Franco Clarke

Thank you all, glad you liked the build and the arch. Unfortunately there's no interior, the stern is full of jumpers to manage the offsets as the ship narrows. There's certainly plenty of space for crew, but in usual service that deck space would be mostly taken up by cargo for maximum profitability.

Marvellous build, makes me want to build an indiaman in the same colours. I like the choice of the jackass-brig rig, fits well for a merchantman, matched by the accurate colour matching for the sails. I can't see in the photographs, but does she carry guns on her deck, or are the cannon-ports 'painted' on to intimidate pirates?

That's an impressive upscaling of the original build, at first glance it appears unmodified, but nothing is the same. Great job on increasing each part in proportionate amounts. The video is clever choice, bringing the narrative to the forefront, and I like how you've incorporated other models and sets into the backdrop.

Amusing idea for a pirate themed business, quite a lucrative trade I should expect. The simple technique for the main shop floor brings a great texture, as with the roof build-up.

I do like the use of the 'giant' pirate, the framing of the model works well, preventing him from feeling too incongruous. Have you used a 2l bar to join the palm trunk in the middle?

Apologies for not posting anything for quite a while, but I shall endeavour to rectify that. To start off a fat little merchant that I finished last year, aiming to make a reasonable looking vessel with just a single midsection. The tubby proportions lent themselves to building a merchantman, for the pirates chase and the soldiers to escort. The colourscheme was inspired by the sole trader from imtp, and I used a Thames Barge as the model for the rig and sail plan. Closer view of the stern, the small size lending itself to using the dragon arch as decoration. This was inspired by a build I saw a long time ago, I believe on this forum. Due to the need for deck space to stow goods, and the small size, there's not so much to see on the inside. A simple tiller for the poop deck, with stairs and doors below to the stern cabin. Four small 6 pounders comprise the armament, with most deck space devoted to a large hatch to the imaginary cargo hold. Up front a ladder leads to the base of the mast and crank for the anchor. That just about wraps up this rather simple build, hope you like it.

Oh I'm ever so sorry, but I lost my internet shortly after posting the build and was thus unable to link it here. I hope I haven't caused any trouble.

I am glad this was well received, and that you all liked it! Thank you, I'm sure the wreck could be salvaged with the appropriate winching gear... if they don't encounter another beasty Thanks, The head was mostly based on the techniques lego uses on it's own sculptures, just to a much lower standard. Thank you, it was watching you construct your LDD ships that convinced me this would be possible!

I love how this has come out, the fish balanced on those spindly legs looks so funny, and perhaps a little frightening at the same time!

Great work, my favourite is the Mardieren sloop, I like the colours and shaping.

It looks even better now that it is completed, I love how the boats sink into the waves!

Beautiful building, the mix of textured and plain bricks makes an interesting surface, for the more simple structure.

The days when the ships of men controlled the seas are at an end. No longer is a large vessel able to sail with complete security. For a new monster has risen to rule the waters of the world. Some say it was summoned by one of the warring Empires, by science or magic. Others claim it is an ancient entity that has awoken from a deep slumber. No man can sail the seas without fear of attack. At any moment the waves may begin to boil, and your boat dragged below. Or at once your ship is seized by unholy jaws and crushed with the strength of 1000 cannons. No matter the size, no matter the firepower, crossing the oceans has become suicide. Just a little entry to the sea monster category, using a quickly assembled warship and a load of tentacles! I hope you all like it!

Nice work, I like the flag pole, looks just like the ones they still use today!

Beautiful work so far, I can't wait to see how the whole builds looks together!

It looks really good now that it's complete, the overhanging leaves add to the image of a sunken track. Perhaps the large crates have lots of padding for the precious cargo, and hence are lighter than they appear?

Thank you, I always enjoy adding 'effects' to my photographs to make them more dramatic.

Thank you all, I am glad you liked this year's start, and build. Thank you, I do like building in 'classic' style (perhaps because it's easier than being realistic ), and I do plan on making other little pirate nests!

Lovely fortress, I'm sure Lavalette will be in safe hands! I like the texture on the courtyard and how the building nestles into the terrain.

You've done a great job on the foliage here, especially considering how LDD makes things look less natural. However I can agree that the water needs some work.

I really like this build, such a nice little house. The layered plates give a really nice brickwork effect, and the white curves on the ends add some really nice shaping. I look forward to your future builds.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/146630-ol-fb2-wilbecks-fleet/ I Franco Clarke l Oleon

Otto Wilbeck, Baron of the High Seas, and Captain of the Annihilator, did not like being woken up early in the morning. He glared at the sailor who had woken him. 'If this isn't worth it, you will share their fate' he growled gesturing to a cage with a corpse streched out inside. The sailor, petrified managed to stutter, 'Th-the Imperials are here, a war sloop, what should we do?' The Baron of the High Seas paled and rushed to the window. 'Oh no this isn't fair no no no' Otto Wilbeck drew his cutlass and drove it through the unfortunate pirate's chest, 'Never give me such bad news again!' He begun shovelling his treasures into a chest, stuffed a couple of flintlocks into his belt and burst outside. 'Argh me hearties, it be time to find a new nest! Deploy the fleet and load all valuable aboard the Annihilator' The pirate nest collapsed into a frenzy of action as the war sloop approached. 'All men prepare for battle, it appears the pirates have come out to greet us!' Erwin shouted, 'Marines move to the bow and pick off the crews of the closer boats. Gun crew, engage those vessels at longer range.' Stingray cut towards the encroaching mass of small pirate boats, and soon the air was thick with shot. However whilst Stingray's thick hull protected it from the pirate's muskets, the same was not true in reverse. One after another the boats were dispatched, their bows smashed by accurate cannon fire, or their keels crushed under Stingray's heavy bow. In little under 10 minutes all that was left of Otto Wilbeck's pirate fleet was a scrum of timbers and a few tattered sails. Stingray hurtled onwards toward the Pirate nest, just as the Annihilator set sail. 'All gun crews prepare to fire on their fortress, we will level it so that they cannot return here.' Erwin commanded. Like a well oiled machine, Stingray swung around so it was broadside on to the ramshackle pirate settlement. A couple of salvos was all it took until the crumbling walls were brought crashing down. 'Commander,' Private Collins announced, 'the convoy has entered the area, should we signal the all clear?' 'You may Collins,' replied Erwin, 'our job here is done, let's go home.' Continuing on from yesterday, we find the pirate's home port. I wanted this build to look like an islander settlement which the pirates have 'liberated' hence the statues and the like.

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/146598-ol-fb1-old-enemies/ I Franco Clarke l Oleon

Five bows cut wide swathes through the waters of the wide ocean. Erwin stood by Stingray's helm, guiding her to escort the merchant vessels in the convoy. On the other side the Vif kept pace with the other ships, protecting the convoy's port side. The calm of scene was interrupted as the lookout announced the appearance of two ships dead ahead. 'Two cutters, one flying the flag of Corrington and the other the Skull and crossbones' Erwin smiled, he knew the Corries were not above allying with pirates. They had faced far worse opposition than two cutters, so this wouldn't be a problem. The lookout called down again, 'They appear to be firing at each other, perhaps the Corries are under attack' This changed nothing, Erwin altered course and began preparing the crew for action. 'Set full sail, and prepare the main battery, we will hit the Corries first and then deal with the pirates. Signal the Vif, they will cover the convoy in case any new threats appear.' He heard someone clear their throat beside him and turned to see Private Collins looking anxious. 'Collins it is good to be back in action so soon isn't it?' Erwin cried, 'we'll give that Corrie scum what they deserve!' Collins replied in a steady, quiet voice, 'Sir we shouldn't attack the Corrish ship, Oleon is not at war with Corrington, standard procedure would have us help them fight off the pirates' 'Well that might be the official stand point' snapped Erwin 'but we both know that the Corries rarely play fair. Better safe than sorry.' Collins replied again, this time more forcefully, 'We have no quarrel with this ship, they have not attacked us at all.' 'Ugh, I suppose we could target the pirates first' grumbled Erwin, turning back to the wheel, 'get to the bow so you can engage them when they are range.' Stingray sliced towards the battling ships, and her gun-ports on the starboard side opened with the familiar grating sound. Erwin rolled the wheel, and the ship swerved bringing the guns to bear. They went off thud, thud and flew well and true, hitting the pirate vessel. Coming under fire from two enemy vessels, the pirates turned about and limped off. Erwin rolled the wheel back so the guns swung towards the Corrish ship. But they Corrlanders seemed in no mood for fighting and had run up the International flag of truce. 'Stand down men, it seems like these Corries can recognise defeat when they see it,' Erwin barked out. A Corrish officer peered up at Erwin as he leant over Stingray's rails. 'I say good sir, thank you awfully much for helping us back there' the man said, bubbling with gratitude. Erwin, glaring, yelled, 'What do you want, Corrie?' The officer seemed taken aback by this question, 'Want? Well, I, Lieutenant Hopkins, just wanted to thank you for your assistance, I am very much indebted to you.' Erwin shouted back angrily, 'So that's all. I must get on my way, I've wasted enough time on this matter.' Before he could turn away, the Corrish officer called up again, 'If you are continuing this way, then I must warn you, there is a pirate stronghold, with many ships and guns, I advise you to alter direction.' Erwin sneered, 'Why should I trust you Corrie? For all I know you could be redirecting us into a trap!!' The Corrish officer seemed quite put off by this 'I was only trying to help, if it doesn't trouble you too much, I shall take my leave now.' Erwin turned and muttered, 'Good riddance.' Private Collins was waiting by the wheel, guiding the ship back to the rest of the convoy. 'You didn't need to be rude to them Commander' Collins said, 'they did nothing wrong.' 'Bah they sail under the red flag, there's reason enough' Erwin replied, 'what do you think he was trying to achieve by lying about the pirates?' Collins frowned, 'As far as I can see he has nothing to gain, so he was probably telling the truth.' Taking back the helm Erwin said, 'Perhaps, I don't trust him either way. We will continue at full speed and scout ahead whilst the Vif covers the convoy.' Stingray separated from the rest of the convoy and forged off towards the horizon. Just a simple little story to begin with, with an equally simple model. This is, as usual, based on the design from the trading post, recoloured and altered a little.