Jack12477

Hi Michael
 
Happy Birthday ! Enjoy your day.  Your workmanship is amazing!

I've never seen it anywhere so I need to ask....
 
On a POF, why do a lot of builders do the interior first?   Is this just mis-perception on my part... or...?  I would think the exterior would be better first since a variety of clamps could be used without damaging the interior planks.  Then the interior could be planked using spales instead of clamps.
 
I hope someone can set me straight before I proceed much further doing the exterior first.

Hi Michael
 
Happy Birthday ! Enjoy your day.  Your workmanship is amazing!

When the President said, "You didn't build that!" I took offense since I had started several businesses. But when it comes to the USS Constitution I just finish......It's a correct statement....maybe my fingers and eyes put it together, but all of you who came to my rescue time and time again built it along with me. 
 
The advise started when laying the keel when many of you told me to keep it dead straight and the bulkheads square....and the planking....endless help from bending tips to shaping and placing the planks....Then the decks....tree nail advise.. just like gun rigging...terrific suggestions...Basic miniature woodworking...you all to taught me how to get the right tools so I could make straight and square cuts....You suggested the correct glue after I screwed up using the wrong stuff for months....your help with the standing rigging allowed me to get it mostly right.....the running rigging....I was totally lost in space and you all bailed me out during the whole process.....and finally....because I knew you all were looking....I  tried never to cut corners or do sloppy work for I didn't like getting criticism. I can't tell you how many times I went back and did something over because you spotted an error or sloppy work......The best advise I got was one of you told me, "treat each piece you have to place as if it were its own model." So.... "You did so build it with me!"
Thank you. 

Young America - extreme clipper 1853
Part 116 – Bow Decoration
 
Young America's bow decoration is interesting for a number of reasons.  Each side is different.  Just aft of a billet decorated with greenery, the carved figures rest mostly on the waist planking and partially on the base of the billet.  There were no headboards, so it is not clear how these were mounted on the original ship – much less how to mount them on the model -  due to the angle between the two surfaces.  Also, unlike the gilded stern decoration, the figures at the bow were painted in natural colors.  All this, like many other aspects of the ship, is based on Bill Crothers research.
 
After some unsuccessful attempts to fashion a wood base in the angle, I finally decided to sculpt these as six separate pieces, then fit them together on the bow.
The first picture shows the initial figures, sculpted with MagicSculpt® on wax paper taped flat on the pattern sheet.
 

 
The figures are quite small.  The starboard side features a female figure – presumably Liberty – with a shield flanked by draped flags.  On the port side an American Eagle is substituted for the female figure.  Below is the sculpted female figure before any post-hardening refinement.  The points on the flag staffs are thumb tack points.
 

 
The next picture shows some refining of the sculpture using a very small chisel.
 

 
In the next picture the fragile greenery has been lifted off the waxed paper, laid on the billet and touched with a drop or three of thin CA.
 

 
 
Refinement of the greenery was done after being glued on.  In the next picture the three port figures have been fitted and glued on with CA.
 

 
The figures were set into soft sculpting material placed in the angle between the billet and the side, than pushed into a fit.  Some modification of the parts was needed for this.  The sculptures must leave clearance for the square bowsprit to slide in and out.  Excess material was removed.
 
After attachment, the figures were primed with thinned flat black enamel.  The entire hull was given one last coat of acrylic paint and the figures were painted using acrylic gouache.  The next picture shows the starboard decoration.
 

 
The next picture shows the port side.
 

 
The greenery is actually brighter with light highlights than shown in the photos.  The next picture, from dead ahead, shows both sides.  Photos like these and closer ones were very helpful in judging the paint job and suggesting improvements.  The model went back and forth a few times for these.
 

 
The acrylic gouache used for painting the figures dries dead flat, causing an almost two dimensional appearance in the photos – especially in the close ups.  I may give these a coat of semi-gloss medium, perhaps the acrylic sanding sealer I used over the stern lettering.
 
Speaking of that, I received the second order of dry transfers, so I was able to correct the letters that were photo shopped in the last post.  The last picture shows the repaired letters – unadulterated.
 

 
This picture was taken before the final repair on the C.  After repair the dry transfer letters were given a coat of diluted sanding sealer.   I am also quite happy with the final black finish on the hull – shown in this picture.
 
With all this work done, the lower framing was given a last coat of wax, so the model should not have to be inverted again, I hope.  This will allow me to get on with work on the upper deck – cabins, etc.
 
Ed

John, Steve, Denis, Druxey, Mark, Lawrence, thanks for your kind remarks. A big thanks also to all who have visited.
 
The valves and lifters have been a tricky bit of work so far. Had to make a wrench for the reduced sized nuts.
 

 

 
drilling the holes for the taper pins to fix the cams
 

 

 
All the cams are now pinned in place.
 

 
here is a video of the valves in motion
 
Michael
 
 

there......now I can talk!   yes......I agree with you Carl...I wish I was at the point where I can retire    one day soon...I hope!     you must mean our beloved Capt'n Bob.........I really enjoy his talent....I wish I could understand CAD like he does.  I had something this morn I wanted to post......wait  moment you'll love it 
 
thanks Mobbsie.......I think I see what your pointing out....... consider it fixed!   thank you for letting me know.  I'm starting to get the Jeebies anyway.....I see spots and paint flecks......I touch them up.......and then I see more!   then I clean my glasses and some of them go away!   
 
thank you Tom........the admiral had a very good day.  every year it's the same.......I tell her she's catching up to me...and every year,  she gets confused 
      gotta keep 'em guessing 

For those that are building the model or even just following along....I just added another chapter of the monograph to my site.
 
Its covers the planking and lining off process and I describe it in more detail than in my log.  I have had a lot of questions about how to line off the hull and to plank by bending edgewise etc.   Unlike the tutorial i posted on this site that talks about cutting the curved planks from wider stock,  or using tape to find the curve.... this chapter shows how I pre-bent the planks edgewise to achieve the same thing.  Neither technique is better than the other.  They are just different.  I hope it helps along with those videos posted as nobody could actually see how I was marking each plank etc in the videos.
 
Let me know if you have any questions.  I have posted all of the chapters through chapter four.....I am almost caughtup with writing. Yippee 
 
http://www.syrenshipmodelcompany.com/revenue-cutter-cheerful-1806.php
 
Chuck

so....yea,  some clean up was in order.   mental note to self.......when I buy paint for any task,  it's good to jot down the product number and stuff......the primer I bought is not the same as I started with.  lucky for me,  that the Billing's flat white is very close to the primer color.   the color is very slight...hardly noticeable    I did do a bit of repair work on that deck seam down the middle.......looks a bit better now.  with the small bottles of paint......ever notice that by the time your well into the build,  you can hardly read what the name of the color is......I find that with the Model Master,  and Billing's paints.  a good remedy for it,  is to cover the name with scotch tape...something clear,  to protect it from getting rubbed off.
 
here are the mending plates I put at the base of the trawl rig.   they make the assembly to the deck a bit stronger,  and cleans up the looks of it.
 

 
the placement for the aft section cables were plotted out.  impressions from the pins marked where to drill.
 

 
some pictures of the model show them on the transom......some show them at mid ship.   I chose them in this position,  because it looks more on the logical side.   the same went for a pair at the bow........some even used chain.
 

 
I have looked for clear instruction of the rigging........even actual pictures show me very little.  the reel on the fore deck is a good example.   netting would be illogical in that position......and I have seen rigging that moves along and through the trawl rig.  there are separate winches that operate the stabilizer booms,  so this still leaves the reel open for thought.  I will delve into it further,  but I have an idea of how to rig it   after I had cemented the bow shackles in place,  I did the same to the main deck shackles.
 

 
the mending plates are painted now.
 

 
when the shackles were painted,  I set to work on another creation.........a birthday cake for the admiral.   she wanted to be different this year,  and go for a marble cake.  no real biggie!    by the time the two 9 inch rounds were in the oven,  the shackles were dry,  and I could begin the rigging for them.  I touched up the other cables with silver,  to make them more noticeable.
 

 

 
those little shackle thingies I bought seem to work quite well with the rigging.......adds a bit more to the attachment points.
 

 

 
control panels for the booms and reel,  the curved vents,  the gangway ladder,  the buoys,  are just a few of the things left to on this build.......aside from other bits of detail I want to add.  still more to go.......no land sightings yet 

I was messing around on the table this evening......I thought I'd give you a peak at the dry fit of what the build is so far.
 

 
one more work day to go......then I'm back at the table

One month has passed since my last input.
Searching and more searching for the waterline for the longboat took me to the adventure of figuring it out.
At the end using my eyes worked out fine........ I think
With just eye lining it I got the waterline right in the middle between keel bottom and top of cap rail. 
Thinking this would be the right level for an fully occupied longboat. She would sit rather deep due to her sail capacity.
This is not a racer (lighter), but holding crew and some cargo.
Also if only as a rowing long boat she would be lighter.

Hubbla!!... Yes it's a new word
Airbrusing is something more to explore............ and deeper.
This type of painting is not hard but very delicate.
Knowing the paint head pattern will help.
Never realized how many layers is required.
But this is a great way to paint.   Love it!

3d cheerful
 

 

Augie - thanks!  The little one (Cricket) is a doll. 
 
Craig & Yves - have been studying your logs getting ready to start this one.
 
Tim & Bob - I utilized the most effective set of logical points and reasoning in a detailed conversation with the overseer.  Even tried having Cricket do her "sad puppy dog eyes".  Finally got special dispensation to begin work on the EC Berry, HOWEVER - at a cost.  You wouldn't think that a person with over 300 skeins of yarn waiting to be knit into something would need more...oh, well, it is a reasonable sacrifice!
 
Started work on the building board today.  Look for some poictures tomorrow (probably).  Now I need to find some more space at the shipyard for the in-progress builds.  This little corner is getting crowded!!!
 
 

George...this is Arizona....I have to air condition it not heat it. Summer makes a garage like a furnace.

Build Log 35 - t'gallant sails, boat, swivel guns
 
Hi again, and welcome to spring - 
 
Back from vacation and back in harness.  This installment finishes the square sails, the two topgallant sails; fits out the ship's boat and installs the swivel guns. 
 
The t'gallant sails were made using the same techniques as those for the larger sails.  The sail was measured to fit the spar and reach the sheet blocks on the topsail spars.  This was laid out on stiffened fabric.
 
1
 
The edges were glued, including the overlaps for the tabling.  The openings for the cringles were cut out and the sail was cut along the outer edges of the tabling.
 
2
 
The bolt rope was installed and the tabling ironed down over it to secure it.
 
3
 
And here is the finished sail with reinforcements added to each corner.
 
4
 
The sails were laced to their spars and mounted to the model with ties and halyards, parrells, lifts, braces, and sheets, all according to Anderson.  Clew blocks and lines were rigged and run, although these sails did not have buntlines or leach lines.  Finally the bowlines and their bridles were rigged and run. 
 
4a
 
These last lines were pretty hard to run.  Not only is it getting pretty crowded at the bases of the masts, but it usually took several attempts before I could make the lines run without fouling any previous lines.  Here is what the foot of the foremast looks like at this stage.
 
4b
 
And here is the model with all square sails set.
 
5
 
6
 
Next the ship's boat was fitted out.  First came the oars.  I made 12 of them to match the number of oarlocks on the sheer. In the photo you can see the four steps in their construction.  The first three on the left are cut out roughly on the table saw.  The next three have been roughly shaped using a sanding drum in the Dremel.  The next three have been smoothed and refined, with a groove which sets off the handle.  The final three have been final sanded, finished, and have had a rope sleeve added which would protect the oar from chafing on the rowlock.  
 
7
 
Once the photo was taken the full set of oars was finished, then tied into bundles of six and lashed to a thwart.
 
8
 
A simple mast was made up to fit in the mast step.  A spar was estimated and a sail made up to fit, then laced to the spar.  The mast and spar were lashed together and to a thwart.  Several belaying points were set into the sheer for stays and sail handling lines.  Here is the finished boat on its cradles, although not permanently secured yet.
 
9
 
The final fittings in this segment are the swivel guns.  It is known that Blackbeard added a number of these useful weapons to the armament of the QAR, and one has been recovered in the excavation of the site.  Taking its measurements, a set of bronze colored barrels were located in the aftermarket that closely matched the size and shape of the artifact.
 
To mount them, a set of simple forked stanchions were made up from brass.  Here are the various pieces and how they go together.  
 
10
 
Once the prototype was acceptable, the pieces were soldered together, the brass blackened, and the barrels mounted.  
 
11
 
There are four on each side on the caprails, and one each in the main and fore tops.
 
12
 
So here is the current status.  
 
13
 
Next, the staysails and maybe the anchors.
 
Be well
 
Dan 

After a little procrastination I started plating the hull. For me, plating is a little like taking a bath when you’re a kid, you hate to get in but once you are you hate to get out.  To start I cut 30” long strips of copper tape to put through the jig.  I then cut that strip into smaller more manageable segments.  I have to say that the chisel blade on the stamp worked out very well.  Before I started the coppering I attached a temporary piece of wood to the deck so I could hold the ship in my keel vise.  This made it much easier to work on the inverted hull.  The screws holding the wood are positioned where the hatches will go and the deck will be repaired after the wood piece is removed.
 
 
 
The actual plating went well with no major boo boos.  In fact I found this ship to be easier than when I did the Phantom’s plates.  Not as much cutting of the plates and the larger size plates are easier to handle.  To keep finger prints off the copper I wore latex gloves and to fix the plates in place I went over them with a wallpaper seam roller.  Please excuse the photos, it's hard taking good pictures of the plates
 
Started with the keel

 
Continuing on

 
Finished the port side

 
No dressing belt yet

 
When I got to the dressing belts I thought to myself, self, the only real difference between the hull plates and the dressing belt are four additional holes along the top of the plate.  So instead of making two new stamps for the dressing belt plates, even though I had all the material ready to make them, I just used a burnishing tool to place the four additional holes in the plates I already had.  One thing I found that helped a lot with placing the dressing belt that I really didn't plan but worked out well was that when I painted the waterline I had taped off it's exact location.  Afterwards I thought it would be a good idea if I painted a little below the waterline to give me some room for errors. What happened was I got a nice tape line marking the position of the waterline between the two applications of the black paint.
 
Dressing belt
 
 
Started the starboard side                                            Finished the starboard
 
 
Done, time to get out of the tub , on to the rudder

I have used both a 60o and 90o V-gouge to cut rabbets. Set the V-gouge so that one side is perpendicular to the wood and lay the other leg against the inboard side of the keel piece and gently take small cuts in the wood.  With a little practice you can get the hang of it and cut a pretty decent rabbet.  As everyone has said make sure the gouge is SHARP and go slow

Michael, there's a full sized original across the river from me in the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - flys most weekends every summer in their air shows. It's only one of many WW I aircraft.
 
   Bleriot XI (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1909
Engine: Anzani
Horsepower: 35
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Active
 
Bleriot XI “Cross Country” (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1911
Engine: Gnome Rotary
Horsepower: 70
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Static Exhibit

Michael, there's a full sized original across the river from me in the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - flys most weekends every summer in their air shows. It's only one of many WW I aircraft.
 
   Bleriot XI (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1909
Engine: Anzani
Horsepower: 35
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Active
 
Bleriot XI “Cross Country” (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1911
Engine: Gnome Rotary
Horsepower: 70
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Static Exhibit

Thanks for all the kind comments. It was neat to go back down memory lane on the Bleriot.
 
My tool for the Dremel seemed to work OK The shaft is a really tight fit into the 23/32" hole, I will add a locking screw for security for future work. it did work well shaping the cutting faces on the valve seat cutter.
 

 
I have done the first seat, and then I needed to make a new split holder for the valves so that I could machine them to length, I decided to make the holder the exact length of the valve stem so that it would be easy to slip the valve in then trim off the excess, it worked fine for the first one, the second valve would not slide through the same as the first.
 
Now I understand the Go- No-go gauges and what such a small difference at a couple of tenths of a thou make.  I ended up fiddling with it for a couple of hours, and working on the valve polishing off the offending .0002" which was not easy, I probably could have made a new valve in the same time, but did not want to reset the tooling.
 
the valve seat cutter worked well but slower that I thought it would. cutting the bevel from .093" to .120" diameters
 

 
The new springs are better.
 

 
I will take some pics today of the cutter and of the slit holder to the valves
 
Michael
 
 
 
 

I have used both a 60o and 90o V-gouge to cut rabbets. Set the V-gouge so that one side is perpendicular to the wood and lay the other leg against the inboard side of the keel piece and gently take small cuts in the wood.  With a little practice you can get the hang of it and cut a pretty decent rabbet.  As everyone has said make sure the gouge is SHARP and go slow

Michael, there's a full sized original across the river from me in the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - flys most weekends every summer in their air shows. It's only one of many WW I aircraft.
 
   Bleriot XI (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1909
Engine: Anzani
Horsepower: 35
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Active
 
Bleriot XI “Cross Country” (Original)
Country: France
Year: 1911
Engine: Gnome Rotary
Horsepower: 70
Wingspan: 25′ 7″
Top Speed: 47 mph (75 km/hr)
Gr. Weight: 661 lbs (300kg)
Current Status: Static Exhibit

Jack, no I have not been there it was all by correspondence.  I have and old book on aeronautical engineering with an introduction in it by Orville Wright.
 
It is "Practical Aeronautics" by Charles Hayward published by the American Technical Society in 1917 first published in 1912, it has the complete plans for building the Bleriot, along with lots of photographs as well. I used it as my main source.
 
Row, I am already on it. I made all new springs and new keepers that were just .002" smaller in diameter on the small diameter which allowed the springs to slip over them more easily. I am just in the process of jigging up my Dremel shaft into a fitting that I can hold in the lathe tool post so that I can accurately cut the facets for the valve seat cutter.
 
On the week end I saw a micro drill like one of these there was absolutely no vibration and it had a fabulous chuck. something like this is now on my wish list.
 
Michael

Hi Jack, I studied, that aircraft along with the one from Old Warden in England. my model had wing warping as well.
 
I never finished it and gave it to the local air museum, along with all the drawings and research photographs, the drawings were from Old Rhinebeck.
 
here are a few shot which is all i have.
 

 

 

 
I was particularly pleased with the "canework" on the seat. the bentwood was formed from layers of birch veneer formed over a bent piece of stainless steel. After the layers had cured for about a week i filed and sanded the laminate to shape.
 

 
The canework was woven from some plastic bag material from a local shoe shop, it had just the right tan colour. I cut strips of the plastic about 1/16th wide then stretched it out until it reached it limit of elasticity, it was then reduced in width to about 1/32 and had a slight convex cross section. it took two tries to get the weaving right, and the toughest part was keeping the strands all the same way up with the curve of the "Cane" on the top side.
 
This would be a great way to make one of those cane seats in one of the Adirondack Guide boats
 

 
Michael