Rich_engr
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Everything posted by Rich_engr
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Larry- awesome job! Sounds like you have it under control, and it looks good. You probably don't need to worry too much about adding glue/sanding on the inside for strength- once she's planked it's pretty solid. One thing I did was to give each plank a quick sand immediately after I glued it in place- this helped to fill voids around that area using the sawdust + still-drying glue. Then after the whole thing was planked, just grab a piece of paper and sand and sand away~~~ Your bow definitely looks better than mine did while planking- despite steam bending, twisting, etc., I had to sand the heck out of it to remove the clanker look. Yours looks really good! And glad to see you back at it and you're feeling better!! -
I used the ropewalk from Model Expo- it has instructions for its use. I basically used the line that came with the kit and turned my own following the instructions (after several practice runs to get a feel for it). The drill definitely helps it go a lot faster. But I'm thinking of switching to some cotton thread for making the rest of the rigging (shrouds, lanyards, most standing rigging), since I'm not too excited on the look and feel of the synthetic stuff that came with the kit. But that'll be a ways down the road.
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Yesterday I realized that before attaching the main mast's channels, the quarter davits need to be made first. So that's what I'm working on at the moment... oops~~ Today started off crappy, due to the coffee maker not working!!! So I just went to Starbucks after my jury duty (luckily no jurors were needed at all today), and tonight I'll go spend some $$ for a new coffee maker~~ grr~~ (course, it's definitely a work horse in my house!)
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Yesterday evening I was able to attach the foremast's channels directly to the hull (no pins, etc.), and made the little sea steps that go down the side of the hull. I'll try to have those attached then painted today (before attaching the main mast's channels). Then, I'll install the eyebolts and other odds-n-ends that go on the outer hull. I am hoping to hear something on the job this week (according to an email from HR on Friday). I think the delays have to do with a combination of background check and the whole gov't shutdown/spending bills.... grr~~~ That's one thing that makes being a gov't contractor weird- projects/funding are all politically related... oh well- at least it would be a job, which is better than nothing! (Btw, my office would be in Dahlgren, but I'd probably go to Norfolk and San Diego for testing and the actual work.) So we'll see- waiting anxiously!!!
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Lol- Sam, I have 2 cats (and 3 dogs). The one cat (see "How to Keep Pets off your Build") has been up on my bench a few times, but luckily hasn't gone near the actual ship in a few years. Larry- good to see you back! Sorry that the legs are numb and you're not fully out of the woods yet. Hang in there- we're all pulling for you too!!!!! Progress has been little here and there, and I'll probably have the channels 100% ready for installation over the weekend (pics to follow).
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I think I'll just stick with attaching them to the sides as they are- no pins or mortise. They'll be flush up against the top rail, so hopefully that'll hold them there once the shrouds and backstays are rigged, with the additional tension of the chainplates. But the chainplates won't get attached until I have the masts stepped and angles/rake of the shrouds figured out. So for now they'll just dangle like earrings~~~
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Sam- in order to get the correct 5/64 thickness at the inside edge (as called out in the plans), I laminated two 1/16 thick boards together, then sanded & tapered one side to get the correct thicknesses. The pins would need to be super-thin wire, which I doubt would add much additional strength. But yesterday I was able to paint and install the cap rail, and painted the channels. Today I'll attach my deadeyes/chainplates, the outer cover strip, then attach the channels to the hull. After that, it'll be making all of the stairs, ladders, and installing all of the eyebolts, etc. on the outside of the hull.
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Adam, for the cannon color, it's really up to you. You could leave them their natural brass color, or blacken or paint them. If your kit came with the cast metal guns, they'll need to be painted (which is a little tricky since the paint doesn't quite stick- see the Painting forum for tips). But typically, guns were more of a black color, even a dark bronze. For some beautiful examples of blackening guns (with chemical solutions such as Blacken-It), check out Blue Ensign's build logs- he has some fantastic looking guns!! But I think most modelers stick with black. Check out my Niagara build log (or any of the Niagara's, Conny's, Victory's, etc.). Hope this helps! Good luck!
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Augie- good point. I haven't thought of that yet, but may consider it. They may not need it, due to being supported on top by the cap rail, and on the bottom from the tension in the chain plates, but pinning may add a little extra support. Although, pinning might be rather tricky since mine are actually two planks laminated together, and trying to drill pin holes might split the wood....
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Thanks guys- trying to be patient, whether it's a yes or no... but still looking just in case. Yesterday I was able to make the channels- did some edge-wise steam bending (very slight), and they look ok. Next up is to cut out the notches for the chainplates/deadeyes. I also blackened the lower straps and bolts (heads of some straight pins) for the rest of the chainplates. Think I might just dive in and put the cap rail on, add the channels (but not attach the lower chainplates to the hull), make the ladders, and then think about how to do the hammock rails.
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Small build update: instead of putting the caprail on and doing those details (catheads, stairs, etc.) or finishing the ship's bell, I decided to start with making the channels after going to the zoo since it was a nice day out. I first had to laminate two 1/4" x 1/16 boards together to get the thickness I needed for the proper taper. Then used the dremel and sanded down the taper. Next up is figuring out the curves so they'll fit the hull and have the correct shape. I may hold off on installing them until I add the caprail. But I wonder if I should have the bowsprit done first before adding the caprail (tricky to install with all of the cleats & fittings)....? Btw, still waiting for the final word on the job.... grr~~~
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Sam- wow! That's some gorgeous woodworking skills there!!! I love the detail and extra touches- she's a very fine piece of art! I can't wait to see her rigged!!!
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Larry and John- I feel the same way about personal protection and today's unfortunate state of things. Unfortunately I don't own any firearms (yet)- definitely once I get back to work. But at least I'm rather knowledgeable and comfortable with a gun, and an ok shot for having gone to the range only 3 times in my life (roughly fist-sized groups or so at 20-25ft with a Glock). Yeah, today it's insane out there, and now with the DC Navy Yard thing (I used to go to a club by there when I lived near DC), along with all of the others (which personally I think smell as funny as a rotten herring), you can't be too careful and trusting people is getting hard to do. If only Homey the Clown were here to whack everyone with his sock (Homey don't play that!)..... knock some sense and morals into people before all goes to poo-poo~~~
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Lol- thanks for the laughs!!! Sam- I didn't even catch the potential inuendo there- lol~~ And it IS true- you do NOT mess with Texas!! Everyone's packing heat, cops don't mess around, and despite it's being in the South, we don't put up with BS. Joe- yeah, I only had two carry-on pieces of luggage, so it was either I pack my suit or a 12-pounder, which I doubt would have made it through the x-ray. Course, now that I think of it, if the situation had escalated, I could have thrown 40's and bags of Doritos at them. Btw, the first officer to arrive on scene with her tazer drawn was rather attractive (like in CSI). And I'm being very modest here. But don't tell the Admiral! Anyway, gotta keep looking for temp housing just in case. So far they're still hooked! I didn't get to go in the shop yesterday since I had to get groceries and grill some burgers. Tonight we might make some pulled-pork bbq.
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I agree Sam- support on here has been phenomenal! Yeah, caught with my pants down and no gun! Apparently these two crackheads pulled off a few robberies like this in the area lately... If this happened in Texas, it'd be a whole different outcome!! But, so far I'm getting good feedback from the company- they're still pushing forward and trying to get their govt customer's approval. So if things keep going as well as they have been, it looks like something definite in a few weeks! I definitely feel good about this one, so staying super positive and proactive with all the details. Anyway, gotta contact all my schools to get transcripts, etc... maybe I'll push a few parts around in the shop later.
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Lol- thanks guys! Yeah, the robbery thing was a bit freaky (just heard the commotion while doing my business- tried to be verrrry quiet in case one of the thugs busted the door open and caught me off-guard!). But so far I've had some good feedback from the interview- they're now passing my info along to their customer (again) to present me as a good candidate. The people there are great, and the area is perfect! They did say that I could start work in about a month after/if I receive an offer, which is at least something to aim for. I'm basically ready to go- I could start anywhere in about a week (just waiting on offer and then gotta find an apartment). So just going through some stuff here and maybe poke around the build a bit...
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Hey- I'm back! Trip and interview went really well- now just gotta wait and see (said it could take up to a month for me to start if they make an offer)... Also checked out the area- gorgeous scenery and nice, friendly people! Only negative thing was that I just happened to be using the restroom in a convenience store (right after the interview thankfully) as it was being robbed by two guys with guns!!! (did NOT want to pop my head out, but luckily no one got hurt!) So cops, detectives, statements, and being on the other side of the crime scene tape was a bit weird- felt like I was in a CSI episode (and my hotel was right next door too~)... But other than that, the interview and everything was great!!! Now back to your usual programming, and I'll try to get some building done here and there. Thanks for the well-wishes! I felt everyone's positive vibes~~
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Oh, and regarding all of the bacon, last night I made honey-glazed salmon and bacon-wrapped asparagus!!
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While preparing and packing for my flight tomorrow and the interview on Friday, I thought I'd share a few pics of where I am: Deck structures installed (capstan is just placed on deck, and I still need to finish painting the top). Depending on how the interview goes, there may not be any work done for the next month or so, which would actually be a good thing!! Thanks for the support- you guys ROCK!!!!
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John- awesome pictures! Especially those of the life size mast sections- that'll definitely help with figuring out the details! Great job!!!! Larry- awesome that you're lowering the pain meds! You'll be back at it in no time!
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Bob & Sam- thank you for the wishes! Yeah, it's been an up-n-down type of spring/summer for everything (build, job, home, everything). But I'm still staying positive and focusing on things to settle and return back to normal, although in a better position than before. Did not get structures installed yesterday- was cleaning and making travel arrangements (prices weren't too bad considering it's only a week's notice). But I'll be checking in this week, so perhaps not too much building going on. (Plus, if things turn out well on Friday, it'll be wham-bam load up a truck, list the house, and then hit the road!) Have a great Labor Day weekend!!
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Terminator movies do kick butt, and the Alien movies were good too (AvP did a really good job of tying the two together!). Event Horizon was a good scare/freak-out too (Omen/Exorcist and a spaceship). Job Update: They called back this afternoon- want to do an interview next week!!! So I told them Friday!! Now I'm making travel arrangements. Awesome!
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Thank you for the birthday wishes Joe! It was a relaxing day despite hauling books down from the attic in 100+ degrees (it was so hot up there my body instantly began to sweat pools- drank about a gallon of water), although there was no steak or wine (didn't get to the store in time), so I settled for pizza, beer, and watched Terminator 2: Judgement Day (which, if you all know, Skynet takes over the world on August 29, 1995). Job Update: This morning HR from Dahlgren emailed me and said they'll get back to me next week to find out when my in-person will be (gov't and the holiday, which I figured). She said, "they are still very interested in keeping things moving forward" with me, which is awesome news!!!! So next week I'll hear something for sure, whether they can get me in for an interview next week or the following week!!! Build Update: After cleaning the house today (gf might come back tomorrow, so gotta remove all evidence of the "wild parties" lol~), I'll go ahead and pop the deck houses in and get some pics. So who knows- I could be nearing the end of my "5-month sabbatical"... lol! (don't want to jinx it, but I'm aligning my energies into the positive and making this real!) I'll keep everyone (friends, family, and of course MSW) posted!!!!
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Lol- thanks for the birthday wishes everyone!!! Yes, a job offer or interview would be a great present!!! It's been a good relaxing day (well, if you count getting soaked in gallons of your own sweat while going through books in the attic when it's 102 degrees outside as "good"), and I'll prob go ahead and grill myself a steak for dinner and have some wine. Haven't been in the shop today- maybe tomorrow. My plan is to have the hull and deck complete before I move (transporting ships with masts and spars attached is a little too delicate for my taste). But I'll get some pics up tomorrow after the houses are installed.
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Lol Larry! They were actually pretty simple to make- you'll have no problem with them!. Mine weren't too far off from the plans. Just a sharp exacto blade and a sanding block is all you need for those. Anyway, off to put the neighbor's dogs to bed, then watch a movie and have some ice-cream before bed. Tomorrow will be climbing in the attic sorting stuff and packing/cleaning so I'm ready to go once I get some job offers in.
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