Rich_engr

Ok. Here some older pics I took of the completed hull planking:

Greeting everyone! Yes, I'm back with the Niagara-anonymous Club (we should prob have our own forum for this, but everyone is welcome in this house of solitude). Since I did not save a copy of my old log, I'll basically start with a brief intro/summary of my build, then jump into where I am now. As before, I apologize in advance if I don't make frequent updates on my progress, but I will reply to questions/comments as they come up. This is still my very first wooden/POB build (I'm not counting my 60+ plastic fleet that's it's own navy), so needless to say I felt like an orphaned deer in headlights when the Great Crash of '13 happened. I would not be anywhere near where I am nor confident in my abilities without the help and support of the passionate craftsmen and women of MSW!!! So I salute all of you!!!! To summarize: Began the kit in March 2009 (got her for $145, which is a steal) Purchased some small tools (probably less than $200 in tools to work with- doing this "on the cheap") Framing of hull completed in summer, 2009 Inner bulwarks planking complete in Dec 2009 Hull planking completed in May 2012, shortly after joining MSW 1.0 (took 2.5 years due to my hectic work schedule and a year's hiatus from the build) Deck planking completed in Sept 2012 (unstained as of yet) Completed deck gratings and their coamings Where am I?: Began work on the carronades (batch of 6 at the moment) Just received my Ropewalk from ME (after being backordered for 3 months)- tried my 1st attempt to get a feel for the thing last night Anxious (scared?) to use the Blacken-it I received from ME (halfway considering stripping the guns that are painted and blackening them for more even color) What's my ever-evolving plan?: Finish sanding and staining deck & install hatches only Complete all carronades and long guns & their tackle Build all deck structures and misc deck fittings (fife rails, pin rails, install all deadeyes & rings, etc.) Bowsprit, lower masts (wood fabrication and some standing rigging) Tops & topgallants, followed by yards Finish standing rigging Running rigging Ship's boats and cutters I'll also try to work on my photography skills so I can show my work and oopsies. Thank you all who visit and I'm glad to be sharing my experience with you, and vice versa! -Rich

Well, finally assembled the ropewalk from ME. Tried my first ropes on it- ok for first time... not bad way to "wind down" before bed~~~

Mike, Yes, I will re-create my Niagara build log and will get some pics up (blackened metal, deck, hull). I tried painting the parts, but that was an ugly mess (may be tempted to strip the paint off the guns and dip them in the solution for more even coloring). I'll let ya know when I try it out! -Rich

I just received my Blacken-it from ModelExpo here in the US, and I'm going to start with the carronade hardware on my Niagara... hopefully it's not too tricky to work with. I know it's very toxic and you gotta be careful! -Rich