This model is a test platform that I use for developing new methods,
textures, etc. for the Niagara. I find that it is much faster to do my
development on this limited platfom first and then transport the code into
the larger Niagara files.

Today's test is for a new plank macro using the isowood.inc files. I have
mixed feelings about the oak texture of the wood. I read in all of the
books about the gleaming white decks on naval sailing ships. Evidently they
were scrubbed daily with holly stones to clean them and make them white.
However, on the sailing ships I have actually visited, all the decks are
weathered grey. If there are any knowledgeable sailors out there, I would
love to know what color they should be. Do we just nolonger scrub decks
with stones and leave them to weather? How light in color should the
texture be?

The loops of rope on the belaying pins are from a previous test, so please
pay them no attention.

Thanks,

Tim

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Attachments:
Download 'plank_test.jpg' (132 KB)

Preview of image 'plank_test.jpg'

Tim,
   I had a chance to tour the USS Constellation in Baltimore last fall. The
deck planks ranged from light gray to almost white and if I remember right,
the grain was fairly long, tight and straight, very much what you might
expect
from old growth wood. I don't know if the current deck used oak or some
other wood. Also, the peg pattern of the decking doesn't seem right either,
but I have a number of references at home that discuss a variety of deck
planking schemes, so who can tell for sure. Otherwise, your model is
looking great. Are you going to add the ropes to the cannon as well ? If
so, if you can get to a real ship such as the Constellation, all the
better. There seems to be a lot involved to rigging these guns.

Keep up the good work,
Chris Holtorf


"Tim McMurdo" <jod### [at] wohrrcom> wrote:
> This model is a test platform that I use for developing new methods,
> textures, etc. for the Niagara. I find that it is much faster to do my
> development on this limited platfom first and then transport the code into
> the larger Niagara files.
>
> Today's test is for a new plank macro using the isowood.inc files. I have
> mixed feelings about the oak texture of the wood. I read in all of the
> books about the gleaming white decks on naval sailing ships. Evidently they
> were scrubbed daily with holly stones to clean them and make them white.
> However, on the sailing ships I have actually visited, all the decks are
> weathered grey. If there are any knowledgeable sailors out there, I would
> love to know what color they should be. Do we just nolonger scrub decks
> with stones and leave them to weather? How light in color should the
> texture be?
>
> The loops of rope on the belaying pins are from a previous test, so please
> pay them no attention.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tim

Post a reply to this message

"Tim McMurdo" <jod### [at] wohrrcom> schreef in bericht
news:web.4235d6d4243dbb34acb32c570@news.povray.org...
> This model is a test platform that I use for developing new methods,
> textures, etc. for the Niagara. I find that it is much faster to do my
> development on this limited platfom first and then transport the code into
> the larger Niagara files.
>
Yes, that method works great. I use it too...  :-)

> Today's test is for a new plank macro using the isowood.inc files. I have
> mixed feelings about the oak texture of the wood. I read in all of the
> books about the gleaming white decks on naval sailing ships. Evidently
they
> were scrubbed daily with holly stones to clean them and make them white.
> However, on the sailing ships I have actually visited, all the decks are
> weathered grey. If there are any knowledgeable sailors out there, I would
> love to know what color they should be. Do we just nolonger scrub decks
> with stones and leave them to weather? How light in color should the
> texture be?
>
Hmm... From the ships I have seen, the planks are grey, more or less
weathered, depending on the deck's use.
I think your planks should be more grey indeed.
I agree with Chris about the peg pattern, and the seams. I think they should
be less conspicuous, almost the same color as the planks.

Great work. Keep on!

Thomas

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news:web.4235d6d4243dbb34acb32c570@news.povray.org...

I still feel you work astounding

I think you could be intereseted by a  french comics serie : "Les Passagers

It relates through 5 volumes the adventures of a young lady in late 18th
century navy. It is very well documented  with gorgeous and precise
drawings.
There is a "making of"
Unfortunately I didn't find any reference to a translation in english (it's
a shame!)

http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/490672/ref=br_bx_2_c_2_26/171-6458414-6527442

Marc

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"Tim McMurdo" <jod### [at] wohrrcom> wrote:
> This model is a test platform that I use for developing new methods,
> textures, etc. for the Niagara. I find that it is much faster to do my
> development on this limited platfom first and then transport the code into
> the larger Niagara files.
>
> Today's test is for a new plank macro using the isowood.inc files. I have
> mixed feelings about the oak texture of the wood. I read in all of the
> books about the gleaming white decks on naval sailing ships. Evidently they
> were scrubbed daily with holly stones to clean them and make them white.
> However, on the sailing ships I have actually visited, all the decks are
> weathered grey. If there are any knowledgeable sailors out there, I would
> love to know what color they should be. Do we just nolonger scrub decks
> with stones and leave them to weather? How light in color should the
> texture be?
>
> The loops of rope on the belaying pins are from a previous test, so please
> pay them no attention.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tim

A few of my recollections (from about ten years ago):

I don't really know anything about holly stones.

The wood decks of the ships that I spent time on were not new-wood color,
but some variant of bleached and weathered gray, though, a patch or
replaced plank did take some time to weather to the color of the rest. As
such I'd say the deck should take its color (and luminance) more from the
lighting than the material.

In port is probably the worst time to observe clean decks - there's just so
much coming and going. They really do look lighter with some scrubbing
after a few days at sea. It made it easier to track the engineer whenever
he came out of the engine room. :)

At times we bleached the decks with oxalic acid - this really brightened
them. I cannot say, however, how widespread this practice is/was.

Weathering is mostly a surface effect and the actual wood color could be
revealed if you went at it with a scraper.

Scrubbing definitely raised the grain some.

The seams were caulked with cotton or hemp which always retained some dirt.
Though I cannot recall any seams that were not finished off with some
synthetic sealant.

The pegs (or bungs covering the fasteners) should probably be colored the
same as the planks.

Scuffmarks or collected dirt around the gun carriage wheels. And soot
stains? I remember alot of black mess after firing and swabbing the guns
several times. Maybe not that much on second thought since this was
probably a neat and tight navy ship.

Also its probably not a good idea to paint the pin rail since you will
definitely get chafe marks.

Well, that's probably more than you wanted to know. Keep it up! I'm really
enjoying the progression on this project.

Abe

P.S. I've been meaning to mention it for some time: I feel that implementing
some sort of translucency effect on the sails would contribute enormously
to the feel of the model.

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I agree, in actuality, they were wooden pins or plugs. i will correct that.
I found a ship modelling site last night that described in detail how the
planks were really made.

Thomas...I have finished the riggin macro. If you are still interested, I
can email it to you.

Thanks,

Tim


> I think your planks should be more grey indeed.
> I agree with Chris about the peg pattern, and the seams. I think they should
> be less conspicuous, almost the same color as the planks.
>
> Great work. Keep on!
>
> Thomas

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Abe,

Thanks for your help on the deck...and more! I have been contemplating wear
marks on the deck for the carronades. They pivot on a pin and the trucks
would make a slight groove in the deck. The transparency of the sales is a
matter I have not thought of & i will definitely give it a try and report
back to you.

Thanks,

Tim

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Chris,

I seem to be getting the message that deck color can be all over the place
depending on the age, treatment etc...I will grey up the planks s little
bit, but tsill keep them fairly light in color. I will also give the peg
p[attern some more work.

Thanks,

Tim

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"Tim McMurdo" <jod### [at] wohrrcom> schreef in bericht
news:web.4236d887a9a49d956e93bf990@news.povray.org...
>
> Thomas...I have finished the riggin macro. If you are still interested, I
> can email it to you.
>
Oh Yes, please! I am still interested.
As a matter of  fact, I am refurbishing my VOC ship (after 5 years, it
needed to go to the docks), giving it a brand new hull and decks (mesh2, in
Silo), with more details and more accurate. Will take time...
So, a new rigging in also necessary.

Thomas

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"Marc Jacquier" <jac### [at] wanadoofr> schreef in bericht
news:4236a6a9@news.povray.org...
>

> news:web.4235d6d4243dbb34acb32c570@news.povray.org...
>
> I still feel you work astounding
>
> I think you could be intereseted by a  french comics serie : "Les
Passagers


Oh yes! Those are excellent!

Thomas

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