Pygothian Posted October 29, 2013 Share #1 Posted October 29, 2013 Well, after lurking here for just over a month, reading, studying and absorbing as much information, my first kit The US Brig Syren arrived from the US model expo after over a month delay. I must admit customer service from outside the US at Model Expo has been poor, and shipping was extremely slow and extortionate. Packaging was substandard, and I just hope nothing had been damaged in the crushed, non-padded box. 1st step is to clear some clutter from my work spaces. They are not really usable for anything at the moment. I've taken a few quick snaps of the box, the contents, and other items I've ordered. I will wait until I clear a nice spot, and distract the 3 yr old before opening the box, and getting the obligatory shots and item stocktake. This is where I do my office work, and occasional gaming. It needs a major sort My spare office is currently set up building a carbon fibre RC 6 turn brushless 1:10 buggy. I will maybe pack this away and use this zone. A very excited 3 yr old wanting to build a ship Substandard packing, with crushed box, tape not sealing all over and some random fish and chip paper. No bubble rap to cover to precious contents Out of focus picture showing the Syren box, a plank bender, some spare boxwood planks, a hull vice, micrometer, and draw plate. And here she is. The Syren in her box. I'll clear a work space, organise my tools, get some sandpaper, blocks, glue in the next few days. Unfortunately I'm Oncall for Obstetric emergencies tomorrow, and trauma Thursday, so I may be stuck at work for the next 48 hrs, but fingers crossed I get to open the box! Dubz, avsjerome2003 and Jason 3 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Van Es Posted October 29, 2013 Share #2 Posted October 29, 2013 Welcome aboard. It's going to be a real challenge working on a the Syren with a 3 yr old about with the limited space that you have. I have 7 grandsons. But then again they're all hyper-active like me. Think about finding a place way up high where it can be stored when you're not working on it. One of my favorite parts of my log that has been lost on MSW 1.0 was when one of my grandsons “helped me” while spending the night. I put him to work sawing some scrap wood to keep him busy. I was planking the deck at the time. I glued several pieces of his wood to “shore up the bulkheads” under my planking. It can't be seen now but he and I know that it's under there. He refers to it as our model now. NenadM 1 Quote Current build: US Brig Syren (MS) Larry Van Es Former President Ship Modelers Association Fullerton California http://www.shipmodelersassociation.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augie Posted October 29, 2013 Share #3 Posted October 29, 2013 The kit box doesn't look much the worse for wear. Take a careful inventory and notify ME if any pieces are missing or damaged so they can get them out to you. I've found they are very good in that regard. BON VOYAGE !!!! Quote Augie Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64 Previous Builds : US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988 Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976 Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted October 29, 2013 Share #4 Posted October 29, 2013 Great to see it finally arrived...remember .....have fun with the project. Chuck Pygothian 1 Quote Chuck Passaro - MSW Admin Sloop Speedwell - POF scratch Block Island Boat - POF scratch HMS Winchelsea - POB scratch build HM Cutter Cheerful - POB scratch build Royal Barge - POF scratch Medway Longboat- POF Scratch SYREN SHIP MODEL COMPANY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted October 30, 2013 Thanks guys, it's not only a 3 year old but a 22 month old too. I'm considering putting a key code lock on my office to keep little fingers out. Make it my man cave. Tonight I'll open the box, stock take, and then likely place some orders for some upgrades from Chuck! No one in labour currently so I might get a quiet night without an epidural or Caesarean section Bill Hime 1 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fnkershner Posted October 30, 2013 Share #6 Posted October 30, 2013 I vote for the Man cave idea. Great to see you get started. Bill Hime and Pygothian 2 Quote Current Builds - 18th Century Longboat, MS Syren Completed Builds - MS Bluenose, Panart BatteStation Cross section, Endevour J Boat Half Hull, Windego Half Hull, R/C T37 Breezing Along, R/C Victoria 32, SolCat 18 On the shelf - Panart San Felipe, Euromodel Ajax, C.Mamoli America, Its a sailor's Life for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gahm Posted October 30, 2013 Share #7 Posted October 30, 2013 Have fun with the project! Building ship models is a great hobby, and Syren is an excellent start! Thomas Quote Current Built: Model Shipways Syren (US Brig 1803) Last Built: Anfora (kit bashed) Ictineo II (1st steam powered submarine 1864) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Slog Posted October 30, 2013 Share #8 Posted October 30, 2013 I must admit customer service from outside the US at Model Expo has been poor, and shipping was extremely slow and extortionate. Packaging was substandard, and I just hope nothing had been damaged in the crushed, non-padded box. Hi Pygothian, I have been keeping tabs on when your Syren would arrive since my next purchase at some stage is likely to be a Model Shipways kit from Model Expo and being a fellow Perthite was interested in your experience. Well doesn't sound to impressive from your comments! My Endeavour took just 6 days from the UK door to door! Anyway happy building and will be following your build. Cheers Slog Quote _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ HM Bark Endeavour (First Wood, On Hold) Borodino (1:200 Card, Current Build) Admiral Nakhimov (card 1/200) Mazur D-350 Artillery Tractor (1:25 Card) F-8 Crusader (1:48 Aircraft, Plastic) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff-E Posted October 30, 2013 Share #9 Posted October 30, 2013 Hi Pygothian, I hope all is well with your kit and no damage has occured. Look forward to you making a start an will follow your build. Quote Cheers Jeff Current Builds; HMS Supply Completed Builds; AL Swift 1805; Colonial Sloop Norfolk; HMS Victory Bow Section; HM Schooner Pickle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan Posted October 30, 2013 Share #10 Posted October 30, 2013 G'day mate, all the best with the build. Looking forward to following your progress Rowan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share #11 Posted October 30, 2013 Thought I was going crazy for a second.... Another Rowan. Not many of us around. Cheers Rowan Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Hime Posted October 30, 2013 Share #12 Posted October 30, 2013 I can't wait to get a look inside that box ! lol, it's kind of like watching someone open Birthday gifts! Quote Passion is Patience...and I am a carpenter in any scale. Current build; Endurance - 1:70 scale, Occre Current build; H.M.S. Surprise - 1796, 1:48 A L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #13 Posted October 31, 2013 Well I've cleared up a space in my spare office where I was building an RC car, and placed the tools I've collected thus far on the desk. I have quite a few more parts on order from model expo including mini pegs, more clamps, a rope walk , and a bending wood jig from another hobby shop. Here you can see my collection of glues, scalpels, syringes, forceps, probes, electronic micrometers, spirit levels, saws, drill bits, wood filler, tooth picks, clamps, pins, some printed documents I've found etc. DaveG 1 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #14 Posted October 31, 2013 Now for the Grand Opening of "The Box" I've been hanging out for this moment for over a month. The box front The side of the Box Some close up details on the front of the box With one quick snip of my scalpel, the sticky tape holding the box closed was opened to reveal a beautifully packaged ship. My first impression was wow, it looks very high end, and the sweet smell of timber filled my office fatih79 and NenadM 2 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #15 Posted October 31, 2013 I next removed the hefty booklet, some rather massive plans that I haven't attempted to open as yet until I work out a way to iron them flat. The item list was there, and is dared quite recently, so I am hoping this is an updated model Chuck had mentioned in a post I read somewhere. A high quality semi gloss ~80-90gm paper spiral bound colour manual which is 132 pages. Some coloured templates I think in A4 and some open larger stapled. I haven't looked closely at them as yet. I opened up the smallest plan and pinned it down with some objects to get a picture. There are many massive plans, that I'll need to work out a way of flattening and hanging them. fatih79 and augie 2 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #16 Posted October 31, 2013 Next I took out each part of the kit, and placed them side by side. The parts look very good quality, there is no warping that I can see, and laser cutting is pretty good I think although I'm not expert. A box containing a multitude of tiny parts including flags, nails, cannons I bag full of various lengths and thickness of wood planking. There are literally hundreds of them. An overview of the precut pieces side by side. They all look immaculate and precise. A close up of the bulkhead former Close up of things I don't even know what they are! Looks like a close up of some oars maybe for the miniature boats on the ship Boats and bulkheads More bulkheads A bag with what appears to be brass rods, and some more precut stern fatih79 1 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZyXuz Posted October 31, 2013 Share #17 Posted October 31, 2013 unboxing is always the happiest moment all the best on your build! Pygothian 1 Quote Visit My Blog! http://malaysiamodelship.blogspot.com/ Previous Build: HMS Race Horse (Sergal) Current Build: HMS Unicorn (Corel) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charley54 Posted October 31, 2013 Share #18 Posted October 31, 2013 Glad you finally got your Syren. I'll be watching closely. I need all the help I can get with mine. Charley Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliluke Posted October 31, 2013 Share #19 Posted October 31, 2013 Good to see you underway Rowan. I remember you were tossing up a while back on which ship to tackle. The Syren is a great choice - a very fine ship with lots of detail from what I've seen. Looks like you are very organised too with tools etc. One good starting mission is to sort and separate the planks by their size, label them and then check they match the parts list. Wish I'd done this on my AVS as the planks provided didn't match the parts list at all - many sizes provided that weren't needed and many needed sizes not provided - and I didn't discover this until well into the build! I look forward to your progress. Cheers Alsitair Pygothian 1 Quote Cheers Alistair Current Build - HMS Fly by aliluke - Victory Models - 1/64 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/34180-hms-fly-by-aliluke-victory-models-164/ Previous Build - Armed Virginia Sloop by Model Shipways Previous Build - Dutch Whaler by Sergal (hull only, no log) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #20 Posted October 31, 2013 Hi Alsitair, that is the next thing to do on my check list. I'm going to stock take each item off the parts list, and measure each plank with two different electronic vernier calipers to make sure the sizes are correct. Thankfully they convert from inches to mm for me, and I'll print out a chart of common inch fraction so I get familiar with how many mm that is. Cheers Rowan Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #21 Posted October 31, 2013 Here are some pictures of the back of the wood showing the laser cutting Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #22 Posted October 31, 2013 Just had a knock at the door, and it's like everything is coming together. Thanks to Aussie048 and Brian C for putting me onto this device. http://www.hobbytools.com.au/plank-forming-jig/ It came in 4 business days, and in a nice padded Australia post tough bag This little device looks like it will come in handy. I know I could of build one, but I'm not that handy Cheers! Rowan fatih79 1 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #23 Posted October 31, 2013 I know it's a little off topic but my wife just bought in some pumpkins she carved while I catch up on some sleep before my night of trauma Pretty impressive for her first try, learnt from YouTube Take care all Rowan Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan Posted October 31, 2013 Share #24 Posted October 31, 2013 (edited) Thought I was going crazy for a second.... Another Rowan. Not many of us around. Cheers Rowan True mate; and with you I have meet two in six months, before that two in my whole life. Like some one else said, look forward to see it coming out the box. But wow to send some thing so precious with out proper packaging (+ no bubble wrap ). Unbelievable. I just ordered the "Mermaid" from N.S.W. and was quite relieved that it arrived properly packaged. "Syren" is looking good so far mate so all the best. I'll be six weeks behind you so will follow your build with interest. Rowan ( Cool pumpkins ) Edited October 31, 2013 by Rowan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share #25 Posted October 31, 2013 I was seriously tossing up with the mermaid cutter deluxe from model shipyard. I loved the idea of their books and DVD, but felt they were charging too much for their starter kit, with tools I didn't need, and to buy the ship and just the books and DVDs was going cost cost 3 times the Syren, which I heard has an excellent support group and manual. I'll keep a close eye on yours, as I am interested to see if the books and DVDs are worth it, and if so, get the a Mermaid or Norfolk as my next baby Cheers Rowan Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gil middleton Posted November 2, 2013 Share #26 Posted November 2, 2013 Rowan, Thanks for your comments and good to see you underway. I marvel that you can make any progress with work and wee ones. Years ago, I gave up oil painting because emergency call interrupted a wash or detail, with wet brushes and left a mess. At least the three dimensional art of model ship building will patiently wait while you look after the important stuff and contemplate your next step. Good luck on your build. We'll all enjoy watching her come to life. Cheers, Gil Quote http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/485-hmsHMS Victory by Gil Middleton - JoTika - 1:72 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augie Posted November 2, 2013 Share #27 Posted November 2, 2013 'Close up of things I don't even know what they are!' I personally guarantee that you will be able to identify each part, in the pitch black darkness of night, by the time you are finished Pygothian 1 Quote Augie Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64 Previous Builds : US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988 Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976 Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pygothian Posted November 3, 2013 Author Share #28 Posted November 3, 2013 Well I was hoping to get a start today to chapter one, but feeling really under the weather, so waiting for my paracetamol and ibuprofen to kick in, moved so e spare monitors out of office 1 to office 2 and setup a tri screen computer, and ordered an ipad nano that apparently will be here Tuesday to take photos of the build and update / research my progress, That was a hard justify to the wife so she bought some 1500 thread Egyptian linen to spite me.. Anyway, hopefully I'll be in my office, kids free at grandma and sharp scalpel in hand popping some bulkheads See you soon! Rowan olliechristo 1 Quote Current Build - US Brig Syren - Model Shipways - 1:64 - 1st wood build Armed Virginia Sloop with complimentary 8x paint MS paint set - Model Shipways - Ordered 31st October 2013 Victory Cross Section - Corel - Ordered 15th October Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerdvr Posted November 6, 2013 Share #29 Posted November 6, 2013 Welcome to the Syren group. I am sure you will enjoy this project. It's a great kit with tons of support here on MSW Quote Cheers, Harley<p Under Construction: USS Curtis Wilbur DDG-54 1/200 by ILoveKit Completed: F-35A 1/48 by Tamiya USS Atlanta CL-51 1/350 by Very Fire Liberty Ship John W. Brown 1/350 by Trumpeter HMS Spiraea K-08 1/350 USS Arizona BB-39 1/200 by Trumpeter/Mk1 Design HMS Sir Gareth 1/350 by Starling Models USS Missouri BB-63 1945 1/350 by Joy-Yard, 9/11/21 USS Indianapolis CA-35 1945 1/350 by Trumpeter USS Kidd DD-661, 1945, 1/350, on The Sullivans kit by Trumpeter USS Alaska CB-1, 1/350, Hobby Boss, Circa 2/1945 Brig Syren 1/64 Model Shipways, Wood Started,On Hold: Frigate Confederacy 1/64 Model Shipways, Wood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Hime Posted November 6, 2013 Share #30 Posted November 6, 2013 Great to see that box open! I hear a lot of organizing in your thoughts. Man after my own heart. I look forward to following you along on this great journey! Enjoy!!! Warm Regards, Bill Quote Passion is Patience...and I am a carpenter in any scale. Current build; Endurance - 1:70 scale, Occre Current build; H.M.S. Surprise - 1796, 1:48 A L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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