HMS Victory Model Images - Hull

The model's keel was laid in January, 1980.

Keel -- 1980

Deck Framing and Stern Timbers -- 1983

After completion of the frame, a start was then made on the hull planking.
Mountain Ash Timber was used and was laid to match up exactly with the planking on the original ship.

Bow -- 1984

Hull -- 1984

Stern

The Keel, rudder and hull up to the water line is copper-plated with 3,700 copper plates.
These 1" x 5/16" plates were cut from 0.003 inch shim copper, then fixed in place
by some 37,000 hand-made copper nails, taking some 500 hours to make and fit.

Making Copper Plates

Stern

Although the hull of the real HMS Victory is painted, I chose instead to stain the hull of the model.
As the images show, the rich beautiful colours of the natural wood accentuated by the copper sheeting show
that I made the right decision.

Bow	Trial Fitting of Cannons

More than 700 deck planks were fitted throughout the hull. All these planks could only be laid
after all the work appropriate to the deck below had been completed - e.g. cabins,
passageways, companionways, equipment and furniture.

Waist Showing Belfry and Cowl

Hull Completed -- 1993

Quarter Deck and Poop, Wheel and Binacle

The model shows the intricate carving that was needed on the stern and bow.
The Figurehead was carved from a solid block of Huon Pine, taking 250 hours.

Figurehead on Bow

Figurehead

Stern Carving

A jig and bobbin was developed to make the hammock nettings. There are ten nettings in
hammock cranes on deck, one on the aft side of each of the three tops, two enclosing the beakhead
and one netting on the end of the bowsprit.

Jig and Bobbin to Make Nettings

Quarter Deck and Companion Way to Poop

Stern Carving

During hull construction, the challenge of how to achieve a finish or make a simple tool was always present.

Taffrail and Knees

Making Stern Window Frames

Stern Window Frame Jig

The lower mast tops were quite complicated to construct. They were made of laminated planking
on formers, and their tio was covered with tapered ribs or battens.

Lower Mast Tops Making

Top Construction

Boarding pikes are held in racks at the foot of the fore and main masts.

Foot of Main Mast

Making Boarding Pikes