MEDDO

Thanks Greg and Michael and all the likes / looks.  I appreciate them, this build has been a long time in coming!
 
With spring break being over with all the trips / visits / teenage angst I can finally get back to work.  First on the list was the 90 eyebolts and 40 rings (18 gunports, 5 eyebolts per, 3 rings per).  Just pull up a cozy chair, have a good magnet nearby to find all those AWOL pieces and a mere 3 hours later they were done:
 

 
Since I needed to blacken them, it was a natural to finally get all those hinges done to allow everything to blacken in one bunch.  I sliver soldered a thin rod onto a cut rectangular piece of brass then super glued this along with another small piece of brass to achieve the look I wanted.  These were also used for the rear lockers.  Then everything had a coat of gel coating.  I did make this job easier when I suddenly realized I didn't need hinges on both sides of the door!
 

 
Then of course you have the obligatory draft install to check out the final look:
 

 
Another notch in the complete column.  Now for some clean-up, the addition of a small windlass, affix all that cannon tackle and I will declare the gun deck complete. Maybe by tomorrow night?
 
Stay Building My Friends,
Mark

Ahhh the secret of stopping paint developing a skin- store the tins upside down and it seals the top and stops air seeping in- some tins of paint are nearly 15 years old and still usable!
Keith

I took some time from rigging and made a proper case for my ropewalk
 

 

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!

 

I am finally back home where I can start up this build log.  So lets give this thing a whirl!  I am definitely still a beginner although I have built a few models in the past.  These include the Swift (Artesania Latina), Indian girl canoe (Midwest), and various other small boats.
 
 
 
 
This will be my first plank on frame attempt. Can’t wait!
 
 
 
 
 
This is a now discontinued kit from Lauck Street Shipyard and Mr. Bob Hunt.  Mr. Hunt is better known for his “College of Model Ship Building” which is a collection of progressive practicums that start with beginner kits and progress all the way to scratch building.  At one time a few years ago he developed a series of kits which included this Halifax, The Fair American, Kingfisher and Fubbs (I think). 
 
 
 
 
 
The Halifax sloop of war in 1/4 scale plank on frame kit based on plans by Harold Hahn.  The parts are CNC milled and not laser cut which is nice and the wood quality seems a step above.  
 
 
 
 
 
I guess we always start with a close up picture of the Box:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The contents are very neatly packaged and all present:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The instruction in full color:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
I am not too familiar with the site yet and If anyone has any tips just let me know.
 

Hello, thanks to everyone for the kind comments.
 
Karl
 
 
Upper-Deck
prepared for the installation of the cannons.
 
 
 
 
T e i l  45

The rudder, gudgeons and pintels have been installed.  We'll be adding some additional photoetched details to the hull next, including the sweep port hinges.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

First, let me say I have already found this forum to be an invaluable resource for both the neophyte ship modeler and the experienced builder. To that I offer a big...
THANK YOU !
...to the owners and administrators of Model Ship World and everyone else who has taken time to share your knowledge, experience, and wisdom on this forum. Thanks Folks!
 
Now on to some business...
 
Although not my first boat build, this is my first wooden sailing craft build. I've been working on a scale model Dodge Runabout (Legend Model Boats) for several months now (see link in my signature). Its coming along nicely but I still wanted to try my hand at a sailing boat.
 
As for experience, I've been into model building in general since I was a kid and have been fooling around with model railroad stuff for nearly 40 years – mostly HO with a smattering of On30. I prefer working with wood and build mostly kits, but do a little scratch building too.
 
In choosing my first sailing craft build, I thought something rather basic might be in order, so after looking over a lot of stuff I decided on the Willie L. Bennett Chesapeake Bay Skipjack by Model Shipways. Why the Bennett? First, Model Shipways and Model Expo seem to have a topnotch reputation in the model ship business. Second, I like the larger scale, the smaller price tag, and it does seem to be a tad less complicated than, oh say, Nelson's Victory or something on that order...
 
So we'll start with the obligatory “the box and what's in it” shots...

 

 

 

 
After unpacking, ran through the parts list – everything looks good there. I retrieved the plans and instruction booklet and will spend the next week or so studying this stuff and getting a little more familiar with the pieces, parts, and process. Should get started on this thing for real in a week or so. Until then...

LSS has always been in the practicum business with the "College of Ship Modeling" series.  Different options and new content have come and gone over the years but this is the core business.
 
A few years ago he started a side business developing and producing these kits.  These were limited runs of very nice kits.  Apparently sometime in 2010/2011ish he sold or split off just the kit producing side of the business.  The College part stayed intact.  The only website that is still around for the kits ishttp://www.royalshipyard.com/Home.aspx  
 
I have no idea if they are still in business.  The website has some updates in 2011 but none since.  These kits are very nice (I also have a Fair American) I don't know if the cost per unit was too high or whatever but I am glad to have a chance to build these 2 wonderful kits.

Seeing what is possible is truly inspiring.  Beautiful build. 

In a meanwhile, added a third planking level and made a base for a slipway-style model stand. It would be painted black and I will add some diagonal supports for the boat when the planking would be completed.
Still not sure how that stand will look in reality, so maybe there would be a second iteration.

Hello all,
 
Ever wanted to know what kits are available for 17th Century British Frigates?
 
How about what kits are beginner and which kits are advanced?
 
Worried about space and want an easy way to find out what ships are available which are a certain 
lenght or height?
 
 
Read on my friends, read on!
 
Since joining Model Ship World, I have continuously been impressed with the quality of its members and the level of help people get with their hobby.  It is incredibly refreshing to find a place where people of all skill levels and interests, from all over the world, can come together in one place and help, encourage and applaud the wonderful works which can be found from its members new and old.
 
There is one trend I have noticed, with regards to questions and requests for advice, and that is related to the kits themselves.  Questions regarding quality of kits, availability, types, subjects and overall level of difficulty.
 
We have great resources for that, several articles, build logs etc.;  but I got to thinking it may be helpful to have this information in one place.  Not to replace what is on MSW in its various forms, but to supplement it.
 
While not an expert modeler by any means yet, I am a code jockey =) and enjoy doing techy codey things (that is a technical term by the way), so I decided to try to put that to use.
 
This is to announce a project which I am working on and am making available as of tonight.
 
The Model Ship World Ship Kit Database
 
What is it?
 
Well, it is a database of Model Ship Kits.  A central repository for what is available out there along with as much data regarding each kit as I can scrape up.
 
Secondly, Model Ship World Ship Kit Database is a living project.  This basically means it is intended to grow and expand based on feedback and contribution from the model ship world membership.
 
What does it do?
 
Right now, it allows you folks to search for ships.   As of this evening you can search for available ships based on Manufacturer, Scale, Type of Kit, Type of Ship, Period of Ship and the Ships Nation of origin.
 
You can search for these ships based on one of the above criteria or build out the criteria to get as refined a search as you want.
 
So, for example, if you want to see all the ships Model Shipways Currently has available – you can do that.
 
If you want to find all the ship kits which are 19th Century French 1:64th scale Plank on Bulkhead Frigates – you can do that too.
 
Is that all that it does?
 
As of this evening, yes it does.  Is that all it will do? No.    I actually have big plans for this and was going to wait to announce it until much more was done.  However it will take a little time to get everything in so I wanted to “release” it in stages.  Mainly to get it out there and let people get some hands on it and start giving me feedback.   
 
The idea is to make this as useful to the MSW community as possible.  I think it is in a good starting point, but really want to hear from you guys regarding it so I can develop it over time to make it as great as it can be.
 
I can’t promise all suggestions will make it in, or that they will go in overnight, but this in my mind is for MSW so I look forward to collaboration and the discussions to do as best we can.
 
Where does it stand right now?
 
Currently I have identified the following manufacturers for inclusion in the database.  Some have their kits added while others are queued to be completed over the next week or so.
A.J Fisher: Data not started Artesania Latina: Data started, 80% complete Billings: Data not started Bluejacket Ship Crafters Inc.: Data Complete Caldecraft:Data not started Corel:Data not started Constructo:Data not started Dusek:Data not started Mamonli:Data started, test entries only Mantua Models UK:Data not started Midwest Prouducts:Data Complete Model Shipways:Data Complete OcCre: Data started, test entries only.  
You said there was a lot planned so what else is there?
 
I am so glad you asked
 
Not only is this meant to be a list of what is available but it is also a place where people can come and find out about the ships.   Here is what is on deck....
More refined filter parameters: Ability to filter on length and height Ability to filter on skill level General Search:  Ability to type part of a kit name and search for all related kits. Data page:   This will be a drill down into the kit including a picture of the kit completed and important details regarding the kit itself. Some of what is currently in the data view will be moved here to make the data view a little less cluttered. Reviews: The ability for those of you who have built some of these kits can review them for others.  The reviews will have scales for the quality of materials, documentation and plans as well as a way to rate the kit for accuracy and skill level.   It is one thing for the manufacturers to say it, it is more meaningful when those who actually have worked with it say it. Links to related build logs.   Just another way for the MSW to find build logs related to their ships or for people to get a preview of what they may be in for. Manufacturer Data Page:  Just a quick data sheet on the company itself, where it is, contact information etc etc. Search launch:  A simple mechanism for people who may have found a ship they are interested in to one click google search for the kit in question. That is what I have on my list, the best part (as is usually the case) what comes out of the community.
 
As I mentioned, my hopes is this becomes a think tank project and grows from ideas provided by the MSW Community.
 
Why announce it with so much more to do?
 
  Feedback. 
 
Like it, Love it, Hate it I can take it; let me know.  
 
Whether you like it or not; let me know.   What people like I will continue with and what they don’t I will try to change so that they do,  but I can’t unless I know.
 
I can promise to take all suggestions and comments under consideration, but can’t promise all will be done.  
 
I will do my best to address concerns and questions as quickly as possible; after all if you take the time to lend a suggestion I can at least take the time to acknowledge it =)
 
My only goal is to make this as useful as possible and make it a solid resource for the Model Ship World community.
 
We can use this thread (I think) as the think tank for this project.   I will post updates to the database as I do them as well as keep a running list of ideas and where I may be at with them.
 
Where is this database hosted? I see it doesn’t have an MSW domain.
 
This is true,
 
this project is hosted on my own hosting service. 
 
I have been using them for quite some time and have not had any issues so am fairly confident it will have acceptable uptime for us to use this. 
 
The ampitcher.com well, ampitcher is me =)  
 
There is no link behind the scenes to MSW so your MSW information is safe, and this database does not require any sensitive information for you to access it.  If you have any concerns please PM Me I will be glad to address them.
 
This is however an MSW resource, meaning I am doing this for MSW and the MSW community. 
 
People from the outside may find it in a search or what not, but all efforts are to grow from within MSW and to drive TO MSW from the outside. =)
 
Anything we can do right now to help?
 
Kit companies and information
 
I have several in there (see list above) but I know there are more.   If you see any companies that are missing please let me know.  Right now I am focused on wood kits, but will be adding in plastic and card shortly.
 
Likewise, while in the database you will see many entries have blank data.  This is because of one of several things; either I could not find it, couldn’t figure it out or had conflicting information so wasn’t sure what to put.  
 
IF anyone has any knowledge they can lend me towards those empty slots please PM me with ID (first column) and the information.  I will edit them asap!  And thank you heartily!! =)
 
Well, I think I rambled on enough.   
 
Here is the link to the database.  
 
http://mswshipkits.ampitcher.com/
 
Take a look, let me know what you think and I want to thank you for your time.  
 
Updates will be coming so stay tuned!
 
For now, if we can limit data error information to PM and leave the forum topic for discussion related to the database, new ideas, feedback and updates – it would be appreciated!!
 
Thank you again, hope you like it and looking forward to creating the best model ship database on the web – with your help I know we can do it!!
 
As always
ENJOY!!
 
 

Cheers Mobbsie!
 
To hide the rather slow progress, I'll post a few 'state of the build' pics.  Ratlines and futtock shrouds all done, although there are one or two ratlines that I may yet redo.  First picture falls into the 'warning by me take' category, I'd completely missed a double block on the mizzen mast which was rather painful to get on with all the shrouds in place.  Definitely try to get this one onto the mast before any shrouds.  I did have a pleasant experience though, after having somehow made the served length approx 10mm too long even after mocking it up, I couldn't face remaking it.  Found that carefully applying some GS Hypo glue around the served line at the appropriate point allowed it to be cut cleanly with no frayed ends!  
 
I've also noticed that the tension in the main and preventer stay has been reduced, despite having stretched the line before installing.  Not sure whether its necessary to redo the heart lashings to tighten, only potential problem I can foresee will be when the braces get put on they may pull the stays unnaturally out of alignment, but this seems somewhat inevitable anyway so still pondering this one.
 

I have had a few Dremel rotary tools in the past and the thing that was the most helpful is the flexible extension with a place to hang it near the workspace.  This flex ext was much more important than the individual model.

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!

 

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!

 

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!

 

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!