"Blue prints or drawings of a large ship" Topic

I am thinking of building a large Pirate ship. I was wondering if anyone knew of a place to get a drawing of a large ship? I am wanting a larger ship like a Man of war or something along that line. Would like to get a set of plans that showed both outside and inside. Free plans would be the best lol or real cheap ones. Thanks

In today's news:
TMP link

You might be able to find some rather poor quality ones on-line – haven't looked for years so there might be more and better ones available now. You could also go to your library and find through inter-library loan some books that show deck plans, and elevations (for lack of a better description) of sailing ships. I've seen several. Search for things like '18th century schooner deck plan'. Often you get the elevation with the deck plan.

Thanks Margard I saw those but that is just a top view of the deck.
Thanks Sundance Thats about all I have been able to find ,is rather poor ones with very little detail. I didn't even think about the library. I hardy ever go there anymore, since I got the internet lol

From the Smithsonian in the United States:

link

The plans aren't free, but not dreadfully expensive, either.
Also, look for the Howard I. Chapelle books referred to on the link.

Ron

Another vote for the Chapelle books – also How to Make Old Time Ship Models by I W Hobbs, includes plans for a large model man-o-war. If really stuck, with deep pockets, the Maritime Museum at Greenwich have a plethora of ship plans.

For 2 bucks…
link

Check out the Legends of the High Seas Yahoo Group.

A guy there made a couple of large vessels, out of balsa wood, covered with what looks to me to be poster board. It was actually a UK variant of that, so I didn't recognize the term he used for the material.

They look superb, and there are pics of the steps he took in the process.

Others have converted the Mega Bloks and Playmobil vessels to convincing looking pirate vessels too.

While more expensive, you might also consider the Old Glory vessels, especially if you purchase one of their Army Cards (40% discount if you do), since their vessels come with cannons. The costs of those purchased individually, or in packs can be substantial, so when you factor in the costs of that, and the 40% discount, their large resin vessels look pretty attractive.

Carved, dense styrofoam can be used for the basic hull shape too.

If you really want to think outside the box, I ran across a site that showed lightweight concrete blocks being used to make the basic hull too. I forget the name of it, but it is basically an aerated concrete material, which is light, strong, and can be sanded to shape.

thanks for the help this is what I would love to build something like this
link

I understand.

Check out the Galleons on the LotHS Yahoo Group.

They come close to that, but have fewer decks, and guns. Still, they are very well armed, large, and impressive.

He built two vessels at once, to maximize production, with slightly different takes on each, so they work well as opponents.

Other options to consider are a 15mm scale 1st or second rate vessel – plastic kits are available in 1/96th – 1/100th scale.

If you really want to go 25mm/28mm scale, you can consider a pre-built, wooden vessel. See if you can get a deal on eBay – they are sometimes auctioned off for less than retail.

Of course, that sized vessel would be better as a pirate hunter than a pirate ship, in most cases.

Old Glory has a nice 50 gun, 4th rate that would work, as would their East Indiaman, if you want lots of decks, and cannons. Factoring in time to build, materials costs, etc., it's probably a better deal too, than building from scratch, or considering other options.