Cathead
-
Posts
3,298 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Events
Everything posted by Cathead
-
Patrick, it's been a while, are you still working on this? -
Nice job. I agree that adding the boiler tops is a significant upgrade.
-
Don't sell yourself short, modifying/upgrading kits is a great way to model. Frankly, fixing kit mistakes takes just as much knowledge as scratchbuilding, in some ways more because you not only have to know WHAT to do from scratch, you have to recognize what NOT to do in terms of kit errors. For example, check out my Viking longship build; this was a fairly simplistic kit that I did extensive research on and made major upgrades to in terms of accuracy and detail. I'm not sure it wouldn't have been easier to build one from scratch than to deal with all the kit's problems! I think it's great that you cared enough to learn about what you were doing rather than just slapping something together that you didn't understand.
- 117 replies
-
- 4
-
-
- Pyro
- Robert E Lee
- (and 2 more)
-
I have to keep reminding myself how small the scale is on this.
-
Bingo. Asymmetric bulkheads. The good news is that learning how to fill/reduce bulkheads to achieve a proper run of planking is a REALLY useful skill that you will need again. But it's rather annoying when it smacks you in the face like a wet fish. Have fun!
-
Yeah, those are definitely not right. Are there similar or mirrored problems on the port side? I remember a kit once where the bulkheads weren't symmetrical and only worked right if they went in using a specific orientation (i.e., flipped one way they all matched up, but if one was flipped the other way it was too short on one side and too wide on the other). Too late to flip bulkheads. Definitely needs to be fixed before planking. Even in your first photo, I'd swear things don't look quite right though it could be a trick of the light. I'd recommend clamping a test plank to every bulkhead and seeing where you find any odd kinks. Given the work you've done so far, the only real way to fix any problems is to fill in missing space using strips of wood curved over the bulkhead, and carve out excess wood, until you get a smooth run of planking everywhere.
-
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it, the project was fascinating and fun. You'll probably enjoy the video lecture linked toward the end of this log, too, though it won't apply directly to your Robert E. Lee project as it focuses on the somewhat different Missouri River boats. Best wishes for surgery recovery, I've been there and it's no fun. This project actually wrapped up a couple years ago, though it doesn't seem like it. Since then I've completed a few others, including a Viking longship and several NRG learning projects (see links in my signature) but I haven't taken on anything in a while due to a complicated situation including wrist injury/surgery, extensive other commitments in my non-modeling life, and the temporary loss of my workshop to (currently delayed) remodeling projects. If/when I get back to building, I'm considering scratchbuilding the JR Wells, a neat little steamboat that operated on Missouri's Osage River; some photos and info are available here.
- 599 replies
-
- 3
-
-
- sidewheeler
- arabia
- (and 4 more)
-
She's coming together nicely.
-
If you're looking for something accessible that will give you a decent overview of the evolution of wooden ship design over time, I strongly recommend "The Evolution of the Wooden Ship" by Basil Greenhill. It's a simply and clearly written work heavily illustrated with really nice drawings, that reads more like a narrative than a reference work. I think it'd be particularly well-suited for beginners. Many of the reference works out there that experienced modelers use can be pretty difficult for those newer to the subject. I think it helped me more than anything else I've read to really understand the geometry and evolution of ship design. It mostly focuses on hulls, less so on rigging, so you'll have to look elsewhere for that. Also, in terms of books on modeling, I'd be cautious about using older books. There are many old staples that are good in their way, but are also pretty out of date with respect to modern materials, methods, and kit design. Honestly I think there's better and more accessible information online than in most books, and I say that despite being the son of a librarian and a confirmed book lover.
-
You've done a great job and should be proud to display her. The stand matches the vessel nicely. I hope you enjoy your next build as much! Let us know here when you start it.
- 89 replies
-
- 2
-
-
-
- Enterprise
- first build
- (and 2 more)
-
Hey Brad, great to see you're giving this model a shot. If you're interested in continuing to share photos and lessons as you go, might you consider starting a separate build log for the model to document your work?
- 29 replies
-
- 1
-
-
- ships lifeboat
- model shipways
- (and 1 more)
-
Nice start!
-
There hasn't been much advice needed so far. You're clearly done your basic steamboat research (more than many builders). As for the painting question, overall white was the standard color on these vessels but you're certainly right that some of those photos imply that raw/varnished wood would be acceptable for certain interior details. There was a lot of variation between individual boats. I was also intrigued by that staircase photo from the JM White, where it appears the camber of the deck is curving down and away from the bottom of the flat staircase in both directions. This amused me because (a) it would've been pretty easy to fill those gaps one way or another for a better appearance on such a grand vessel, and (b) it looks like some simple beginner's modeler mistake, leaving gaps like that. There's a prototype for everything!
- 117 replies
-
- 1
-
-
- Pyro
- Robert E Lee
- (and 2 more)
-
Burn marks sound like the tool was pushed too hard/fast on hard wood, and/or isn't sharp enough. I wouldn't think thread would be a budget-buster!
- 89 replies
-
- 1
-
-
- Enterprise
- first build
- (and 2 more)
-
Those look quite nice!
-
I saw your comment in John Ruy's log and decided to check out your log. Looks like an interesting project and you've got a good grounding in steamboat basics. I'll happily follow along and see what you can do with this. Best wishes for continued recovery from your surgery.
- 117 replies
-
- 2
-
-
- Pyro
- Robert E Lee
- (and 2 more)
-
Welcome! Both my parents grew up in the Philippines, one in Manila and one down in Mindanao and Cebu. I think you've made a very smart choice in starting with a series of smaller models that will help you build skills. Many of the tips given to new builders attempt to nudge them away from getting in over their heads, buying too many tools or too-fancy models. I love the idea of using recycled materials and the path you've chosen will help get you there. Please share your journey with us!
-
Thanks, I see it now, and can recognize it in your previous photo. Very interesting. Is it possible it's anchored to a structural post and descends down to the keel (I could convince myself those angle inward, though that could be perspective), acting to help support the bow? Honestly not sure why that would be needed, larger boats than this didn't do that, but it's a thought.
-
Can you clarify which hog chains you're referring to? I'm having a hard time seeing what you mean in the photo above. The drawings certainly show a normal-looking set of longitudinal hog chains and you appear to have the braces for these properly set up, but these seem to end within the main deck superstructure so I don't know which boiler room doors you mean. Maybe a drawing or an annotated photo?
-
Personally I've found that acrylic paints slowly dry out over time, even in a tight bottle, but that they can be rejuvenated with a bit of water. It's best to do this when they've just gotten a bit thicker, as opposed to when they're really set and dried. But different brands probably work different ways. Like many things, best to check on them now and then rather than forgetting about them for years until you need them! Congratulations on finishing the hull, it's very attractive.
-
I'll follow over from your other build, have fun with this one! Definitely fewer railings...
- 282 replies
-
- 1
-
-
- Bluenose
- Model Shipways
- (and 1 more)
-
Just stumbled across this, happy to follow along. Great job on those anchors, bodes well for future upgrades and your expressed interest in doing more scratch-building.
-
Cool prototype, hope you can keep the log up! It'll be fun to follow.
-
Keep the faith! The marathon does end someday. Quick note, as those meant to be fire barrels and buckets in white? If so, to the best of my knowledge these were always painted red.
Our Emblem ®
