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ccoyle

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Everything posted by ccoyle

  1. Stub masts are exactly what the name implies: just a short bit of mast, perhaps an inch or so on a model like yours, with none of the remaining masting and rigging. Such a model is called a hull model.
  2. Keith, we are going to run out of superlatives for your work. This build log illustrates as well or better than any that a truly great model consists of a myriad of equally great smaller models.
  3. The only Sea Witch kit that I know of what the old Scientific Models kit, which is long since out of production. Restoration work is challenging to be sure, but we have some members here who can give you pointers. A clipper like yours is one of the most difficult ship types to rig, so they will probably also suggest some reference works for you to peruse. Good luck on your project!
  4. I hadn't checked in on Greg's build in over a week, and now I'm thinking that all of his build logs should be tagged with "DON'T BLINK." 😄
  5. Zooker, At the bottom of any post window is an option to attach files; click on "choose files" and select the photos that you want to attach. They will show up as previews in the bar. Click the "+" on a photo to insert it. You can double-click the photo once it has been inserted to resize it. 640 x 480 is a good size; the editor also allows you the option to maintain the original aspect ratio. Cheers!
  6. It doesn't come up as much for discussion, but there are some modelers who will debate whether it is proper to show a ship's guns run out for action with a deck that hasn't been cleared for action and no crews manning the guns. 🤨
  7. Next milestone reached After eight nine strakes of lapped planking, the instructions call for staining prior to installing stanchions. The Polish name for the suggested stain color wasn't translated, but in the photos it looks something like golden oak. I went instead with golden pecan, which has a redder tone. I like the result.
  8. Take Model Shipways with a grain of salt. I would not consider Dapper Tom a beginner model -- it is more of an intermediate project. Plus, it is in 1/76 scale, which is borderline fiddly for a beginner. If you absolutely have to have guns and think you may only do one model (don't sell yourself short -- you might get hooked), I'd look for a cutter or brig such as Alert or Speedy from Vanguard Models, or Polotsk or Phoenix from Master Korabel. The latter two kits are 1/72 scale, but the design is well thought out and the planking is pre-spiled (spiling is a huge challenge for beginners), so the small scale is offset somewhat. The VM kits are 1/64 scale. If you are patient, there are additional small warship models coming on the market soon from some good companies, e.g. Ontario from Marisstella and Flirt from VM.
  9. Your grandfather did indeed do a fine job on this model. I think, though, that he may have inadvertently done you a disfavor by choosing to rig it as a schooner, as that makes the model a little less visually interesting than it would have been with Leon's brig rig. That and the model's large size may make it more difficult to temporarily re-home. But I do wish you success in your search, because as was pointed out, we usually get asked about not-very-nice models, and this one is definitely worth hanging on to.
  10. Have you looked at Vanguard Models? https://vanguardmodels.co.uk/
  11. Your father's model looks much larger, though. Perhaps he scaled up the Amati plans?
  12. Hello, Glenn. You are off to a great start -- already have an avatar and, yes, you did post your introduction in the correct area. Cheers!
  13. It might simply be a matter of general unfamiliarity with the product. I don't personally have any experience with DeAgostini, and I don't think we have all that many build log or gallery entries for them, either.
  14. Those are great memories, Bob. Our family had two VW campers; my dad did the camper conversion himself on the first one, and the second one was a pop-top. We did the same with the vacations all around Northern California. Sorry for hijacking this topic, Genocon!
  15. My grandfather, who was as fastidious as they come, had an absolutely pristine 60s-vintage VW van camper conversion. I never had a crack at inheriting that car either 'cause it got T-boned at an intersection (happily no harm to grandpa).
  16. You're right -- shooting one's own ratlines is a no-no. Is it possible that the ship was originally rigged as a sloop before being converted to a mortar vessel?
  17. Your story resonated with me on several points: 1. I am a descendant of Nieuw Amsterdam immigrants. 2. I am a native of Northern California -- like the REAL Northern California, not like the Northern Southern California town of San Francisco. 😉 3. My youngest daughter is a Kathleen. Good luck with your project!
  18. I like them both ways. Many sails on models aren't anywhere close to being in scale, and pre-sewn sails are the worst offenders in this regard, usually having a coarse weave and way, way too obvious stitching. Even so, they can still look good on a model in spite of these scale inconsistencies. The best way to think about this is to look at photos of real sailing ships: panel lines are barely perceptible, and stitching can't be seen at all. Using sail cloth with a high thread count and then gluing instead of sewing bolt ropes, IMO, is a great improvement, and properly furled silkspan (which I haven't tried myself) can likewise add a significant touch of realism to a model. But to each their own!
  19. When I was a kid, my family had a '55 Bel Air. My dad sold it back in the days before it became a classic collectible, as opposed to simply being an old car. I've often wondered "what if" ever since.
  20. Looking good! The kits out of Spain (Constructo, Artesania Latina, Dikar, OcCre) have always tended to have an eye-pleasing variety of woods for modelers who like to leave their builds in the natural.
  21. Moving is no fun, and I should know, cuz I've done it 38 times in 56+ years. 😳 I hope yours is trouble-free!
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