Build Log of The Black Pearl

Since I did not take a lot of pictures for the whole process... So, I'll make a simple build one will do. :)

Inside the Box

So, this is what inside the box. Wood quality is good, but instructions are awful. With no idea where should I start, I started with all the small stuffs...

Cannon with Carriage

I started with Cannon with carriage, because it's simple and good looking.. no big deal, done within few hours.

Helm

Pinrail

Hatch

These hatches actually didn't stated well in the instruction, I completed by my own. They don't fit on the deck too!! I added 'parameter' wood strip to solve that!!

Items on deck basically done.. So, I went for the body.. where I done hundreds of mistakes!!! 

As usual, we start with a DIY Clamp..

DIY Clamp

False Keel

Bulkhead

 Don't use hanger clips!!! They are too weak to hold the board!!

Bulwark

False Cannon

2nd Level Bulwark

The Captain's Cabin is one of the worst part of the product. All the parts just don't fit!! Even the instruction said that you have to add wood stripes on your own to fit them!

Captain's Cabin

 The wood strips of 1st layer planking are kinna thick. To bend them, you'll have to dip them into hot water first. And then quickly bend them and let dry.

DIY Wood Bender

Planking Done

2nd Layer Planking Done

Finally Black...

Painted Black and With Captain's Cabin Installed

Parts on Deck Installed including Chainplates

False Cannon installed

  

The Mermaids

  

The Figure of the Pearl

Staircase

Trial Board and Stuffs

The Nightmare of the whole process...
One morning after installing the 3 poop lanterns, I moved my Pearl to my store and ready to out for lunch... And this happens T.T

If you look closely, you can see at the left corner of the clamp board is broken. And there is where I hold it.. After this, I hold my pearl with both my hands...

Some of the false cannon even dropped into the ship!!! YES, into the ship!! I shaked the ship until they fell off!! I took me a full day to fix them all!! 

This picture is edited with sad tone :P

The NIGHTMARE

The Three Poop Lanterns after Fixing

Basically, the ship's body is now done... And I can finally enter the final phrase.

The instruction also doesn't mention well about this part, at least not accurate! It really wasted a lot of my time fixing all issues caused by the reading. 

Masts, Bowsprit, and Crownest

Engine On

I started with the shrouds first, then only the stays. Since the stays rigging is actually above the shrouds.

Stays and Ratlines

Ratlines

 For the ratlines, I used clove hitch for all, even the first knotting. For the stays, it's lucky that I can find a book about riggings on the web. I used it as reference, and finished all my riggings.

Fore Course Ratlines Done

No crowfeet said in the instruction too, and I didn't make it...  

Shroud on Top Sail

Side view always the best!! :D
Futtock shrouds also installed

80% Riggings Done

Futtock Shroud

I've lost all the photos about the yards, braces, lifts, and etc...

Anyway, finishing all those parts are just about patience and carefulness.. There's no real secret to finish a model ship.

This is my Pearl!!

It's finally sitting at my living room, and when there are visitors, my pearl always amazed them!!

"Wow!! You did this?!!"

"Can you please make one for me?"

"I want it in my living room too!!"

...

..

.

That 4 months really well-spent, and I've learned a lot throughout the whole process.

Make one for yourself too!! I can sure you'll enjoy this hobby too!