HMS Achilles (new rigging)

[Swab]

66d

This is the latest addition to the Achilles; string ratlines. I've never been satisfied with the Lego ratlines (they don't look very real and you can't move the yardarms).

The rigging took a while. The vertical strings on each mast are continuous. I used black technic plates (with the holes) along the channels. I'd tie a knot in one end then thread the string up through each top and over the mast to the other side. I then threaded the string through a hole and then over to the next one. Then back up the mast and so on. All the while threading those little black technic things on. I left lots of slack in the lines after I'd finished threading. Then I'd tie a piece around the mast at each yardarm.

I used a thinner string for the horizontal parts of the ratlines (see brickshelf for photos). The thin string burns really well too, so if or when you melt the ends like I did be ready to blow it out! I found out the hard way. I also added a fore stay, and also a few changes to the quarter galleries and catheads.

Another addition you might notice is the "ocean" that the ship is sailing through. I made it out of salt dough on a cardboard base. Strips of cardboard were glued under the thicker areas like the waves to save on salt dough. I taped up the bottom of the ship so it wouldn't stick and used it as a mold (the ship lifts right off, it's not stuck). The whole thing took a month or 2 to dry completely, but i bet if you did it a little at a time it would dry faster. I topped it off with a blue/green acrylic paint.

Let me know what you think.

Swab

Edited September 21, 2009 by SlyOwl

[Captain Blackmoor]

HMS Achilles sounds like it is a mighty fine ship. Can't wait to see the pictures! Maybe you can tell us a bit about how it's going to look like?

[Swab]

HMS Achilles sounds like it is a mighty fine ship. Can't wait to see the pictures! Maybe you can tell us a bit about how it's going to look like?

Search Achilles on Brickshelf, you'll find the old version.

Swab

[Captain Zuloo]

Doesn't it have a thread?

[Swab]

Doesn't it have a thread?

Yes it does actually. I just added pictures to my Brickshelf folder so he probably won't find it, but it does have a thread from a while back.

[Capn Frank]

Mr. Swab

Would this be the ship you're adding the new rigging to?

I would suggest posting progress pictures of your rigging.

It's real easy to edit the final version into the first post.

[Swab]

Mr. Swab

Would this be the ship you're adding the new rigging to?

I would suggest posting progress pictures of your rigging.

It's real easy to edit the final version into the first post.

Yes sir, that'd be her.

[Captain Zuloo]

Thanks for that Phred! Just a tip - if you want to have a successful thread an idea would be to take this link and put it in your first post so that people can have a comparison.

[Captain Blackmoor]

I agree! It's always nice to see progress in a ship's build.

You've done a great job with the new rigging! It looks very realistic!

Are you planning to build more ships in the future?

[RocketSeason]

Looks really fantastic! Beautiful and accurate indeed.