Rich_engr
-
Posts
307 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Events
Everything posted by Rich_engr
-
Hey- back from my sailing lessons/vacation!! And I passed both certifications!!!! Had THE time of my life- was pure heaven!!!!!!! Plus, we were sailing around what I believe was the Sultana- got lots of pics on my phone that I need to upload so y'all can drool over!! lol~~ Anyway, build is obviously on the back burner for now (getting re-set up since our stuff from TX came a few weeks ago and I gotta get the shop rearranged). Plus, I'm looking at boat rentals for a day so I can keep building my experience! All is well- miss you guys!!! -
Finally a "real" update: I've been working on the bowsprit this week (not too bad once the drawings are attached)... got most of it tapered and the hex parts shaped, but I'll probably have to redo the piece.... Last night around 9 pm I made the stupid mistake of getting a venti coffee from Starbucks, and was up until 2:30 am sanding and tapering by hand... After four hours of sanding and shaping (all the while getting covered in sawdust), I realized that it wasn't coming out straight enough (although dimensions were ok), and it was a little tricky seeing my centerline (the drawings had some verrrrry slight curve to them when I glued them on), and the tapers weren't quite even/square enough... So, tonight I'm going to mark centerlines first, then taper sides/bottom, THEN make some more copies and affix the drawings... Oh well- practice makes perfect I suppose... just no late-night coffee this time (and I have to get up at 6)...
-
Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I may be slow in posting pics since my 6-year old laptop is on its last legs....(at least it's not running XP, otherwise I'd be screwed!). And the budget doesn't allow for major computer purchases at this time... Just gotta hang in there~~~
-
Thanks guys! Well, I finally dove into the bowsprit this week. Sunday I went to Kinkos and made copies of the plans, then cut the drawings out and attached them to the wood yesterday. I would have done it earlier, but I was in Norfolk this week (aboard the Iwo again). Still, got back yesterday and with the help of a few beers was able to glue the drawings on. One thing I noticed is that I probably should have started to taper the bowsprit before gluing the side dwg's on, because otherwise my octagonal sections will need to be tapered in quite a bit (and could screw up their shape)... oh well- I'm still in the learning curve... darn hindsight~~~~ Probably not much shaping this weekend due to my dad coming in and Mother's day, but next week I'll hit it pretty hard.
-
Welcome aboard!!! I like your mentality- that'll keep you going strong throughout the build! There's tons of us building the Niagara- she's an interesting one to say the least. She's also my first wooden build. Don't be shy about asking for guidance- we're all in this together.
-
Mini-update: I think my build is going to be very slow-going since my other bench/cabinets are in storage (back in TX), and therefore I'm very limited with the amount of workspace (basically the old computer desk). Things are very cramped, and I have to keep shuffling plans, parts, the ship, etc. around to work on something... Most of my tools and parts are still in my plastic tubs from the move! lol~ Still, I'm going to make some copies of the plans for the bowsprit so I can slowly work on that. My mind is bouncing between the bowsprit and the hammock rails (what/how to do them)... Last night I tried working on the fashion pieces, but all I was able to accomplish was find a piece of scrap wood to roughly sand down to size... grr~~~~
-
Hey Bob- she's coming along great! I'm finally getting around to checking on the other builds here (as well as setting up shop/finding room to work). I still don't get that you're doing TWO builds at once!!! OMG- I'd be a frantic shipwreck myself (anxiety, mixed parts & wood stock, etc)! But you're the man for conquering that daunting challenge~~~ I'm still loving the idea of sticking the bowsprit plans directly to the stock- might just have to dive in and do it this week if I can (heading to Norfolk again for a few days). Keep it coming!!
-
It was super cool, especially for my 1st. Saw a few RC boats- AMYA, MD Model Yacht guys there- was pretty neat. Of course, I was too chicken/intimidated to actually go on any of the boats for sale- just talked to a few schools so I can take lessons this summer. I'll definitely go the GIANT one in Oct tho! Sounds like you've been busy too- glad you had a few gigs! One thing I realized is how much a little time spent on our hobbies can be worth, in terms of giving us a peace of mind and knowing that life's not all about the "daily grind."
-
Wow- I've missed a lot over the past few months! She's GORGEOUS!!!!! Fantastic work my friend!!! As always, every time I look at your ship it's inspiration for me to get my butt working on mine (again). Great work- can't wait to see what you do next!!!
-
Wow!! Thanks for the very warm homecoming!!! Feels great!!!!!!!! Dang I miss you guys!!! Today (after taking the dog for a super great walk), I was able to actually re-attach a piece that did break off during the 1st move (one of the boarding steps on the starboard side). I just started pulling a few things out (like, where's my glue and tweezers??!) and I'm slowly getting set up again. I believe my next task is to finish shaping the catheads, paint, then attach to the hull. After that, I have to finish the rest of the upper rail fittings (aft channels, fashion pieces, hammock rails, etc.). Then it's on to the "still" intimidating bowsprit......
-
Hey guys- I'm back!!! Sorry for the long delay- been just tied up getting settled, work, move, etc... But now that things have calmed down a bit I can start setting up my new shop finally!!! I'll be able to work on my build in the evenings/weekends now that I have some free time. Btw, I'll be going to the Annapolis Sailboat Show on Sat!! And I'm finally going to enroll in my first sailing lesson for the summer too! (Yeah, this has nada to do w/ my build, but I consider this an update of sorts~~)
-
Lol- I'll be on the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) tomorrow. Right next to us is the Bataan (LHD-5), an Arleigh-Burke destroyer, and two carriers (Roosevelt and GW bush). Royally cool!!!! Tons of ships, real up-close, but unfortunately I can't take any pics (I asked if I could, but it's a no-no bc of security). Seriously, it's a kid's dream to actually get to go on the things I made models of as a kid, and actually do work!!! I was grinning from port to starboard this afternoon walking (while lugging equipment) down the pier!!! It's funny how they look smaller up close and when you're walking right next to them, but it's still super cool!!!!!!!! Definitely gets me anxious to get back to my Niagara. Unfortunately I doubt I'll have the time to go see her in Erie, but maybe one of these days I'll get up there again. Btw, I'll definitely have to read the Blue Jackets handbook so I can get myself accustomed to Navy customs and etiquette- show (and earn) my respect for our fighting forces and help me understand what our Navy is really all about.
-
Thank you all for the condolences- pets truly are a part of the family, and although we were sad to see her go, it was a relief as well. Moving a hundred ships in a truck? Omg I'd be a nervous basketcase!!!! At least I know who to call in a few years~~ And a Happy New Year to all of you as well!!! So far this is shaping up a LOT better than last year! I know my Thanksgiving was FULL of thanks for a whole new change in my life's direction, and I am grateful every waking moment! (Christmas just kind of slipped through the cracks due to us leaving TX on Christmas day, but we're still treating each day like Christmas!) Btw, I might get to go on a "big ship" this week while in port, so I hope to find out tomorrow if I'm going! Totally cool stuff!!!
-
OK!!! Finally done with moving, and most of the unpacking is complete!!! All arrived safe and sound to my new place- hope to get the full shop all set up once again soon. Drive was ok, just LOTS of hard work loading, unloading, and re-reloading (had to get a storage unit on Christmas day bc we had too much stuff). Only thing that happened is that one of our old cats passed away the day after we got up to VA (15 yrs old, and she knew it was time to go). But it feels good to finally be done with moving, and now I can get back to normal business (work and my build). After moving and transporting just the hull, I'd definitely have some ship-transporting professionals move my ship once she's completed- I'd be terrified to move a complete ship!!!
-
Sam- that kind of situation would royally suck. And, my mom's b-day plans were nixed due to the ice/snow today (I'd have to drive across the Potomac bridge, which is a long, rather tall bridge that is 1 lane in each direction, with no median). But yes, my Niagara arrived fully intact. I found an apartment yesterday, so I'll be moving the house from TX to VA over the Christmas week. I'm just praying that the roads are ok for that 3-day trip (again), and I'll be in a Penske truck too.... fun times... So needless to say, building won't resume until maybe sometime in January once I'm settled in and have time to relax.
-
First day went well- lots of paperwork, forms, access badges, etc... totally insane! Spend mornings on base, then go back my office to do training, etc. (no room for me yet on base- ppl r cramed on top of each other there, which makes for a close-knit group). Still gotta find a more permanent place to live- I'll be checking out apartments on Sat, then my mom's b-day up in Annapolis on Sun. Obviously haven't taken a single piece out of the bins, other than to check for shipping damage... But once I'm 100% settled I'll get back to it!!!!!
-
Arrived safe and sound! No damage at all. Drive was good- no problems, other than my heater clonking out and car overheating. Def ready to start work Monday!!
-
Ok folks... this is THE weekend to make the cross-country drive! Finally got my clearance and all is set and ready to go- I start work on the 2nd!!! My Niagara is all packed up, along with all parts, tools, and fixtures. Let's hope that the roads and traffic are kind!!! So, for the next few weeks or so (possibly longer), I will try to get some mini-work done on the bowsprit in the evenings (Thanks to Bob and his idea of using the drawings and applying them as templates to the wood.) The rest of the large-scale production will resume once I have a more permanent place to live. But as always, I'll be checking the site and following along with everyone else (and wishing I had my shop up and running!).
-
Yeah- I'm with Larry on this one. Definitely looks like an approach we can tackle. I like it!
-
Nice work Bob!!! Your pictures of the bowsprit will definitely help give some good insight into its shaping! Planking and everything else seems to be coming along really well! Great work!
-
Larry- unfortunately I'm still waiting for my revised start date... per the original offer, my first day would have been TODAY... but everyone's anxious- me, gf, family, neighbors, and future employers (as well as MSW shipmates)... just waiting for the gov to do its thing (super slow bc of the shutdown and major backlog)... Hrm, I like the idea of checking to see if the hobby shop has the correct size of wood for the bowsprit- I think I may have to stock up too. (Yeah, don't know what it is about the bowsprit, whether it's the shape, dimensions, small details, or what, but that thing is scary for some weird reason!) Perhaps it's something I can whittle on in my room in the evenings once I actually start work. And don't worry about DNA being a part of the build- if a CSI ever needs proof, all they have to do is take a cotton swab to any ship build. (Heck, the plastic ones from my childhood still have full fingerprints in the glue!!!) Mmm- Scotch and a cigar... that sounds good, but for now I'll settle for a Miller Lite~~ Those planking lines are really looking great- you'll probably finish before Christmas.
-
Larry- great work on the planking! Halfway done- that's definitely a milestone to celebrate!!! I really like how your planks terminate into the rabbet at the bow and along the transom- very clean and neat! (and to think you did some of this without your plank bender too!) Great work!!!! I agree about the bowsprit- that thing still scares the bejeezus out of me still for some reason... but I'll have to face my fear someday (just not today, obviously!). You'll get there too, and you're doing a fantastic job thus far!! She's looking good!
-
Tony- excellent progress there with the fixes and the improved sub-deck. You've definitely got the hang of it, and most of that is patience and being able to see and fix one's mistakes. I think you're on the right track now and can pick up some steam. I know- the basswood is a bit too soft- always fuzzy and can't quite get that exact sculpted look. This being my first wood kit ever, I am still highly inexperienced with the different types of wood and grains, but I think hard woods are the way to go next time. But for planking the hull, once all the planks are in and the hull is sanded, there's not much of a problem, especially since the hull is painted. And yes, I am still highly envious of your shop- well-equipped, spacious, and clean. (Mine's all packed up into two plastic tupperware bins for the time being...) It's great to see you moving along- looking really good!!!
-
Wow- amazing what an airbrush can do! Looks good- did you use the ME paints, or something else? Decking looks good too- are you going to taper and/or add butts to the planks? For the caulking on mine, I just used a dark brown colored pencil. Great to see yours coming along there!
-
Lol- yeah, regarding those chores, I'll pencil you in once I get a chance (did I mention I also do paved walkways?). HAHA!! But I think we finally got it all done today, since the agent is taking the pictures and listing it tomorrow. I wonder what happened with your bender- maybe a wire broke inside or something (did you get zapped at all???) I love that little bugger- really helps with all sorts of bends (even edge bending, like I used on my foremost nibbing strakes). I hope you get your new one soon! But if you can't work on planks, there's tons of other little parts you can work on, which is another thing that's nice about this hobby: you don't necessarily have to go from Step 1 to step 2 to step 3...., but you can move around a bit which adds to the fun variety!
Our Emblem ®
