Mike

If I may impose myself on your blog I have simply some clarification although no definitive answer. The following is a well known picture of SoS and here the artist shows what is referred to as a 'square tuck'

FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY



This term refers to manner in which the planking finishes around the stern. A 'Round tuck' is when the planks curve gently round to butt up against the stern post. A 'square tuck' means that the planks finish at more of a bulkhead near the stern and then other planks complete the stern effectively perpendicular to the keel and stern post.

Academic thinking is not wholey clear in the case of SoS since the drawing seems to show a square tuck however this style of ship design was going out of fashion in England in the early 17th century.

To quote some research on the subject:

' it seems fairly certain that the Constant Reformation of 1618 had a round stern; it is quite certain that the Prince Royal of 1610 had a square tuck. In the case of SoS it seems probable....that the artist meant to show a square tuck.'

In my view this tends to support your argument that the stern should be fuller and the planking should terminate as the drawing suggests.

Anyway each to his own choice. I hope this helps with some thoughts.

John

I think you have hit the nail on the head with this one Mike,the square tuck looks right,especially with all that ornate decoration to hold up.Whilst the mag version looks "pretty" as is so often termed about ships lines it definitely does not look right,lines like that are for fast ships,& from the looks of her the sov was anything but fast.
In total agreement with the offset bowsprit as it was common practice wit such forward stepped masts,when it all changed regarding this I leave to the historians.
I shall definitely following this with the strong inteention of doing the same on my build when I get to it(saving it atm).Good luck with the rest of the mod.

Mike

As far as the bowsprit is concerned I have one specific reference which goes as follows:

'Around 1630 (the bowsprit was stepped) at about 20 degrees, around 1650 about 30 degrees..... From the early 16th century until about 1650 (occasionally as late as 1670), the bowsprit was routed past the foremast on the starboard side. It did not lie parallel to the keel, but at an angle, so that the head of the bowsprit was on the centreline of the ship.'

I hope this is helpful. By the way I enjoy your skilled construction and clear build explanations. Bravo

John

THE HULL STERN MODIFICATION

Well Team, I have finished the modification, having fitted the to piecs of wood last time, I now fill in the space with more balsa the photos tell the story:-

THE HULL STERN MODIFICATION

The last thing to do was to thin down the Keel to 1mm as this is essential to fit the planks to the correct thickness at the stern (I was very surprised this very important job was not covered in the instructions):-

Beautiful piece of work Mike, can now see what you were getting at..... thanks for sharing....

Regards

Alan

That looks so much better Mike,definitely a mod I think I will do when my time comes.

Hi Mike,

Looking brilliant, and tempted to follow you and make the model more authentic, but still learning, and might be a step to far. I will with the official build, but like the knowledge and possible alternatives you bring to the forum.

Regards
Claret.

Hi mike.
Very nice modification looks very nice Ian

Looking good there Mike. Love the shape. Lots of thought and effort and a fine result, well done.