All the sails on the PREUSSEN were different and individual. A lower topsail on the foremast was different to corresponding sail on main, middle, mizzen or jigger . Neither were they correctly shaped according to the sail plan. I had problems for years with setting sails correctly. It was only when I finally realised that a wind-filled sail is pulled completely out of shape by the wind that I was able to set them correctly. I really can’t see any way of improving on the old ostrich egg with its multiple curves.
Apart from that, everyone I know who messes about with CAD tells me it is very complicated and time-consuming and, more importantly, none of them have actually produced anything from CAD that I can appreciate. And it is horribly expensive as well!
I know all this may sound a bit negative and make me look like a dinasour, but after a lifetime career in electronics, I came to detest progress with transistors, ICs, and high technology, satellites, firbre optics, micro-electronics in general. I only mastered computers because it is now a case of “ignore them at your peril!” In late 1992, I chucked in my job as senior communications officer (technical as well as operating)aboard the British passenger liner RMS ST. HELENA (completed 1990). Just couldn’t stand it any more. I have now reverted to “dinasour” status with knife and tweezers. I never even build models of ships that were completed after about 1965!
At present, I am building Royal Mail Lines DESEADO of 1961 and that is rather a bit too modern for my liking!
Never even heard of Louis Heloise!
At the same time, I haven’t the slightest interest in ship built before about 1840 (the age of the camera)
Bob