Dutch VOC ship the Prins Willim, minifig scale!

[Captain Green Hair]

Hello Matey's!

I've been planning this project for some months now and last saturday i started construction on the Dutch VOC ship the Prins Willim.

Measuring a stunning 68 meters length overall she was the largest ship ever build by the VOC.

I'm building in a 1:40 scale, meaning my model will be 1.70 meters long when done.

The ship was build in 1649 and completed in 1651.

More detailed information can be found here and in Dutch here.

After her first voyage to the east, she was commisioned in 1652 by the Dutch admirality because off the outbreak of the first war with England. It was then when she was fitted with 16 extra guns and for a short period she served as the flagship of Admiral Witte de With. After she was heavily battledamaged in the battle of Duins she was returned to the VOC.

She was refitted by the VOC and sailed out to the east again.

It is this 40 gun version i'm building.

The admiral had a model build of the ship, it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

And here's a picture of it, note the 40 guns:

Ofcourse the replica that has been build and that i recently visited is another source of inspiration:

There were no plans available, so i had to make my own complex plans

The main body structure has been build:

The beginning of the stern and rudder are made:

Another shot of the stern, you can see how it will be connected to the widest part:

And a shot from the bow:

Here you can see the position of the main mast, my width tool (the blue plates) and a certain pirate trying to stop her from ever setting sail

Ofcourse i need some specialist tools, here you can see my height tool:

And my curve tool:

Last but not least i already designed the capstan, here you can also see how i plan to make the decks, a technique i saw on this beautiful steamship.

Another great source of inspiration is this ship the Vasa, being build by our member Vasa.

That's it for now, stay tuned!

[Siegfried]

That's looking stunning already. Any reason why you're building it inverted?

[oDDerFisken]

Looks like a big project, but but you've had a great start as far as I can see. It looks great! I'm definitely looking forward to follow this WIP!

[Captain Green Hair]

That's looking stunning already. Any reason why you're building it inverted?

Thanks guys , i'm building inverted to keep it as smooth as possible.

When the white underwater part is done, i'll start building upwards again.

[Admiral Blockbeard]

wow i love these big projects! all the best on this ambitious journey, though with your great moc skills in boats i am sure it is of little challenge to you!

regards Cpt. PB

[UniqueBuilder]

Finally! I've been looking forward to seeing this thread and the ship since you started talking about it on MSN some months ago..

I'm really looking forward to see the evolution of this project! Keep us updated, and good luck my friend!!

[BlueBard]

Well, that's a nice beginning indeed!

[El Bucanero]

HUzzah!!!! Dutch Pride on!!!

At long last it's here! Finally the Dutch will be represented by a big ship (and considering the builder it's gonna be one mighty fine ship!!)

The beginning looks very very good. That curve looks particularly professional!

I really can't wait to see that beauty on an event.

I will check this thread for updates everyday!

Hoera!

[Opproperaar]

HUzzah!!!! Dutch Pride on!!!

NO!

First the European Championship, now this. Why is it we live next to one another? Ah the pain, the pain of it all (and the horrible flashy orange) - make it stop, go away!

Nice ship you have there, the curve is especially wel done.

Edited June 19, 2008 by Hairy Ruben

[Flatfoot Thompsen]

Can't wait to see what it looks like finished!

[Errorist]

Although I love the work you'ra doing I still feel obliged to concur with my brother

As for the ship I already told you about a million times it's beautyful

And I have to say that you're doing a mighty good job with the curve.

I just hope everything keeps working out as good as it has been doing until now.

Now, how about that bucket? *grins*

[Fluyt]

Looking like a masterpiece in the making

Can't wait to see the finished moc.

[Mister Phes]

HUzzah!!!! Dutch Pride on!!!

Oh the Dutch! They come up silly names like Tasmania, Van Diemen's Land, etc. Who would want to live in a place named by the Dutch... Really...

[Ralph_S]

Oh the Dutch! They come up silly names like Tasmania, Van Diemen's Land, etc. Who would want to live in a place named by the Dutch... Really...

Actually, it's the British who named it Van Diemen's land. Abel Tasman chose to call it Anthoonij van Diemenslandt, which was a bit much for the Brits. Later they changed the name to Tasmania.

It's not the Dutch mate.

As a Dutchman (I live in the UK, but that's just part of our secret plot to take over the world) I really look forward to seeing how this ship will turn out. My first impressions are very good.

Cheers,

Ralph

[Mister Phes]

Actually, it's the British who named it Van Diemen's land. Abel Tasman chose to call it Anthoonij van Diemenslandt, which was a bit much for the Brits. Later they changed the name to Tasmania.

Yes, you're right, BUT, Van Diemen isn't an English name either, it was an abbreviation of the Dutch name Anthoonij van Diemenslandt by the British. One could argue for hours that if the British changed the name then it is in fact a British name, so to cut the argument short lets says its an amalgam of Dutch and English.

That aside, I was just being silly when I posted that statement, so it wasn't meant to be taken seriously hence the smiley.

[Capn Frank]

Finally! I've been looking forward to seeing this thread and the ship since you started talking about it on MSN some months ago..

Same here!

This ship is looking awesome so far!

I enjoy your precise measuring instruments.

Maybe i should post pics of mine next time i'm home.

I really like the idea of building this ship upside down below the waterline.

[Starwars4J]

Beautiful ship man! You were telling me about it at the event but that didn't do this a lick of justice the hull looks impressive to be sure, and I'm in love with that capstan (I guess it brings in the anchor?). Maaaan, talk about a naval SHIP, I can't wait to see more updates on this baby!

[Christian]

After much talking by you about this project, we finally get to see it... and it does'nt dissapoint the slightest.

This far it looks really great! Its interesting to see all of the studs facing downwards, but it makes the ships curves looks far more realistic.

Cant wait to see the finished result.

[Captain Green Hair]

Thank you all for your nice replies, this encourages me to build even faster!

I've just ordered about 5.000 white pieces, hopefully they are in next week.

I'll keep you guys up to date

Beautiful ship man! You were telling me about it at the event but that didn't do this a lick of justice the hull looks impressive to be sure, and I'm in love with that capstan (I guess it brings in the anchor?). Maaaan, talk about a naval SHIP, I can't wait to see more updates on this baby!

Correct, the capstan brings in the anchor. But i could also be used to lift heavy stuff aboard from the main sail yard.

The thing i like best about my version is that the rods aren't placed at the same hight, just like in real

[Captain Green Hair]

Oke time for an update!

The bow is almost done, just a few more tiles needed :

Some shots from different angles:

A shot of the entire thing:

And a little shot of things to come, watch out behind ya Luitenant

Oke i hope that is big enough for you mr. Phes

C&C are very welcome!

[Christian]

Oke time for an update!

(...)

Oke i hope that is big enough for you mr. Phes

C&C are very welcome!

As I've allready told you uncountable times: This thing is freaking impressive! I just love that inverted hull. The table, drawers etc. are awesome too.

[Lasse D]

Whoa Green Hair!

You have to make sure it's easy to see the hull once it is displayed - because that's just a pure sea of win! It suddenly makes a lot more sense that you built it upside down.

Keep up the god work!

[Bonaparte]

I've never seen that technique you are using to construct this hull. It looks incredible good Captain. I've got no words to describe it. And I love the color of the hull.

Also the furniture you're preparing looks great!

Keep those pics coming

[Quarryman]

I'm speechless

It looks so smoothly curved, and so huge

Don't know what else to say really, this is amazing.

[Teddy]

Dear Captain green hair,

that looks amazing!

Good to see the tiled hull is catching on! ;-)

also interesting to see you solved the hull problem i had with a slightly different approach then i did with my SNOT solution fot the mini-fig scale HMS Victory.

here

Also love the detailing you are making for the ship interior!

curious to see how your ship will end up! :)

Maybe one day we will be able to display our mini-fig scale vessals toghether in a special lego sailing event?