Foremast Jack

The turtle made me lol.

Could you maybe describe how it's designed for those of us that don't own the Pearl?

I thought the same thing. Here's the best screenshot I could find:

I rather like the look of it. Yes, it would need to be painted to pass for a powdered wig, but I think the general shape is pretty good. Does anyone have a part number for it? I looked through the minifig headgear listings on bricklink, but didn't see it in there.

I rather like your MOC. I was a bit taken aback with the real stone in use at first. It strikes me as being somehow intrinsically wrong, but at the same time I can't deny that it really looks good. It seems almost like a real-life photo slowly blending into a Lego creation of that picture. Ultimate verdict: P.S. Get rid of those rocks!

Thanks for the tutorial link. I was going to ask if you had the time to make one. I am curious though. The video is just the casting part, how do you make the prototypes/originals (not sure the correct term) to use in the mold. They look so good.

Yes, Saint Augustine is quite a delightful town, but my high-school history teacher would have a fit if I didn't make a point to draw attention to the fact that the Castillo de San Marcos isn't in fact stone, but rather Coquina. As briefly mentioned in the wiki article the coquina is soft and some-what "pliable". So that enemy cannonballs actually sink into the fortress walls instead of breaking apart. There are still cannonball indentations in the sea-ward walls today. All the local tourist guides like say that the defenders would pull the enemy cannonballs out of the walls and shoot them back.

You need to set unlock and set your LDD into extended mode. Here's a tutorial. Keep in mind there are still certain pieces that aren't there, but this should satisfy your needs. Also, you won't be able to check the price and order your made set through Lego anymore. Enjoy.

She's a beaut! I know it's probably a little late in the developmental process to add a suggestion, but I just have to say that for this size of vessel the capstan is WAY under-sized. (not to mention it should be located somewhere abaft the fore-mast) It's a small detail that is of little consequence. I'll drop a link for my recent tutorial just so you have an idea of what you may want to try and work in if you ever get around to tearing it down and rebuilding like you've mentioned. Again she looks amazing and is quite inspiring.

It seems several great minds beat me to the punch, but your reference makes it clear that if cannons are to be employed in the build they need be 9 pounders. If carronades are to be used then those would need to be brick built as well. However, the builder is a lot like an historical novelist, who is more than allowed to take certain liberties with history. So anything can be done. I merely want it to be clear in his or her mind that historical certainty can be found here among these numerous and knowledgeable peers.

First let me say that it's always nice to see a ship that so many people can relate to. So get it done as soon as you can. :D The only recommendation I would make at this point is to maybe think about designing a brick-built cannon. The Lego one is generally agreed upon to represent an 18-24 pounder whilst the Surprise historically would have carried long 9's (or long 12's if you're going off the O'Brian books). Either way, keep up the good work.

Thanks for the great addition Skipper. Very nice. Was also nice to see a nod to the Castillo de San Marcos since it's about 10 minutes down the road from my house.

She's looking pretty good. Keep up the good work.

I left you a private message. Get back with me when you can please.

Redid all the pictures. Looks a lot better now. Enjoy.

Here you go. My link The pump windlass isn't completely functional. I kind of fudged a couple aspects when I couldn't make it small enough and squeeze in all the details I wanted. The other two work though. I deleted a couple things though. The horizontal capstan is off a WIP of mine I'm getting ready to build irl, and there are some techniques I don't want to give away til I get them done.

Thanks for the comments. I tried using the screenshot capabilities of LDD from within the program, but it gives the background an off-white background and the editing program I use has difficulties rendering it when I paste in to add labels. (Displays it as gray and white checkers.) And yes I'd be more than happy to post the LXF's. However, being new I'm not sure the best way that would keep all the admin's happy. What would you recommend for attaching the files?

I glad the illustrations are helpful. Some of them are VERY time consuming and insanity inducing. I'm happy to see the effort is worth it.

Part III: Merchant Ships (and the like). Welcome the third and final part of the Captain of the Capstan tutorial. With this installment we'll take a look at the Pump Handle Windlass. The machine used to raised the anchor on most smaller (lightly manned) merchant ships and other generally small vessels (combat oriented or not). We should note that with merchant ships, the size of the vessel did not have as much to do with the type of capstan used. Rather it had more to do with its compliment of men. With the pump windlass as few of two men could operate it. note: Obviously with such merchant ships as the famed "indiaman" (which carried as many men and guns as some 4th rate ships-of-the-line) they would employ the style of capstan described in part I. The operation of the Pump Handle Windlass is fairly straight-forward. One of more men took hold of each handle and alternatively "pumped" the handles up and down. On the down stroke, an iron rod attached to the rocker arms moved a ratcheting gear on the windlass barrel. Thusly, drawing in the anchor cable. Whilst that was happening a gravity type pawl plate locked it from reverse motion. a note on location: the majority of the time the windlass assembly was stored on deck in the bow; however, it was not uncommon (especially on Clippers in the mid-19th century) for it be stored under the fo'c'sle and brought up on deck when needed for use.

Oh most assuredly! I plan to have my capstan one finished in the next couple of days. I was then thinking about doing one on rudders/steering mechanisms. Maybe masts after that, but that's as far as my plans go. Working on one together could prove most effective and I'm VERY much open to the idea. Let me know if you have something in mind.

I'm very grateful for such great words from such a great mind.

Oh, well... I'm a bit taken aback now. I just wanted to help you out some, not step on your toes. I beg pardon. Perhaps I should wait and have you tell me what would best help you? I'll finish up this capstan one, then fall into silence.

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I nearly lost mine getting all those damn tubes in order on my first capstan entry.

I know this question was answered to complete satisfaction, but I was thinking about doing a rudder tutorial after my capstan one is complete. (There were quite a few different types used other than just the one described here.) Is there any interest in such a thing?

Billy I think I'm going to have nightmares after looking at your avatar. It's freaking me out!