russ

Elijah:

Very impressive work so far. I like the solutions you have come up with and the quality of your work. I look forward to seeing more.

Russ

Steven:

Your planking is coming along well. This is an interesting and challenging hull form to plank.

Russ

Steven:

Thanks. These Biloxi luggers had nice lines, for sure.

As for planking, I was wish I was as good at it as many others here.

Russ

That you are satisfied with it is the most important thing. We all do the same thing at some point on our models. Myself, several times on each model.

Russ

Your model is coming along well. I recall building this kit many years ago. I have one in my stash now. Have fun.

Russ

Sam:

Nice work. I agree that lanyard needs redoing, but the one deadeye being a little higher does not necessarily need to be redone. Sometimes, deadeyes were not perfectly lined up. In the natural course of working the ship, they could easily get slightly out of line. It is up to you, though.

Russ

John:

Thanks. The more I plank, the more I really like how this hull looks.

Russ

Thanks. I am looking forward to more planking later today.

Russ

The hull planking is moving along. With a rainy afternoon, I got several planks on today.

Russ

Ken:

The rigging looks great. I had the same issue on a recent model and it was not until after the fact, even after checking, that I found a line had gotten twisted around another line. It happens.

Russ

This looks like a nice little kit. good work.

Russ

I know there are those who will not appreciate every little details or accomplishment, but I hope some of you will. The first plank has been cut and fitted. I always begin with the sheer strake. That establishes the curve off of which everything else will run. This plank has been spiled, tapered, and soaked. No glue yet. I will let it dry in place and when I glue it, it will have its shape and will need only finger pressure for a few minutes for the glue to take hold. Note the hi tech clamps.

Russ

Kenneth:

Thanks. I was thinking about the Doris Mae yesterday. Glad the rain did not spoil anything.

Russ

Pat:

Thanks. The fleet will be growing over the next few years.

Russ

John:

Thanks. I appreciate it. I am looking forward to more work over the next few days. More rain coming.

Russ

I am lining off the hull for planking. Still some work to do making sure the curves are what I want. It is very close though.

Russ

Really impressive work. The research and development is wonderful. These small workboats provide a great opportunity for lots of details in a large scale. I am moving towards the same kind of challenge with our local schooners.

Russ

This is an impressive model. The Bluejacket blocks look great. Thanks for sharing.

Russ

Kenneth:

Thanks. I appreciate it.

I really like the technique and I will use it again with these open bulwark workboats.

Russ

Kenneth:

The weathered effect looks good. I think this is a good match for the main deck.

Russ

The margin planking is completed except for some minor trimming at the transom. Feels good to get something accomplished.

Russ

Finally a little progress. I am working on the margin planking. I have settled on a process to make them that seems to work pretty well. While I have created templates for each of these plank in CAD, once you begin building the model, it pays to fit the components to the model instead of the templates created for them. Just makes life easier.

Here is a photo of the portside margin plank with a scarph joint and the blank for the next one aft that I am working with right now.

Russ

Hamilton:

Lees is giving you rigging circumference. You need to calculate diameter from that and then divide by your scale denominator. For instance, if the mast diameter is 30 inches, then half that would be a 15 inch circumference stay. The diameter of the stay would be about 4.77 inches. At 1/100 scale that would be .047" diameter. A diameter of 3/64" would do nicely.

Russ

I would not stress too much about the guns under the quarter deck. The breeching would be there to secure the gun, but you do not necessarily have to have the side tackles.

Russ  

Kenneth:

Many thanks for your kind words. It was great to see you and the family at the boat show as well.

Russ