Drakkar, Oseberg
The box art. Not very inspiring. The model is well packed in a flip-top box. There was no visible damage to the parts/materials. The plans and notes are clear and concise. The quality of material is good and the intricate laser carvings are impressive.
09 February 2021: Laying the keel. At 865mm it will be an impressive model ship and at scale 1:25 the ship promises a lot of detail.
09 February 2021: Glued the main parts of the ribs (x17) together.
15 February 2021: Notwithstanding me placing the keel on a flat surface to dry, a wobble is spotted. Before planking may start, I will have to address this issue using a spray bottle and a clothes iron perhaps.
15 February 2021: Placing that little part which will eventually hold the mast felt like a major accomplishment!
16 February 2021: Started work on the center rib, Rib 0.
Materials needed. This was the first time that I will be shaping parts.
Using low tack glue, the paper template was glued to the rib and traced. Using first a triangular file, I made a groove which was progressively enlarged with a round file, the channel in which the mast will eventually lay matching the template’s profile.
The rest of the profile traced, after which I removed the template.
The back side of rib 0.
Glued the support for deck plank in place.
After dipping the support for the deck plank in warm water for a minute, I gently shaped it on the shaped end of the rib and clamped into position. After the support dried, it was glued into place and clamped until the glue dried.
After the glue has dried, the support plank was opened and enlarged until it excepted the mast.
Dry fitting the deck planks and mast.
17 February 2021 until 19 February 2021: The construction of Rib 01 to 04 (a total of 8 ribs) are the same.
19 February 2021: This feels like another milestone! The completion of Rib 05 to 08 (a total of 8 ribs) remain.
08 March 2021: The shaping of Rib 05 and 06 have been completed.
10 March 2021: The laser marks are clear indicating where the surfaces of each Rib meeting the planking should be chamfered. On Rib 07 and 08 where chamfering are the most pronounced, a scalpel should be used to remove most of the wood.
Use the drawing on plan 01 to mark the location of the eyebolts, as well as the orientation for the bow and the stern.
Use a pin vise to drill the location holes for the eyebolts.
Mark the bow after consulting the plan
Mark the stern after consulting the plan
Use the profile on plan 03 to mark the profile required for the bow and the stern.
All the ribs (17 in total) have been chamfered and dry fitted. All the ribs touched the witness line on the keel.
I could not resist placing a few deck planks 🙂
Using the profile provided on plan 03, I marked the limits at which the chamfering start and end on the bow/stern.
Using a pencil, I transfer the profile to the bow and stern post.
The bulk of the material was removed using a rotary tool fitted with a sanding paper disk. The final adjustments was accomplished by using a sanding block.
Parts required to plank the keel.
Using a pencil to mark the location of the center most part to be laid on the keel.
12 March 2021: Planking the keel.
Again dry fitting and clamping the parts required to plank the keel and and to ensure that the profile will conform.
Gluing the centermost part into place, using the witness line (horizontal) and the pencil lines (vertical) drawn to establish the center.
Because there is only a witness line on one side of the part, I used keel sheathing to transfer the same line on the opposite side.
The required profile of the tops of the bow and the stern.
Using the keel clamp, it seems the wobble worked itself out.
On Rib 08 which is at the stern, the top "horn" was modified. Towards the end of the build, the ships rudder will be mated to this part.
The modified Rib 08.
11 March 2021: I started a few sub-assemblies of smaller parts which will only be needed near the end of the project.
As soon as the glue has dried, these assemblies will need some shaping/chamfering.
13 March 2021: Temporarily placing the ribs on the keel.
Dry fitted all the ribs. After planking the keel, the ribs will at least be seated at an equal depth. The ribs will only be glued into position, should no further work on the keel be required.
Working on sub-assemblies continued. Started on the Viking sea chests which also doubled as seats for rowing
Materials needed. Each sea chest is made up from 5 parts. It is important to dry fit the parts (the planks comes in two sizes) to make sure that the right sizes is used at the right order.
15-16 March 2021: Continued shaping the crutches for oar storage and parts necessary for the rudder. Laminated the parts required for the main support to the mast. Assembling 14 of the 30 seaman chests.
19 March 2021: Gathered the parts required for the initial shaping/carving of the main mast support.
Glued the template with a low tack glue to the wood and traced the outline.
Next, the support beams for the deck planking on Rib 08 (bow and stern) will be glued on.
Inserting the eyebolts on the bow and the stern. The holes were already drilled yesterday using plan 01 to establish the exact location.
Using the outline of the template, a rotary tool was used to remove the most of the superfluous wood, after which the remaining were removed using a verity of files and finally sandpaper.
All the ribs were glued into place. Rib 0 and Rib 01 (x2) was placed at a right angle to the keel using a right angle to position. This was left to dry for four hours. Rib 02 thru Rib 08 (14 ribs in total) were then glued into place. I fitted all the deck planks to ensure that the rest of the ribs dry at right angles to the ribs at the center of the model. Before the glue set, I ensured that the first plank will fit flush with the keel and follow the c
20 March 2021: I have enough courage to start the planking. Planking start from the keel, and as the profile indicate, there is a overhang of approximately 1mm.
The first plank is dry fitted and clamped into place. The area where the plank makes contact with the rib is marked with a pencil. That specific areas where the first plank touched from bow to stern were sanded leveled, to ensure the best possible contact area. The curve is very gentle and it was not necessary to soak the planks in water, prior to gluing the plank to the frame.
To secure the planks without causing damage, clamps were fabricated using paper clamps. I saw this on YouTube and do not take credit for this idea.
This is an image of how the clamp is used.
The planks toward the bow and the stern were glued and clamped into place. Again, it was not necessary to soak the planks in water, prior to gluing and clamping the planks to the frame.
Elastic bands are used to place pressure on the places where the planks meet. This ensure that the full surfaces properly meet the surfaces of the frames.
23 March 2021: I decided to remove the planking, and start again.
The beautiful lines are slowly taking shape. The surface where plank 01 meets plank 02 will be chamfered for the entire length of plank 01 and for a width of 1mm.
Using alcohol, white glue can be soften which enable you to remove parts glued together using wood glue.
To prevent warping/twisting of an unsupported keel, I decided to insert pieces of wood (inserts) between the ribs. These inserts will be removed on completion of the first nine belts of planking.
The distance between each rib is a uniform 40mm.
Nice and straight.
24 March 2021: Materials required to lay the center planks of the belts on both sides of the keel.
I prepared the center planking for the first three belts and clamped the planks into position. This is the first three planks each side which will be glued into place tomorrow.
I laid the first three belts of the center planking.
The wood is extremely dry and removing these thinner parts from the sprue result in pieces breaking off. I decided to improvise by using a plastic container as a humidifier.
Throughout the day I ensured that the ribs (the center eight) remain at a right angle to the keel.
08 May 2021: The external planking completed.
The stern, showing off the clinker style planking
From above showing the mast and mast support in place.
The stern with the rudder attachment glued to the hull.
Some "surgery" where repairs had to be blended in.
Side profile
Showing off the blocks installed where the shields will be inserted.
While the hull planking took place, the following items also enjoyed attention:
1. The main mast and yard were shaped;
2. The mast support was completed and stained;
3. Rowing benches x 30 were completed and stained;
4. The bow and stern carvings were completed and pins were inserted;
5. The eyes x 7 and blocks x 6 (4 remain) were shaped;
6. The rudder was shaped, completed and stained, and;
7. The cradle was completed and stained
1. The main mast and yard were shaped;
2. The mast support was completed and stained;
3. Rowing benches x 30 were completed and stained;
4. The bow and stern carvings were completed and pins were inserted;
5. The eyes x 7 and blocks x 6 (4 remain) were shaped;
6. The rudder was shaped, completed and stained, and;
7. The cradle was completed and stained
Laying out the deck planking
05 June 2021: Overview of the progress so far. The staining and varnishing of the hull has been completed, and where necessary sanded and varnished again. The standing rigging has been attached to the hull in the bow and midship. The running rigging has been attached to the stern. From midship to the bow the deck planking has been finished.
Standing rigging in the bow. I will have to do some adjustments to the wooden decorative piece though.
Running rigging in the stern. This will ultimately be attached to the yard.
Standing rigging midship. The rope's length must still be adjusted.
15 June 2021: Deck planking completed. I made two jigs from wire, which is visible on the deck, to ensure that the anchor points on the ship is mirrored (the short jig), and to make sure that the lengths of ropes which will secure standing rigging to anchor points are mirrored all-round (the longer jig).
Anchor points for the standing rigging has been attached and adjusted to the same length. I made a jig from wire to ensure that the length of the ropes are mirrored all-round.
The standing rigging temporarily pinned in place.
View from the top. I have also stowed the oars.
I strung lengths of rope between the bow and stern to make sure that the mast is in the center and that when the rigging of the mast is done that the mast remain centered and is not accidently pulled askew.
The fixed rigging is in place and adjusted. The bow and stern ornaments have temporarily been pinned into place.
The veneer carvings that have to be installed on the bow and the stern
A close-up to show the intricate nature of the carvings.
Clamping the carvings in place and left to dry.
Secure in position and ready for varnish.
Varnishing the deck after sanding and removing imperfections.
28 June 2021: My wife being press-ganged into ironing the silk provided for the main sail.
Materials required
Staining the silk using an epoxy based stain
Removing access stain after both sides were covered as well as removing any wrinkles
Using white paper to blot the access staining fluid
Pinning the silk on cork.
The materials required to create the main sail.
02 July 2021: I have cut up the silk to simulate the panels. Checking the width on scale drawing of the sail indicated a with of 25mm. To that I added a 3mm overlap.
View of the assembled sail. I am not happy with the glue marks.
22 October 2021: Fifth effort.
Tinting the threat using bitumen tint.
Winding up the tinted threat on the spool.
Simulating the vertical panel lines.
Ironing the sail prior to sewing on the reef bands.
Cutting the strips for the reef bands. Ten millimeter wide, covering the entire width of the sail seems right in this scale.
Using white glue to secure the reef bands in position.
Lining up the reef bands on the front and back of the sail.
Sewing the reef bands, front and back down.
Bowlines
View from the back, reef bands and hem completed.
Colour variations on the individual panels are achieved using sandpaper (gently used), pencil eraser and white chaulk to distress the tint used to tint the sail.
View from the front, showing reinforcement panels at the bottom and top corners of the sail as well as the reef bands.
Checking the effect paint has on the material
Drawing the design in pencil
The artist, my wife, in action.
To prevent excessive saturation of the paint, the best option to get the desired effect is to paint the design with diluted wood glue. This has the effect of not allowing the paint to saturate the back side as well.
The primary object painted in red acrylic paint.
The primary object painted in red acrylic paint.
The final option. The round circle signify the shape of the round shield.
Pedestal options
Shield options
The bolt-rope (⌀ 1.0mm) and the four clews completed.
The reef-lines (⌀ 0.5mm) have been completed. Two per panel as the reference material suggested.
The bowlines (⌀ 0.7mm) and sliders has been attached on both sides of the main sail.
The sail has been sown (⌀ 0.7mm) to the yard. I deviated here from the instructions. Rather than lacing the sail to the yard in a overhand stitch pattern, I used a running lacing technique.
A closeup view of the stitching method used to attached the sail to the yard.
A closeup view of the stitching method used to attached the sail to the yard.
Test run: Pinning the sail to the sides of a cardboard box. While the sail is suspended, an object (approximately 0.5kg) was used to form the sail. As soon as I was happy with the shape, I applied several thin layers of Tamiya matt varnish straight from the rattle can after which a I again place the weight and left it to dry.
The yard has been raised and temporarily secured to the mast.
A special tool was needed to bound the ropes that will be left on the deck at the cleats.
The yard has been raised and the halyards secured with clewlines on the deck.
The two braces has also been secured to the stern.
The running rigging at the stern has been installed and adjusted.
The two braces has also been secured to the stern.
The running rigging at the stern has been installed and adjusted.
Installing the running rigging in the bow.
Work on the running rigging continue.
Constantly adjusting the running rigging in the stern and the bow in order to creeate some balance.
The angles at which the running rigging is set, places a lot of stress on the shape of the sail. The bottom of the main sail was reinforced by feeding through a piece of brass wire.
The static rigging and running rigging in all its glory.
The different parts required to build up a single shield. For this model, thirty shields are required.
1. Thirty shields secured with masking tape. Ready to be painted.
2. Red applied with airbrush. Next will be a green line running the entire width in the center.
3. Masking completed.
4. The green center lines airbrushed. The masking was more effective than expected.
2. Red applied with airbrush. Next will be a green line running the entire width in the center.
3. Masking completed.
4. The green center lines airbrushed. The masking was more effective than expected.
Ten of the thirty shields completed.
The shields: Earlier during the project we briefly entertained the idea to paint each shield with our family crest.
The shield on the far right is the final version. The boss will be painted with natural steel.
The shield on the far right is the final version. The boss will be painted with natural steel.
The front. This side still need to be painted with semi-gloss varnish.
The back has been stained. This side still need to be polished and painted with semi-gloss varnish.
The sides has been painted to simulate the metal around the shield.
The back has been stained. This side still need to be polished and painted with semi-gloss varnish.
The sides has been painted to simulate the metal around the shield.
The chamfering and shaping of thirty oars have been completed. The staining using Antique Varnish Bituminous has been done. Awaiting the varnish to dry after which the oars will be polished, varnished, lightly sanded and varnished again.
Comentários
275 22 February 2021, 03:21
Villiers de VosShould you seek to enter into the world of ship building in wood, I would suggest that you first attempt should be a similar subject. A subject with a decent scale, modest construction (frame, planking, decks, shaping/carving parts) and rigging.
7 March 2021, 10:47
Villiers de VosThere are clear laser markings indicating where modifications are necessary.
On Rib 0 a rotary tool, a verity of files and sandpaper were used.
On Rib 01 thru Rib 07 a verity of files and sandpaper were used. Chamfering required are more pronounced the further away towards the stern and the bow you move from the Rib in the center. The use of a scalpel was found to be more effective to chamfer the top two levels of each Rib.
9 March 2021, 08:02
Villiers de VosThe next order of business will be chamfering the bow and the stern (a sharp etch is required), followed by looking how the deck planking will lay between Rib 08 and the bow/stern. As soon as that has been addressed, I need to address the "wobble) in the keel, and only then glue the ribs in place.
Thanks for watching.
10 March 2021, 18:11
Gordon SørensenGreat progress, Villiers! Looking forward to watching your construction. I have a Revell 1/50 Viking Ship in the stash to do one day.
10 March 2021, 18:45
TreehuggerLooks like fun. I know it would be difficult to find, but a few figures would look very nice there I think. 🙂
10 March 2021, 21:22
Villiers de VosEmil: The Drakkar seemed to me a logical choice to "ease" into wooden ship building. Sofar, I am happy with my choice.
Ben, Gordon, Rui and Treehugger: Thank you for your encouragement. I must still gather enough courage to attempt figure painting....
11 March 2021, 19:00
Villiers de VosToday, like a big old sissy, I tried to postpone chamfering the keel. Hence the sub-assemblies 🙂
If I had to build this particular model again, I will chamfer the bow and the stern posts before gluing the posts to the rest of the keel. But all in all, I am happy with the results.
I am entertaining the idea to fix the small wobble in the keel and then covering the keel with planking. That way, I can ensure that the ribs are seated at the same depth.
11 March 2021, 19:06
Villiers de VosPlanking the keel is the first step into "dressing" up the frame of the Drakkar. This brings about the challenge of simulating nails that were used. Cursory research showed that the keel and stems were joined using scarf joints which are fastened with three iron rivets each. At scale 1/25, sewing pins with heads may be in scale. Although pins and eyebolts made from copper or copper plated may be more aesthetically pleasing, but using common stainless pins and eyebolts may be closer to the right material? Next week, after addressing the keel, the frames will get a final onceover before being glued. I will also continue with some of the repetitive subassemblies such as the roving benches (x30), shields (x30) and oars (x30).
13 March 2021, 04:37
Villiers de VosYesterday and today while waiting for supplies, I spend the time on shaping the parts required for steering the Drakkar, storage of oars, laminating the large main support for the mast as well as 14 seaman chests.
16 March 2021, 18:37
Villiers de VosThe project has seen progress. Planking started, and the first belt looks good.
21 March 2021, 03:19
Villiers de VosYesterday I laid the second belt of planking and when this morning I checked on my work, I was not satisfied at all. Because the clinker style of planking is so, and forms such an important part of the model, I decided to remove all the planking (fortunately only two belts). By using alcohol, 90% (not for steadying my nerves), the glue could be softened and the planking could be removed with the minimum damage.
The rest of today was spent inserting inserts between the ribs preventing warping/twisting as well as cleaning up the keel, ribs and planking. I should be able to start planking tomorrow again.
23 March 2021, 19:11
Villiers de VosThe results of today was much better. A big thank you for the words of encouragement.
24 March 2021, 20:46
DAVID CImpresionante trabajo, es una obra de artesanía! Seguiré su trabajo. Seguro que le quedará esp! Animo!
21 April 2021, 07:01
Villiers de Vos@Doug: It's true. That is the nature of most wooden ship models.
@David C, Gastón, Dominik and Spanjaard: Indeed a lot of work, but also very relaxing.
Again thank you for your encouragement.
8 May 2021, 17:37
Villiers de VosToday, a personal milestone was reached with the hull planking completed. My aim was to accomplish symmetry, and by and large I believe that I have accomplished that. With the planking of the hull completed, 1) The sanding and staining of the hull outside and inside will be tackled, 2)The deck planking will be laid, 3) Fittings will be placed, and 4) Rigging.
8 May 2021, 17:42
Villiers de Vos@Torsten and Gordon, thank you.
The goal for next week remain to 1) complete the deck planking, 2) the standing rigging to the main mast, and 3) decorative pieces.
5 June 2021, 19:54
TorstenWhat a work!!! 😎
That's so different from what I do in model building, I show you my respect, really great work, ❤️️ it
6 June 2021, 08:38
Robert PodkońskiWith all that experience with building the ship it looks like the next level will be building the real one...;) Truly impresive!
23 June 2021, 07:27
Villiers de VosThank you for all your kind words, it is much appreciated.
@Dean, I recommend that you do try a wooden ship. It is very rewarding for me and and a complete change of pace for me from building plastic kits. This is my first wooden ship, but not my last I hope.
25 June 2021, 19:06
Villiers de VosI have kept myself busy learning to read the rigging drawings and learning to make the specific knots. On this a lesson learned is that you must treat the ropes/threads with beeswax, be prepared to use more rope than required, be patient and finally trim it back to the required length.
Next I will start work on the main sail, attaching the sail to the yard and attaching the running rigging.
25 June 2021, 19:12
Villiers de VosI started work today on the main sail, and posted a few photographs
28 June 2021, 18:00
bughunterAs I like to work with real wood I need to watch this build! Nice work so far 👍
28 June 2021, 18:24
Bruce HuxtableHow are you joining the strips back together, Villiers? Next steps? Hope it's going well ?
15 July 2021, 17:49
Villiers de VosBruce, using white glue, I paint a strip between 1mm and 3mm wide. I then overlap the area painted with glue with the next strip. I then finally use a steam iron to apply heat to the joint.
The next step will be to fold back the borders, secure the bolt rope on the perimeters and finally to secure the running rigging.
15 July 2021, 20:01
Villiers de VosI am placing the project on hold for a short while. Please stay stunned for the next grueling episode which will be in September.
15 July 2021, 20:03
Robin (WhiteGlint)The break between two seasons is always gruesome. 😄
Keep up the good work, Villiers. It's a really nice ship. 👍
15 July 2021, 20:06
Bruce HuxtableShe is resting but will awaken when you return.... We'll survive somehow ?
15 July 2021, 20:12
Evander BorgVilliers, your post has inspired me to go into my stash and consider starting work on some Billing and Amati model kits I have. But, as you say, after September because Summer in Malta is too hot to work on big models. I look forward to your next post.
1 August 2021, 08:02
Pierre Pierrevery nice detailing of the build and thank you for sharing the tips. what varnish teint do you use for the deck ?
1 August 2021, 08:26
Villiers de Vos@WhiteGlint, Bruce and Evander: The break from the ship is certainly enjoyable. I will hopefully return with new focus and energy. I am already considering my next projects which will be Columbus' three ships (smallest to the largest one). Fingers crossed!
1 August 2021, 10:51
Villiers de Vos@Evander and Pierre: I would be interested in hearing your opinion with regards to good manufacturers. Or is it case of what you make of a particular model?
1 August 2021, 10:55
Villiers de Vos@Pierre, I owe you an answer. I remembered that the tint is "Old Oak", but I cannot remember the manufacturer's name.
@Treehugger, The colour was recommended by the designer/manufacturer. After watching all the seasons of Vikings back-to-back, I have to agree with his choice 🙂
Some of the purists have you covered your model in matt varnish. My personal taste is to hand paint my ship in semi-gloss clear varnish. I may reconsider areas which are painted. Again, it is your model, your joy, your taste.
1 August 2021, 11:01
Evander BorgVilliers, I have found that Amati make good wooden kits. You will have to research a bit (that is after all part of the fun) both on construction techniques as well as the actual ship itself. I have found sites similar to Scalemates but dedicated to wooden ships very useful. Billings Boats has a nice selection also.
1 August 2021, 11:17
Villiers de VosThank you Evander, and I agree with you on the research part. Me, having started with a less complex kit also helped to develop and to be bold.
1 August 2021, 11:32
i_nookLike your woodwork. I'm struggling with my Black Pearl - can't cope with dry brush over black primer 🙂. Looking around for tutorials, howtos - doesn't help yet
14 September 2021, 08:39
Pierre Pierreso nice very inspiring what teinte did you use for the deck ? it is very dark and look good
14 September 2021, 12:55
Villiers de Vos@Pierre, the tint that I used on the deck and the entire model is a dark oak. Before applying the the stain I tested it on the actual wood. Exactly the same way you tested your San Francisco cross section. After the tint dried, I polished the surface using a Dremel tool and finally covered the surface with semi-gloss clear.
@i_nook, I am still learning painting techniques myself. I am also following your SMK Project with interest.
15 September 2021, 06:45
Villiers de Vos@John, with a face like mine anything and I mean anything can only enhance its features. The long sword compliments the peg leg, eyepatch and plastic parrot.
15 September 2021, 17:52
Villiers de VosWork resumed on the Drakar. I ran out of steam trying to create the perfect main sail by joining individual panels with white glue and reverted back to the traditional tried and tested method of using a single piece of material and using a sewing machine (operated by my wife 🙂 ) to indicate the panels. I will try the individual panel method again in future, but on smaller sails.
22 September 2021, 17:20
Bruce HuxtableVery neat stitching 👍 I'm guessing it will drape better this way too? I'm looking forward to the next steps towards the grand unveiling and launch 🙂
22 September 2021, 17:55
Robert PodkońskiIt is good to hear that your wife accepts your hobby so much, Villiers 😉 The sail looks pretty, a testament to her skills - chapeau bas!
22 September 2021, 19:38
Villiers de Vos@Bruce: I hope that it will help with the draping. Otherwise I may have to revert to starch.
@Robert: Merci! My wife has an artistic streak (painting, drawing, sculpting). We share tools that I have. She loves to help out.
23 September 2021, 08:28
Villiers de Vos@ Major, I agree. There is fewer things in life more satisfying, for us at least, than to see something coming to life from assembling various materials.
30 September 2021, 19:48
Villiers de Vos@WhiteGlint, I hope to finish this project by the end of November. Although challenging and slow, this project allows for lots of artistic and problem/challenge solving opportunities.
@ Major Flannel, thank you for your kind comments. I have send you also a PM.
22 October 2021, 08:11
Villiers de VosMy work on the main sail continuous. I am working on version number four.
1. Version one was tinting the material and working with individual panels. The white glue used to connect the panels turned black when heat was applied and I could not keep the overlapping consistent/parallel.
2. Version two was a second attempt at version one.
3. Version three was experimenting with applying paint and other variations in tones. Paint kept on saturating both sides of the cloth even though a resin type tint was used on the cloth for the initial colouring. This was overcome by before applying paint, to paint your picture with diluted white glue. Every second panel was also painted from top to bottom with diluted white glue. This created subtle differences in the overall tones and breaking up the monotony. Although not on the instruction sheets, I spotted reef strips and lines on reference photographs and drawings. We experimented to replicate this also.
4. Hopefully will culminate in all the above lessons learned.
22 October 2021, 08:26
TorstenWhat else to write, incredible, the details, the work, it's fun to watch it 😎
22 October 2021, 08:59
Bruce HuxtableThe neat stitching looks great, so taking time and keeping everything 'just so' makes a lot of difference. The sail with reefing lines looks great 🙂 The bare mast and standing rigging will take on new life when you hoist the main sail 🙂
22 October 2021, 10:44
Villiers de VosVersion 4 has been placed on ice. I have spilled water (accidently) on the sail.
Version 5 and the adventure is continuing.....
22 October 2021, 17:52
Villiers de VosThank you all for your kind remarks and encouragement.
I am changing gears a little bit, while my wife is working on the latest version of the main sail, I have started work on the shields. Work on the oars are also nearly finished.
23 October 2021, 17:57
Bruce HuxtableLoving the level of detail, even on the reverse side of the shield. These are going to make the ship have even more presence 🙂👍
23 October 2021, 20:16
Villiers de Vos@Bruce, yes, a simple design. There are thirty shields to be painted 🙂
24 October 2021, 06:39
Villiers de VosThe main sail is in an advance state of completion. After looking at more reference pictures it was decided to include scaled reef bands and reinforcement patches on the sail. The hope is to make the sail as realistic as possible.
24 October 2021, 07:05
Villiers de Vos@Spanjaard, thank you.
@Bruce, Robert and Torsten, earlier during the project we briefly entertained the idea to paint each shield with our family crest. I then got to think that it is not that practical. I am not sure what a raider was paid in those years, but I am sure that they did not want to spend money and effort on elaborate art work on their shields that would anyway get damaged. I have included photographs in this thread to illustrate. In the end I opted for a red shield with a green line in the center. That will make masking less complicated.
With the large area presented on the sail we will add the family crest.
26 October 2021, 12:20
TorstenThe sail looks very good, it is worth every step. I like the solution with the shields and the one with the crests looks good 😎
26 October 2021, 12:34
Robin (WhiteGlint)That's fantastic. I love the idea with the family crest. That's making the kit really your own. 😄
26 October 2021, 13:20
Bruce HuxtableGoodness, are you going to use the Mk 1 sail to try out the mega-crest? This ship is going to look splendid 🙂
26 October 2021, 15:19
Gordon SørensenGreat looking sail, and great looking shields, Villiers! The shield design is simple but effective. Will look great mounted on the boat.
26 October 2021, 16:28
Villiers de Vos@Torsten, WhiteGlint, Major Flannel, Bruce, David and Gordon: Thank you for your kind words.
27 October 2021, 05:46
Villiers de VosThe reef-lines were completed last night by my wife 🙂
The number of lines equals 17 panels x 2 reef-lines per panel x 3 reef-bands = 102 reef-lines with a knot at the front and a knot at the back to secure them which equals 204 knots and cutting back the lines front and back to 40mm. She is a keeper, that's for sure!
27 October 2021, 05:52
Villiers de VosThe sail has been sown to the yard. The braces left and right has also been fitted, ready for final adjustments on the ship.
31 October 2021, 07:24
Bruce HuxtableLooking great - there extra efforts and trials are paying dividends 👍
31 October 2021, 07:31
Villiers de Vos@Bruce and Kitey, thank you for your kind words.
@Kitey, I have given placing the shelter some thought, but have not yet made a decision.
2 November 2021, 20:06
Robert PodkońskiAnd now you only need Eric the Viking sailing for a search of the Sun 😉 Your ship looks terrific already, Villiers! I am sooo impressed looking at these photos...
2 November 2021, 20:11
Bruce HuxtableShe has very elegant lines for sure, and the drape of the sail is perfect. The rigging too looks the part. This labour of love is something you and your wife can be very proud of. Congratulations 👍👍🙂
3 November 2021, 08:42
Villiers de Vos@Robert, David, Bruce and Kitey, thank you.
The static-rigging and running rigging has been installed and adjusted. I will leave it as is and Monday take a look again with fresh eyes at the rigging and shape of the sail.
I am in the homestretch. The remaining tasks are to complete work on the shields and oars, cleanup the deck, install the rower's benches and perhaps install a shelter as Kitey suggested.
6 November 2021, 21:58
Christian BruerAwesome looking Drakkar 👍
And by the way, your WIP is a very helpful step by step tutorial.
10 November 2021, 08:03
Daniel KlinkExtraordinary is the correct term... just wow! Brillant work Mate!👍
15 November 2021, 21:52
Villiers de VosGentlemen, I am humbled by your kind words. For me the journey was unchartered territory.
Thank you very much for your support and interest during this project. Also thank you for all the friends that I made along the way.
I am calling her done for the moment. I may still fabricate an anchor of sorts and still need to box her up in a display cabinet.
15 November 2021, 22:02
TorstenIt has become a real beauty, I am running out of superlatives, just beautiful 😎
16 November 2021, 04:10
JDNow I can finally say what I really think… umm.. sorry, I just don't have the words.. 🤯 I raise my tankard and propose a toast in the true Viking tradition:
1. Choose a good drink
2. Choose a good cup
3. Choose your words carefully
4. Choose a good occasion
5. Heap lavish praise upon your brethren and swear blood oaths to vanquish our enemies in battle! 🍺
16 November 2021, 04:25
bughunterA very beautiful outcome of a fantastic project! 👍 I really like models with real wood 😉
16 November 2021, 06:27
Spanjaarda truly fantastic job Villiers! great result on those uncharted waters 🙂
16 November 2021, 08:55
James CVery impressive work and especially your attention to the finer details 👍
21 November 2021, 17:04
Villiers de VosGentlemen, thank you very much for your kind words and stopping by to comment and like.
I am steadily working on an scratch build anchor which I hope to have finished shortly.
22 November 2021, 02:04
TreehuggerI am happy for OP having completed this, and I think this looks really nice as well. 🙂 Incidentally, the ship was found in a grave iirc, at some place in the region that I used to live in as a child.
22 November 2021, 15:25
Villiers de Vos@Lochsa, Isaac and Treehugger, thank you very much for your positive comments.
@Isaac. definitely. Perhaps a picking from Dusek's classics. My wish for now is to complete the trio from Columbus which has arrived and their rigging is comparatively simple. This should take me through the remainder of 2021 and the whole of 2022. Then perhaps embark on a line covering exploration and another covering flagships.
30 November 2021, 08:04
Ben MRecommended reading - "The Oxford Illustrated History of The Vikings" - Chapter 8 is all about the ships.
30 November 2021, 15:46
NeilWOW! Villiers this just looks (as others have said) outstanding and meticulously completed work. It is art not modelling imo. 🙂 👍
1 December 2021, 12:09
Villiers de Vos@Ben, thank you for the tip.
@Steven and Neil, thank you for your kind words.
My next and final report will see the Drakkar in its acrylic box with an anchor 🙂
2 December 2021, 06:28
GluefingerJust, wow!
Goes to show that nothing looks like wood like wood, especially if treated properly by the modeller!
BTW, what is this "Antique Varnish Bituminous" you are mentioning - the stuff used on real boats?
23 March 2022, 08:18
Villiers de Vos@Gluefinger and Guy, thank you for your kind words.
@Gluefinger, yes I believe so. I first sanded the surface smooth and then applied it in a single layer and wiped it off immediately. Using the Antique Varnish was recommended by the manufacturer to me.
23 March 2022, 18:51
AlbertoThis is brilliant 🙂. You are a brave man to tackle such a subject and have got amazing and wide-ranging modelling skills.
2 April 2022, 05:18
Villiers de Vos@Kyle, thank you for your kind comment. Primarily, the designer of the model ship did an excellent job.
6 April 2022, 04:10
Kyle DeHartWhile a nice kit certainly helps, you have done a fantastic job bringing it to life!
6 April 2022, 05:29
Villiers de VosGentlemen, thank you for your kind words. I think there is a bit of stubbornness involved as well encouragement from my wife 🙂
7 April 2022, 03:24
Kyle DeHartMy wife is also my biggest fan. She tells me all my models look good, even when I know that is not the case. 😂
7 April 2022, 04:49
David TaylorComments from my wife are as follows,yes dear,nice dear,another box of plastic and how much.LOL
7 April 2022, 14:23
Kyle DeHartAlso Accurate David. LOL. And also, "where are you going to put those? Isn't the stash closet pretty full already?" 😂
7 April 2022, 22:07
Villiers de Vos@Yves, thank you for your like.
@Kyle and David, you brought a smile to my face. We are lucky to have significant others that takes a keen interest in our hobbies 🙂
8 April 2022, 00:23
Villiers de VosThank you Jörg.
It is true. Our hobby in general allows us to be creative.
8 April 2022, 13:22
Villiers de VosThank you for your kind comments gentlemen.
If any person have the urge to enter the world of wooden ship construction, I suggest a simple kit like the Drakkar. Or at least a single mast ship with simple rigging.
24 June 2022, 09:49
Andy HeimAmazing, and certainly a decent amount of time and patience needed. Wonderful work!
8 October 2022, 09:33
Villiers de VosAndy, David and Mina. Thank you for your kind words. It was quite an adventure.
14 October 2022, 03:50
Villiers de VosIsaac and Pietro, thank you for your kind words.
Isaac, welcome back and yes, my wife showed her talents painting our family coat of arms on the main sail.
25 October 2022, 08:39
Bernd GrünOutstanding work with maximum effort. I'm excited and take a seat, Villiers. 👍👍👍
10 November 2022, 07:47
Villiers de VosHello Brend. Thank you for your kind words. It was my first crack at a wooden ship model. This project has been completed.
10 November 2022, 14:22
Shar DipreeIncredible work. You did a great job with the wood and the canvas - i like it very well. I'm curious how it looks finished. Following. 👍 👍 👍
I have five wooden model too, including a very beautiful southern xebec (Xebec 1753 (Amati 1427, 1:60)) . But so far I don't dare to build it.
11 April 2023, 14:33
Bruce HuxtableYour labour if love is still as impressive as ever, Villiers. Inspirational skill, craft and ingenuity for sure 👍🙂
11 April 2023, 20:06
Villiers de VosShar and Bruce, thank you for your kind words. The wooden ship bug has bitten me and I hope to build a few more 🙂
Shar, the model has been completed. I may later add a scratch build anchor.
12 April 2023, 02:13
Villiers de VosGentlemen, thank you for stopping by as well as your compliments.
9 November 2023, 04:16
Chen PanIncredible work! This is the most detailed and amazing step-by-step long ship procedure I've ever seen. Your photos may also give a great help to me for my plastic long ship, better than any other data I've found before. Thanks for your really wonderful work!
28 December 2023, 00:30
DoubtingmangoLate to the party, but better late than never! What a beautiful build!
28 December 2023, 01:53
BozzerI gotta admit Villiers, I admire you ship builders. The amount of work, time, and detail that you put into your builds, is amazing. To me, it's a black art, most definitely a craft! I'd love to try one myself, someday, but I'd have to set up the appropriate machinery first. You need a mini workshop, just for all the cutting and sanding, then there's the jig making, etc? I once chatted to a guy at a show, who told me that he built his boats/ships, from plans that he bought online. Quite inexpensive, if I remember correctly? But then you have to get the wood, steam it, bend it, and when you have the bare bones of it, you have to get all the metal parts, and the bill runs into hundreds of pounds/euros/dollars. However, as my aging body begins to slow down and retirement slowly approaches, it might give me something else to do, instead of my American Trucks?
Excellent work buddy, you truly are a craftsman, and this thread deserves every single like that it's got 👍
28 December 2023, 02:59
Villiers de VosGentlemen, thank you for your kind words.
Bozzer, your work is phenomenal. Wood is very forgiving. More so than plastic. I am sure you will do well. It is usually the rigging that derail completing a project. My advice is to start with a single mast ship and work your way up to a multi-master.
28 December 2023, 17:53
CaptGPFHoly Cow! That was certainly a work of art, Villers! It was fascinating to see how you methodically assembled every section from the keel to the sails - the discipline needed to make sure the wood didn't bow, or the panels come out incongruent is phenomenal! Thank you very much for sharing this with us!
29 December 2023, 17:54
DickThis is true craftsmanship Villiers, my compliments!
I've always wondered what building a wooden ship model would be like.. Now I see this, I think I will stick to my polystyrene and resin kits.
16 February, 11:27
DuperScaleWow thats one of the cooles Models i ever saw. Like Building a real ship. Would love to see more pictures of the finished model.
17 February, 08:12
Villiers de VosThank you Dick and DuperScale for stopping by as well as your kind words.
17 February, 11:33
David OrrThat looks amazing. I'd love to build a Viking long ship to celebrate my partial Viking ancestry, but I don't think I'm up for building that one. Might have to just build the Revell kit instead.
9 May, 01:11
Villiers de VosDavid, you would be surprised how forgiving wood can be. With your skill set and starting off with a single mast ship like the Drakkar, you will be okay.
9 May, 02:21
Album info
Viking ship, model in wood by Korabel.
This is a single plank on bulkhead model.
This is my second model in wood, and my first ship.
Additional sources of information:
vikingeskibsmuseet.d..haeological-research
nautarch.tamu.edu/class/316/oseberg/
