After the knockdown of my mainmast in the wind last week, I think it's time to give up on the rotating mast idea. I figure it's about a four week setback, but a lot of experience was gained in the process.

The new plan will be to use a more conventional fixed-masts-with-servos-down-in-the-hull configuration. So lots of running rigging connecting the spars down through the deck to the servos, and lots of standing rigging connecting the masts to the hull to keep everything in place.

Goodbye to my pipedream of simplicity. Hello to (let's hope) a highly rewarding venture into the functional reality of historical sailing ships and their gazillion details. Its a good time to have received my copy of the much revered "Seamanship in the Age of Sail".

So I tore up the deck down to the deck support with its two big openings. Haven't seen that pear wood in awhile. Lots of research needed now before I progress much more, but thanks to all the help from the people at Scale Sailboats forum at rcgroups.com, its coming along.

On a side note, the people who run the HMS Beagle Project, an attempt to build a real version of the historical ship, were nice enough to mention my humble build in their April 18th blog. It put a smile on my face:

18 APRIL 2011, by Peter Mc

"J Smith (bosun's mate, HMS Beagle) would have been proud of Andrew Smith (they've got to be related...) of the Indianapolis Smiths for his splendid 1:36 scale radio control model of the Beagle. Do go and have a gander: Mr Smith is recording progress by the week as he builds. He carved the hull from a pear tree bough using an axe. Most gonzo. And most recently disaster has struck as the 2011 Beagle suffered a main mast collapse on her maiden voyage.

"Obviously we want to see more Beagles of all sizes in the world, so we here wish Mr Smith well in his rerigging of the Indianapolis Beagle and will be awaiting details of her next voyage.

"J. Smith of the 1831 crew should be looking on with approval."

Thanks Peter. That was a much needed pick-me-up after my little setback.

Week 29