Thames Sailing Barge Stuff

Hi Andy

Here are my keels for Veronica, she is the Richard Chesney design which was published by Traplet around 4 years ago, I bought the drawings back then and started, but fortunately Peter Simmonds advertised one of the prototype's complete for sale so I jumped at the opportunity and have been trying to make her sail faster ever since Glad you like Diamond she took 3 years on and off still needs details but where do you draw the line ? 30" 1/32nd scale Giralda in the background.

Regards Ray

Nice keels ray, Like the "T" one, very swoosh. NOT that I am a sailor but I would never make a keel with a sticky-out bit at the front as it would be bound to catch on something in the pond.....large carp, plastic bags, umbrellas and so on....

Ashley

Hi Ray, Very nice and something to be dreamed of, The winged type of keel prototype would've been too hard to pass up. My keel is more like the one on the right of the picture Opps Ashley, you missed out shopping trolleys ! The barge in the pic has less depth than mine of 5" but Ill take note of your earlier comment re: sealing the hatches, Hopefully my barge will never heel that far over, Too much wind here just now for further trails. Ive no one to race with where I live to compare speed, i just feel its not performing the best. 3-1/2 years on the diamond so know her pretty well, your models looking superb, well done Ray

Regards, Andy

Hi All

Here's 2 Veronica's built be Peter Simmonds at the AMBO finals in September, I see Tomack for Poland has been looking in, as I know he has built a sailing barge

Regards Ray

Hi All

Sorry, Tomarack is in Czech eastern europe and has a barge named Capricorn as featured on the AMBO website

Regards Ray

Hi Ray, very nice looking barges, with the two ropes at the back of the mainsail, are they meant to be taught like they are in the photo, Ive left the ropes a little bit slack, should I tighten them to keep the sail top central ? Im trying to add photos of my barge but can't seem to rotate the photos

Regards, Andy

Hi Andy

The rope attached to the top of the sprit is called the vang and is operated together with the main sheet on the sail, It's a continuous line with one end fixed to the deck on one side and round a block on the sprit and back down to a sail winch type servo under the deck, which keeps the sprit in close when beating to windward and let right out when reaching or running before the wind, It can be fixed If you don't want the complication, but it will give you more get up and go if your racing. Here's my little 30" Giralda, I prefer building the hull but this is a quick job for next seasons racing, this is a hull moulded by Peter Fisher from Selsey, I passed the mould onto Dave Watts (Mastman) If anybody would like one, so I have 5 months to complete her !!

Regards Ray

Hi Ray,

Thanks for your help, Could the vang be operated with the same winch servo together with the mainsheet haul ? Not that I will be able to race my barge but it would be nice to see it get going. Ill have to look and see if it can be done, possibly with two blocks rigged to advantage going a slower speed or less travel. Ive been trying to upload some photos, whatever I rotate them they always seem to come out the wrong way up.Your Gerilda is looking good thanks for the pics, It'll be a lot for you easier to transport, good luck next seasons racing with it.

Regards, Andy

Hi Andy

Yes the Vang can be controlled by the same servo as the main, but needs half the travel, so If you have a 1 to 2 on the main you'll double the throw/travel I will take a picture of the setup on Veronica and post it. It was good to hear your down under and getting the good weather ! I've been doing a bit more on the little Giralda with the Leeboards and rear cabin/steering shroud cover, all in 1/16" & 1/32" ply, the leeboards are only cosmetic and the fin keel will have a lead bulb, I'm going to make several at different lengths to see which performs best.

Regards Ray

Hi All

Metalwork time with 20g brass to form the main & rear mast supports which in theory should allow the rig/masts to be lowered, which would be a great idea for the model transportation but a right merry tangle at the lakeside, a few other details, chain plates, hatchway & steering shaft. 3/64th brass rivets and superglue to attach most parts.

Regards Ray