mtdoramike

Oh goody, popcorn ready.

I've made a little more progress on the 1930. I cut out the engine and stern covers and got them mounted I covered the front deck with the bottom layer of planking. I ordered an FMA 850 brushed motor from Cornwall models in England for it. That motor should get this beast up on plane. I ordered the stern name of Ratlin ' Rita.

I would only give a right angle look to the sails if you have sails mounted as though the ship was in sail, moving. But in port they would never be at a right angle.

I'm sorry to hear of your life issues Mark and wish there was something I could do to help out other than my prayers. If we lived closer, I would finish the build for you if nothing else, it my have given you a peace of mind and soul. I wish you all the best and hang in there and if you need anything never hesitate to ask. mike

WOW, that was some kind of rage there. That person definitely needs a hug. Probably upset that there were no ship models there on exhibit.

Your planking job, looks great so far. When I plank solid hulls, I usually used contact cement. I measure out my planks, smear on the contact cement on both the plank and the hull and then lay on the plank. But I also color or stain the solid wood hull a dark color so if there is any minute gaps between the planks, it will not stick out like a sore thumb. I use a low shine varnish and usually rub the finish with steel wool to give it a waxed appearance.

First off, no matter what your next build is, it can be any model, but it's up to YOU to make it that show piece that would make you proud to pass down to future generations. A kit is a kit and only a starting point. But it's up to the builder on how much time, effort and research (oooops, there's a dirty word) that will either make an acceptable model or take that same acceptable model to the next level. I usually spend as much time researching a particular build as I do actually working on the model. I have built two out of the three you mention, the Model Shipways Bluenose, which went to a fellow in Canada. This is a great model for the beginner, easy to plank and it give detailed instructions on the proper way of deck planking. Model Shipways The Pride of Baltimore went to a fellow in Niagara Falls NY. It also was a fun model to build, but more of a second intermediate level model. It too has great plans and if memory serves, the plans on both were by Ben Lankford, who is one of the best at it. A piece of advice, never look towards your next build until you have a few models under your belt. I have finished several models where the owner had all the intentions in the world of finishing them, but life gets in the way and they just never got around to finishing them. Then someone like me steps in and finishes the model. Ebay is full of them. The last two models rear paddle wheeler river boat, Chris Craft mahogany runabout I finished where latch key kids abandoned and not to mention the next two, a 1930 Chris Craft Runabout and a Vietnam Gun Boat I will have to finish. Good luck on your current build and future builds, mike

Ok folks, the final journey of the Montanes will be coming to a happy conclusion soon. The Waterman Hospital located in my area and the same hospital where I had open heart surgery recently is going to accept the Montanes as a donation. They have a Gala event in February each year and auction off various items and then use the money to obtain equipment or fund special programs like caring for the homeless when they are in need of health care. The manager of the Cardio Rehab Facility is really excited about the donation and hopes to possibly get some new workout equipment with funds from the Gala. I'll post how the process goes as it progresses. mike

Hey RG, take some pics and show us what you got for your money. Model Space in my opinion is a great company, great support and what better way to spread out a build and the cost of the build over an extended period of time. The Sovereign is the only tall ship model that would make me want to build another. mike

WOW CD, moving from a temperate climate like Florida and moving to New Hampshire, is a big move and require big adjustments I'm sure. Why don't you move over here near me and get out of that Tampa rat race. It's a bit more laid back here, although the lack of hobby shops is a downer. I wind up ordering just about everything I need on line. I'm just busting your chops, I'm sure you will get around to it one day. I know if I have an unfinished model laying around, it will nag me to no end, usually through my wife until I get back to it. mike

That is a bit shameful CD hahahahahahaha, like they say admitting it is always the first step.

OK, I'm just getting started on the 1930 Chris Craft, I had to finish up a tug I was working on. I took some fiberglass resin, thinned it down a bit and thoroughly coated the inside of the hull with it to repel any water that might get in there. I'm going to be working on the front deck and at least get the false deck down before I start planking the hull with the finished mahogany strips. I'm not quite sure how old this kit is, but I'm thinking it's an 80's or early 90's kit. A lot of the wood is quite brittle. I may wind up having to cut new pieces depending on how it goes. I'm trying to moisten the wood a bit with a damp cloth that I place on the wood for an hour or so just to try and moisten the wood a bit until I can get it into place. I'm curious as to how the planking strips will be. I'm now on the hunt for a 800-850 sized brushed motor for this hog. It's a single prop, so I want to make sure it has enough power to get on plane. I hope I don't have to order the motor from Cornwall models in England, like I did the last time I needed two 850 brushed motors, but finding them stateside is like hunting for a Unicorn.

"How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment when you realize we have just discovered a friend". Thank you for that quote Dave, that is the same way I feel about you my friend. mike

"Unfortunately some times people are educated beyond their means of intelligence". Meaning, you can send someone to Yale or Harvard, but there are just some cases of stupid that even a high end college education can't cure. mike

Very nice work Grandpa, she will be a real beauty when you finish with her. The Mantua Victory was always one of my favorite representations of the Victory. Oh and by the way, Grandpa, your not going to mimic every single thing on the model to the real ship, at best all you can do or hope to do is suggest, which is what your carving are doing, and a fine job I might add at that.