xken

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

This was a tribute build of Tommy Ivo’s exhibition dragster powered by four Buick Nailhead engines. The left two engines drove the front wheels and the right side the rear wheels. They were geared so that only the front would smoke during the run. I was able to purchase four CD’s of pictures of the replica build from the original builder Bruce Dadra. The reference material was awesome in details. The engines were purchased cast resin and completely enhanced, exhaust pipes were bent brass. The body was .010” bass sheet formed and butt joints to maintain thickness. Tires we’re modified cast resin with aluminum wheels custom made by Dancing Bear Components. The decals I designed and we’re reproduced in Australia by a supplier that could do the gold leaf background. The parachute is carved wood with removable access panel to get at mounting screws. I did all my own chroming using Caswell’s products. The front wheels turn. The upholstered seat was done using Sculpty baked in oven. The seat belts are leather and work. I also added the Hot Rod magazine cover from 1961. Tommy did send me a wonderful email telling me how great the details were.
 

Thank you all for your kind words and following along this build and helping with my ongoing education on ship building. This will prepare me for the future build of the HMS Victory 1:90 scale by Mamoli which will include some kit bashing. My next build which I am starting to work on and doing CAD drawings for is the container ship Maresk Detroit which my son-in-law is the Captain. This is the first ship he has command of since being promoted to Captain. This will be a complete scratch build at 1:356 scale with an overall length of 32" long x 4" wide x 7.25" high. Size is dictated by future display location in their home. I will start a build log once I have something more interesting than just CAD drawings.
 
I am also working on a couple of commissions which I will disclose at the time allowed.
 
Jon, my son is building a display case and once we get the word that it is ready we will drive the model across country from Morro Bay to Southold, at the end of Long Island. Literally coast to coast. I am sure both nose and finger prints will be a constant with the grandsons as they grow. Not exactly sure yet where my son will have it displayed in the house.
 
Anyway, for now the ship has be shelved out of the way here to clear the deck for my next projects.
 

 

 
 
Again, thank you to all for your kind compliments and advice throughout this build. 
 
 

Final update the ship is in the case and the boys enjoy looking at it. Fingerprints on the glass are indications of wanting to touch. It has just taken awhile for the pictures to come given very busy work schedules. Enjoy!

 

Here are pictures of the finished brig other than a couple of paint touch ups here and there. Being my first ship build I learned quite a few lessons that will certainly benefit future builds. I plan on building the USS Constitution and will do a little more research and study the plans before starting the build.
 
I would also like to thank those that provided both guidance and encouragement during this build. 
 
Here are a random sampling of overall and detail pictures. 












 
Now to move on.

The Niagara now has a much steadier and lower base to rest upon. My daughter found this in her travels and immediately bought it. Now people can now look down at the deck details which was not possible before. Perhaps the Detroit will be displayed above it whenever I get back to it. ModelExpo has been keeping me designing various model kits for them.

Kits that I have designed to date are: Mountain Buckboard; Allerton Steam Pumper; Ladder Wagon; Hearse; Armed Longboat; USS Constitution Cross Section; Jail Wagon; Fokker EIV; Oberusel 14 Cylinder Rotary Engine; Wolsey Eight Cylinder “Viper” Engine; SE5a British Fighter; Beer Wagon; Horse Harness (pulling); Horse Hitches for Wagons- 1 Horse; 2 Horse; 4 Horse. They said that they have plenty more in the lineup; I will be 76 next month so who knows how many more. The BeerWagon and some others are at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Germany.   
Life is good.....I get paid to do my hobby what more can one ask for.
Amongst all of this I did these personal projects: the Niagara; USS Constitution; Maersk Detroit (WIP); Dirty Dozen; and 1961 Showboat a pet project. A couple of stained glass windows for local church.
Here are just a sampling of them.
 

After years of dust and battle damage she was put up in dry dock; cleaned layers of dust and battle damage repaired due to young growing girls. Then a brass plague added, new base to index a custom built glass case she now resides for years to come completely protected. The granddaughters now truly appreciate the work involved in building models having grown up watching me build various model subjects. In fact the younger one now builds Star Wars spaceships with LEGO blocks that are quite intricate.
Fair winds and following seas in her new home!

Kits that I have designed to date are: Mountain Buckboard; Allerton Steam Pumper; Ladder Wagon; Hearse; Armed Longboat; USS Constitution Cross Section; Jail Wagon; Fokker EIV; Oberusel 14 Cylinder Rotary Engine; Wolsey Eight Cylinder “Viper” Engine; SE5a British Fighter; Beer Wagon; Horse Harness (pulling); Horse Hitches for Wagons- 1 Horse; 2 Horse; 4 Horse. They said that they have plenty more in the lineup; I will be 76 next month so who knows how many more. The BeerWagon and some others are at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Germany.   
Life is good.....I get paid to do my hobby what more can one ask for.
Amongst all of this I did these personal projects: the Niagara; USS Constitution; Maersk Detroit (WIP); Dirty Dozen; and 1961 Showboat a pet project. A couple of stained glass windows for local church.
Here are just a sampling of them.
 

This is a seriously impressive resume of work, sir.  Thanks, for sharing your talents with us.
 
Todd

Kits that I have designed to date are: Mountain Buckboard; Allerton Steam Pumper; Ladder Wagon; Hearse; Armed Longboat; USS Constitution Cross Section; Jail Wagon; Fokker EIV; Oberusel 14 Cylinder Rotary Engine; Wolsey Eight Cylinder “Viper” Engine; SE5a British Fighter; Beer Wagon; Horse Harness (pulling); Horse Hitches for Wagons- 1 Horse; 2 Horse; 4 Horse. They said that they have plenty more in the lineup; I will be 76 next month so who knows how many more. The BeerWagon and some others are at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Germany.   
Life is good.....I get paid to do my hobby what more can one ask for.
Amongst all of this I did these personal projects: the Niagara; USS Constitution; Maersk Detroit (WIP); Dirty Dozen; and 1961 Showboat a pet project. A couple of stained glass windows for local church.
Here are just a sampling of them.
 

Kits that I have designed to date are: Mountain Buckboard; Allerton Steam Pumper; Ladder Wagon; Hearse; Armed Longboat; USS Constitution Cross Section; Jail Wagon; Fokker EIV; Oberusel 14 Cylinder Rotary Engine; Wolsey Eight Cylinder “Viper” Engine; SE5a British Fighter; Beer Wagon; Horse Harness (pulling); Horse Hitches for Wagons- 1 Horse; 2 Horse; 4 Horse. They said that they have plenty more in the lineup; I will be 76 next month so who knows how many more. The BeerWagon and some others are at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Germany.   
Life is good.....I get paid to do my hobby what more can one ask for.
Amongst all of this I did these personal projects: the Niagara; USS Constitution; Maersk Detroit (WIP); Dirty Dozen; and 1961 Showboat a pet project. A couple of stained glass windows for local church.
Here are just a sampling of them.
 

Congratulations !!!
 
I wanted to let you know that I have been looking forward to your updated build log on a regular basis for quite some time.  Everytime I opened it, I found it not only informative but laid out in terms for the simple layman that I am.  It influenced me so much that It coerced me into selecting and purchasing my own Model Shipways Niagara a while back.  The choice at that time was the Niagara or the Brig Syren.  You made my selection seem more approachable and less intimidating to the intermediary beginner. I find that working on my build(s) to be both enjoyable and therapeutic for my condition. It is sad to see it come to an end, but I look forward to your tackling of the U.S.S. Constitution next.  Please don't make it seem so easy, for I fear I will try convince myself that I too, am up to the task (LOL)...
 
With best wishes and congratulations, 
 
Aves Puryear

The Niagara now has a much steadier and lower base to rest upon. My daughter found this in her travels and immediately bought it. Now people can now look down at the deck details which was not possible before. Perhaps the Detroit will be displayed above it whenever I get back to it. ModelExpo has been keeping me designing various model kits for them.

The Niagara now has a much steadier and lower base to rest upon. My daughter found this in her travels and immediately bought it. Now people can now look down at the deck details which was not possible before. Perhaps the Detroit will be displayed above it whenever I get back to it. ModelExpo has been keeping me designing various model kits for them.

David, if it is not fun I would not do it. 
 
I got some work done despite it being mother's day and having fun with the grand kids and moms. Here are the fore and aft fife rails. I will add locating pins later once the masts are in position.


 
I then started the deck hatches by first rough shaving a strip at the correct angle with my small plane and then sanding to final angle. I am told that there are people who love aggravation and I am not one of them; so I cut 1/64" plywood to the various sizes of the hatches to glue the coaming to. The corners were cut at 45 degrees with an Xacto blade. On the backside I marked the centers for location pins into the deck.

They were then painted red and I discovered that stand off spacers were needed for the grating to be positioned correctly. I then added the spacer strips and they were hand painted red. Then the center areas of the plywood carrier were painted black. Then the grates were added.


 
The grates were built by using the laser cut strips which were cut slightly oversize to the needed hatch and then glued together. I would recommend gluing the grate strips to each other by using yellow glue and a tooth pick to add a drop of glue to each of the standing cuts and then add it to the smooth side of the next strip. If you want to be truly aggravated to no end try using CA. CA is great for some applications, but not for gluing grates together. However, once the yellow glue was set and prior to final sanding and sizing I did add CA to the perimeter of each grate for extra strength while sanding.
 
Here are views with the grates set in place using the locating pins and not glued in place just yet.



 
Next I will work on the smoke stack, cat heads and aft davits.
 
Ken
 
 
 
 
 

Steve, thank you for your comment and glad to hear you enjoy the posts.
 
Finished up the capstan and located the deck and moved onto the bilge pump. Here are pictures of it on the deck; also a close-up of it. The trickiest part was the band around the posts.
 

 

 
Next the aft fife rail.
 
Ken

In the past I have had good cleaning results with the rubber like gum eraser used by artists. It really grabs stuff in the teeth be it wood; brass or resin. The coarser one at the bottom worked best, but that also depends on the size of the teeth.
I”

In the past I have had good cleaning results with the rubber like gum eraser used by artists. It really grabs stuff in the teeth be it wood; brass or resin. The coarser one at the bottom worked best, but that also depends on the size of the teeth.
I”

In the past I have had good cleaning results with the rubber like gum eraser used by artists. It really grabs stuff in the teeth be it wood; brass or resin. The coarser one at the bottom worked best, but that also depends on the size of the teeth.
I”

In the past I have had good cleaning results with the rubber like gum eraser used by artists. It really grabs stuff in the teeth be it wood; brass or resin. The coarser one at the bottom worked best, but that also depends on the size of the teeth.
I”