bigcreekdad

Thanks folks. I really have no interest in paddlewheel boats or tugs, but appreciate the thoughts. My interest is pretty much in the sailing ships of old. Obviously, that entails rigging. I need to just try to stick with it. Been studying several Erycina build logs. I'm going to just quit fretting, complaining, bitching etc. One last question.....has anyone built more than one of Vanguards cutter kits. If so, did you find rigging complexity different between kits. I really like the cutters.

I am struggling through the Erycina build. I was pretty much OK until I got to the rigging. Likely just my age, but the rigging plans are confusing to me. I decided to study Glenn's build log, which is a master piece BTW, and it was helpful showing close ups of most of the rigging process. However, I am finding this so challenging any progress I do make is so slow as to make it "no fun" anymore. I think Vanguard's kits are absolutely top shelf for the most part (still not crazy about etched brass fittings of the size in the kit), but that;s just my opinion. Not only in my late 70s which (whether you admit or not) makes it harder to figure things out, but also, due to an occlusion (ie stroke) in my right eye many years ago I am blind in much of the lower eye. But, I absolutely am not willing to quit this hobby. I think I need to look for a kit that is a bit easier on the mind and eyes. I have a longboat in the wings and I will likely start that soon, but I want to find a ship as well....obviously larger scale and less complex rigging. I recently bought Vanguard's cutter Alert kit. The kit looks awesome, but looks more complex than Erycina. Rather than struggle through it, I will be selling it (totally intact kit) and search for something else. I would appreciate any thoughts. I have completed so far Ochre's Dos Amigos, Model Shipways Bluenose Caldercraft's Sherbourne, Pickle and Mortar Vessel Convulsion.

Thanks Morgan!

I am now rigging Vanguard's Erycina. I'm not wild about the photo etched brass belaying pins supplied. I am looking to replace these with wood ones. The kit is 1/64 scale, and I don't to buy pins too large for the ship's scale. Any recommendations?

All I can offer is BRAVO!

I've added the Syren to my list. Likely, I'll be dead befog I make up my mind.

Burgundy....yes it is.

Here's a pic of my Occre Dos Amigos hull (not complete) which I did in cherry. I got the wood from the local (now closed) Woodcraft, and cut with my Jim saw. After sanding I applied a few coats of gun oil. The cherry was good to work with a turns a bit darker with age.

Howdy It's always fun deciding a a new kit. My first build was Caldercraft's cutter Sherbourne. Instructions aren't great, but the materials are very good. I was quite pleased with that build. My second was Caldercraft's Mortar Vessel Convulsion. I loved that build, and after another 5 or so builds, it remains my favorite. Sadly, it took a dive off my son's mantle. It remains, with the remains, in a bag in my basement. It will likely remain there awhile as I haven't worked up the energy to try to repair it. All the kits you have mention seem good candidates. Good luck and have fun.

Working on the rigging for my Vanguard Erycina build. I almost gave it up because of the tiny parts. Went back at it, and just really slowed down. Still, I find Vanguard's kits to be troublesome in areas due to the parts size. Also, I'm not crazy about photo etched brass, but maybe this is a trend. My next kit will not have an overwhelming amount of rigging required (or so I think). So....I'm down to 3 possibles: 1) Occre's Corsair. I built the Dos Amigos several years ago and was pleased with the kit overall. However, I did substitute cherry for the hull planking. I've attached a pic of that build in cherry. 2) Caldercraft's Badger. I have built three other of their kits, and liked them all, with my favorite being the Convulsion. I find their kit quality quite good, and this ship is one of the few with updated expanded directions. 3) Vanguard 's Cutter Alert...I know, I know, but I like this ship, and it has just enough rigging to keep me challenged, but not overwhelmed. I also have the book on the Alert, and this adds a little more interest in building this kit. Finally, my first build was Caldercraft's cutter Sherbourne. I quite liked that build and am curious how my second build will look. Honestly, I could probably live with any of the three. but was curious as to any thoughts others might have

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

Rigging always gives me fits. One area I find myself re-doing the most frequently is getting the deadeyes even when attaching to the shrouds. Any tutorials to refer to re" this?

no build log

Ready to start on the sails. Unless I'm wrong, the mainsail is larger than the plans?

totally agree on depth perception

With my failing eyesight, I have seriously wondered recently if this hobby was getting beyond me. I had recently given up on my Erycina build due to the very small parts. While deciding whether to quit or buy a larger scale kit, one day I just went back to it. Purchased some magnifiers, and just slowed the hell down. Things I used to do in 5 minutes would take 30. But, when finished with whatever it was, I feel pretty damn good. Not sure if this applies to your situation, but give it some thought. Sorry to hear what's going on with you.....hang in there.

I looked on Syren. These are not blocks. They look like donut with an outside indentation for the rope to around. I will try Vanguard. Just hate to wait for the overseas shipping. Thanks.

My Vanguard Erycina kit came with 12 of these. Lo and behold I found two loose ones in my stuff. No idea where the other 10 went. Does anyone know where I could find some rather than ask Vanguard?

If you are new to this, I, respectfully, suggest you get a different kit to start out. IMO, this is a fly ball you shouldn't chase. So many great starter kits out there.

Very cool!

No responses? Well, I figured how to deal with it today.

Well, now I've done it.... I have accidentally ruined the brass mizzen iron color (5 hole) for my Erycina build. I doubt Vanguard replaces such individual small fittings that are not made individually. I was thinking I could buy some unfinished mast loops and carefully drill the required holes. Any other thoughts?

I'm using a black work table. No drawers. Table looks like a scene out of a WWI trench warfare movie. No place to lay manual and/or plans. Building stuff all over the floor around it. Has to change. Isn't there somewhere on this site that shows pics of members work places?

Jeff......don't worry about the "soap box" thing. I've been to the eyedoc many times over the years. Started with a retinal artery occlusion about 15 years ago, which left me blind in most of my lower right eye. Had cataract surgery and need to go back for some last work on the left...its clouded up, like looking through a dirty window. Hopefully, that will help some.

That looks like it came from a Star Wars movie set.