Has any one built the Elsie by Model Shipways?

[DSiemens]

A member in our local club recently passed away which was a huge loss to the club.  I only wish I could have gotten to know him better.  

 

His family decided to sell his tools and kit's to club member's rather then throwing them out.  I was able to acquire an old Model Shipways Elsie kit for a great price.  I do think there are pieces missing but having done a lot from scratch I figure I can make it work.  I got a little into it and I wonder if I'm in over my head.  I wonder if any ones done this model that  can post a log on it?

[4whelr]

Sure hope someone does post a log. Currently working on an Elsie myself, first build ever. Could use seeing how some of the building is done. Trail and error can be so frustrating!

[hexnut]

I don't know anything about the kit, but I'm doing research for making a small-scale Elsie and Chappelle's History of American Sailing ships has some great info, with hull plans cross-section and deck furniture and decking laid out, as well as a sail plan and some detail shots.  His American Fishing Schooners has some more detail diagrams.  I don't know if that helps or not...

[Adrieke]

Daniel have you tried searching on the web to see if there are any other model sites with a log for this one ?

[JPett]

Ahoy Daniel

 

Welcome to Model Ship World

 

The Elsie is a solid hull and an entry level kit. I would love to say that makes it easy but it only means it is easier then others. All of these kits require a commitment and time

 

I would start a log here. Read other logs, they don't have to be the same ship. Take your time and post questions, review the responses then act. The key to success with these kits is to find out first then do the work. Test and practice before committing to the model

 

Perhaps 4whelr will start a log and the two of you can work togeather to reslove any issues associated with this kit

 

Here are some links

 

"Hopeful" is a very skilled builder and has a similar build here

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/1603-phantom-by-hopeful-model-shipways-scale-148/

 

One of the Moderators did the practicum (advanced instructions) for the Sultana here (under the "Documents tab" )

http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS2016

 

Both of these will help

 

I am new too and just finished planking my intermediate level kit. Took me over 120 hours

 

Good luck with your build; they are a lot of fun.

 

 

[4whelr]

Thank you for the replies and links!

 

Adriekel

Have searched for logs and pictures of a finished Elsie. Unfortunately, have been unable to find any logs and the photos are not detailed enough to see some of the things I want to see.

 

JPett

Thanks for the links. Will go over each one carefully when I have the time. Also will get a copy of the books you suggested. Need all the help I can get!  Found myself laughing and shaking my head when I read the part about time and commitment. Built and scrapped enough brass attempting to make the gudeons and pintles to take a trip to the recycler! Cut and carved enough rudders to build a couple of rowboats!   Finally decided to make the rudder and stern post out of two pieces rather than three pieces. Think I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel after my 15th one!   Have been taking pics all along the process. Just need to make a bit more progress before I feel comfortable posting a log.

[JPett]

Ahoy 4whelr

 

NP

 

I am not sure which books I recommeded. The practicum I posted is a free download. Click on the "documets tab" on the bottom of that link.  Ohh and Chuck is a Moderator too, Sorry Chuck.  

 

You should post a log before you start filling up the dumpser. It is easier for others to help and a much easier way to learn. You will get done sooner and spend less time figuring everything out yourself. Helps with the fun factor too.

[4whelr]

My apologies! hexnut suggested the books!   Thanks hexnut!

[DSiemens]

Ahoy Daniel

 

Welcome to Model Ship World

 

The Elsie is a solid hull and an entry level kit. I would love to say that makes it easy but it only means it is easier then others. All of these kits require a commitment and time

 

I would start a log here. Read other logs, they don't have to be the same ship. Take your time and post questions, review the responses then act. The key to success with these kits is to find out first then do the work. Test and practice before committing to the model

 

Perhaps 4whelr will start a log and the two of you can work togeather to reslove any issues associated with this kit

 

Here are some links

 

"Hopeful" is a very skilled builder and has a similar build here

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/1603-phantom-by-hopeful-model-shipways-scale-148/

 

One of the Moderators did the practicum (advanced instructions) for the Sultana here (under the "Documents tab" )

http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS2016

 

Both of these will help

 

I am new too and just finished planking my intermediate level kit. Took me over 120 hours

 

Good luck with your build; they are a lot of fun.

 

Thanks.  i will look into those.  I've had it shelved for a while with all of my other projects taking my time.  I know I'll get to it eventually.  I think a problem I have as well is that I'm missing pieces so a lot of it will have to be scratch built.  

 

4whelr if you want to start a log I will start on mine and start a log as well.  It won't be a fast build by any means but it would be nice to have some one who I can compare notes with.  

[ranikola]

Hallo, can i see finished Elsie by modelshipways?

Thanks

[shark217a]

Hello ship mate

 

I am assuming this is your first ship model ? If I am correct I have a few suggestions:

 

Have the plans enlarged 30X40, then start finding books of nautical terms.

 

If your not familiar with Nautical terms your life will be horror story

 

Do not be in a hurry..You want your model fast ? Buy one already built, it will be cheaper and your wife won't have you committed

 

I am bldg 3 right now, The "flying Fish", finishing the "Surprise" from master & commander getting ready to start a massive under taking

which will take me about 4-6 years to complete (i am 77 right now )

 

This hobby requires untold patience and a desire to become one with the vessel your undertaking to build.

 

Buy the best model you can afford do what I said about the plans, read the inst manualover and over and over until you understand all

the terminology then slowly get to know all the pieces in the kit

 

By now 6 mos to a yr may have passed

 

God luck, smooth sailing and keep a foot of water under your keel

 

Shark

[Roger Pellett]

Some time ago, I don’t remember when exactly, the Nautical Research Guild published a series of articles about Elsie by noted model builder and New England fishing vessel scholar Eric Ronnberg.  I would estimate that it was during the 1980’s when Eric was the Journal’s editor.  The articles should be on the NRG’s CD set.

 

Roger

[shark217a]

The models have changed 180 since the 80's. New plans, new woods, new accessories.

 

Nothing at all like what we built in the 80's

 

A lot more fun but a lot more complicated.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello ship mate

 

I am assuming this is your first ship model ? If I am correct I have a few suggestions:

 

Have the plans enlarged 30X40, then start finding books of nautical terms.

 

If your not familiar with Nautical terms your life will be horror story

 

Do not be in a hurry..You want your model fast ? Buy one already built, it will be cheaper and your wife won't have you committed

 

I am bldg 3 right now, The "flying Fish", finishing the "Surprise" from master & commander getting ready to start a massive under taking

which will take me about 4-6 years to complete (i am 77 right now )

 

This hobby requires untold patience and a desire to become one with the vessel your undertaking to build.

 

Buy the best model you can afford do what I said about the plans, read the inst manualover and over and over until you understand all

the terminology then slowly get to know all the pieces in the kit

 

By now 6 mos to a yr may have passed

 

God luck, smooth sailing and keep a foot of water under your keel

 

Shark

[Roger Pellett]

The model building techniques may be different (not necessarily better) but no one that I am aware of has surpassed Eric’s research on New England Fishing Schooner technology.

 

Roger

[shark217a]

Elsie plans are Ben Lankford's. Ben started working with us in 1989. He was a Defense Dept.  naval architect and for years worked under Howard Chapelle at the Smithsonian. Ben is credited with designing many of the U.S. Navy's frigates and destroyers. 

 

This is from the owner of Model Shipways

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The models have changed 180 since the 80's. New plans, new woods, new acessories.

 

Nothing at all like what we built in the 80's

 

A lot more fun but a lot more complicated.

 

 

 

 

 

Hello ship mate

 

I am assuming this is your first ship model ? If I am correct I have a few suggestions:

 

Have the plans enlarged 30X40, then start finding books of nautical terms.

 

If your not familiar with Nautical terms your life will be horror story

 

Do not be in a hurry..You want your model fast ? Buy one already built, it will be cheaper and your wife won't have you committed

 

I am bldg 3 right now, The "flying Fish", finishing the "Surprise" from master & commander getting ready to start a massive under taking

which will take me about 4-6 years to complete (i am 77 right now )

 

This hobby requires untold patience and a desire to become one with the vessel your undertaking to build.

 

Buy the best model you can afford do what I said about the plans, read the inst manualover and over and over until you understand all

the terminology then slowly get to know all the pieces in the kit

 

By now 6 mos to a yr may have passed

 

God luck, smooth sailing and keep a foot of water under your keel

 

Shark

[Roger Pellett]

Yes, I know who Ben was. I have been an NRG member for over 40 years and have read a number of articles by Ben.  He also wrote a very good SNAME paper about the construction of the Navy’s wooden “Agressive” class Minesweepers (MSO). These are of particular interest to me as I spent the summer of 1964 aboard one of these, USS Loyalty MSO 457, as an NROTC midshipman.

 

The intent of my post was not to criticize the drawings that came  with the kit.  Since I have never met a model builder that felt that he/she had enough information I was pointing out another source by a highly competent researcher.

 

Roger

 

 

Edited December 18, 2018 by Roger Pellett