18th Century Longboat by Erik W - FINISHED - Model Shipways - Scale 1:48 - First wooden ship build

[MikeB4]

I've tried painting over brass with no luck, the paint doesn't adhere to the surface at all. I'm going to try putting the brass in vinegar before painting it, as Canute has suggested.

[Canute]

I used to paint brass model railroad engines with a brand called Scale-Coat. The metal had to be clean; even had to strip the clear coat from some engines, since they had bubbles in the clear coating. The Scale-coat worked great, since it was a lacquer and dried glossy. Easier to decal over than flat paints. It didn't need a primer, but if you're painting yellows or reds, you better prime first.

[Erik W]

Mike,

 

What brand paint are you using?  Also, one thing I've done in the past to make a durable finish on brass with acrylic paint is to put the parts under a hot bright light bulb for 5 minute or so, this basically bakes the paint on and it's less likely to chip (be careful with glue or solder joints).  If you're having adhesion problems though, it could be poor quality paint.  In addition to the above brands, Testors Model Master acrylics are good.  You may also try a non-acrylic paint.  They are a bit more hazardous, but generally adhere better.

 

Erik

[Stuntflyer]

Erik,

 

I used the kit supplied wire to make the Chainplates for my Longboat. After sanding the wire to remove the outside finish I was able to solder the wire. After some cleanup, I sprayed the wire with Krylon primer and painted with model expo paint. No problem with adhesion.

 

Mike

Edited December 5, 2015 by Stuntflyer

[Erik W]

I attached the chainplates.  I used a ruler held up against the side of the boat to figure out the correct angle each chain plate needed to be attached so as to have a straight line towards the area of the mast where the shrouds and backstays will be seized.

 

 

 

 

Erik

 

 

[Erik W]

I attached the shrouds and stays.  I'm enjoying the rigging, though there is a steep learning curve since I haven't done anything like it before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erik

[MikeB4]

Nice job!

[GuntherMT]

I'd say you are doing just fine on your rigging Erik.  Looks great.

[mtaylor]

First rigging job, indeed...   looking great, Erik.

[Stuntflyer]

Nicely done Erik. Seeing yours makes me want to redo the rigging on mine using Chuck's rope. It must be nice seeing it all start to come together.

 

Mike

Edited December 14, 2015 by Stuntflyer

[Erik W]

Thanks for the kind words guys!

 

Mike, yeah I'm on the home stretch now.  I ordered a small brass name plate from a trophy/award shop last week.  I think the boat will really look nice when finished and displayed.

 

Erik

[PAnderson]

Eric, your build looks superb. Beautifully done. The name plate was a good idea. That should look really sweet wherever you put this boat to display.

 

Paul

[Erik W]

I finished the rigging and their associated rope coils.  I'm working on the grapnel now, then it's just a matter of adding the oars, windlass handles, and rudder.  I had a small brass plaque made at a local trophy/awards shop, so the final display base should look pretty sharp. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erik

[PAnderson]

Wow Eric. That looks really sharp. Can't wait to see it with the plaque.

 

Paul

[Justin P.]

Looks great, what are you treating those lines with?   

[Erik W]

The rope is untreated.  I used Syren Ship Model Company's rope as is.  I used 50/50 diluted matt medium on the rope coils to get them to hold their shape, and also to secure my seizings and knots.

 

Erik

[GuntherMT]

Fantastic job Erik.

[S.Coleman]

Brilliant job! Can we have a pic with the brass nameplate? Your rigging is neat and tidy.

[Erik W]

I should have everything finished in about a week or so.  I'll post a bunch of photos with the boat on the display stand when it's finished.

 

Erik

[Nirvana]

Erik,

What size of hooks did you use?

I think I bought to small hooks from Chuck, the 3mm.

Very nice and clean job you have done.

[Erik W]

Per,

 

I made my own hooks out of the wire in the kit.  I just measured them.  They are 4mm.

 

Erik

[Erik W]

I added the oars, windlass handles, rudder, and grapnel (after reshaping, removing material, and cleaning it up).  Now it's on to the base.

 

Here are a couple preview photos.  I'll post a bunch more when I get the base finished and the longboat mounted.

 

 

 

Erik

[GuntherMT]

I can only hope that my longboat (whenever I get around to it) comes out as nice as yours did Erik.  

[PAnderson]

Way cool, Eric. Congratulations. So, what's next?

 

Paul

[Chuck]

Really fine work Eric....well done!!!

[Erik W]

Thanks for the kind words guys!

 

Brian, the quality of the rigging on your Armed Sloop Virginia was what I aimed for on my longboat, so I'm sure when you tackle your longboat, it'll be gorgeous!

 

Paul, ship-wise I'm leaning heavily towards the Cheerful as a next build.  I'm going out of town for part of January, so can't order anything until I'm sure to be home for delivery. 

 

Erik

[Erik W]

It’s been quite an enjoyable journey. I started this model as a practice build, the idea being to use the build to develop my skills before moving on to a larger, more involved project. The longboat has been a challenge every step of the way. Being a practice build, I was committed to using the kit supplied materials. I learned that though I’ve used basswood for years, the low quality wood supplied with this kit set new standards for poor quality . . . The one upgrade I made was using Chuck’s scale rope, rather than the nylon rope that came with the kit.

 

While this project started as a bit of an experiment for me, I quickly grew rather fond of this little boat. I think my results are acceptable for a first build, and the finished boat actually turned out to be a credible model in its own right. Being a practice build, there were several instances where I skipped redoing things I wasn’t completely happy with in favor of just moving on to the next step. My next build will involve only high quality materials, and the will to put in my 100% and do things over until I get them to my liking.

 

I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this build log with their comments, encouragement, and ‘likes’. They have really helped contribute to sustaining my motivation through the more difficult aspects of this build. I’d like to give a particular shout out to Brian (GuntherMT), Toni (tlavine), Mike (Stuntflyer), and of course Chuck, who were kind enough to answer my questions off-line when I messaged them at one time or another. Mike (Stuntflyer) has been a real mentor to me. His longboat was his first ship build, and in my mind it stands as a sterling example of what can be achieved on a first build when patience and persistence are applied. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; it’s no accident that my longboat has nearly the same look as Mike’s.

 

Lastly, I can’t thank Chuck enough. It’s your devotion to this hobby that has helped attract new members like myself. The Longboat is an exquisite kit, and just the model to whet the appetite for more. Your availability, not just to me, but to all members of this forum, is the type of attention that’ll ensure that this hobby continues to thrive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erik

 

 

[Chuck]

Looks fantastic and I am eagerly awaiting your next project.  Enjoy the new year.....

[MikeB4]

It looks great, you definitely have the skill it takes to stand out as a really good model builder and your only going to get better. May you have many more great builds to come.

[GuntherMT]

Beautiful work Erik.  Congratulations on a finished project, and one that anybody would be proud to display.  Nobody will guess this is your first build, unless you choose to tell them!

 

Looking forward to seeing what you do next with 'quality' materials!