Hi guys

I'm 25 days into the grueling 28 day wait to receive issues 1 and 2 of the HMS Victory and am very much hoping I will have them this week ready for next weekend and for the mammoth build to begin. The only good thing about the wait is that I have been able to read many of the build diaries for tips, advice and as a supportive measure.

It will certainly be the most detailed and lengthy build I have ever attempted and am going to document everything, step by step to keep a record of my successes and experiences (mistakes).

I shall start off with pictures of my tool kit for this epic task and had a great day visiting the various DIY and modelling shops to get a few bits and pieces.

This is by no means the completed kit but will start me off and I shall collect more specialist tools and equipment as I need things.

I am very much hoping to have some more to show soon.

Pretty comprehensive tool kit Mike! I use a lot of what you've got there (with the possible exception of the plumb line! ) I would also recommend a heavy duty sander of some kind for when the ribs need to be shaped to the hull lines. I've used a Sandvik tool that looks like a plasterers smoothing trowel thingy with a metal sanding plate on it, still going strong too!
I remember when my 'Linic' Guillotine looked that shiny and new!

Best of luck with your build!

Robin

Looks like you have all the gadgets and the will, to take off with a flying start. Looking forward to seeing your build.

Well, she finally arrived and the build has started in earnest! Hang on, not it hasn't as I have 10 pieces of wood (this part work is going to take some getting used to and I will have to learn patience!)

I have built the first 12 pounder and the anchor. Now where is my copy of the Big Book of Nautical Knots to refresh my memory on how to tie a fisherman's bend

And sorry about my name, I'm sure it's not meant to be pronounced. I'm Mike and this is my first ever wooden ship build.

Good job, I see you have added a wash to the cannon and some dry brushing too? she has come up well

Jase

Hi Mike
A nice start to your build, things will get busyer later on honestly
regards
Andy

Many thanks for all your kind words so far. I am really looking forward to the build and the challenges. I have been through the official build guide and it looks like I will have plenty to do when I get a few months into the build.

That first 12 pounder doesn't look great in the pictures in my opinion (under the close scrutiny of the camera lens) but doesn't look half bad in person. Many, many of those to go so lots of practice to be had.

I found my Big Book of Nautical Knots and managed to tie a fisherman's bend, my first proper knot, I'm so proud.

I have taken my 10 bits of wood and done something with them now!!

Forward bulkhead is glued to the Bow section of the internal keel and the two bow formers are glued into place.

The two bow frames have been constructed using the between two pieces of glass method to ensure that the three parts stay flat while drying. These have been fitted to the internal keel without glue for now as advised in the build guide.

I have also made a jig to keep her straight and true whilst I build the keel.

Roll on next month!

The next parts have arrived!! It's getting exciting now with 4 issues to contend with! Unfortunately, issue 6 was omitted due to its popularity and I will receive that at a later date so no launch fun this month.

So, lots more ribbing, bow formers and the next section of the false keel. It's really starting to take shape now. All glued together apart from the ribs which are just slotted in at the moment.

The carronade was a fun little project and very fiddly. I messed up the bracket to hold the smasher onto its base and it is a little off centre and I messed up the quoin too so it doesn't have one. I'm figuring that I will get better at making these as I go (how many are there?).

Am pretty please with the result overall and will try not to worry too much about minute detail as I think that would send me mad.

Hi Dave.
Comming along very nicely. keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing your progress Ian.