[WIP] 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! 

[Franco Clarke]

Progress continues to go well, on the ship, with both main decks extending the full length of the ship, with all of the support frames in place. An unfortunate side affect is it is really too big to fit on my table now, so I will have to seek out an alternate backdrop for next month's update.

The hull sides at the bow have started to be installed, with the first gunports in place. 

The beak is complete, aside from the figurehead, with ornamentation around the bow also added. I'm going to hold off on installing the headrails until later in the build, as they are likely to be fragile.

I've extended the centre section back to the end of the gundeck, and started to build up the sides here too. All three masts have been installed up to platform height.

The installation of the deck has allowed the first deck details to be added, here is the all important bell. Behind the main mast is a staircase for entering the lower decks.

Finally, the beginnings of the cabins has started. The holes in the deck are wheel will be fitted.

The plan next is to finish the poop deck and hopefully top out the masts, so that I can also begin to add the rigging. 

[Sebeus I]

Love the use of those vintage doors, I have been using them on my ships as well, perfect size for a ship!

[Professor Thaum]

Very inspiring. Keep going ! 

The glass doors seem a little bit strange on a ship of the line. But it's a good idea to recycle those old ones.

 

[NOD]

Very interesting to see the construction progress. I like the beakhead; it's a nice color combination. @Professor Thaum is right, the glass door doesn't fit. Also keep in mind that a minifigure is 4 pins wide. I think you want the sailors to be able to go in and out through the door. You should use a 4 pin wide and 4-5 pin high wooden door without windows.

[Franco Clarke]

On 8/22/2025 at 11:35 AM, Sebeus I said:

Love the use of those vintage doors, I have been using them on my ships as well, perfect size for a ship!

Thank you, it was one of your builds I saw this usage on first, a great combination of size and detail.

On 10/13/2025 at 12:12 PM, Professor Thaum said:

Very inspiring. Keep going ! 

The glass doors seem a little bit strange on a ship of the line. But it's a good idea to recycle those old ones.

 

On 10/26/2025 at 5:21 AM, NOD said:

Very interesting to see the construction progress. I like the beakhead; it's a nice color combination. @Professor Thaum is right, the glass door doesn't fit. Also keep in mind that a minifigure is 4 pins wide. I think you want the sailors to be able to go in and out through the door. You should use a 4 pin wide and 4-5 pin high wooden door without windows.

Glad you have been enjoying the process. The doors were inspired by those on Victory, which are partially glazed. Due to the tight size, they've got to be undersized, so these are handy in that regard.

 

Edited November 2, 2025 by Franco Clarke

[Franco Clarke]

It's been a while since I updated this thread, but I have not been idle in the meantime. I apologise in advance for the gloomy photographs.

She's now looking rather more shipshape, with the hull on this side nearly complete. It took some fiddling to get the guns all spaced nicely, and to close the gaps where the tumblehome meets the main deck, but it isn't far off now. The masts have also grown up to the first platform level. The other side isn't so well progressed, but as she's awkward to turn around, I've not included any shots of that this time.

Another new addition is the stern has been completed. This is always my favourite part of the build, and a ship of this size gives plenty of space for fancywork.

Looking from the bow, where the rails still to be added around the fore deck.

She now has a suitably grand figurehead and some rather fragile headrails. I'll need to find space for catheads and anchors still in this area.

In the centre and quarter decks, a lot of the detail is now in place, alongside the first sets of guns, these being 12 pounders.

Finally, here's the area around the wheel more detailed up, with further windows, binnacle and sweeping staircases added.

As might be apparent from the pictures, she's gotten quite large and awkward to photograph, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to fit everything after the next stage, which will be extending the masts and bowsprit ready for rigging. Has anyone got any advice on the best ways to photograph large models?