Drakkar, Oseberg

1
March 10, 2021
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.
2
February 22, 2021
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.
3
February 22, 2021
09 February 2021: Glued the main parts of the ribs (x17) together.
4
November 7, 2021
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.
5
February 22, 2021
15 February 2021: Placing that little part which will eventually hold the mast felt like a major accomplishment!
6
February 22, 2021
16 February 2021: Started work on the center rib, Rib 0.
7
February 22, 2021
8
February 22, 2021
Materials needed. This was the first time that I will be shaping parts.
9
February 22, 2021
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.
10
February 22, 2021
The rest of the profile traced, after which I removed the template.
11
February 22, 2021
The back side of rib 0.
12
February 22, 2021
Glued the support for deck plank in place.
13
February 22, 2021
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.
14
February 22, 2021
After the glue has dried, the support plank was opened and enlarged until it excepted the mast.
15
February 22, 2021
16
February 22, 2021
Dry fitting the deck planks and mast.
17
February 22, 2021
17 February 2021 until 19 February 2021: The construction of Rib 01 to 04 (a total of 8 ribs) are the same.
18
February 22, 2021
19 February 2021: This feels like another milestone! The completion of Rib 05 to 08 (a total of 8 ribs) remain.
19
March 9, 2021
08 March 2021: The shaping of Rib 05 and 06 have been completed.
20
March 10, 2021
21
March 10, 2021
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.
22
March 10, 2021
Use the drawing on plan 01 to mark the location of the eyebolts, as well as the orientation for the bow and the stern.
23
March 10, 2021
Use a pin vise to drill the location holes for the eyebolts.
24
March 10, 2021
Mark the bow after consulting the plan
25
March 10, 2021
Mark the stern after consulting the plan
26
March 10, 2021
Use the profile on plan 03 to mark the profile required for the bow and the stern.
27
March 10, 2021
28
March 10, 2021
All the ribs (17 in total) have been chamfered and dry fitted. All the ribs touched the witness line on the keel.
29
March 10, 2021
I could not resist placing a few deck planks 🙂
30
March 11, 2021
Using the profile provided on plan 03, I marked the limits at which the chamfering start and end on the bow/stern.
31
March 11, 2021
32
March 11, 2021
Using a pencil, I transfer the profile to the bow and stern post.
33
March 11, 2021
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.
34
March 12, 2021
Parts required to plank the keel.
35
March 12, 2021
Using a pencil to mark the location of the center most part to be laid on the keel.
36
March 12, 2021
12 March 2021: Planking the keel.
37
March 12, 2021
Again dry fitting and clamping the parts required to plank the keel and and to ensure that the profile will conform.
38
March 12, 2021
Gluing the centermost part into place, using the witness line (horizontal) and the pencil lines (vertical) drawn to establish the center.
39
March 12, 2021
40
March 11, 2021
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.
41
March 12, 2021
The required profile of the tops of the bow and the stern.
42
March 12, 2021
Using the keel clamp, it seems the wobble worked itself out.
43
March 12, 2021
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.
44
March 12, 2021
The modified Rib 08.
45
March 11, 2021
11 March 2021: I started a few sub-assemblies of smaller parts which will only be needed near the end of the project.
46
March 11, 2021
As soon as the glue has dried, these assemblies will need some shaping/chamfering.
47
March 13, 2021
13 March 2021: Temporarily placing the ribs on the keel.
48
March 12, 2021
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.
49
March 13, 2021
Working on sub-assemblies continued. Started on the Viking sea chests which also doubled as seats for rowing
50
March 13, 2021
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.
51
March 16, 2021
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.
52
March 20, 2021
19 March 2021: Gathered the parts required for the initial shaping/carving of the main mast support.
53
March 20, 2021
Glued the template with a low tack glue to the wood and traced the outline.
54
March 12, 2021
Next, the support beams for the deck planking on Rib 08 (bow and stern) will be glued on.
55
March 12, 2021
Inserting the eyebolts on the bow and the stern. The holes were already drilled yesterday using plan 01 to establish the exact location.
56
March 20, 2021
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.
57
March 20, 2021
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
58
March 20, 2021
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.
59
March 20, 2021
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.
60
March 20, 2021
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.
61
March 20, 2021
This is an image of how the clamp is used.
62
March 20, 2021
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.
63
March 20, 2021
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.
64
March 23, 2021
23 March 2021: I decided to remove the planking, and start again.
65
March 20, 2021
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.
66
March 23, 2021
67
March 23, 2021
Using alcohol, white glue can be soften which enable you to remove parts glued together using wood glue.
68
March 23, 2021
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.
69
March 23, 2021
The distance between each rib is a uniform 40mm.
70
March 23, 2021
Nice and straight.
71
March 24, 2021
24 March 2021: Materials required to lay the center planks of the belts on both sides of the keel.
72
March 23, 2021
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.
73
March 24, 2021
I laid the first three belts of the center planking.
74
March 23, 2021
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.
75
March 24, 2021
Throughout the day I ensured that the ribs (the center eight) remain at a right angle to the keel.
76
May 8, 2021
08 May 2021: The external planking completed.
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May 8, 2021
The stern, showing off the clinker style planking
78
May 8, 2021
From above showing the mast and mast support in place.
79
May 8, 2021
The stern with the rudder attachment glued to the hull.
80
May 8, 2021
Some "surgery" where repairs had to be blended in.
81
May 8, 2021
Side profile
82
May 8, 2021
Showing off the blocks installed where the shields will be inserted.
83
May 8, 2021
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
84
May 8, 2021
Laying out the deck planking
85
June 5, 2021
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.
86
June 5, 2021
Standing rigging in the bow. I will have to do some adjustments to the wooden decorative piece though.
87
June 5, 2021
Running rigging in the stern. This will ultimately be attached to the yard.
88
June 5, 2021
Standing rigging midship. The rope's length must still be adjusted.
89
June 25, 2021
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).
90
June 25, 2021
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.
91
June 25, 2021
The standing rigging temporarily pinned in place.
92
June 25, 2021
View from the top. I have also stowed the oars.
93
June 25, 2021
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.
94
June 25, 2021
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June 25, 2021
96
June 25, 2021
97
June 25, 2021
98
June 25, 2021
99
June 25, 2021
The fixed rigging is in place and adjusted. The bow and stern ornaments have temporarily been pinned into place.
100
June 25, 2021
The veneer carvings that have to be installed on the bow and the stern
101
June 25, 2021
A close-up to show the intricate nature of the carvings.
102
June 25, 2021
Clamping the carvings in place and left to dry.
103
June 25, 2021
Secure in position and ready for varnish.
104
June 28, 2021
Varnishing the deck after sanding and removing imperfections.
105
June 28, 2021
106
June 28, 2021
28 June 2021: My wife being press-ganged into ironing the silk provided for the main sail.
107
June 28, 2021
Materials required
108
June 28, 2021
Staining the silk using an epoxy based stain
109
June 28, 2021
Removing access stain after both sides were covered as well as removing any wrinkles
110
June 28, 2021
Using white paper to blot the access staining fluid
111
June 28, 2021
112
June 28, 2021
113
June 28, 2021
Pinning the silk on cork.
114
July 2, 2021
The materials required to create the main sail.
115
July 3, 2021
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.
116
July 2, 2021
View of the assembled sail. I am not happy with the glue marks.
117
October 22, 2021
22 October 2021: Fifth effort.
118
October 24, 2021
Tinting the threat using bitumen tint.
119
October 24, 2021
120
October 24, 2021
Winding up the tinted threat on the spool.
121
October 24, 2021
Simulating the vertical panel lines.
122
October 24, 2021
Ironing the sail prior to sewing on the reef bands.
123
October 24, 2021
Cutting the strips for the reef bands. Ten millimeter wide, covering the entire width of the sail seems right in this scale.
124
October 24, 2021
Using white glue to secure the reef bands in position.
125
October 24, 2021
Lining up the reef bands on the front and back of the sail.
126
October 24, 2021
Sewing the reef bands, front and back down.
127
November 10, 2021
Bowlines
128
October 24, 2021
View from the back, reef bands and hem completed.
129
October 26, 2021
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.
130
October 24, 2021
View from the front, showing reinforcement panels at the bottom and top corners of the sail as well as the reef bands.
131
November 6, 2021
Checking the effect paint has on the material
132
November 6, 2021
Drawing the design in pencil
133
November 6, 2021
The artist, my wife, in action.
134
November 10, 2021
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.
135
November 6, 2021
The final option. The round circle signify the shape of the round shield.
136
November 10, 2021
Pedestal options
137
November 10, 2021
Shield options
138
October 26, 2021
The bolt-rope (⌀ 1.0mm) and the four clews completed.
139
October 27, 2021
The reef-lines (⌀ 0.5mm) have been completed. Two per panel as the reference material suggested.
140
October 28, 2021
The bowlines (⌀ 0.7mm) and sliders has been attached on both sides of the main sail.
141
November 8, 2021
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.
142
November 2, 2021
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.
143
November 2, 2021
The yard has been raised and temporarily secured to the mast.
144
November 6, 2021
145
November 10, 2021
A special tool was needed to bound the ropes that will be left on the deck at the cleats.
146
November 6, 2021
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.
147
November 6, 2021
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November 6, 2021
149
November 6, 2021
Installing the running rigging in the bow.
150
November 6, 2021
Work on the running rigging continue.
151
November 6, 2021
Constantly adjusting the running rigging in the stern and the bow in order to creeate some balance.
152
November 15, 2021
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.
153
November 6, 2021
The static rigging and running rigging in all its glory.
154
November 6, 2021
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November 6, 2021
156
November 8, 2021
The different parts required to build up a single shield. For this model, thirty shields are required.
157
November 8, 2021
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.
158
October 26, 2021
Ten of the thirty shields completed.
159
October 26, 2021
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.
160
November 8, 2021
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.
161
October 28, 2021
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.
162
November 15, 2021

Comments

257 22 February 2021, 03:21

Villiers de Vos
Should 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 Vos
There 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

Emil Stojanov
I have a sweet spot for drakars. following

9 March 2021, 10:56

Ben M
watching

9 March 2021, 13:43

Villiers de Vos
Thank you. I hope to do the model justice.

10 March 2021, 18:07

Villiers de Vos
The 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 Sørensen
Great 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

Rui S
I like it 👍

10 March 2021, 21:16

Treehugger
Looks 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 Vos
Emil: 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 Vos
Today, 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 Vos
Planking 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

Torsten
What a😎 project, follow this 👍

13 March 2021, 06:31

Rui S
That's HUUGGGEEEE

14 March 2021, 11:18

Villiers de Vos
Rui: The completed model is nearly 1m long 🙂

14 March 2021, 11:25

Rui S
Big and Beautifuly done. 👍 Respect

14 March 2021, 11:30

Sergej I
Following! Floki would envy you😉 👍

14 March 2021, 11:34

Villiers de Vos
Torsten, Rui and Sergej: Thank you for your encouragement!

14 March 2021, 12:10

Villiers de Vos
Yesterday 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 Vos
The project has seen progress. Planking started, and the first belt looks good.

21 March 2021, 03:19

Torsten
Nice progress 👍

21 March 2021, 07:28

Villiers de Vos
Yesterday 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

Pierre Pierre
this is magistral building congratulation !

24 March 2021, 13:31

Torsten
Good luck and patience, I cross my fingers 👍

24 March 2021, 14:55

Pierre Pierre
fingers crossed too

24 March 2021, 20:19

Villiers de Vos
The results of today was much better. A big thank you for the words of encouragement.

24 March 2021, 20:46

Doug Craven
Wow! It builds. like a real boat!

8 April 2021, 02:10

DAVID C
Impresionante trabajo, es una obra de artesanía! Seguiré su trabajo. Seguro que le quedará esp! Animo!

21 April 2021, 07:01

Dominik Weitzer
Wow! a ton of work here!

5 May 2021, 06:18

Spanjaard
a ton of work indeed. will be a huge beutiful ship

5 May 2021, 09:18

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 Vos
Today, 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

Torsten
Looks great, stay on target 👍

8 May 2021, 17:48

Gordon Sørensen
The planking looks great, Villiers! Coming together nicely!

9 May 2021, 13:07

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

Torsten
What 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

Dean Cikins
I love it! I want to try a wooden ship someday

23 June 2021, 02:42

Bruce Huxtable
Very impressive work Villiers, she is looking splendid.

23 June 2021, 07:21

Robert Podkoński
With 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 Vos
Thank 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 Vos
I 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

Bruce Huxtable
She's coming to life and looking great ?

25 June 2021, 19:41

David Taylor
As above.

25 June 2021, 20:17

Villiers de Vos
I started work today on the main sail, and posted a few photographs

28 June 2021, 18:00

bughunter
As I like to work with real wood I need to watch this build! Nice work so far 👍

28 June 2021, 18:24

Bruce Huxtable
How are you joining the strips back together, Villiers? Next steps? Hope it's going well ?

15 July 2021, 17:49

Villiers de Vos
Bruce, 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 Vos
I 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 Huxtable
She is resting but will awaken when you return.... We'll survive somehow ?

15 July 2021, 20:12

Evander Borg
Villiers, 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 Pierre
very 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

Treehugger
I really like the look of the dark deck/wood varnishing.

1 August 2021, 08:39

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Have a nice and refreshing vacation, Villiers. 👍

1 August 2021, 10:08

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 Borg
Villiers, 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 Vos
Thank 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

Olivier
Are you planning to sail to Denmark ?

10 August 2021, 20:45

Villiers de Vos
Ha ha! I just might

10 August 2021, 21:06

i_nook
Like 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 Pierre
so 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

Ben M
@jonn you literally made me laugh out loud.

15 September 2021, 15:51

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 Vos
Work 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 Huxtable
Very 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 Podkoński
It 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

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Looks like she will set sail soon. 👀
👍

6 October 2021, 17:42

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 Vos
My 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

Torsten
What else to write, incredible, the details, the work, it's fun to watch it 😎

22 October 2021, 08:59

Treehugger
Fascinating work. 🙂

22 October 2021, 09:06

Robert Podkoński
I agree with Treehugger - absolutely fascinating!

22 October 2021, 09:29

Bruce Huxtable
The 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 Vos
Version 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 Vos
Thank 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

David Taylor
You will not be a shield maiden when have finished them LOL.

23 October 2021, 18:49

Bruce Huxtable
Loving 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

Bruce Huxtable
Will you paint the shields individually too?

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 Vos
The 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

Bruce Huxtable
I hope one or two shields will have your crest on 😉👍

24 October 2021, 12:10

Robert Podkoński
We all hope that! 😉

24 October 2021, 15:01

Torsten
👍 😄

24 October 2021, 15:30

Spanjaard
shields looking good 🙂

26 October 2021, 12:08

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

Torsten
The 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 Huxtable
Goodness, 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

David Taylor
Shields looking good.

26 October 2021, 15:43

Gordon Sørensen
Great 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 Vos
The 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 Vos
@Major Flannel, she is destined to stay at home. 🙂

28 October 2021, 18:55

Torsten
The sail looks very good 😎

31 October 2021, 07:02

Villiers de Vos
The 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 Huxtable
Looking 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 Podkoński
And 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

David Taylor
Looks amazing.

2 November 2021, 20:30

Bruce Huxtable
She 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

Bruce Huxtable
The embellished sail looks perfect 👍

7 November 2021, 11:55

Guy Rump
Looking great 👍

7 November 2021, 12:57

Robin (WhiteGlint)
👍 I love the crest on the sail. It's great! 😄

7 November 2021, 17:08

Robert Podkoński
Absolutely fabulous! And the crest is aptly placed 😉

7 November 2021, 18:02

Peter K.
Super nice build!

8 November 2021, 20:07

Christian Bruer
Awesome looking Drakkar 👍
And by the way, your WIP is a very helpful step by step tutorial.

10 November 2021, 08:03

Daniel Klink
Extraordinary is the correct term... just wow! Brillant work Mate!👍

15 November 2021, 21:52

Villiers de Vos
Gentlemen, 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

Torsten
It has become a real beauty, I am running out of superlatives, just beautiful 😎

16 November 2021, 04:10

JD
Now 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

Ben M
What a great accomplishment! Superlative build!

16 November 2021, 04:33

bughunter
A very beautiful outcome of a fantastic project! 👍 I really like models with real wood 😉

16 November 2021, 06:27

Robert Podkoński
I am just speechless... Absolutely fabulous!

16 November 2021, 08:30

Spanjaard
a truly fantastic job Villiers! great result on those uncharted waters 🙂

16 November 2021, 08:55

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Really beautiful! 👍
A damn fine piece, Villiers.

16 November 2021, 11:08

Simon Nagorsnik
Just one word: AMAZING!!

16 November 2021, 11:21

David Taylor
As all above.

16 November 2021, 16:43

Guy Rump
Agree with all of the above! 👍

16 November 2021, 17:21

Rui S
A work of Love and it show's. Excellent result 👍

16 November 2021, 20:47

Amenofys
Impressive and meticulous work

21 November 2021, 11:38

James C
Very impressive work and especially your attention to the finer details 👍

21 November 2021, 17:04

Villiers de Vos
Gentlemen, 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

Lochsa River
nice!

22 November 2021, 03:28

Treehugger
I 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 M
Recommended reading - "The Oxford Illustrated History of The Vikings" - Chapter 8 is all about the ships.

30 November 2021, 15:46

Steven Van Dyck
This looks outstanding, Villiers.

30 November 2021, 17:10

Neil
WOW! 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

Gluefinger
Just, 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

Guy Rump
Looking excellent, very, very impressive modelling. 👍

23 March 2022, 16:34

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

Alberto
This 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
Thank you for your kind words Al Berto.

2 April 2022, 17:22

David Taylor
Hows the Santa Clara coming along.

2 April 2022, 17:53

Villiers de Vos
@GutterPunk, thank you for the like.

6 April 2022, 03:09

Kyle DeHart
Super cool. Never seen one of these done before.

6 April 2022, 03:47

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

David
Fantastic work .👍

6 April 2022, 05:17

Kyle DeHart
While a nice kit certainly helps, you have done a fantastic job bringing it to life!

6 April 2022, 05:29

Villiers de Vos
Gentlemen, 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 DeHart
My 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 Taylor
Comments from my wife are as follows,yes dear,nice dear,another box of plastic and how much.LOL

7 April 2022, 14:23

Kyle DeHart
Also 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

Jörg Schäfer
Wow, i like this kind of models.
Great Work.

8 April 2022, 05:27

Villiers de Vos
Thank you Jörg.
It is true. Our hobby in general allows us to be creative.

8 April 2022, 13:22

Villiers de Vos
@Philippe, merci pour le "j'aime"

29 April 2022, 04:36

Steve Desarzens
fantastic !!! 🙂

24 June 2022, 07:18

Villiers de Vos
Thank 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 Heim
Amazing, and certainly a decent amount of time and patience needed. Wonderful work!

8 October 2022, 09:33

David Taylor
What you achieved with this build is far from simple.

8 October 2022, 12:47

Mina Ro
Beautiful job

13 October 2022, 23:50

Villiers de Vos
Andy, David and Mina. Thank you for your kind words. It was quite an adventure.

14 October 2022, 03:50

Pietro De Angelis
Beautiful job!

25 October 2022, 07:03

Villiers de Vos
Isaac 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 Grün
Outstanding work with maximum effort. I'm excited and take a seat, Villiers. 👍👍👍

10 November 2022, 07:47

Villiers de Vos
Hello 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

AihaT
awesome work!

28 November 2022, 22:52

Ludvík Kružík
Amazing model and well done. 👍 👍 👍

12 January 2023, 22:58

Villiers de Vos
Thank you gentlemen for your kind words.

13 January 2023, 15:03

Dave
That is amazing, Looks great.

14 March 2023, 00:31

Villiers de Vos
Thank you Dave.

14 March 2023, 03:56

Shar Dipree
Incredible 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 Huxtable
Your labour if love is still as impressive as ever, Villiers. Inspirational skill, craft and ingenuity for sure 👍🙂

11 April 2023, 20:06

Villiers de Vos
Shar 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

Timothy Miller
This is a true work of art and a rare thing of beauty!

24 April 2023, 06:54

Neuling
I agree with Timothy!

24 April 2023, 08:30

Villiers de Vos
Thank you gentlemen.

24 April 2023, 20:21

Jan Eifel
WOW!

8 November 2023, 14:03

Ben M
Oh this beauty again 🙂

9 November 2023, 00:50

Villiers de Vos
Gentlemen, thank you for stopping by as well as your compliments.

9 November 2023, 04:16

yeon sung Jung
It was a great deal!! It's cool👍😊

9 November 2023, 04:21

Villiers de Vos
Thank you for your kind words Yeon Sung Jung.

11 November 2023, 04:13

Chen Pan
Incredible 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

Doubtingmango
Late to the party, but better late than never! What a beautiful build!

28 December 2023, 01:53

Bozzer
I 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 Vos
Gentlemen, 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

CaptGPF
Holy 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

Villiers de Vos
CaptGPF, thank you for your kind words.

31 December 2023, 19:18

Dick
This 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

DuperScale
Wow 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 Vos
Thank you Dick and DuperScale for stopping by as well as your kind words.

17 February, 11:33

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/

Drakkar

162 images

1:25

Completed

No Modeler's workplace (Korabel KL-43-002-001)

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