly at this time, and the joints were reinforced with brass pins. All stock is 15" wide. After gluing, the concave sternpost taper was shaped with an oscillating spindle sander to the 10" finished width at the bottom (1.24).

A mortise and tenon arrangement was added at the joint of the stern/inner post assembly and aft keel. The width of the mortise is 3", leaving a scant one inch on either side after the piece is further reduced to its final 5" width where it abuts the aft deadwood .

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The assembled stern/inner post with its finished taper is ready for the next step. The mortise and tenon joint where it sits on the keel is clearly visable. Note that the keel has been left long to allow for final trimming to the sternpost (1.24).

CHAPTER ONE

The inner post is placed on the sheer plan, and the shallow scores for the transoms are marked out. Note that the top of the inner post has been shaped to accommodate the wing transom (1.25).

On the fore side of the inner post,the mortises for the four transom timbers are milled to their 11⁄2" required depth.

The mortises on each side of the inner post are then reduced in a similar fashion on the mill, and the corners cleaned up with a chisel.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The rabbet is drawn in and cut (below left). Note that the rabbet extends slightly ablove the seat for the wing transom (1.25) The rabbet has been cut (below right) but extends in error to the top of the inner post. A new piece was made to replace it

Below the stepping line, the inner post/sternpost assembly is tapered to fay into the keel (below left). The tapper mirrors that of the aft sternpost aft.The finished sternpost/inner post assembly is shown (below right). The fore edge of the inner post is only 5" wide.

CHAPTER ONE

The scores for the straps of the gudgeons have been cut using a table saw. The combined post assembly is glued into place, and the various tapers and their relationships to surrounding pieces can be appreciated. Note the changing angle of the aft portion of the rabbet (1.25).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The rabbet of the keel is carefully shaped using a V-gouge and fine files. The shape of the rabbet changes along the keel and is represented above. From left to right, the sections represent the keel at the deadwood aft, amidships and the keel at the last step of the apron. Final shaping of the rabbet of the stem (below) was delayed until the bollard and hawse timbers were installed (1.27).

CHAPTER ONE

The wing transom has a convex upper and a concave lower surface The convex top is shaped using an oscilliating spindle sander. After rubber cementing the blank to a block, the concave underside is shaped to the pattern (1.28).

After the pattern is applied to the top of the blank, the slot for the sternpost is carefully cut. The slot is refined until a snug fit against the sternpost is achieved.

The fore and aft profiles of the wing transom are cut with a bit extra left on the ends for final shaping. While the wing transom has a roundup, the ends must be square to the building board.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The bevels on the wing transom are cut. Note the 3" margin line remaining on the aft upper edge of the transom. The planking of the hull will stop here, and a strip of decorative moulding (tuck moulding) will cover the ends of the planks (1.28). Finally the wing transom is temporarily fitted on the sternpost (bottom) (1.30).

CHAPTER ONE

The building board is completed by the addition of the supporting stands. They are formed from 1⁄4" acrylic sheet cut on the Byrnes table saw. The slots are milled then later lined with felt. They are secured to the building board with nuts and bolts. The fore stand will need to be moved a bit later to accommodate the knee of the head, so the hole should be slotted (not illustrated here) (1.29).

To secure the keel to the building board, knurled nuts are epoxied to the 4-40 threaded bolts. The bolts will be cut to their final length after preparing the keel to accept them.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The various elements employed to mount the keel to the building board include a 440 tap, the corresponding drill bit, 4-40 threaded nuts with matching knurled knobs and a small end mill. The holes are first drilled in the keel and the slots milled above them (below left). The holes are then tapped to accommodate the threaded bolts (below right) 1.29).

The captive bolts are epoxied into the slots of the keel. The threaded bolts are temporarily positioned during the gluing process to ensure everything lines up properly.

CHAPTER ONE

The four filling transoms are cut from 10" stock. The patterns are drawn on the wood keeping the grain oriented to the pattern as far as possible. The lower filling transoms are cut from 2 blanks glued together with the grain oriented along the longest axis of the pattern (1.31).

The slot for the sternpost is milled, then the forward faces cut. It is crucial that the transoms line up in the same plane on the sternpost and that the forward faces are all perpendicular to the building board.

The forward face of filling transom three is checked with a machinists’ square to ensure proper orientation. Once verified, the transom is cut to shape and roughly beveled before final fitting.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Transoms 2-4 are glued in place (top photo), and their roughly beveled shapes can be appreciated. The forward faces should all be in the same plane. After the wing transom and lowest transom are added, the forward faces are sanded (bottom photo) using a homemade square with 100- grit garnet paper rubber cemented to its face. The square is carefully moved along a line scored on the building board marking the position of aft cant frame #1 (1.31).

CHAPTER ONE

The horseshoe and dovetail plates are photo etched on .010" brass sheet along with several other fittings best reproduced by this method. These reinforcements are epoxied to the hull and bolted with very small rivets. The metal fittings for the keel are not applied until the model is in its final stages (1.32).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

CHAPTER

TWO

The aft fashion pieces on Pegasus abut the underside of the fourth transom timber. These fashion pieces are cut to shape on the scroll saw with the paper patterns still attached. Note the extreme under bevel of 291⁄2° (2.1). Also depicted are the transoms and aftermost aft cant frames.

The aft fashion piece has been installed (below left). The forward overhang at the stepping line will be faired in later. The three vertical filler pieces have been roughly shaped and glued in place (below right). The aft filler pieces should fay into the stern rabbet (2.2).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The aftermost aft cant frames are scarphed and glued in place. They have been cut to the level of the lower port sill. The heel of this cant has been shaped with the same under bevel as the aft fashion piece (291⁄2°). The heel is quite proud of the 3" stepping line at this point and will be faired later. One can also appreciate the generous extra material left at the aft cant/transom junctions (below) (2.4).

CHAPTER TWO

In the building of Pegasus I chose to use scarphed futtock joints. They have the same appearance as chocked joints when viewed from the outside of the hull and are quite strong and easy to make (2.5B).

The first step in making a scarphed futtock joint (in this case aft cant #7) is to rubber cement the patterns onto the 9" stock material. Careful placing of the patterns will minimize wasted material. Rubber cement is applied as a contact cement. It is applied to the patterns and the wood, allowed to dry, and is then pressed together. The angle of the heel bevel is taken from the plan and cut on a scroll saw using the tilting table. The table is then leveled, and the rest of the futtock is cut out. All cuts are made just outside the lines. If there is even a line intrusion while cutting, each subsequent frame will similarly be affected.

A Sherline mill is used to cut all the scarphed joints. With a little practice they can be machined quite quickly and are extremely accurate. To cut an angled scarphed joint, as is the case here, the mill vice is attached to an angled base. The futtock depicted (left photo) will be cut with the angle sloping towards the back. The mating futtock will be cut exactly the opposite.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The finished pair of aft cants with heels cut at the appropriate angles and the scarphed futtock joints also angled.The pattern shows that the futtocks are cut just outside the lines and the bevels are left for later fairing.

The full set of port and straboard aft cants are finished and ready for installation.

CHAPTER TWO

The bollard timbers have been cut to shape and temporarily pinned in place. Below, the knightheads have been shaped on the mill and finished with fine jewelers files (2.7). Note that the seat for the bowsprit has been hollowed out. Also note the recessed area of the bollard timber where the upper planking will extend across to the stemhead.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The foremost fore cant frames have been installed. The 341⁄2° angled faces and 13' 0" distance at the toptimber line aft have been carefully checked, as the symmetry of the hawse timbers depends on the precise installation of these pieces (2.10). In addition the first hawse pieces are being fitted to the bollard timbers. Hawse pieces #24, roughly shaped, are lying on the building board (2.11).

The hawse pieces are temporarily tacked together by using very small beads of glue. By assembling them in this manner, they can be removed from the model as one unit for further shaping later on. Here, the last hawse piece (or filler piece) has had glue applied to its aft face and will eventually fill the gap below.

In this photograph, hawse pieces 3-4 have been tacked together on the model and the positions of the hawse holes are marked on the hull. Note that the air spaces between the hawse timbers and bollard timbers have yet to be cut (2.10—2.13).

CHAPTER TWO

Hawse timbers 2-4, temporarily tacked together, have been removed from the model and are being prepared for the drilling of the hawse holes. They have been secured to a scrap of wood which will enable the holes to be drilled at the correct angle.

The hawse assembly is secured in the milling vice, and the hawse holes are drilled a bit undersized to allow for final dimensioning. The outer hawse hole is drilled (below left). Note how the jig keeps the assembly parallel to the keel and stem of the ship (below right).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The starboard hawse assembly has been temporarily repositioned, and the port side hawse holes will be drilled next (above). The hawse timbers are then separated, and 3⁄ 4" air spaces are milled on the appropriate faces. They are then glued permanently into place using appropriately sized spacers (below).

CHAPTER TWO

Between the hawse timbers and the foremost cant frame lies the filler piece. This piece is shaped by first transferring the angle of the gap to cardstock. This angle is then recreated on the tilting table saw (2.14).

Once the angle is transferred to the blank, it is inserted in the space so that the fore and aft edges can be marked. After rough shaping, it is glued into place. The hawse timbers, filler piece and foremost cant frame are now close to their final dimensions, but fairing will not be done until a few more cant frames are in place.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

This bow view depicts the bollard and hawse timbers, filler piece and foremost fore cants glued in place and roughly shaped. The hawse holes are still a bit undersized. Note the 11⁄2"air space between hawse timbers #2-4 and between the bollard timber and hawse timber #2. The toptimber line is being trimmed to its final height.

CHAPTER TWO

Fore cants 2 to 12 are next to be installed. In the case of cants with extreme bevels, the heels need to be narrowed slightly so that the combined width of the cants doesn’t exceed the step. This side bevel is produced by paring with a chisel until the desired 9" width is produced (2.15a).

The first few fore cants have been installed. The angled upper and “birdsmouth” lower mortises for the sills have been cut for the bridle port. The machinists square is used to insure the position of the cant at the height of breadth. A plywood jig is used aft to ensure verticality of each cant as it is glued in place (2.15, 2.17).

Fore cant 11 has a cast toptimber. It is cranked aft and forms the forward side of the first gun port. It was cut from oversized stock (11") with two inches being removed from each side above and below the cast (2.16). Fore cant 12 is cut to the level of the lower sill. Its upper part will be added later when the upper sill is in place.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Progressive fairing of the bow in progress (above) and completed (below).

CHAPTER TWO

Aft cant frames 2 to 13 have been glued in place. Cant #10 casts forward to form the aft side of gun port #8 (2.19).

This stern view shows the amount of fairing that is required to bring the aft cants to their final shape.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The patterns for the side counter timbers are secured to 15" stock with rubber cement (above). The pieces are then cut out using the scroll saw. The upper and lower sections of the outer counter timbers are united with a scarph joint for additional strength ( 2.21).

The foot of the side counter timber must be beveled to the correct angle to sit properly on the transom. It is carefully trimmed and repeatedly offered up until the distance across the toptimber line aft is 12' 3". A jig is used to ensure accuracy (see following page).

CHAPTER TWO

Once the bevel of the foot is properly established, the counter timber is shaped the molding way (inside and outside). Using the patterns provided, the outer surface is shaped first (far left). Then the inner surface is reduced to the final molded dimension. Note that the timber diminishes from 61 ⁄2" at the foot to 4" at the underside of the rough tree rail (2.21).

The jig is used to maintain the proper distances between the side counter timbers at two locations: the upper knuckle and the toptimber line. Note the beveled heels of these timbers sitting on the wing transom.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The timbers on the side counter timbers are added to fill in the space forward of the outer counter timbers. The quarter badge light must be framed within this area. The timber located between cants 12 to 13 is particularly challenging! Below all the timbers have been glued in place. Note that they have been left sufficiently thick to allow for the tumblehome in this area (2.22).

CHAPTER

THREE The various components of the knee of the head have been assembled. The standard has been fitted and awaits final trimming aft where it joins the stem. The bobstay holes and gammoning slot have been drilled and milled respectively. Note the “tarring” of the knee and gripe joints. The knee assembly was added at a much later point in the construction process (3.2-3.7).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

In the building of Pegasus, the frames were constructed with scarph joints instead of fully chocked joints. It is much quicker to build this way, and the model appears the same as a chocked model from the outside. This is because the floorheads, first futtock heads, second futtock heads etc. appear the same whether chocked or scarphed joints are used. On the interior, however, the bottom score for the chock is missing in a model framed with scarph joints (3.8).

Frame L has been laid out on the pattern. The presence of a cross-chock tells us that this is frame L aft. It consists of a first futtock and toptimber. The plan shows us that the aft toptimber has a timberhead. In addition, the toptimber will shift foreword to frame the aft side of the port. The convention used in Pegasus was to cut all the scarph joints with the lip of the scarph extending upwards on the inside.

CHAPTER THREE

The chock of 13 fore and the floor of 13 aft have been cut and the heels roughly trimmed to the bearding line. The angle of the notch has also been cut so that it may seat correctly on the deadwood (3.09).

Spacers and a square framing jig are used to ensure the frames are mounted at 90° to the building board. The jig is slotted in the middle to slide over the keel and deadwood.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Some of the joints are shifted. In the example below the toptimber is shifted 1" forward of the first futtock joint.

A shifted timber must be constructed with chocked joints. The two futtocks of the joint are cut to the plan dimensions. Wood stock is placed under the futtocks and the chock shape is penciled in.

CHAPTER THREE

The chock has been rough cut and is fitted to the two futtocks. The work must be done with the scantlings placed on the plan so that the angle of the joint retains its integrity. Careful trimming of the chock eventually results in a tight fit.

The chock is glued in place. Note that the futtocks are offset 2" on both sides of the joint to create the cast. 3/4" treenails are drilled and inserted above and below to strengthen the joint.

A chisel is used to reduce the chock to its proper thickness on both sides of the joint. A 2" spacer is used during the gluing and trimming process to insure the futtocks maintain their proper shift.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Some frames have cast futtocks. The frame A aft below includes the fixed double block in the side and a sweep port. It must be cast forward to accommodate the double block.

The mortises for the fixed double block and the sweep port have been cut. The fore side of the futtock A aft has been pared down by 2" to create the space between it and A fore. The top of this frame casts into the latter.

The fixed double block has been installed as have the sills of the sweep port below. The block face is left proud of the framing by 3" both inside and outside the hull. This will allow the block to sit flush with the planking after it is applied to the hull (3.29).

CHAPTER THREE

The fixed blocks are made by laminating five layers of boxwood. The second and fourth layer spacer pieces frame in the areas between the sheaves. The individual blocks are then crosscut from the assembly. The double blocks (below left) have slightly different sheave diameters. The single block is fitted (below right).

The toptimber is shifted below to frame the aft side of the gun port. The shift occurs just below the lower sill. Note also the two cast futtocks.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

When framing the ports, a template is used to insure the mortises are cut at the correct locations. To the left of the gun port opening is the sweep port opening. The angled upper and birdsmouth lower mortises have been cut into the frames (3.25).

The upper and lower sills of the gun and bridle ports are installed. The use of cross-spalls and a thread down the centerline ensure the frames are installed correctly.

CHAPTER THREE

A machinists’ square is used to help install the frames. The blade rests against the maximum height of breadth line drawn on the building table. This line is then transferred up to the maximum height of breadth of the frame.

Progressive fairing of the frames is done every few stations or so. Access to the interior for fairing is much easier this way. No pre-beveling of any frames is done prior to installation.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Progressive fairing of the bow reveals the beautiful lines of this ship. 80 grit garnet paper is used for most of the fairing. Gouges are useful when large amounts of wood need to be removed.

The bow has been faired aft to the first bend, frame K. Holly spacer blocks are glued between frames K fore and aft. Their positions are 7" above and 9" below the futtock joints (3.14).

CHAPTER THREE

Framing and progressive fairing proceeds from fore and aft towards the midships. The dead flat bend with its framed gun port and surrounding frames await final installation.

With the installation of the dead flat bends the hull is now fully framed.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The fully framed ship sloop Pegasus.

CHAPTER

FOUR

The five pieces of the keelson have been cut out. Their bottom surfaces are refined to match the cutting down of the frames. They are joined by hooked scarph joints (4.1).

The stemson has been cut and fitted to the apron. The breasthooks and lower deck hook are penciled in.

The 11⁄2" scores for the breast and deck hooks have been cut, and the stemson is glued in place (4.2).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The floorhead, first futtock and second futtock ribbands have been glued to the hull. They are 4" square and secured with wire nails (4.4-4.8).

The toe of the harpin is being fitted to the hull (right).

CHAPTER FOUR

The shape of the foremost inner limber strake is duplicated with cardstock. The pattern is transferred to the 41⁄2" stock, and the mating face with the keelson is shaped with a disk sander (4.11).

The angled face is then beveled so that it sits flush against the keelson. A piece of cardstock is being used to pick up the shape of the small filler piece that sits between the two. Aft of this filler piece, a rebate is cut into the limber strake for the limber boards.

Gluing pieces inside the hull can be difficult. Here a cross-spall has been inserted to apply pressure on the limber strake during the gluing process. The cross-spall is made from threaded rod, a nut, brass tubing and felttipped wooden blocks. Adjusting the nut expands the apparatus, locking the pieces in place.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The aft portion of the inner limber strake has been glued on the port side and is in the process of being fitted starboard. Note the presence of the small triangular filler piece already fitted.

Both inner limber strakes are glued in place. Note the small filler pieces fore and aft, as well as the rebates for the limber boards.

CHAPTER FOUR

The inner planking expansion serves as a rough guide to the general shape of the thick stuff and ceiling planks that line the interior of the ship. However, the actual patterns of these planks will vary from ship to ship and must be custom made using the expansion as a starting point.

In order to hold the planking in place while the glue sets, Ziploc fasteners are used. A scrap piece of planking is placed outside the hull for the tie to rest against. All planking is spiled to shape so that minimal pressure is needed during the gluing process (4.26).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

In this Pegasus model cross-section, all the internal planking has been added. The two larger gaps will house the lower and upper deck beams. The smaller gap in between is the air space. Note the anchor stock planking any varying thicknesses of the planks and clamps.

CHAPTER FOUR

The lower deck clamp is installed next. Here a small batten of holly, a very flexible wood, has been secured in place with Ziplocs where the deck clamp will sit (4.16).

A length of cardstock has been taped to the inside of the hull and the pattern for the lower deck clamp is spiled onto it with a compass (4.26).

The pattern has been cut to the spiled shape and offered up to the batten for test fitting. When the fit is perfect, the pattern may then be transferred to the material from which the lower deck clamp will be cut.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The card pattern has been transferred to the lower clamp. After shaping to the pattern, the compass is then opened to 13", and the shape transferred to the lower edge which is cut with a scroll saw (4.16).

The fore strake of the lower clamp is glued in place using Ziploc ties and cross-spalls. As the plank has been spiled to shape, minimal pressure is required to secure it while the glue dries.

CHAPTER FOUR

The forecastle deck clamp (4.22) and string in the waist (4.21) have been installed as have portions of the thick stuff at the floor heads (4.14), thick stuff at the first futtock head (4.15) and the upper deck clamp (4.19).

The two strakes of the quarter deck clamp are installed. Note the small plank let in over the quarter badge opening (4.23).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The main mast step has a complex shape. Card patterns are cut and assembled to create a pattern for the step as it straddles the keelson, limber passage and limber strakes (4.28).

The card pattern is transferred to the wood stock and cut out. The pencil lines are reference guides used during the milling process. These lines are parallel to the surfaces to be milled and are usually aligned with the jaws of the milling vice.

The sides of the step are tapered, and the square mortise for the mast has been cut with a chisel. Note the chamfered edges. The wedges and bolts allowing the main mast rake to be adjusted have been added.

CHAPTER FOUR

The pattern for the foremast step has been affixed to 19" thick stock. The pattern represents the step as viewed looking forward from aft. The angled keelson slot is mortised first. Then the undersides are beveled to sit on the limber strakes and thick stuff (4.29).

The foremast step is in place. The eight 1" diameter bolts are made of ebony using a drawplate. As the starboard side of this model is to be left unplanked, an appropriate gap is left underneath the step.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The lower and upper breast hooks (4.33) as well as the crutch aft of the mizzen mast (4.32) are cut, shaped and installed. All edges are chamfered, and 1"ebony bolts help secure them in place.

The wing transom knees rest on the lower deck clamp and have a slight roundup to match the upper surface of the wing transom. Individual patterns are created as each side may be slightly different. Here, a contour gauge is being used to help determine their shapes (4.35).

The wing transom knees are glued and bolted in place and the mortises for the aft deck beams cut. Just below them, the sleepers are installed. Their complex shape was also determined using the contour gauge.

CHAPTER

FIVE

Barrels for the hold are made by laminating wedge-shaped pieces of boxwood into a cylinder. This is then turned into barrels on the lathe. Note the realistic taper of the staves which are widest in the middle(5.2).

After parting the barrels and hollowing out of each end for the head staves, the barrel hoops are added (below left). They are cut from thin brass sheet and blackened. The much smaller powder barrels (below right) are made by the same method but without hoops.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

In order to transfer points from the plans to the model internally, a jig is used. In this photo the needle is picking up a point on the lower deck clamp (5.4).

The jig is then placed over the model and the needle point gently moved until it contacts the inside of the frame. A pencil mark is made then the next point taken off and transferred.

CHAPTER FIVE

The aft platform is framed over a Mylar copy of the plan. On this model, the port side is to be planked so the ledges are not included. Prior to framing, the beams are fitted to the hull after their positions are marked out with the height gauge (5.4).

The starboard portion of the aft platform is extended by widening the knees by the thickness of the planking (5.6). If not done, the starboard side would sit lower then the port side by the width of the missing planks. One needs to consider the level of detail to be included deep in the hull. On the finished model, the carlings and ledges of the platform are not visible.

The bulkheads for the fish and spirit rooms are installed along with their supporting stanchions. The aft platform is then planked with 11⁄2" thick holly. Trennels of 7⁄ 8" bamboo were later inserted (5.12).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Before proceeding, the lower deck beams need to be temporarily fitted. Each deck has a specific round up and is illustrated on the plans. Below is a lower deck beam from the extreme fore part of the ship. Note the angle where it meets the hull. Also note the beam is let onto the clamp by 1" (5.10).

Pegasus’s deck beams were laser cut, based on the patterns provided. The charred edges, a result of the laser, are easily scraped clean.

The lower deck beams are let down on the lower deck clamps and temporarily fitted. These will need to be removed to allow the platforms to be fitted.

CHAPTER FIVE

The well and shot locker are framed and partially planked. The stanchions will be trimmed later to meet the undersides of lower deck beams #11 and 12 (5.14, 5.16).

The completed well and shot locker are installed with stanchions trimmed to fit under the deck beams. The shot locker lids and their hinges are added (5.18). The shot are blackened brass balls of suitable scale.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The completed shot locker has been installed on this cross-section model of Pegasus. Note that deck beams 11 and 12 sit directly atop the fore and aft stanchions of the well. Note also that the lower planking of the shot locker is trimmed to fit the limber strakes.

CHAPTER FIVE

The fore platforms are constructed in the same fashion as the aft platforms and fitted carefully around the foremast step and lower breast hook. This platform is set on three different levels. The square opening for the riding bitt upright (port side, aft) has been cut, as are the slots for the stanchions (5.19).

The palleting beams and carlings are laid on the aft platform (below left, 5.22). The palleting flats are then fitted into the rabbets of the beams and carlings (below right, 5.23). Note the openings for the pillars which will support the beams of the lower deck.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The V-shaped windows in the lantern are made by slotting strips of boxwood to half their depth on the table saw. Similarly slotted strips are turned over and glued into the slots. The edges are then trimmed (5.24).

The completed lights are incorporated into the lantern assembly. The magazine bulkhead is installed with the 7" thick door leading to the light room. Note also the aft side of the access hatch leading to the steward’s room.

CHAPTER FIVE

The cartridge racks are made by slotting the rear stanchions on a mill followed by tennoning the bearer battens to fit (below left). The battens are then glued into the mortises (below right) (5.33).

The front battens are then glued in place completing the drawers of the cartridge rack.

The shelf laths and battens are been assembled in the top drawer of the cartridge rack, and the drawer pulls have been added. Note the partition separating the magazine from the bread room.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The passageway to the magazine (5.25) and door to the light room are in place. Note the copper hardware on the magazine door.

The steward’s room (5.27) and slop room (5.28) partitions are in place. Only the port side of this model is fitted out.

CHAPTER FIVE

Additional views of the aft platform

Door to the light room.

The fish room hatch (5.31).

Aft bulkhead of magazine and bread room.

The slop room door with bars for ventilation, door handle, lock and photo-etched hinges.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The construction on the fore platform commences with the bulkheads (5.34). Here the bulkheads for the block room, coal hole and boatswain’s store room are installed.

A typical cabin door showing the “Z” bracing on the interior side and ventilation bars. The doors are made of vertical pieces glued together. The door handle and hinges are blackened brass.

CHAPTER

SIX

The lower deck hook and ekeing pieces are laid out with the first beam of the lower deck and connecting carling. The deck hook is given the same round up as the deck beam. Note the 1" bolts in the hook and ekeings (6.1).

The fore mast partner dimensions are laid out on beams #2 and #3 where they are let down 1". The partner is then sliced down the middle, and the area within the pencil marks is removed. The two pieces are then rejoined, leaving a square opening in the center. Small triangular pieces are cut at a 45° angle (below left) and then glued into the corners of the partner. This creates a perfect eight-sided opening (below right).

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The Mylar pattern of the beam arms is laid on the lower deck. Small pin pricks are used to transfer the patterns onto the beams. The beams are temporarily tacked in place with a dab of glue (6.12).

Using a table saw, the tabled mortises are cut into beam #11 which is then glued into place on the clamp. The beam arms, after shaping to mirror the roundup of the beam, are then secured in place. The “iron” lodging knee is then added (below right). In this case it is made of ebony (6.14).

CHAPTER SIX

The main mast partners house an octagonal hole 2' 6" across the flats. This can be achieved by creating two pieces, each 1⁄ 2" width of the finished partner. A section of each piece is then removed to form the rough opening (6.13).

With the table saw miter guide set at 45º the boxwood is cut, creating a pertect corner to be inserted in the octagonal opening. A sacrificial piece of wood is cut at the same angle and used to push the stock through the blade. This prevents chip-out of the small pieces.

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The small triangular pieces are glued into each corner, creating the octagon. The two sides are then glued together and run through a drum sander. This levels the surface and hides the glue lines. The completed main mast partner has been positioned on the ship. The photograph below is from a cross-sectional model of Pegasus. In this model I have elected to use holly for the mast partners instead of boxwood.

100

CHAPTER SIX

The hatch coamings consist of the fore and aft coamings and the two cross-pieces or head-ledges. The pieces are half-lapped at the corners. After assembly, the corners are rounded off to deck level only. A scrap piece, the same depth as the planks and with a corner cut out, is used to guide the depth of the cut (6.26).

Several pieces of scrap timber are shaped to match the roundup of the lower deck beam. Garnet paper is then rubber cemented in place. The hatch coaming is then slid back and forth over the garnet paper until its under surface is shaped to match the round up of the lower deck.

A hatch coaming is fitted to the lower deck. In this photograph the hatch coaming has a rabbet to receive the gratings on all four sides. In actual practice the rabbet is formed in the coaming only. Note that only the centerline plank is installed on this model (6.19).

101

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

There are many ways to produce gratings. The method depicted below is to use a spacer between the fence and the boxwood blank. The slitting saw blade is .057", the spacer blank is twice as thick. After the cut, the spacer is removed and the stock advanced to the fence. The fence is then backed off, the spacer inserted and the fence tightened for the next cut.

An assembly jig is made using techniques described above with the addition of a side and back piece. The sliced grating strips are inserted in the slots (below right) after which the battens are laid in place using dilute white glue.

102

CHAPTER SIX

The completed grating is removed from the jig and installed in the hatch coaming. The fastenings in each batten have been simulated using a small hypodermic needle and graphite pencil.

The construction of the riding bitts begins with the shaping of the uprights. The tapers on the forward face and sides are made using the tapering attachment on my table saw (6.29).

103

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Spacers are used temporarily to check the fit of the riding bitt pins within the spaces left in the fore platform to receive them. The bitt cross-piece and backing piece are then added (below right).

The construction of the main topsail sheet bitt pins begins with the scores for the bitt cross piece and upper deck beam. The top has sufficient stock left for the tapered pillar to be shaped later. The scores are made on the table saw set at the proper depth (6.32).

A tapered pillar is shaped on the disk sander. Additionally the tapers below the score of the upper deck beam to the heel will be added.

104

CHAPTER SIX

The bitt cross piece is glued in place. An upper deck beam is temporarily placed in the scores.

The main topsail sheet bitts and main jeer bitts (6.33) are located in the hull. Upper deck and quarterdeck beams are temporarily placed to aide in their positioning. The gallows cross-piece and cheek blocks have been added to the sheet bitts.

105

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The chain pump tubes (intake and back tubes) are shaped to tapered octagons with the tops bored out (6.35).

The side plates of the pump intake chambers are made of ebony. The pattern is rubber cemented to the stock, the bolt holes drilled, shaping completed and the individual plates cut off (6.36).

106

CHAPTER SIX

The fully assembled pump intake chamber with bolts and roller pin. Recently a photoetched sheet containing the various parts of the pump has been developed and may be used by the builder to facilitate the construction of these intricate fittings.

The pump intake chambers are fitted into the well and are ready to receive the pump tubes.

107

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The back tubes are installed by cutting them to fit below and above the mainmast partner. The two sections are pinned together through holes drilled in the partner. The metal bands are then fitted to the top of the tubes. The bottom of the pump tube can be seen sitting in the intake chamber.

Construction of the upper well involves fitting the four corner stanchions as well as the inner door stanchion. Angled dadoes are cut on the appropriate sides and the stanchions secured in place. The door is added. Finally, the louvers are fitted in place and secured with a dab of dilute white glue. All in all, very careful cutting and fitting is required on this complex structure (6.38).

The upper well is in place with the upper deck beams, main topsail sheet bitts and main jeer bitts temporarily fitted. One must constantly plan ahead to make sure the relationships between all the parts will work out when permanently gluing them in place.

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CHAPTER SIX

The process of fitting the lower deck cabin bulkheads begins with the boatswain’s store room. This partition is built around the breasthook. A template is used to determine the shape of the breasthook.

The boatswain’s store room, sail room and cabin partitions are all in place. Note the louvered doors. The upper deck beams are fitted temporarily while the partitions are constructed (6.41).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The aft port side cabin partitions are being installed. Note that the partitions include mortises where the upper deck beams will later be let into. Here the purser’s and lieutenant’s cabins are installed. The bulkhead partitions should actually extend to the top of the deck beam above.

The finished aft port side cabins with their louvered doors.

110

CHAPTER SIX

The bedplaces are constructed of holly and boxwood with the platform sitting about one foot off the deck where it abuts the bulkhead.

The sails are made of drafting linen. A fine pencil line is used to simulate the seams. The tallys are labeled and secured to the appropriate sail with fine wire. They are then placed in the sail locker.

The sail room has been constructed and installed on the lower deck. It also has louvers, although fewer than in the upper well. Note also the presence of the louvered door aft.

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112

CHAPTER

SEVEN

The following chapters may be somewhat condensed compared to prior ones. The reason for this, as discussed in the introduction, is that the goal was to build a fully framed ship model. After doing so, I had no desire to cover over and obscure all the painstaking detail already achieved. There are a variety of ways the ship modeler may finish his or her own Swan class model, making each one unique. Combinations of planking, partial planking and hull piercing to create a window have all been successfully done in the past.

The quarter deck transom is a complicated timber to make. An over-thick blank is used. It is first fitted to the quarterdeck clamp and inside of the hull.. The location of the slots for the counter timbers are marked out along with the locations of the feet of these timbers on the upper surface of the wing transom. The round up of the transom will be shaped after the slots are cut (7.3).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

In order to cut each of the slots at the correct angle, a mill is used. As with any milling procedure, setting up takes the majority of the time. Here the mill vice sits on the angle attachment so that the slots may be milled in the fore-aft plane. In addition, the transom is positioned in the milling vice at the correct angle to ensure that the counter timbers will have the correct sideways angle.

All slots for the middle and inner counter timbers are cut, and the varying angles can be appreciated. The fore rebate for the plank ends has not been cut as it will be formed later using an additional piece of wood.

One of the inner counter timbers is being test fitted. Some refinement of the slots may be necessary to accommodate the individual counter timbers. The heel of the inner counter timber is cut at 31⁄2° (7.1).

114

CHAPTER SEVEN

The port inner counter timber is now permanently installed. The transom has its proper roundup, and the rebate for the quarterdeck planking is added (left).

In the photograph below, all four inner and middle counter timbers are fitted. Note the smooth curve at the upper and lower knuckles of the counter timbers. The counter timbers will be trimmed to their correct height later.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The helm port construction starts with an oversized blank comprised of three pieces glued together. A slot is cut to allow it to fit over the stern post and onto the wing transom. The sides are shaped by transferring the lines of the inner counter timbers to the sides of the blank. Finally the opening is cut using the projection illustration as a guide, keeping the inner surfaces vertical for rudder clearance (7.4).

116

CHAPTER SEVEN

Originally there were to be wales on the starboard side of the model. Later on they were removed as I preferred to leave her in frame as much as possible. The photograph below illustrates some of the important points to consider when adding the wales. Note the sheer of the wale and how it appears to flatten out at the bow. The second and third planks of the main wale are laid top and butt fashion. Faintly evident in the photo are the upper and lower limits of the wale penciled fore to aft (7.8, 7.11).

The only other planking applied to Pegasus are the sheer strakes (7.17) and planks upon the drifts (7.20). The sheer strake is 3" thick but tapers to 2" at the bow to fay into the planking upon the drifts. All caulking is done with a no.2 lead pencil applied to the edges before gluing. The hawse holes are somewhat misaligned at this stage but are quite undersized and will be corrected later on (8.26).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The top and butt planks are made using a tapering jig on the Byrnes table saw. All planks are cut at the same time so that the complementary cuts will match up. In this case holly is being used for the thick stuff under the wales (7.15).

Top and butt planks have one straight edge and two angle cuts on the other edge. The long tapered cut (below left) is cut first. The plank is then turned upside down and the second, shorter taper is cut (below right).

118

CHAPTER SEVEN

After all the planks are cut, they can be oriented so that the top and butt arrangement is obvious. Two rows of top and butt planks come together to create the proper combination of strakes required to plank below the wales. In Pegasus, three rows of top and butt strakes comprise the thick stuff below the wales. These planks diminish from 4" at the wales to 3". This model of Pegasus has just a narrow band of planking on the port side to suggest the appearance of the actual ship. The wales and planks above are boxwood while the thick stuff below the wales to the keel is holly. Treenails are made of bamboo. All edges are chamfered and caulking done with a pencil.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

In this Pegasus cross-section model the wales are planked with ebony and the treenails are made of boxwood. A Danish oil finish has been applied. Over time the finish will tone down to a flat sheen.

120

CHAPTER SEVEN

The two main pieces of the rudder are fitted together using a simplified “tabling” joint. The joints are carefully laid out and mortised on the mill (7.55).

After test fitting the table joints (below left), the rudder is tapered to the shape of the blank using a tapering jig on the table saw.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The deeper slots to accommodate the rudder pintles are cut using the mill as are the shallower recesses for the pintle straps (below left). The bearding of the fore edge of the rudder is then shaped using files and sanding sticks (below right).

The backing piece is added, and the two sections of the rudder glued together with black paper between to simulate the tarred joints. The rudder has been tapered to match the stern post taper. The rudderhead hoops and straps (below right) are cut from brass, blackened and secured with bolts (7.36).

122

CHAPTER EIGHT The upper deck hook and eking have been shaped and installed along with the first three deck beams. The upper surface of the deck hook matches the roundup of the deck beams (8.3)

The remainder of the upper deck beams have been installed. In this photograph one can see how the tops of the cabin partitions are mortised to receive the deck beams. The top of these partitions should actually be flush with the top of the deck beams. Note also that the ends of the deck beams are notched 1" and are let down onto the clamps.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The port beam arm is first cut oversized and fitted to the beam. Its upper surface is shaped to match the roundup of the deck beam (8.7).

The beam arm has been cut to shape and installed. Note also the crossed lodging knees and iron lodging knee of the lower deck (white arrow below).

124

CHAPTER EIGHT

The crossing lodging knee is made from oversized stock. The penciled shape represents the top profile of the knee. The printed pattern illustrates the side profile. This lodging knee is the aft of the pair situated between upper deck beams nine and ten (vol. 2, page 66 - The Fully Framed Ship Model).

The top profile after shaping (photo right). The waste section from this cut is saved for the next step.

The waste portion is used to help support the knee while the side profile is cut on the scroll saw. A few tacks of yellow glue hold the two pieces together during the process.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Each hanging and lodging knee is unique. Their construction starts with card patterns or the use of the previous one as a template. The hanging knee is angled and scored to the varying widths of hull planking it abuts. 3⁄4" ebony treenails are used to secure the hanging and lodging knees (8.9, 8.10).

The various beams, carlings and ledges framing the upper deck are shown here. Note the prominent transom knees tying together the upper deck and transom aft (8.8).

126

CHAPTER EIGHT

The construction of the main mast partners begins with the two carlings forming the lateral boundary. The rebates are machined on a mill, and the edges cleaned up with a chisel. The carlings are then glued in place with their upper surfaces flush against the deck beams (8.11).

The cross-chocks are made and installed. They fit into the rebates of the carlings as well as sitting on the deck beams. Note the openings left for the corner chocks.

The four corner chocks are then cut and installed. Treenails secure them to the carlings and cross-chocks. The cross-chocks are also tree nailed to the upper deck beams with eight 3⁄4" bolts. The octagonal holes for the pump return tubes were not added to the partners. A simplified tube, split above and below the partners, was used instead.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The fore mast (8.12) and mizzen mast (8.14) partners are made and installed using the patterns provided in Volume II. Note that the upper surface of the carlings of each partner is 3⁄4" below the surface of the deck beams.

The bowsprit step and fore topsail sheet bitts are made and fitted to the lower and upper deck beams (8.13). Note the cheek blocks and rabbet of the bowsprit bed which can be seen in the bowsprit step (square opening to receive the end of the bowsprit).

128

CHAPTER EIGHT

The upper deck spirketting (8.20), quickwork (8.21) and waterway (8.19) are installed on the port side of this model.

Note the different thicknesses of the spirketting, quickwork and clamps. Also installed are the single and double fixed blocks in the waist.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The starboard hawse holes are now opened to their final 101⁄2" diameter. Aluminum is inserted to act as the lining. The ends are left proud of the hawse timbers as they need to be flush with the outer hull planking (8.26). Gray automotive primer will be used to simulate a lead finish.

The hawse arrangements for Pegasus are simplified a bit to include the bolster with mortises for the buckler bars and cants. Careful planning must be done to insure that the bolster does not interfere with hawse holes when opened to their final diameter (8.27).

The manger is partitioned (photo right) using two planks. Note the manger cant abutting the spirketting and the fit of the manger planks into the rabbet of the fore topsail sheet pins (8.28).

130

CHAPTER EIGHT

The two riding bitt standards are glued in place to the bitt pins and deck beams and bolted with 1" bolts. The cable stopper holes are evident on the sides of the standards just forward of where they join the bitts (8.29). The bitt crosspiece, with its holly backing piece, is now in place (8.30).

Close up of the hook and eyebolt which allows the bitt cross-piece to be separated from the bitt pins for repairs if necessary. The hook and eyepiece are formed from annealed 24 gauge brass wire with a blackened finish.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Bulkhead construction begins with a template of 3" boxwood. Illustrated patterns in the book and model patterns may vary significantly! The panel sections are removed with a scroll saw. Holly and boxwood are then shaped to fit these areas. These pieces are glued under considerable weight to prevent the bulkheads from warping (8.34).

The forecastle bulkheads are comprised of several connected sections. Photoetched hinges are used for the doors. The upper contour of the bulkhead is glued to the bottom of the forecastle breast beam; therefore, it must have the correct roundup.

132

CHAPTER EIGHT

The construction of the galley stove begins with the cutting and installation of the base plate from brass. It is blackened and installed between the riding bitt standards. All components of the side panels are cut from thin brass sheet using a slitting blade on the Preac table saw and glued with cyanoacrylate (8.31).

The various door hinges and rivets are added to complete a side panel.

133

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The four sides that comprise the firebox are glued and bolted to the base plate. The lower chimney section is formed from brass over a wooden form. Filler is used to fill in the joints and sanded smooth. The fire grate for the oven is then installed as are the grating bars and drip tray.

The upper chimney section is cut from appropriately sized brass tubing and glued to the lower chimney section with cyanoacrylate. The rectangular top of the boiler is cut from thicker brass stock.

The completed galley stove is ready for its “iron” finish.

134

CHAPTER EIGHT

All metal parts are cleaned with acetone which also acts as a degreaser. Gray automotive primer is then sprayed on, followed by two light coats of automotive black. This finish does a nice job of blending joints and creating a pleasing texture simulating and iron finish.

Finally, the spigots and lids for the boilers are fabricated from brass and installed. Note also the two swinging arms aft that act as pot holders (8.33).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The galley cowl (10.28) is made of 5⁄16"diameter brass tubing cut at the appropriate angles. The two pieces are then silver-soldered. The handle, baffle and its attending hardware are made of brass wire and tubing. Note the metal base through which the galley cowl connects to the firebox.

The baffle projects about an inch in front of the galley cowl and is held in place by thin brass wire. The satin black finish is applied the same way the firebox was finished.

136

CHAPTER EIGHT

The various pieces of a cistern are cut and arranged for assembly beneath a completed one. Treenails are simulated by punching small holes with a pin and darkening with a pencil point (8.49).

The cistern drain hole is simulated with a small circular punch (in this case a 5mm. biopsy punch). Both cisterns have been located on the model (below right). One hood is omitted as the sprocket wheels will be included. Small rope handles have been added to the cistern drain plugs.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The sprocket wheels have been removed from the photoetched sheet. The spacer “bolts” (left of the wheels) have been sliced from thin brass tubing. The small rivets bolts (right of the wheels) were purchased from a commercial source. It is imperative to keep the wheels correctly aligned during the assembly process (8.52).

The assembly of the sprocket wheels begins with the insertion of the rivets through the outer hub of the wheel into the brass tubing on the inside. Cyanoacrylate is used to secure the pieces during the assembly process.

Assembly of the wheels (interior view) showing the brass spacers slipped over the rivet stems. The completed sprocket assembly consists of 38 individual parts!

138

CHAPTER EIGHT

The pump chain links have been removed from the photoetched sheet. Note the single links, the double links and the saucer. The holes are reamed with a no.78 drill bit. Once the chain parts are arranged in proper order, small lengths of brass wire are inserted and peened over to lock everything in place (8.55).

A section of chain is being built up. Only a small section is required as the rest disappears into the cistern.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The axletree and fore winch have been formed from square and round brass tubing. Some simplifications have been made as compared with the illustrations provided. The winch bends are made in a vice to keep the corners crisp (8.53).

The sprocket wheel has been inserted on the axletree which will later be trimmed to its correct length after blackening.

The sprocket wheel assembly and axletree are sprayed with gray automotive primer. This fills in the small gaps and smoothes joints. A final application of automotive black spray paint will complete the process.

140

CHAPTER EIGHT

The completed chain pumps are in place on the model. The rhoding securing the aft winch is just visible to the left of the deck beam below (8.47).

The pump dales consist of 1" planks glued over an 8" square length of boxwood. The discharge end is hollowed out where it meets the pump dale scupper. Treenails ate inserted at 12" intervals (8.51).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

142

CHAPTER NINE The capstan barrel is made in three pieces (9.2). The ten-sided pattern of the lower barrel is rubber cemented to end of the boxwood piece and the material removed on the mill.

The turned boxwood piece has been positioned in the mill 90° to the bit. Using the rotary table attachment, the dividing head will be advanced by 36° after each face is milled leaving a perfect ten-sided barrel.

143

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The three finished sections of the capstan barrel are displayed. The ten-sided lower capstan has a small projection to fit into the bottom of the turned middle section. The twelve-sided upper capstan has a tenon on its top surface which will fit into the drumhead. The upper capstan is machined in the same way as the lower capstan but at 30° intervals.

The three parts of the capstan barrel are assembled and ready to be installed on the model.

The capstan barrel is in place. Also installed are the lower capstan whelps (9.6) and the upper and lower chocks (9.7, 9.8). The chocks are let into scores cut in the whelps. Each whelp is fixed in place with two 3⁄4" bolts.

144

CHAPTER NINE

Both the drum and trundle heads are made in the same fashion. Two sections of boxwood, each composed of two different pieces, are tacked together temporarily with a few spots of glue. This assembly is then turned to the outer diameter of the drum and trundle heads (9.9).

The assembly is transferred to the rotary base on the mill. Using the indexing head ten capstan bar recesses are milled on the face 41⁄2" deep. The mill bit is of the correct diameter to cut slots 31⁄2" wide, as specified.

The milled top piece is then separated from the assembly, and the procedure repeated on the bottom piece. The two milled faces are then glued together, and the drumhead parted to final length.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The drumhead is refined on the lathe (below left), and a recess for the iron reinforcing ring is being milled (below right).

Ebony inserts are turned on the lathe to act as “iron reinforcing rings” on the trundle head and drumhead. The trundle head has been fitted onto the capstan barrel.

146

CHAPTER NINE

Holes are been drilled for the capstan bar retaining pins. They are drilled in the mill using a rotary vice. Note that the holes are offset (9.11).

The completed upper and lower capstan assembly sits on temporarily on the capstan step. Permanent installation of the upper capstan is best done in conjunction with the quarterdeck framing.

147

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The aft cabin bulkheads consist of several sections joined together to form a partition. The framing is made of boxwood and the panels of holly. The first step is to fit the bulkhead against the inner planking at the side. Card patterns are used to determine the shape required to fit (9.13).

There are two aft cabin bulkheads. In the photo (right) a fore bulkhead section is finished while the aft bulkhead is being fitted against the inner planking. Note that the top of the bulkhead extends to the top of the deck beam.

The forward bulkhead is made of three sections. The panes in the doors are half-lapped. The holly panel in the right section of the partition should be reversed (long top, short bottom).

148

CHAPTER NINE

The rudder head trunk is a rather complicated, six-sided structure covering the top of the stern post. Its bottom must also be contoured to seat on the counter planks. Construction begins with the making of a solid mold of the trunk (9.16). Also seen in the photo (left) is the rudder head framing, a three-piece partner that covers the trunk and top of the sternpost (10.40).

The various pieces of the rudder head trunk are cut and fit to the mold. The edge angles are determined by trial and error fitting on the plug.

The six sides are glued together over the plug which has been waxed to prevent the pieces from sticking to it. The assembly is removed from the plug as soon as the glue has tacked the pieces together.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

After removal from the plug, clamps are used to keep the pieces in proper alignment while the glue sets.

Once the rudder head trunk has dried, it is fitted to the counter planks. Then the panels are created with 1" boxwood.

150

CHAPTER NINE

The framing for the cabin lights starts with trimming the aft ends of the inner planking to create a set-back. Following this, the sides of the counter timbers are lined with 1" thick boxwood to create a rebate (9.15).

The internal counter upper and lower planking have been installed, as have the locker and molding. The locker hinges are made from blackened brass (9.17).

151

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The frames for the stern lights are created from templates made of each counter timber opening. After gluing up, the mortises to receive the vertical mullions are cut at the correct angle on the Preac table saw. The vertical mullions are then installed. The procedure is repeated with the horizontal mullions (9.20).

All five light frames are installed. The borders of the light frames will later be covered by munions. The lights are glazed with .020"clear polyester sheet.

152

CHAPTER TEN The various molding profiles have been filed into a piece of annealed steel (above left). After re-hardening, the scraper is used on an angle to make the first light cuts into the molding stock (10.2).

Subsequent passes of the scraper are made with increased pressure once the pattern is established on the stock. After several more passes, the scraper is presented at 90° to the molding . The final few passes remove little wood and burnish the profile of the molding.

The waist rail molding has been shaped and installed in this photo (10.4). Note that it is interrupted by the gun ports and fixed double block. The sheer rail will run above the waist rail but has not been installed at this point.

153

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The forecastle deck beams (10.18) and half-hooks (10.24) have been shaped and secured in place. Brass tubing is used to aide in fitting and shaping the bowsprit plank partner (below right) (10.22).

The forecastle deck beams are carefully fitted around bulkheads and into the mortises of the fore topsail sheet bitt pins. Here the pins have received their crosspiece of boxwood with a 1" holly facing (10.30).

154

CHAPTER TEN

The forecastle is framed with beams, lodging and hanging knees (10.10, 10.20). Note also the breast beam aft with its molded face (10.18). In addition, the foremast plank partner (10.22) and carlings for the gratings and chimney cowls are being installed (10.21).

The forecastle framing is complete. Note the cheek blocks in the fore topsail sheet bitt pins.

155

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The forecastle coamings and cowl base have been built up and fitted to the head ledges of the forecastle. The round up of the forecastle has been transferred to the bottom of these pieces (10.26).

Several pieces of forecastle beams are glued together to act as a shaper for the coamings. 100 grit sandpaper is rubber cemented to the bottom and the coamings rubbed back and forth to create the correct roundup. Sandpaper is also glued to the other side to create the roundup of the bottom.

Both coamings for the steam gratings and the cowl base are permanently installed.

156

CHAPTER TEN

The fore topsail sheet crosspiece (10.30) and fore jeer bitt pins and standards (10.31) are in place on the forecastle. A few deck planks have been laid on the port side (10.29). They are secured with glue and bamboo treenails.

157

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The ship’s bell is turned from brass, lacquered and hung from the belfry (10.38). The two stanchions are fashioned, and the canopy carved from a piece of boxwood. The U-shaped spar racks are installed next. They sit on either side of the belfry (10.37).

The breastwork, consisting of stanchions with slots for sheaves and a length of molded rail, attaches to the spar racks and completes the forecastle breastwork (10.36).

158

CHAPTER TEN

The quarterdeck beams have been shaped and are in the process of being fitted on the clamps. Note the molded face of the breast beam and the way the main jeer bitt pins fay to its under surface. (10.39).

The rudderhead framing consists of a partner fitting between the last quarterdeck beam and the transom. A boxwood blank is shaped to fit against the transom and let into the aft edge of the last deck beam. (10.40).

The pattern for the opening is transferred to the shaped blank, and the pattern cut with a scroll saw. A mortise is then cut on either side to receive the half beams.

159

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Some hanging knees supporting the quarter deck beams need be modified so that they don’t block the gun ports. An extra wide blank is glued up, the profile cut out and the top mortised to fit under the beam (10.44).

The hanging knee blank is in position temporarily. Note how the beam would occlude the port if the beam arm was not modified. The inked lines, superimposed on the photograph, indicate the final shape of the knee.

The curved hanging knee is now installed The beam arm clears the opening of the port and is secured with seven 3⁄4" bolts.

160

CHAPTER TEN

The quarter deck transom knee (10.46) is cut and shaped from brass. The side beam arm is cast under the half beams that will tie into the rudderhead framing. Note the small filler piece behind the knee.

The quarter deck framing is complete. Note particularly the grating coamings (10.48), the quarter deck ladderway coaming (10.52), scuttles (10.51) and mizzen mast partners (10.41).

161

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

For the companion top on Pegasus, I elected to construct one with clerestory style lights. This is accomplished by creating a boxwood blank and milling slots at various depths which mirror the roundup depicted in the fore elevation illustration (10.50). Next thin slices are removed from the fore and aft sides and a narrow slot cut down the middle to receive the lights (thin Mylar ). The port and starboard sides are made similarly but without the roundup.

Following the attachment of the roof, the companion top is let in the coaming to the companion (10.47). The bottom of the coaming still needs to be shaped to match the roundup of the quarterdeck.

The companion top with its clerestory-style lights and its coaming is installed.

162

CHAPTER TEN

The construction of the ship’s wheel starts with the fabrication of the hub and the rim. Ten wedge-shaped pieces cut at 36° are assembled with glue into a rough circle. The slices are 6"thick (10.59).

The built-up assembly is turned in the lathe to the final diameter of 1' 5". The 6"center hole is drilled next. Note that the hub and rim are mounted on a carrier piece (below left). The piece is transferred to the lathe, and the hub and rim are milled to receive the spokes using the rotary table set at 36° intervals.

163

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The rim and hub are turned to their final diameters then parted off at the correct thicknesses; the rim at 3" and the hub at 5". The spoke shape is ground into a piece of steel to be used with the lathe duplicator. This is the best method for turning ten identical spokes.

The rim and hub are rubber cemented to the assembly board with the hub sitting 1" below the surface and the rim. The spokes are added using small beads of yellow carpenters glue.

The completed wheel and hub assembly sit on the assembly board awaiting separation.

164

CHAPTER TEN

The completed wheel assembly is carefully separated using a razor. The barrel is turned from boxwood and the stanchions are cut, shaped and drilled for the barrel.

The steering wheel has been mounted and secured to the model. The stanchions fit into slots in the quarterdeck planking. Thin facing pieces are turned to cover the rim and hub.

165

THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The boxwood tiller, with its horn hoop of brass, is mounted into the rudder head. I chose not to rig the tiller and wheel on Pegasus.

The quarter deck capstan partners (10.42) are built up from three pieces, drilled for the capstan barrel and glued and bolted in place. The upper capstan and pawls are then added, completing the assembly (10.60).

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CHAPTER TEN

The ladderway railings are iron stanchions on Swan class ships. They are built up from various diameters of brass rod, tubing and balls. Holes to receive the single and double rings are drilled with a No. 76 bit.

After assembly, the four stanchions are sprayed with gray automotive primer followed by black automotive paint to achieve an iron-like appearance (10.68).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The four stanchions have been glued in place, and the railings formed from brass rod. Note that the aft two stanchions are installed on the capstan partners. The quarter deck ladder (10.67) has also been installed.

The quarter deck breastwork consists of five stanchions. After turning on the lathe and fitting the sheaves, the base of each is carefully filed so that it fits perpendicular to the baseboard. The use of a quarter deck beam secured to a flat surface facilitates getting these angles correct (10.69).

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CHAPTER ELEVEN The production of the fixed gangway (11.1) begins with a template. The framing pieces are then penciled in. Note the slot cut to accommodate the hanging knee.

The waste sections of the template are removed with a scroll saw. Some modifications are made in the area of the hanging knee.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The perimeter of the fixed part of the gangway is made of boxwood while the gangway planks are fashioned from holly with bamboo treenails. 3⁄4" bolts help secure the perimeter framing.

As seen from outboard, the end of the gangway appears above the planksheer in the waist (below left). Note the hanging knees of the gangway and gangboard (below right).

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

The supporting knees for the gangboards are made of wood on Pegasus.. In the photos below I have installed two partial gangboards along the side of the waist. Note the 3⁄4" bolts securing the two gangboards together at 4' 0" intervals (11.3).

The breast hook over the bowsprit is 71⁄2" thick and is secured to the upper ends of the bollard and hawse timbers with eight bolts (11.4).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The planksheer of the forecastle is made of several pieces scarphed together to properly orient the grain of the boxwood. The knightheads and timberheads have been removed to facilitate the fitting of these pieces. The planksheer is 21⁄ 2" thick (11.35). The inner edge is flush with the planking of the forecastle. The outer edge has a molded detail.

The scarph and run of the second portion of the planksheer is being laid out in this photograph. The inner edge is shaped first. Then a compass is used to draw in the outer edge. Both ends have a scarph joint.

The aftermost piece of the forecastle planksheer is being fitted to the middle piece. This short piece has a scrolled terminal.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

The figurehead of HMS Pegasus is, of course, the winged-horse of Greek mythology. It was carved by David Antscherl, author of the first two volumes in the Swan series of books. Mr. Antscherl does all his carvings by hand with small chisels, files and gouges (11.41).

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E The general arrangement for the newel post and railing of the fixed gangway is laid out on Foamcore and adjusted to fit the model. The top of the railing attaches about midway up the quarterdeck stanchion (12.20).

The newel post of boxwood is turned on the lathe (below left). The railing has a molded edge and is applied using a razor with the pattern ground into its edge (below right).

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The railing, as seen on this view, has a decided crank to properly align itself to the quarter deck stanchion. The newel post is been pegged to the fixed gangway.

The iron strap is similarly cranked to follow the shape of the railing. It is made of blackened brass and secured to the top of the quarter deck and gangway railings with bolts.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The entry steps to the waist are interesting to make because the steps are winding. First the styles are cut and then fitted to the gangway. Note that the styles are at different angles to each other. A small notch at the top of each style allows a snug fit (12.21).

The styles are then rubber cemented onto a flat surface for machining of the grooves. They are marked out and additional supports glued in place to keep the styles from wandering during the machining process.

The grooves in the styles have been cut with a very fine milling bit (.035"). They are gently separated with a razor blade and installed.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The tread patterns are transferred to thin boxwood stock and cut out. The ends of the treads receive a dab of glue and are inserted into the grooves in the styles.

All the treads have been installed and the ladder completed. Note that the top tread is a bit wider to cover the gap below the gangway curve.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

On Pegasus I elected to trim the timberheads from the tops of the frames and install them after the plankshears were fitted. This is considerably easier then cutting the planksheer to fit around each timberhead. It is also easier to shape the timberheads off the model (12.24).

The timberheads need to be installed at right angles to match the frames. The various molded edges are cut using a slitting blade of the table saw at the appropriate angle. A chisel is then used to pare down the top and side faces to their finished profiles.

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The rudderhead cover is removable and is seldom seen on models. A pattern is rubber cemented to the top of a holly blank, cut to height, then shaped using a disc sander (12.26).

The inside of the rudderhead cover is hollowed on the mill. The opening for the tiller is then cut. The bulk of the material may be removed on the mill.

Final shaping of the interior of the cover is done with small gouges and files. Enough material must be removed to insure that the tiller will have the correct range of motion.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The rudderhead cover is test-fitted with the tiller in place to check for any binding.

Quarter-round molding is applied to the base of the cover. Careful fitting is required, as the angles of the moldings are different on the sides and front.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The side panels are framed next with thin boxwood. Following this the panels are cut and chamfered to fit.

The rudderhead top is shaped and covered with drafting linen. It is then painted to resemble tarpaulin. The finished rudderhead cover is secured to the model along with the tiller.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The tafferel is built up from three thin pieces of boxwood. Careful fitting is required to match work already done on the model (12.31). These pieces are glued in place with “pencil” caulking between them.

The necking is made of boxwood. The four thicker areas will serve as continuations of the arches of the coves.

The necking is glued to the model. Note that the four wider areas cover the tops of the munions.

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The pilasters are built up of several pieces. Long pieces of stock are milled with three grooves as the first step (below left). After the bases are glued to the upper counter rail the pilasters are cut at the correct angle and the bases and capitals added.

The six pilasters have been affixed to the model. The bottom sills have also been added (12.33).

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The arched coves are cut to shape and their interiors hollowed down to join the necking at the appropriate places. The textured background is applied with very fine hypodermic needles. Gold Press-On letters are used to apply the ships name to the counter.

An iron stanchion supports the fore end of the quarter rail. It is built from brass rod and wire then blackened (12.39). The aft part of the quarterdeck rail with its supporting stanchions is seen in the photo above.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

To make the fore end of the quarter rail an oversized blank is used with a notch cut out to fit into the iron stanchion. The pattern is then transferred to the boxwood.

The top of the rail is refined and a scroll added to its fore end where it sits on the planksheer.

The underside is cut and filed to shape. The fore end of the rail is installed to complete the assembly.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The stern lantern is made using the photo-etched brass expansion. It is carefully trimmed from the sheet and the nubs filed. A watchmakers’ slotting file is used to deepen the folding grooves. The sides are then bent, opening up the ‘V’ crease (12.48. All photos courtesy of David Antscherl).

Each corner is adjusted until the two opposing ends meet accurately and each side is parallel to the side opposite. The joint is soldered using a ‘third hand’ soldering aid. The ‘V’ grooves are filled with automotive body filler until the joints are full. The joints are filed flush to form a continuous edge.

The joints below have been filled and filed. Next two short pieces of brass wire are scored with a sharp knife and the edges snapped clean. These are installed as hinges and glued to the door frame. A miniature rivet is used for the door handle and epoxied in place using a bit of card as a spacer.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The angle along the side bend of the lantern is transferred to a card and is the principal axis used to make the top and base sections accurately. The upper and lower rim patterns are transferred to 1" stock. Holes are drilled through the centers at the angle determined previously.

Both rims are cut out and the edges rounded over. The lantern is epoxied onto the lower rim. A candle may be used to cover the pilot hole. Next the lower section of the base is marked out and center hole drilled at the same angle as the rim. A small dowel keeps the parts properly oriented during this process.

The underside of the piece is now marked out using the center hole as a reference point. The edges are shaped. File or sand the fore and aft faces first, then the two side faces on each side. Aim to get the junctions of each face in straight lines as seen from above.

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C H A P T E R T W E LV E

The edges of the lower section are rounded over and glued to the rim. Next, the thin base plate is cut, drilled and epoxied in place. The upper rim is then added and the upper section shaped and installed as per the lower section. Glazing is done with Mylar sheet.

The upper rim has two small eyebolts fitted on both corners of the forward or athwartships angles. These are for the two metal rods that act as braces. The roof section is cut from 6" thick stock and shaped, fitted, detailed and glued in the same manner as the lower section. Above this is the vent with its slots .

The crank is cut from brass and filed to shape. Its other end secures it to the tafferel. Finally the cupola and finial are shaped and glued over the vent.

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190

SOURCES Below is a list of specialized tools and materials that were used in the construction of Pegasus. Preac Tool Company, Inc, 1596 Pea Pond Road, North Bellmore, New York 11710 Tel 516 333 1500 E-mail preac@crols.com http://www.preac.com/ For miniature precision table saw Byrnes Model Machines 4104 Winbrook Lane Orlando, Florida 32817 Tel 407 657 4663 E-mail Jim@ByrnesModelMachines.com http://www.byrnesmodelmachines.com/ For miniature precision table saw, Thickness sander and drawplate Sherline Products, Inc. 3235 Executive Ridge Vista, California 92081-8527 Tel 800 541 0735 http://www.sherline.com/ For precision miniature lathe and mill

Lauck Street Shipyard 129 Abby Lane Strasburg, VA 22657 Tel 540 535-5912 shipbldr@shentel.net For plank on frame Kingfisher kit Scale Hardware 1736 NE 16 Street Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304 Tel 954 609-4108 http://www.scalehardware.com/ For miniature rivets, bolts, etc. Admiralty Models www.admiraltymodels.com For photoetched sheet at 1:48 scale Woodland Scenics P.O. Box 98 Linn Creek, MO 65052 Tel 573 346 5555 http://woodlandscenics.com For diorama supplies

Small Parts, Inc. 15901 SW 29 Street Suite 201 Miramar, FL 33027 Tel 800 220 4242 http://www.smallparts.com/ For brass shapes, fasteners Hobby Mill E-mail - hobbymill@cinci.rr.com For boxwood, holly, pear etc.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Antscherl, David, The Fully Framed Model, HMN Swan Class Sloops 1767-1780 Volume I. New York: Pier Books Inc./Dupont Communications, 2004. Antscherl, David, The Fully Framed Model, HMN Swan Class Sloops 1767-1780 Volume II . New York: Pier Books Inc./Dupont Communications, 2006. United States Naval Academy Museum, Henry Huddleston Collection of Ship Model. Annapolis: United States Naval Institute Press, 1964. Dodds, James and Moore, James, Building the Wooden Fighting Ship. London: Chatham Publishing, 2005. Goodwin, Peter, The Construction and Fitting of the English Man of War 1650-1850. London: Conway Maritime Press, 1987. Hahn, Harold, Ships of the American Revolution and their Models. London: Conway Maritime Press, 1988. Lavery, Brian, The Arming and Fitting of English Ships of War 1600-1815. London: Conway Maritime Press, 1987. Lavery, Brian, Building the Wooden Walls. London: Conway Maritime Press, 1991. Steel, David, Elements and Practice of Naval Architecture. London: Sim Comfort Associates, 1977. Walker, Grant, Model No. 43 British 14 Gun Quarter-Decked Ship Sloop. Annapolis, 2001. Winfield, Rif, British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714-1792. London: Seaforth Publishing, 2007.

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PE G A S U S D I S P L AY After spending nearly a decade on this project, I wished to create a visually interesting display for Pegasus. I had seen a few Navy Board models presented on the building slip or launching ways of the dockyard and found them to be aesthetically pleasing. It took a fair amount of time, but the finished display turned out as I envisioned it.

The tabletop and base were constructed so that the top piece, containing the model, was detachable. This was in case I wished to take the model to an exhibition or workshop. There are four screw heads protruding from the base of the table that lock into slots cut into the tabletop on which the model is mounted. The cabinetmaker left the tabletop unfinished with a recessed center for the building slip. The building slip opening was first lined with pilings and shutter planks of boxwood. Then large pieces of timber were placed in the bottom of the slip at 5' 0" intervals. Finally the blocks supporting the keel were added to ensure the gradual slope of the ship would be approximately 1" per foot. Red oak stain was applied first, followed by matte varnish. Varying amounts of stain and varnish were used to create an older looking slip to contrast with the new ship in the process of construction.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The compacted gravel floor of the slip and ground ways was created using scale ballast. This was a labor intensive step. The rest of the case was taped off during the process to avoid adhesive overspray. The gravel was laid to about 1⁄ 4" depth (actual) and sprayed with the adhesive several times until it became a solid mass.

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P E G A S U S D I S P L AY

Scale figures were commissioned to illustrate the dockyard scene. The sawyers are at work cutting strakes for planking. The topman, being the more skilled of the two laborers, received a higher wage. A scroll saw blade was cut to fit into the saw frame being used by the men.

Lieutenant Gore, the first Commander of Pegasus, confers with one of his officers over the “as designed” plan—also to scale. Unfortunately Gore’s command was not a long one. Pegasus was presumed lost with all hands in a storm off the coast of Newfoundland the year after her launching.

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

The base part of the display has two drawers where Swan archival documents are stored. The wood is cherry. Wooden stretchers give structural stability to the two sections.

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P E G A S U S D I S P L AY

The beautifully executed carving of Pegasus, by David Antscherl.

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P E G A S U S D I S P L AY

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

APPENDIXES Following are a few of the Swan class ship models that have been built. With the success of the Swan class series of books, I expect many more to follow in the years to come.

Unidentified Swan class ship Courtesy of the United States Naval Academy Museum

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APPENDIX

Atalanta Courtesy of The National Maritime Museum

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Kingfisher by Harold Hahn Courtesy of Dave Stevens

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Kingfisher by Harold Hahn Courtesy of Dave Stevens

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Atalanta William Eisele, courtesy of the American Marine Model Gallery

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Kingfisher Courtesy of Bob Hunt, Lauck Street Shipyard

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APPENDIX

Fly Courtesy of William Maxwell

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Appendix 2 Addendum to Volume II of The Fully Framed Ship Model, by David Antscherl Some readers have pointed out by that I had omitted any mention of the ship’s binnacle in the second volume. I have also, since its publication, had opportunity to study the fine, rigged, contemporary model of Atalanta, one of the Swan class sloops, at the National Maritime Museum. This addendum will, I hope, rectify some of the deficiencies of the second book. 4.1 The Binnacle The form of binnacle is a variable one. There is quite an elaborate one on a model of a frigate in the National Maritime Museum (illustration 1). Note the taller central section for the light with vent holes at the sides. There is a photograph of this binnacle in Brian Lavery’s book. I had suspected that a sixth rate’s binnacle would be plainer, and, on the fine Stockwell model of Atalanta, also at Greenwich, my suspicion was confirmed. Its form is different from the tall chimneyed one seen on Victory today (illustration 2), which many model makers use as an example for a binnacle. To my eye, this latter example with its tall chimney seems somehow suspiciously more Victorian-industrial than elegantly Georgian. In addition, all three compartments have glass on both sides. The light compartment needs to be shuttered, as you will read in the following paragraph. I have estimated the size and proportions of the binnacle (illustration 3) from museum photographs of Atalanta. The eighteenth century binnacle, regardless of its design details, has three compartments. The central compartment contains a means of illumination. This was probably an oil lamp or candle. There would need to be ventilation holes near the top of the compartment, although none can be seen on the model. There was a solid door on the aft side of the binnacle for access and to shield the light from wind. This door appears absent in photographs of the model. The door also prevents light from shining in the helmsman’s or master’s eyes, affecting night vision. The partitions between the central and side compartments were fitted with glass to illuminate the compass cards inside. The two side compartments each contain a floating compass bowl. These compartments have glass windows on the aft side of the binnacle. The forward face of the binnacle is plain. The compasses “repeat” so that, regardless of which side of the wheel or tiller the helmsman stands, there is a compass card in his line of vision. Often there were also drawers for charts and other navigational items, although none is indicated on the model. The top of the binnacle overlaps the sides and is chamfered. On each side is a ringbolt for lashing the binnacle to the deck. Note that the binnacle has sloped sides so that it stands vertically on the quarter deck. The bottom of the athwartships sides curve to fit the round-up of this deck. The Arming and Fitting of English Ships of War 1600-1815, page 26

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In the contemporary model of Atalanta, as well as that of the Amazon class frigate, the binnacle is painted red all over. In the case of the latter model, the forward side of the binnacle is decorated with two “gold” dolphins, tails intertwined (see illustration 1). The painting is in the same style and colors as the frieze work along the ship’s sides. 4.2 Rudderhead housing The contemporary model of Atalanta has a different form of rudderhead housing than the reconstruction shown in Volume II, section 12.26 (illustration 4). The construction of this triangular cover is straightforward. Again, it is painted red on the model. 4.3 Tiller variation I have drawn the shape of the tiller that is seen on the contemporary model of Atalanta (illustration 5). This model has no wheel fitted. The tiller is sharply cranked and has a natural wood finish. It would have been made of a suitable piece of compass timber. For your model, either run the grain of the wood in such a way as to minimize cross-grain or use brass. You can subsequently paint the tiller a wood color as for the stern lantern.

Illustration 1

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APPENDIX

Illustration 2

Illustration 3

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Illustration 4

Illustration 5

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Appendix 3

Copper Sheathing Shortly after launching, Pegasus was ordered to be coppered once she had proven to be “tight”. The bottom was painted with a mixture of white lead and linseed oil, on which the copper plates were to be fitted with nails made of an alloy which included copper; this came to be known as “mixed” or “compound” metal. This same material was used to make the pintles and gudgeons. The false keel was to be fixed to the main keel with copper staples with a thin sheet of lead between them1. Pegasus was coppered October 19, 1776 2. Copper sheathing scheme, circa 1780-833

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APPENDIX

Following publication of Volumes 1 and 2 of The Fully Framed Ship Model, David Antscherl came across the planking expansion for Hornet. It is listed as plan ZAZ 5119, but it is presently unavailable from the NMM

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Appendix 4

John Hamilton Gore’s passing certificate for Lieutenant, February 1, 1741, at the age of 221.

Extract from above: "In Pursuance… of the 1st February 1741 We have examined Mr Hamilton Gore who appears to be more than 22 years of age and find he hath gone to sea more than 7 years in the ships and qualifies in determination Viz."

1. ADM 107/3

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Gunners James Baker of the sloop Ceres (Woolwich) and Edward Williams of the sloop Pegasus (Chatham) wished to exchange warrants (e.g. switch ships)1. With the consent of Captain Hamilton Gore 2 their request was approved as is reflected in the ship’s manifest entry of January 22, 1777 wherein James Baker is listed as gunner, having previously served on Ceres 3. It would appear that Mr. Williams was spared a watery grave by transferring to Ceres although he most likely ended up in a French prison when it was taken as a prize in 1778.

Bakers request for transfer

Gores endorsement of the exchange

The exchange has been completed, as recorded in the Pegasus manifest entry dated January 22, 17773. Note the previous sloop Ceres Baker served on (in parenthesis).

1. ADM 1/487 2. ADM 1/1838 3. ADM 34/565

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In a letter to the Admiralty dated December 21, 1776, the newly appointed commander of Pegasus requests the “indulgence” of the Board so that he may spend some time in town getting his affairs in order. The ship was launched on December 27, 1776 1.

On January 1, 1777 Gore pleaded with the Admiralty Board to supply Pegasus with the normal allotment of Marines provided a sloop. He was desperate for a crew and needed the Marines to help provision the ship and watch over the impressed crew members 2.

1. ADM 1/1838 2. ADM 1/1838

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Three weeks later Gore was still waiting for his Marines. In a letter to the Admiralty on January 21, 1777 1, he reiterates his desire to have his complement of Marines on board. His sailing orders for May must have weighed heavily on his mind.

1. ADM 1/1838

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APPENDIX

Having finally receiving his allotment of Marines and 125 crew 1, Gore informs the Admiralty that he will proceed to Blackstrakes as soon as the wind and weather permit. Letter dated February 21, 1777 2.

Gore arrived at Blackstrakes on March 3, 1777, and set about procuring his gun and gun stores 3. Pegasus then received her copper sheathing at Sheerness Dockyard. She was then mustered at Spithead from March 25 until she departed April 2, 1777 3. This was to be her last entry in the Admiralty records. She was presumed lost in October, 1777, off the coast of Newfoundland during a severe storm.

1. ADM 1/487 2. ADM 1/1838 3. ADM1/487

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APPENDIX

William Bryson was the Boatswain aboard Pegasus. He appears on the first ship’s muster dated December 9, 1776, and the final muster dated March 6, 1777 1. It is presumed he went down with Pegasus.

The Last Will and Testament of William Bryson 2. It reads, in part “Wm. Bryson, Boatswain of his Maj. Sloop of War Pegasus, Hamilton Gore Esq. Commander”. The document is witnessed by Commander Gore.

1. ADM 12/3 2 PROB 11/1045

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Appendix 5 Progress and Development and Registration Documents for selected Swan class ships Bonetta, launched 29.4.1779

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Delight, launched 7.11.1778

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APPENDIX

Shark, launched 26.11.1779

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Thorn, launched 17.2.1779

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APPENDIX

Hound, launched 8.3.1776

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THE FULLY FRAMED MODEL, BUILDING THE SWAN CLASS SLOOP PEGASUS, 1777 VOLUME THREE

Cygnet, launched 24.1.1776

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APPENDIX

Fly, launched 14.9.1776

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Nymph, launched 27.5.1778

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APPENDIX

Pegasus, launched 27.12.1776

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Vulture, launched 18.3.1776

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