Blue Pilot

Seeking Input on Decking Thanks to a very detailed post from jcoby I have a pretty good idea how to go about planking the deck. However, I still have a couple questions I could use some expert guidance on. First, does building the furniture commings first before decking make any difference from an appearance point of view? jcoby states it made planking easier but it seems like it would be far easier and faster to just lay the deck planking then build and attach the furniture. At this scale can you even see the differance on the finished model? Second, there aren't any good pictures of the deck layout. I am thinking either a 3 or 4 plank stagger. jcoby used a 4 stagger, but I am leaning toward a 3. Any thoughts at this scale what would be better? This is a modern ship built to replicate what a Chesapeake Bay Privateer from the early 1800's might have looked like. Thanks in advance for your thoughts, I am just thinking and planning ahead about how I want the final model finished and within the realm of my skill to achieve.

Thanks Russ, I appreciate your positive feedback and constructive criticism too. The final two photos are of how she stands now with port and starboard sides. I have roughly finished out two belts and this brings my progress and this log up to date. It is also an excellent place to stop and enjoy an ice cold drink.

So I started work on the Port side lower hull on the stealers at the bow and stern. The starboard side I had finished previously but was not that pleased with my craftsman ship. I had done a bit of a ham fisted job of it so was hoping to do a much nicer job on the Port side. I was going to add some comments on the photos but I can’t see how to do that. Any way the photos show I needed to make a plank to cover the area from bulkhead F aft to the stern post. I was really having trouble wrapping my head around this so first I made the first cut along the right half of the plank. I won’t tell you how long I stared at this thing trying to figure out how to draw the next cut. The other photos show the final shaping and finally the plank installed.

Today was a greeat day! It occurred to me today building ship models is a lot like dog training. Working with my bird dogs is another passion of mine. Like modeling, training is about identifying and working through problems. I have two 1 year old pups who I took out for some work this morning. The female has been hesitant to swim. She loves the water but she gets nervous when her paws aren’t on ground so she balks at swimming. We have been working on that for a few weeks now and today I was awarded with four nice water retrieves of about 10-15 yard swims each and a wagging tail, hers not mine . I honestly believe she understood she had overcome her fear and was as proud of herself as I was. It is exciting when you watch a dog concur a problem and come out happy and confident in the process. With dogs when you get frustrated with setbacks you just have to take a break, walk away and start over again on another day. Same things with these ships sometimes you just have to call it a day when things aren’t going your way take a step back and start over on another day This afternoon a sat back down again after yesterdays frustrations and made some nice progress again on the POB II and worked through some problem areas of my own, more to follow below.

Just dropping in to say hello, she is looking great!

Thanks for the guidance jcoby, sounds like I will scratch the mahogany idea then maybe based on your thoughts just a differant stain might be the solution. Thanks keep the tips coming.

I got a lot done today, started this log, sorted out creating a signature, linking my build log and gallery, and trying to post a picture to my profile. There is a lot of great guides on how to do all that but it took me some time as I am only moderatly proficient when it comes to computers. Next I started on making the plank above and forward of this stealer plank and botched it up as well so I tossed it in the trash and started over. This time it went better but still a gap crept in. Some times this hobby can be so frustrating and I am getting the feeling this may be one of those days. So not much progress but its progress. Its a little agrivating to me as I have been looking forward all week to getting home and doing some planking but I think I am going to take a break for a bit and cut the grass. Sorry for the rant, just needed to vent. Fair winds my friends!

Today was an excercise in frustration! I planed to start working on the lower hull on the port side. I got distracted by my two puppies and glued the stealer I was fashioning on before the final shaping So after a great deal of trouble removing it I started over. This left some gaps to fill with putty later.

jcoby thanks for the tips and yes I know I have an issue to fix with the plankshere, this seems to be a common problem. I also appreciate your comments on stain. Several others have also noted the mahogany stain is to dark. I was looking at some other minxax stains. There is one called Gun Stock that appears from the can to be similer but lighter and more like the real ship. I am still mulling this over and how to do the overall deck. I am considering buing a Barns Saw and some Box wood and mahogony form hobby mill, and milling myown deck planking. I plan to buy a saw at some point so if I go that route then this could be a good way to break it in. Of course cost is the main issue holding me back. Meddo thanks for the encouragement. I am hoping at some point I can make a trip to Baltimore and see the real ship, that would be fun

I use both. I agree with davac above that the oil based will give light wood a yellowish tint you may or may not want. So on light wood like bass or holly use the waterbased otherwise I like the oil based.

This will be my third model ship and second plank on bulkhead ship. In addition to this web site I will be building the Pride of Baltimore II (POB II) with the assistance of Robert Hunts Sophomore course practicum, and of course all of you here at MSW. I thank you all in advance for your help and input along the way. I must confess I am hesitant to start this log as there are already three magnificent build logs under way for this ship. I fear that I may have little to offer as I am very much a beginner and I do not posses any great skill, but I do have a desire to strive for perfection and like all of you a love and fascination with these beautiful tall ships that are reminders of our past. So with some trepidation and having being inspired by the craftsmanship of others here I have decided to take the plunge. I chose the POB II for many reasons not the least of which is she is a beautiful ship, but also as I think she offers a great deal as a way to learn and improve as a model shipwright. She presents some new challenges compared to the AVS but in a way that is a natural progression for new builders. The keel was first laid December 08, 2012 shortly after completing my Armed Virginia Sloop. Work progressed to the point where I had begun the process of planking the hull and had completed the first 6 rows below the wales. Some of the photos from early construction are posted below. Then life took me away and the poor ship has sat idle until recently. Like many others this hobby has a way of always pulling me back and the pride as waited patiently for my return.

Thanks for the very detailed response. I am even less sure I can handle it now I still have time to decide as I am still planking the hull. She looks great

I painted my AVS but I would sand the walnut very very lightly with a fine grit sand paper then 3-4 coats of wipe on Minwax wipe on polyurethane with a very light sand between each coat. I have had good results with this product. Use the satin variety, It leaves a finish with just a hint of shine but not glossy so it leaves the finish looking natural. That is actually what I did before painting to seal and prep the wood before I painted my hull. So if you change your mind and paint you have not wasted any time. I Dont know if that helps you but she is looking good.

I sat down last night to read this log all the way through. After two glasses of wine I was still reading. Wow! I hope one day I have your skill. My next model is a bashed Mamoli Rattlesnake, in many ways similar to your build of the Essex, so I thought I could get some tips from a master craftsman! I will be trying your tree nail method and if I ever copper a ship I will refer back to this too. When I see your skill and look the planking on my current build the Pride of Baltimore II, well lets just say I still have a lot to learn. Thanks for this great log it is a treasure trove of information of how to do it tips, tricks, and techniques for many like me who are mere apprentice craftsman.

Your Planking looks great! Thanks for the photos.

I am a little late getting to the show but this looks like a great build and your work so far is outstanding. I will be following along and your personal accounts and service on board this ship I think only make this log even better. Thanks for your service and this great log!

I actually enjoy restoration logs more then build logs. You are a true craftsman and the transformation is incredible! On top of that you are a gentlemen and I am sure your friend will be overcome when she sees the ship completed and It will be a lasting tribute to her father. Well done Sir!

I have not built the Phantom but my first ship model was a solid hull also and you have made a good choice. I would wager Dan is right and you may be using too fine a grit of sand paper at this stage. Also remember to just relax, its not like we are building the Space Shuttle here. The wonderful thing about wood and a painted hull all mistake can be fixed or covered up You will make mistakes we all do a lot of this hobby is identifying problems and coming up with solutions so dont worry you will do fine. When a mistake happens you fix it and move on but so far you are doing fine.

Thanks for posting a great log! I have been out of the hobby for a long time but getting back into it and once again and working on my POB II. I have been catching up on the forums and will be following your build with great interest. I wish I had your wood working skill. I had no prior experience with wood working but the pride is my third build and I chose it specifically as a skill builder and stepping stone to greater things. Something tells me I am going to learn a lot following your log as well. Cheers!

Thanks for doing such a great log! I have been away from the hobby for some time but coming back now. In fact I could not recall my log in name so I started a new profile. It may have been lost in the crash I guess, along with my own build logs. I wish I had your craftsmanship and skill she looks great!. In my own POB II build I am working on planking the hull. After a long laps of time, wood once again is flowing out of the box and onto the hull. In part do to your log inspiring me. I have been trying to decide if I want to do the deck in full strips or something more realistic as you did. However, I cant seem to get my head wrapped around the planking layout. Your pictures of the deck are so clear I think I see how you did it but if you are willing I would love a few details such as length of each plank. It looks like you pattern staggers its length by the next bulkhead starting at the bow? Also is that the Ipswich Pine stain on the deck? I like the color. If you don't mind me shamelessly stealing your ideas I am thinking of doing my deck like yours? Keep up the fine work, cheers!

First Welcome aboard. That is all ways a tough question. I would recommend Blue Jacket Ship crafters, Yankee Hero. http://www.bluejacketinc.com/kits/yankeehero.htm Everything you need is in the box, tools, paint, and a well written instruction book. It is all included at a very nice price and make a nice model when completed that wont take you years to finish. I built this as my first model and highly recommend it. The folks at Blue Jackets are also great and customer service and support is first rate. Best of luck!