rcmdrvr

I have not been actively participating in this forum for quite a while.  I retired a few years ago and got involved in building plastic models and dioramas.  Decided to get back to wooden ship modelling a short while ago.  I rummaged around in my stash and recovered this model of the Cairo that I had purchased several years ago.  I am a bit of a Civil War history buff and have read a bit about the "naval" battles on the Mississippi river.  I started this model a couple of nights ago and find that while it appears simple (low parts count, solid hull, etc.) it is turning out to be a more challenging project than I thought.  I guess I should count myself lucky, however, as I have not run into any "Huh" parts yet.  The instructions are not as clear as I would like and photos of steps would be more helpful than sketches.  It also looks like fit is also going to be a challenge.  Us old plastic modelers expect perfect fit with no seams.  Finally, a list of terms would help.  I had no idea what a "casement" was until I looked it up on the internet.

While I did not expect to open a build log; I will if I can figure out how to do it.  Had a few logs a few years back so I should be able to work through it.  Cathead, as we move along; perhaps we can help each other and learn from our mistakes.  I will also send for those marked up plans.

I have used all of the paints you list and all are very good.  The link you you gave lists conversions for Vallejo Model Color.  Vallejo Model Color generally does not like airbrushes (even when thinned) but is excellent for brushing.  Generally, you can airbrush most brands of acrylic paints (intended for plastic models) over other brands of acrylic paint as long as you have given the "base" coat ample time to dry.  If you are going to use any enamels or oil products for weathering, a clear coat over your paint base is recommended.

Impressed with painting on figure models.  

I would like to participate

Welcome.  Your work is superb!

This model is a really fun build and when completed it makes a great show piece.  There are quite a few build logs of this model and most took the "natural wood" route.  One modeler even went so far as to install interior lights to give it a real special effect.

Enjoy the build.

Can you stain over sanding sealer.

Oops.  Forgot to attach photos:

Well, I have been working on the ships launches for almost two weeks.  The kit provided three metal launches.  I started by painting them to hide the shiny metal and that was a complete disaster.  I could not get the paint to stick and it would peal when I tried to glue the wooden parts to the interior.  I decided to proceed without the paint hoping that the wood would hide most of the metal.  The exterior hulls were planked and painted and then the interior built.

I am not entirely happy with the result; as they only look OK.

I am now starting the masts and rigging.  Just thumbing through the instructions is intimidating.  Well, here goes nothing!!

Do you have a more close up photo of the model.  Love to see the details.

Beautiful but it lacks dust and clutter.

It would probably more realistic to blacken the brass.  I tried painting on a previous model and was disappointed with the result; plus it chipped and scratched when I was rigging.

I have wanted to try a blackening agent; but working with toxic chemicals is a little scarey.  I hear they liquid can cause burns and the fumes are caustic.  Does anyone have suggestions on a non-toxic blackening agent?

Mojo....I have only one rigged model in my past; so my CS will be a learning experience for me.

I got a little upset about this log being hijacked.  Perhaps I over-reacted.  I will continue posting in hopes of some constructive comments.  I have continued with deck equipment and structures.  I round into difficulty that many of the dark (walnut) trim of the buildings crumbled when I tried to remove from die cut sheets.  Had to manually reconstruct many of them.  I enjoy working on deck stuff and there are plenty of it to be constructed in this model.

Here is are some photo graphs that show the model stern to bow.  Tried to get in close with the camera so you can see some of the detail:

Since it appears that this log has been hi-jacked several times, I will stop posting and let the hijackers enjoy their discussions without my interruptions.

EJ_L.  I had the same questions but that is where the instructions show then.  I tried to find a better place but they would only end up obstructing other objects.  I decided to go with the kit's instructions.....perhaps not the best decision.

Well, this weekend I began work on all of the deck fixtures.  The brass railing in this kit was really nice to work with.  Only took a few minutes to get everything in place.  The capstan, not so much.  Took a few hours worth of work.  The outhouses were also a bit of a "fiddly" challenge but I think they turned out OK.

After completing the coppering of the hull I decided that I did not like the painted portion of the hull.  I decided to repaint.  In the course of repainting I also painted the white striping.

I have been away from the modelling table for a while.  I did get some work done on the coppering of the hull.  I cut the copper tape into 4 inch long pieces.  I then used a spoked wheel(which you can see in the first photo) to simulate rivets.  I was happy with the adhesion of the copper strips to the hull.  The extensive rubbing did flatten the riveting a bit; but I think the effect is there:

I have no idea why the upload procedure reverses the order of the photographs.

I decided that I would paint the hull above the waterline next.  After the paint dries I will begin copper plating below the waterline.

After completing the bulwarks; the next step was the decorative railing on top of the bulwarks.  I have included a photo of a little jig I created to ensure all the decorative inserts were the same size.

S. Coleman, I believe you are correct but I have not actually looked farther into the instructions to be sure they will be used to simulate steps.

I have not posted since early October so I thought that I should bring you up to date.  In my last post I had installed the bulwarks.  Following installation I painted them white and then installed the bracing which was made from brass wire.

Nenad.  I do plan to paint and copper the hull so I do not feel that double planking is necessary.