Hi all, finally managed to finish issue 126 and this issue turned out to be a fairly long session, mainly due to working in confined or awkward areas. Space now to work in around the ship is starting to get very cramped and it is so easy to catch or break something if care is not taken, key here is to take your time and work gently.

Started with the fitting of Main Royal Yard and Sail. Fitting and rigging this small sail on top of the main mast was pretty straight forward, except for when it came to attaching lines in and around the deck area. The Halyards were fitted, securing these to the yard and to cleats on the main deck. Next was the fitting of the lifts, again straight forward and securing these to the pin rack in front of the main mast. Fitting the sheets was next to be done including the fitting of blocks to the shrouds, would recommend these blocks are fitted prior to starting any of the rigging while you have the space to work in. The sheets were secured to belay pins on the bulwarks. Finally for this sail was the fitting of the braces, the braces run to the top of the mizzen mast and secured to belay pins on the quarterdeck bulwarks.

Next on the list was to fit the foresail, this was done in much the same way. Started by securing the sail to the yard, making up the parrels and securing the yard to the foremast. Halfyards were secured to the bitt in front of the mast, again very fiddly due to lack of space. Sail rigging lines were fitted in the same way as the other sails. The braces are attached to the lower mainstay, these should be secured with a drop of CA.
That concludes another issue and issue 127 gets underway… Will update again soon so until then happy modelling…

Regards

Alan

An amazing job you are doing with this build, Alan. You have set the standard which we will all try to achieve with our own builds. Looking forwards to more updates.

Stephen

This would not look out of place in a museum.it is a truly remarkable model.

Carl

Superb job Alan, she certainly looks fantastic.
Graeme

Hi Alan,

I must admit I have been following you diary for quite some time and found it most enjoyable and it's helped me tremendously. Your ratlines are absolutely stunning and when I get to that stage if mine are half as good as yours I'll be happy.
Regards
Steve

Hi Alan.
Looking Fantastic. I prefer the rat lines hand tied. look forward to seeing more Ian.

Having quite literally stumbled upon your build log some two years ago I have been an avid follower. The care and precision you have demonstrated in the building of this ship and the thoroughness of your build log for others to follow is outstanding.

It is of no surprise to me you have been awarded the yellow medal for an outstanding model so a hearty congratulations Alan. I think your SOTS would be a worthy exhibit at any venue.

I am sure that I'm not the only one who has been inspired by what you have achieved into starting a build of their own.

Thank you so very much.
Kindest regards Nige

Hello Gandale,

I am in the middle of gathering research info on building the DeAgostino Sovereign of the Seas. My early career was as a 2nd Engineering Officer on merchant ships, and tall ships have been a love of mine since I was a small boy. Seawater still flows through my veins. I'm saving the money to purchase this fine kit, which will be my first plank on frame model. The level of extra detail in your build is such an inspiration that I will endeavor to walk in your footsteps and use the same fine additions and details which you have made. All I can say to you is BRAVO! I truly appreciate your build because like yourself, I am a very detail oriented individual and building this ship model is the manifestation of a long held dream. Thanks you so much for providing the guidance that goes so far beyond the instruction booklets that it should be included in the box!

Best regards,

Kurt Suleski in Minnesota