Justin P.

Model Shipways Bounty Launch: nice wood, focus on bending, and understanding how planking a hull can or will go badly (speaking from experience) but avoiding the potentially more complicated aspects with much of the planking process already done. Most beneficial thing (I think), is that its quite large so in a way somewhat forgiving. Lots of resources and build logs to peruse which can help. San Francisco II Cross Section: You will progress quickly and without too much difficulty. This will reinforce your love for the hobby... and you will dabble a bit in rigging, planking decks and learning terminology. You'll also get a sense for things (tools) that would be handy to have. The instructions are great and the wood is decent. Don't get bogged down in details like historical accuracy... that's how you get in the weeds. Ill second Chris's suggested post... beginners (myself included) can get ambitious without realizing it, and things can go sidewise quickly. They also have unrealistic expectations of time involved. I have started several logs here, and found that I was well in over my head and thus backed-up and re-evaluated my situation. Those logs are now gone for the same reasons Chris points out, they were incomplete BECAUSE I simply could not figure them out. I have also utilized NRG's mentor program which also helped tremendously in strategically choosing kits that build on skills in a logical way that can actually be completed! Take your time, start slow and know that it is inherently a slow process, but immensely rewarding. Most important, especially if you think this site will beneficial - choose a kit that is well represented in the log archives. One or two build logs are helpful, but not as helpful and 25 or 30. I like the Artesnia Latina kits, and was hoping the rumor was false. Im bummed to hear that Chris! I guess I should start buying up projects I wanted to do in the future - or - a Byrnes saw... hmm...

Ive had the exact same experience has both above responders. I made a request, heard nothing, 3-4 days later a box with parts arrives with a note saying thanks for being a customer. As someone who learns and makes mistakes, I appreciate their part replacement policy and appreciate that people and not robots are running the show. I can't think of any other model supply vendor that fulfills part replacement without question and that quickly. Just know that they will get to your request.

This is fantastic!

Looks great to me. Cant believe its your first!

Looking forward to the build no matter how the log turns out... I too wonder the Syren shop longingly... a real exercise in will power for sure.

What building dock is this? Nice work so far, but this was my first question.

Which company is Vanguard? I can't find a thing about them...

I will Jim, as of now it is promised to Chris and we are ironing out the details. Should it fall through for whatever reason Ill let you know. - J

I have one, was a gift. Literally never used, but dont have the box any longer. - M

Indeed, wonderful details.

I agree, its really in these details that impress! Also very much enjoyed your brief bit about the treenailing, Ive found that much of the treenails Ive seen look somewhat out of scale, but your's looks well suited. I also appreciate that they aren't overly dark as some tend to be as well.

Amazing!

This project is really moving, I wish I had this kind of progress! Thanks for sharing the link on those little saw-blades, Ive been searching for a solution just like those myself. Ordered a few just now...

My entire professional life has been devoted to the longevity of books and bound materials, Ive published on the issue, run a lab dedicated to the conservation of such materials and teach. I read almost everything on a screen, check out all my library books via E-Book and often scan items I want to save into a digital form. I dont have space, the back strength or the patience to devote to "things" like books. I read more than most people, utilize my library more than most and work in a library YET I loathe lugging around books... Ive just done too much of it. That said... My personal collecting habits are with books. I own an extensive library of Maritime Heritage, Age of Sail, Ship Modelling and avidly seek out and purchase books on these subjects, particularly first editions. I own hundreds of books, but my own proclivities are as a librarian, with a specific purpose. I won't waste valuable shelf space or modeling money with the latest overly-expensive hardback Stephen King or Tom Clancy when I can check it out at the library, read it completely, and not have to carry 5lbs of paper anywhere (as a bus-boat-train-bike commuter, yes all and in that order and everyday this is extremely good for my back). So it can go both ways... there is nothing wrong with digital consumption, you just have to find what works for you. If it doesnt at all, fine. However, I submit that many folks that have had a bad experience probably just haven't found the right tool. I value the library as a resource, and because the publishing houses are going digital so are the libraries and to my mind the local library is one of the only things that we get back for our tax dollar that is worth its weight. It is sad to see some of these smaller publications going the way of the dinosaur though, however I hope folks dont consider ending their interest and support of these efforts simply because they are no longer available in paper. People work very hard, often at little profit to provide these things and are not likely making a concious decision to screw you by choosing to go digital... I understand that ultimately these decisions lie with the publishers, but remember there still is a little guy at the very end of that long and corporate string who is hoping the decision doesnt drive you away.

I teach a materials permanence course to graduate art students at University and often lecture on the longevity of "aging" techniques. I can point to (if interested) numerous academic articles dealing specifically with the acidity of using tea, tannins or other plant based materials for this purpose. While truly holding their "age" through numerous artificial aging tests, they ultimately do lead to the fastest molecular breakdown of cellulosic materials (i.e cotton and linen thread/rope). In conservation of artifacts we often use Golden and/or Liquitext acrylic paints as they are scientifically formulated for archival use and light-fastness. As JerseyCity Frank also pointed out they do a marvelous job particularly with aging threads and fabrics. They do not have degradation products and have been proven in artificial aging tests to hold their color. Throw a bit of beeswax dressing over the newly toned thread and you have a great modeling material. I cant speak to Chucks thread source, but can say that it can sometimes be better to avoid aging all together go with something that already has the right look and tone. OEM products often do this well... A final comment Ill make is that I see so many ship models ruined by "over-aging" so my personal opinion is dont do it you dont have to...

S.A. Cavell "Midshipmen and Quarterdeck Boys in the British Navy 1771-1831" Is an excellent source for the early lives of english naval officers.

Do you mean Rockler?

If only I had the money! There are a couple there I would love to snag before they dissapear!

The contemporary evidence supports both scenarios, though I would say that there are two types of contemporary evidence and they support two accurate scenarios. However dubious we might be with regard to the practicality of a below-tiller arrangment, Chucks research is sound. It seems like there is a bit of reinventing the wheel here, let us not forget that these are 18th century models. Of course it was "impossible" to sail with that arrangment, thats why it was changed. Read Lavery's book as was suggested. It was also impossible to build pyramids, until they did. Now we do it differently, and cannot concieve of how they did it then. Its impossible without cranes. The detractors it would seem are making the very same discovery that mid-18th century sailors made: tacking and gybing the boat is difficult if not impossible with the traveller located below the tiller. That does not mean that wasnt done or that models reflecting it are inaccurate. I for one appreciate the level of detail and research and can see (without being expert) that the contemporary evidence and primary sources support Chucks original schematic as possible if not likely. I actually appreciate that, with regard to model making, this particular model represents an interesting historic anamoly. I am reminded that we dont fully understand how such things like the Pyramids, Stone Henge could have been built with primitive technology, YET they were, though probably with great difficulty. Likewise, though it seems impossible to sail a boat with a below-tiller-traveler arrangement, it actually was likely quite possible, though probably very difficult. Not an expert sailor by any means, but I do sail and I do have a boat, and I can concieve of a way to sail the boat (though not gracefully, and not sharply) with this arrangment. If I just needed to sail in a straight line, say from my ship to shore and wouldnt be doing a great deal of tacking... well... its possible.

Gosh I hope so...I had been looking forward to ordering some of their wood or a upcoming project. (hi, by the way, Im in Poulsbo, we are practically neighbors.)

I would have suggested that you ought to start with a smaller project, but it sounds like you have the experience and chops to have a successful go at it... Good Luck and Welcome.

Impressed by your perseverance with that last plank, looking forward to next steps...

One thing Ive seen over and over, within this forum and in others, is that many common questions arise that typically already answered at length in other places. Any trip to another forum and you will see that asking a question like this normally is immediately followed by some snark comment about you not doing any due dilligence or research. One thing Ive always appreciated about this forum is that despite some builders clearly not bothering to read other logs, they STILL get lenthy anwers and help from some of the same people whom I know have answered that same question a half-dozen times or more... so really, I see nothing wrong with how anybody does anything around here. This forum is already far better than many others... no complaints at all. For me, I often totally forget the like button, and actually regret not utilizing it more just to let others know that the work they put into their logs is appreciated, is being read and is still worth doing. As a relative newb, I rarely have anything useful to add, so try to remember that many of the likes your getting might be from folks not nessesarily ingoring your question, but maybe just are not able to answer it (or if like me, like your question because they themselves have the same one...). Plus, who am I to critisize your work? An interesting phenomenom I noticed having read (I think) almost every Longboat build log is that the same people will comment "beautiful job" and "clean work" even though clearly one builder is light years better or cleaner. To me this is not a dishonestly but rather quite helpful, not only to the builder but also to the continued interest and growth of the hobby. Truly good criticism comes across in a way that is hard to distinguish, and I personally appreciate the subtlety and the respect people of all skill levels within this particular community show to each other. Honestly... this is without a doubt one of the best forums I have ever been lucky enough to discover. No ego's, clean language, genuine interest in the work and best of all: lots of help....

Good to see you back either way! Ive been following for awhile (mostly quietly) and was just wondering the other day that I hadnt seen an update in a bit.

Hi, thanks! Would you mind sharing the publication details? I'd still be interested in trying to find a copy and all I have to go on is what i can read in your video Cheers!