Jetwrench

toms10,
 
Having almost finished this kit, here's some things I've learned. I was new to this hobby as well when I started it so I hope this helps.
 
The wood supplied in my kit was ample enough to make any part I needed however I did use some of the scrap pieces to remake a few parts, so don't throw away anything until you have completed all the woodwork. I still have planking strips left over so that was not an issue. One issue I had was bending the stern plywood piece as it does not like to bend to that degree. I scrapped that part and made the stern by stacking strips of planking bent to shape and edge glued, building up to the correct height. After the double planking and adding the rail, it is quite strong. As for the holes for the masts, Mark is correct about drilling after decking. It's your test of courage!  Measure three times, drill once. As for the belaying pin rails, make sure you check out all the pictures and drawings including the rigging drawings to be sure you have them the correct length, in the correct position and they have the proper # of holes. Don't ask me how I know this. ALSO, if you have not already read somewhere, decide how you want to mount the finished model and if that is to use pedestals, position and drill the hull for them very early on in the construction. Another don't ask. The aft cabin windows are cast metal and are flat, yet the stern is a compound curve. I've yet to figure this out since the windows will not bend to match the surface of the hull and I have been working on a solution. I'm currently trying to remake them in something that will work but have not solved this yet. Wood may be the way I'll have to go, but I'm still experimenting with molds and casting.
    If you want to add sails, start that proccess way before the instructions say to. There are threads here to guide you through that and it will make all the difference. I first planned to add sails and have since ruled that out because of the progress I had already made. If you don't want sails, the kit is not showing the upper yards in the proper position on the masts to be technically correct, so keep that in mind.
   Take the rigging line in the kit and put it on the shelf. Find replacement line for the different sizes on-line and get plenty of it. I ran out of one size and it stalled me for weeks. Line is cheap and some of the stuff you can buy is better quality and easy to get more of. Wax your lines before installing and learn how to seize lines. Don't ask why.
 
The more threads I read here, the more I learn what I didn't do right and also what I did right and didn't know it so keep reading and ask questions. Consider yourself lucky to have this resource that I did not at the time. Use it. And get some more bubble wrap.
 
Just some of what I recall off the top of my head. Hope it helps.
 
John

Merry Christmas to all!

You see Rich,
 
How further you go and how more you do ,how better and quicker it goes !
Very nice job my friend !!!
I'm proud of you   
 
Sjors

I'll be lucky if I get 2 done at a time. But like I always tell people who ask me why it takes so long. 1st, you can't rush beauty and 2nd, If they need it now, they're REALLY gonna need it by the time I get it done.    
 
Cheers   

I think what the other guys are concerned about is there being enough room up on the mast for all of the shrouds done separately. What they're saying is making them as 1 hoop, 2 lines, will cut down on congestion up at the mast top. But I'm sure you've already figured those factors into your later rigging plans. The deadeyes look good and I like the jig you made for them. Very cool.
 
Cheers 

toms10,
 
Having almost finished this kit, here's some things I've learned. I was new to this hobby as well when I started it so I hope this helps.
 
The wood supplied in my kit was ample enough to make any part I needed however I did use some of the scrap pieces to remake a few parts, so don't throw away anything until you have completed all the woodwork. I still have planking strips left over so that was not an issue. One issue I had was bending the stern plywood piece as it does not like to bend to that degree. I scrapped that part and made the stern by stacking strips of planking bent to shape and edge glued, building up to the correct height. After the double planking and adding the rail, it is quite strong. As for the holes for the masts, Mark is correct about drilling after decking. It's your test of courage!  Measure three times, drill once. As for the belaying pin rails, make sure you check out all the pictures and drawings including the rigging drawings to be sure you have them the correct length, in the correct position and they have the proper # of holes. Don't ask me how I know this. ALSO, if you have not already read somewhere, decide how you want to mount the finished model and if that is to use pedestals, position and drill the hull for them very early on in the construction. Another don't ask. The aft cabin windows are cast metal and are flat, yet the stern is a compound curve. I've yet to figure this out since the windows will not bend to match the surface of the hull and I have been working on a solution. I'm currently trying to remake them in something that will work but have not solved this yet. Wood may be the way I'll have to go, but I'm still experimenting with molds and casting.
    If you want to add sails, start that proccess way before the instructions say to. There are threads here to guide you through that and it will make all the difference. I first planned to add sails and have since ruled that out because of the progress I had already made. If you don't want sails, the kit is not showing the upper yards in the proper position on the masts to be technically correct, so keep that in mind.
   Take the rigging line in the kit and put it on the shelf. Find replacement line for the different sizes on-line and get plenty of it. I ran out of one size and it stalled me for weeks. Line is cheap and some of the stuff you can buy is better quality and easy to get more of. Wax your lines before installing and learn how to seize lines. Don't ask why.
 
The more threads I read here, the more I learn what I didn't do right and also what I did right and didn't know it so keep reading and ask questions. Consider yourself lucky to have this resource that I did not at the time. Use it. And get some more bubble wrap.
 
Just some of what I recall off the top of my head. Hope it helps.
 
John

toms10,
 
Having almost finished this kit, here's some things I've learned. I was new to this hobby as well when I started it so I hope this helps.
 
The wood supplied in my kit was ample enough to make any part I needed however I did use some of the scrap pieces to remake a few parts, so don't throw away anything until you have completed all the woodwork. I still have planking strips left over so that was not an issue. One issue I had was bending the stern plywood piece as it does not like to bend to that degree. I scrapped that part and made the stern by stacking strips of planking bent to shape and edge glued, building up to the correct height. After the double planking and adding the rail, it is quite strong. As for the holes for the masts, Mark is correct about drilling after decking. It's your test of courage!  Measure three times, drill once. As for the belaying pin rails, make sure you check out all the pictures and drawings including the rigging drawings to be sure you have them the correct length, in the correct position and they have the proper # of holes. Don't ask me how I know this. ALSO, if you have not already read somewhere, decide how you want to mount the finished model and if that is to use pedestals, position and drill the hull for them very early on in the construction. Another don't ask. The aft cabin windows are cast metal and are flat, yet the stern is a compound curve. I've yet to figure this out since the windows will not bend to match the surface of the hull and I have been working on a solution. I'm currently trying to remake them in something that will work but have not solved this yet. Wood may be the way I'll have to go, but I'm still experimenting with molds and casting.
    If you want to add sails, start that proccess way before the instructions say to. There are threads here to guide you through that and it will make all the difference. I first planned to add sails and have since ruled that out because of the progress I had already made. If you don't want sails, the kit is not showing the upper yards in the proper position on the masts to be technically correct, so keep that in mind.
   Take the rigging line in the kit and put it on the shelf. Find replacement line for the different sizes on-line and get plenty of it. I ran out of one size and it stalled me for weeks. Line is cheap and some of the stuff you can buy is better quality and easy to get more of. Wax your lines before installing and learn how to seize lines. Don't ask why.
 
The more threads I read here, the more I learn what I didn't do right and also what I did right and didn't know it so keep reading and ask questions. Consider yourself lucky to have this resource that I did not at the time. Use it. And get some more bubble wrap.
 
Just some of what I recall off the top of my head. Hope it helps.
 
John

The CA is used to firm the knot up. It also keeps the knot from deforming and pulling through the deadeye hole. This allows me to lace the thread into the deadeye with the knot firmly up against the deadeye and no excess thread sticking out of the dead end of the line. I used the CA on the other end of the thread to make the needle end. So I have a knot on one end (trimmed closely to the knot) and CA needle on the other end.

Yea, that cannon was a worthwhile diversion. My other coping strategy is to take my time more. MY first ship came out great, don't get me wrong but I went straight out on it and built the whole thing in about 2 months flat. So I'm just working on this one, then taking breaks as I need them and it's been working well. I'm a hobby addict so I brew beer, play guitar, workout, ride my motorcycle, write, paint, build furniture, build models......It's a busy life!

Mat,
 
I'm just at the end of building that kit and it's been years since I began construction, so I'll try and tell you what I can recall. Keep in mind I am also a novice(at best) to this sport.
 
Read all the instructions, look at all the photos and drawings before you begin. Some things need to be done in a different order than the kit outlines. If you want sails on it, that process needs to begin sooner in the rigging section. As Tom said, finish the lower gun deck completely before you cover it up with the upper decks, so that will mean skipping over to the carraige buildup. Some of the pieces, such as the head cap for the small masts aren't the correct size. The head cap is drilled too large for the mast and you will need to make your own if you want it to fit correctly. This is just one of the things you will come across. Others will arrise but they are not hard to correct. One issue I still have is the aft cabin windows. The ones supplied in the kit are flat pot metal and they are supposed to be mounted on a curved surface. I,m considering making them out of wood.  
 
I would suggest buying rigging line from another source and not use the supplied line. I had an issue with running out of one size and could not find more to continue the build. You can find good line from many sources in quantity and it will never be an issue. Hey Mark! What's that site? Oh, here it is:http://www.syrenshipmodelcompany.com/miniature-rope.php
 
Just some thoughts, Mat. If I think of more I'll get back to you.
 
John

John,
I'm glad I had the right stuff on hand.  Have fun with it.    I found out a long time ago that MSW is best tool in my toolbox.  I hope it becomes the best tool in yours.

Mod Mark, I just got your package today.
 
It saddens me to say that after searching for this rigging thread for 5-6 weeks with no luck and hoping you would have it, I have come to this conclusion...
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
I'M AN IDIOT FOR NOT CHECKING HERE FIRST!!!
 
JACKPOT!!!
 
Mark, You made my day!   Really!   If I can be of help to you or another member here, please let me know.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!
 
John