Building a Ship of the Line

[Franco Clarke]

Having tried my hand at numerous frigates and smaller ships, I decided it was high time to begin work on something a touch larger. To this end, here is the first steps of the construction of a ship of the line. I started at the bottom, quickly mocking up the design up to the bottom of the first gun deck and the start of the tumblehome, figuring out where the hull would step in and out to create a pleasing ship shape. 

Here's some overviews of the lower hull at this point, got a large expanse of deck space for lots of big guns, just a ship of the line should.

Having learnt from taking models to shows in the past, I wanted this to be modular, which allows a closer look at the bow section.

At the stern there's a rudder post and the beginnings of the ports for the four chasers.

The next step was to map out where the gun ports would go. I wanted to avoid having ports on the joints between the sections, so planning this out was a helpful step to reduce rebuilds later on. I also positioned the mast stumps too for the same reason.

The net result of this was that it is actually 1 gunport too short for the plan, and the grating would need to move. This will require a lengthening of 6 studs, which will be the next step. I'm planning to periodically post updates as the ship grows, with an aim to launch her before the end of the year.

[NOD]

This is a very interesting construction project. It's good that there is already a sailor on the gun deck to get a better impression of the dimensions. I really like the ship's bow, the most difficult part so far. I enjoy following the periodically post updates.

If possible, I would like to see a photo of the underside of the ship. I am very interested in how the ship's hull, which runs upwards and outwards, was attached and stabilized.

[Franco Clarke]

On 6/23/2025 at 7:47 AM, NOD said:

If possible, I would like to see a photo of the underside of the ship. I am very interested in how the ship's hull, which runs upwards and outwards, was attached and stabilized.

The structure is mercifully simple, being a basic frame of bricks with plates on the bottom and the deck on the top locking everything together. To form the ship-shape, the hull steps in half stud sections, which is achieved by using 'odd' and 'even' technic bricks. Hope this makes sense, let me know if you would like any more details.

 

 

 

 

In the last month I have made some further progress on the ship. The hull has been lengthened to accept another gunport, which has had the unfortunate side affect of making the ship too long for my table. 

I have started building up the bow, with the first few gunports now formed on the lower deck. The beakhead is mostly constructed, ready for the headrails and figurehead. The blue archway is where the bowsprit will fit.

In the centre the main and upper gundecks are framed and laid down, although I need a few more specific tan plates to finish the top deck. I think I need to step the top deck in a stud so that a good tumblehome can be accommodated. 

Finally a view along the gundecks, with plenty of space for lots of cannons. The 2x2 columns used for the frame ensures this module is solid, feeling more like a fort than a ship.

The next step will be finishing the bow up to top deck level like the centre section, and to figure out the attachment for the ratlines.

[MaHo90]

4 hours ago, Franco Clarke said:

The structure is mercifully simple, being a basic frame of bricks with plates on the bottom and the deck on the top locking everything together. To form the ship-shape, the hull steps in half stud sections, which is achieved by using 'odd' and 'even' technic bricks. Hope this makes sense, let me know if you would like any more details.

 

 

 

 

In the last month I have made some further progress on the ship. The hull has been lengthened to accept another gunport, which has had the unfortunate side affect of making the ship too long for my table. 

I have started building up the bow, with the first few gunports now formed on the lower deck. The beakhead is mostly constructed, ready for the headrails and figurehead. The blue archway is where the bowsprit will fit.

In the centre the main and upper gundecks are framed and laid down, although I need a few more specific tan plates to finish the top deck. I think I need to step the top deck in a stud so that a good tumblehome can be accommodated. 

Finally a view along the gundecks, with plenty of space for lots of cannons. The 2x2 columns used for the frame ensures this module is solid, feeling more like a fort than a ship.

The next step will be finishing the bow up to top deck level like the centre section, and to figure out the attachment for the ratlines.

Very nice progression!