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US Brig Syren by Augie - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64


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With the re-starting of the MSW site on 2/15/2013, it has become necessary to re-construct this build log.  I have most of the photos but, of course, lack the narrative.

 

I plan to post the past progress in sections that make sense.  It will take a while but I'll do my best.

Edited by Augie

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

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post-56-0-40721500-1360960014_thumb.jpgI purchased the Model Shipways Syren kit from Model Expo in 2010.  Due to some extended health issues, I didn't begin construction until December, 2011.

 

Having only minimal experience with ship models (I am an experienced R/C aircraft builder), I chose Syren due to what I had read on the old MSW site and the overall positive reputation of both Model Expo and Model Shipways.  A particularly stong influence was what I had read about the designer, Chuck Passaro,  the description of his Practicum supplied with the kit and the build logs on Syren in the old Forum.  I figured I needed all the help I could get :) !!!

 

Unfortunately, I did not take the 'mandatory' Kit Box/Contents photo.  But it came beautifully packaged and an inventory of the contents proved everything was contained therein.  I was particularly impressed by the full-color, 130 page Practicum which seemed to describe everything except how to tie your own shoes.

 

Deciding to 'Let the Games Begin', the bulkhead former way placed on the ways on Thanksgiving Day (11/24/2011) and construction was underway. 

 

The rabbet was created, stem knee and sternpost added along with the keel.  The bulkheads were put in place and beveled and then filler blocks added between the bulkheads.  I made these from balsa block and their installation provided both strength and amazing stiffness to the structure at this point.  The lower deck platform was created and I experimented with staining the lower deck to get the finish I wanted ultimately on the main deck.  I settled on a mixture of 40% Minwax Golden Oak stain mixed with 60% Minwax Natural stain applied after using Minwax Pre-Conditioner.  Two coats of Floquil Natural Glaze was applied over the stain to give a protective coat with a very, very slight gloss.

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

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post-56-0-41810300-1360960787_thumb.jpgThe gunport sills and lintels were added using the templates provided in the kit (as well as measurements from the plans).   This was followed by adding the stern frames making sure the 12 lb. cannon fit properly in the stern ports.  A paper template was thoughtfully provided of the completed gun to accomplish this.

 

At this point, painting the gunport frames was required so it was time to decide on the red color to be used for the build.  I concocted a few colors and settled on what I felt came closest to a deep, blood red (it's the color on the right side of the photo).

post-56-0-29933300-1360961131_thumb.jpg

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

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post-56-0-33338200-1360961707_thumb.jpgAfter painting the gunports, hull planking began began with the wales, moving upward.  The model is single planked primarily with 1/8 x 1/16" basswood.  Chuck provided suggestions for making a planking jig which proved invaluable.  I could have spent more time dressing the edges of the planks but hey, I'm learning ---- this is my first fully rigged POB ship.

 

Continuing on, the counter at the stern and transom were added.

post-56-0-07811400-1360961842_thumb.jpg

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

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post-56-0-66757000-1360962392_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-97442000-1360962418_thumb.jpgTreenails were added from the wales on up.  I used the method of drilling out the holes and filling them with wood filler which I had dyed to the desired shade.  Once the filler was set everything was sanded.  I found this gave a pleasing appearance without the need for drawing actual treenails (which is beyond me).

 

The hull had been faired previously so it was time to plank the rest of the hull.  Trying to understand the concept of spiling, drop planks, stealers and voodoo all at the same time proved daunting.  But we got through it with a planked hull that was smooth and, although not 'museum quality', a fairly neat job.

 

Before proceeding, I gave the inside of the hull 2 coats of diluted PVA to seal things from the inside.  It's surprising how much rigidity this adds to the structure.

Edited by Augie

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

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After vigorous sanding of the hull, the entire thing was given 2 coats of stain using the 40/60 mixture of Minwax.  The wales were also painted flat black.post-56-0-56730300-1360967686_thumb.jpg

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

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post-56-0-19049400-1360967831_thumb.jpgThe fashion pieces and moldings were added to the stern and the inner side planked and stained.  The stern cap rail was added (in one piece) using the soaking/brute force technique.  Finally the transom was painted.

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

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The bulwarks were thinned down to 5/32" and then painted red.  The cap rail was added and also painted.post-56-0-60556500-1360967992_thumb.jpg

 

The deck was then completed, treenailed and stained.post-56-0-02370200-1360968078_thumb.jpg

 

The bottom was coppered using the supplied tape and the fine tutorial presented here on MSW by Gene Bodnar.

 

post-56-0-23000900-1360968159_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-73489100-1360968185_thumb.jpg

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

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Hull details such as carvings, sweep port hinges, quarter galleries and bridle stern ports were added.  The carvings are painted metal as supplied.post-56-0-22061600-1360968346_thumb.jpg

 

Channels, fenders and chesstrees are completed and the gun ports (lower half) hinged and put in place.  On Syren, the upper half, or buckler, were stored below unless running in heavy seas.post-56-0-45028000-1360968481_thumb.jpg

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

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The headrails and timbers, bumpkins and figurehead were added to the stem.post-56-0-58226600-1360968634_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-03848800-1360968664_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-49984500-1360968699_thumb.jpg

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

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The ship's cat paid a visit.  All important activities are done under her watchful eye ---- at least until rigging begins!!!!

 

post-56-0-08097600-1360968840_thumb.jpg

 

The inner bulwark details such as cleats and belaying pin racks were added.post-56-0-91324000-1360968920_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-03740100-1360968941_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-57548900-1360968963_thumb.jpg

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

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The carronades were mounted on the sleds and set on the deck temporarily.

 

post-56-0-87525700-1360969087_thumb.jpg

 

Once satisfied, the carronades were permanently mounted and the breech ropes attached.  I could not manage the gun tackles this time around.post-56-0-59841000-1360969239_thumb.jpg

 

Deck fitting were begun with hatches, shot racks and the capstan.

 

post-56-0-98433800-1360969312_thumb.jpg

 

This was followed by the companionway and the binnacle/belfry.

 

post-56-0-91327000-1360969409_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-00586000-1360969433_thumb.jpg

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

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The 12 lb. stern cannon, ships wheel, tiller and steering tackle were added.  As were the pumps.

 

post-56-0-59138400-1360969599_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-21398900-1360969623_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-64478700-1360969644_thumb.jpg

 

Moving forward, the fife rail, gallows and riding bits, fore bitts and galley stack were added.

 

post-56-0-89524000-1360969736_thumb.jpg

Edited by Augie

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

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Stern davits and hammock nettings added.

 

post-56-0-05918100-1360970667_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-53970200-1360970689_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-72027800-1360970717_thumb.jpg

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

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The ship's boat was built and mounted onboard.  Took a lot less time to post here than to build :D post-56-0-84201100-1360970905_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-39756200-1360970949_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-12748200-1360970974_thumb.jpg

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

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The basic bowsprit was constructed.

 

post-56-0-38034000-1360971138_thumb.jpgpost-56-0-10591000-1360971193_thumb.jpg

 

Gammoning nextpost-56-0-03634200-1360971267_thumb.jpg

 

And finally some rigging

 

post-56-0-42629400-1360971372_thumb.jpg

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

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That's about enough for me for today.  What's posted so far took 800 hours in the shop ----- and doesn't fill up a page here!!

 

I'll pick up tomorrow with mast construction.

 

Just want to encourage everyone to get back on board if you can.  We'll get the site back up to make us all feel proud again (once we survive the shock).

 

Best regards to all.

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

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Nice to see your log back up Augie. I'd only recently found your previous log and had enjoyed reading it through from start to finish. You've been doing a great job on this model and I look forward to seeing further updates.

 

Cheers,

Grant

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Thanks Mark and Grant.  Sad part is my building skills stink but I had some good jokes :rolleyes:

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

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Ahoy Augie :D

 

Welcome back,

 

The new log looks great.

 

 

Edited by JPett

 On with the Show.... B) 

 

  J.Pett

 

“If you're going through hell, keep going” (Winston Churchill)

 

Current build:  MS Rattlesnake (MS2028)

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/45-model-shipways-rattlesnake-ms2028-scale-164th/

 

Side Build: HMS Victory: Corel

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/3709-hms-victory-by-jpett-corel-198/?p=104762

 

On the back burner:  1949 Chris Craft Racer: Dumas

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/939-1949-chris-craft-racer-by-jpett-dumas-kit-no-1702/

 

Sometime, but not sure when: Frigate Berlin: Corel

http://www.corel-srl.it/pdf/berlin.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

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Thanks to everyone for stopping by.  I'm hoping a lot of the old bunch come home.

 

Robert-  Great hearing from you.  Gives me a chance to check out your Mars :)

Edited by augie

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

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Mast construction

 

post-56-0-71010500-1360986692_thumb.jpg

post-56-0-74181000-1360986719_thumb.jpg

post-56-0-60159500-1360986756_thumb.jpg

post-56-0-09950900-1360986785_thumb.jpg

post-56-0-05776900-1360986814_thumb.jpg

post-56-0-33606400-1360986865_thumb.jpg

Edited by augie

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

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Thought it might be time to place the masts in temporarily and see what she's going to look like.

 

post-56-0-22879200-1360987064_thumb.jpg

 

You can see that Syren is almost as tall as she is long!!!!!

 

 

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

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