Typical Gammoning on a model
Completed Bowsprit
Three chocks/stops for gommoning
one chock for stay collar on underside
Tenon
One cleat on the starboard side only
Masting and Rigging
The Bowsprit…
To make the bowsprit, take the appropriate size dowel from
those supplied and taper it to match the plans. All of the masts
and spars on the Mayflower are tapered. There are many ways
to shape them. One method that works well would be to place
one end in the chuck of a portable hand drill. As the dowel
spins in the drill run some sand paper across it until the appro-
priate shape is obtained. This is a quick way to shape your
masts and spars but stop periodically to check it against the
plans. It is very easy to quickly remove too much wood using
this technique.
Also note that the bowsprit and lower masts can be “stepped”
several ways as well. They are inserted into pre drilled holes on
deck. Some modelers will not glue them permanently into the
deck. There may be a need to re-rig the model in the future and
this will make that job much easier. It is entirely up to you.
One method for securing the masts into the holes on deck would
be to drill those holes the same diameter as each mast. Then
you can slip the masts into these holes. The angle of each hole
will have to be precise in order to obtain the correct mast angle
(rake). Another method (as used for the Mayflower prototype)
would be to carve a small tenon on the bottom of each mast and
bowsprit. The tenon is inserted into a smaller hole. This allevi-
ates the need to create a deep hole at precisely the right angle.
The mast will still have enough movement so the angle can be
established. The only drawback is you will have to permanently
glue the masts into these holes because they are not as deep.
Otherwise they would move around too much as you begin rig-
ging the model.
You should decide which method to use before you begin shap-
ing the bowsprit.The tenon and other small details can be carved
using a sharp #11 blade in your hobby knife. These features are
not difficult to create. However, depending on your skill level it
might be a good idea to practice on some scrap pieces of wood
first. Once the bowsprit is tapered and shaped, test fit it on the
model. As you can see on the plans, the bowsprit is positioned
on the starboard side of the stem. It is positioned at an angle.
While on the model, mark the locations for the gammoning
chocks and cleats. Compare them to the locations shown on the
plans. When satisfied with their placement create the chocks
from 1/16” x 1/16” strip wood and glue them into position along
with the cleat. The cleat is painted black. Don’t forget the chock
for the stay collar. It is not shown in the photo because it is on
the underside of the bowsprit.
The photo above shows the bowsprit completed with the tenon at
its base. Also note how the outboard tip of the bowsprit was
shaped as shown on the plans. Glue the bowsprit on the model
being careful to establish the correct rake.
The bowsprit is secured to the stem knee with gammoning and
should be done at this time. Use the black .021 rigging line sup-
plied with the kit. The illustration above shows the method used
for typical gammoning on a model. Run the line through the slot
on the stem knee around the bowsprit as shown. The bowsprit is
now completed and you will return to it later to add more rigging
details. But at this point you can move ahead and start building
the lower fore and main masts.
Fore and Main Masts…
The fore and main masts are virtually identical except for their
size. Therefore both can be made at the same time which will
ensure that they look similar. The only difference is that the main
mast has a chock used as a stop for the mizzen stay. Begin by
selecting the appropriate sized dowels. Cut them to length and
taper them as described earlier. If you decided to use tenons for
securing the masts into the deck then shape them at this time. See
the photos on the next page. The top of each mast will also need
a tenon carved but this time it will be square. The mast cap will
slide onto it. The mast cap has two holes. One is square and the
other is round. The topmast will be inserted into the round hole.
Gammoning
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Содержание Mayflower 1620
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