Thames Barge - Veronica

Started by AndyB2

3 updates 32 likes 6 comments
AndyB2 Opening post 1

Thames Barge - Veronica

This is a well know model. I think there used to be an active group of TB modellers, this seems to have been maintained through a Facebook page - However, I don't use FB ! But Sarik models have put the original DVD on YouTube, which does help.

Any experience or advice about making this model - always welcome and appreicated.
Liked by ColinJ2 and EdW and
5 comments
  1. AndyB2
    Chief Petty Officer 1st Class
    Thanks GrantH. Looks great
    I’m hoping, that by keeping the boat fixed to the building board will avoid any “twist” in the hull.

    How many servos did you use? Did you have one for the “vang” as shown in the video?

    I’ve still to think about how to control the jibs. Would be nice to use another servo but feel that’s not normally done.
    Liked by Ronald
  2. GrantH
    Able Seaman
    I have 3 servos. One for the rudder and a winch for the vangs and another winch for the main sail sheet. The foresail is left loose, it travels across the deck on a "horse", as it is on the full size vessel. This was so because the barge only had a "man and a boy" to man the boat. This kept wages down (ie more profit for the barge) but meant that the rigging trimming had to be kept to a minimum. Remember that the "horse" is a complicated build as its a double curve.
    Liked by tomarack and Ronald and

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Frames - Completed

Have decided to leave the frames fixed to the baseboard while completing the first part of the planking. Need to give some thought to how the deck and gunwales are completed.

Have decided to initially use the keel I made for the Dutch barge on this model as well. Its perhaps a touch on the light side but then some modellers seem to have two - a lightweight and heavier one - depending on the weather. The fore/aft position will need some thinking - I do intend to build it with the bowsprit - which will bring the CLR well forward - the video indicates/suggests having two positions to deal with this. I do intend to add a brass keel band - should have done this at the start. Will give a secure fixing for the detachable keel and also act a a wear strip.

The figure came from eBay - unpainted - is 1/24th scale. Hopefully help guide the build - he's currently having a break and cup of tea !
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Start of the planking

A strip of 3mm thick brass section has been fixed to the keel, using screws and West Epoxy, this has also been drilled for the detachable keel. This brass strip should have been fitted first but will provide a wear strip, add weight to the bottom of the boat and provide a rigid fixing for the keel.

Have started the planking, these are made from 1.5 mm plywood and initially glued using "super glue" - a coating of glass fibre tissue and West Epoxy will be applied to the inside afterwards. There is a need to steam the planks, especially at the bow.

The hull is still fixed to the baseboard. Think I'll plank up to the chine line and then turn the boat over.
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Side planking

Made some slow progress - the sides were fitted before the final planking as it made the clamping easier.
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