Chuck

There is still quite a bit of activity with that group so its not in any danger of being shut down. On the other hand we may have to finally wind down the Echo group because I only hear crickets from that area. But we have been talking about that for a while. It never really goes away entirely as we will move the build logs to the general scratch build log forum etc. Chuck

Eric, Nice choice....I will certainly keep that mind. Very good

Also remember that we need to have someone moderate these groups that ideally would be the designers/authors. I forgot to mention that important piece of the puzzle. Or at least someone who really really knows the subject matter and is familiar with each project. As the NRG creates and sanctions new online group projects this will be an important part of that....which may be an issue with the Galley Washington. But we will see.

Probably Not Chuck....The cross section is one project that I work on a little at a time. Right now my priority is the Winnie. The longboat build is something I am putting together for my local club as a an actual "group build" that a bunch of us will take part in. So those are two I am finalizing first.. The cross section will proceed, but slowly, as its more involved and the plans arent even fully developed yet. It will get there though. Joe, the Hayling is a much more complex project than Winnie. Although smaller it isnt something that will take any less time actually in my opinion to build. But it would do just the same and make a fine project to call an online group build. An online group build is very different in the sense that we set up a special area where folks can build at there own pace. All of the logs are in the same area and the project can be led and moderated by the person who designed and created the project. They would offer mentoring and advice. Collectively the group can solve problems and explore different methods for building the same subject. Because they are all in the same area it is easier for the group to mange and look at each others progress. See the group forum for the Admiralty models Echo cross section. That is what we would do when setting up a group build for Hayling or other subjects. Having a starter package for Hayling or any other project is really up to the authors and designers of the model. So David would have to arrange for the creation of such a starter package. In order to be considered a group project there also needs to be a minimum of six participants before we can start one. So we would need to get the commitment of at least six members before we start a group of any subject. Keep that in mind. Now if we get six members that tell me they commit to building the Hayling and each will start a build log, we will certainly start a group area for it and I would talk to David to see if he would moderate and mentor the group online. As we talk about a group project more I will take down names to see if we have six members willing to start build logs of whatever subject seems most popular. Something like Hayling would NOT be an NRG sponsored project but just a separate group area we are always willing to set up for any subject we have six or more commitments for. We will set up such an area for any group actually. Similar to the Echo Cross section. You buy the book and plans from Admiralty and start a log in the new area we set up...unaffiliated with the NRG other than we will accommodate the group. So let me distinguish between the two types of group projects. The first type is done by and wholly sanctioned by the NRG. They sponsor the research, creation and dissemination of all items associated with the project. They own it. Currently none exist that have been specifically designed for an online group. Although you could add the Galley Washington and the Oyster Sharpie to the list for projects that are immediately available for a group forum. The second type is a group set up to build a project NOT affiliated or owned by the NRG at all. This would be something like the Hayling, the Winnie or the Long boat. Depending on how things go with this discussions about a Winnie or Longboat group, the same is true. We need six to commit. It doesnt have to be a project that is designed by the NRG for the forum at all, but they have set aside funds to create one based on what folks want to build that might not be already available and its why nothing is ready yet. I mention the Winnie, the longboat and Hayling here only because many of you are clamoring to begin a group sooner than later. They wouldnt really be NRG designed and owned projects. Hopefully that is clear. Now...before the NRG starts designing and sanctioning a new project, they want to get an idea of what you guys want....so they dont waste years and $$$ developing a project that we cant get six people to commit to. Thus the discussion we are having. But non NRG subjects are fair game and can be started immediately if available and we have a moderator and six committed build logs. If you guys think it would help, I can add these subjects to the poll for immediate consideration for a group project. If we get six commitments then we can start one. BUt we still need to choose new subjects for later. I will add to the poll so you guys should check out the new question. and give some input. -The Washington Galley (NRG Owned) Currently no starter package or kit, plans only -The Oyster Sharpie (NRG Owned) No starter package or kit, plans only -The Hayling - Currently no starter package, plans only -The HMS Winchelsea 1764 - 3-4 months away - has a starter package and plans -Medway Longboat 1742 - 3-4 months away - has full kit with plans -None of the above....you will wait for another new choice

That looks lovely....really nice job using the weathering powders.

That would be a little out of scope. LOL It would be great to see though, but as most already know, any model of Intrepid would be purely speculation and fantasy. Too much reconstruction and guesswork for my tastes when we have so many other well documented subjects to model accurately. In order to produce a quality set of plans for a frigate or larger vessel you need to spend years......not something I am sure we can convince someone to do for us. For example, It took me years to develop and research the Winchelsea (and Syren which was our first group project I think) and produce a set of plans that are any good. There are other sites that whip these out every six months but they hardly make for accurate projects that are buildable. They are called "ten foot models" in the industry. Kits and model projects that only look good from about ten feet away when completed...LOL. Having said this though....the plans for the Winchelsea are in fact completed. As some of you have been suggesting via PM. But I will never release my plans as a download again because next week you will see it for sale on Ebay and Alibaba. So a project like the Winnie would absolutely require the purchase of a starter package and the bulkheads would NOT be shown on the plans. But I would absolutely be open to entertaining the idea of making the Winnie a group project. But within those parameters only. Its something the NRG board would need to work out with me. We have not started any new projects yet and have just laid the groundwork for them and set aside the funding. So if you guys are itching for something sooner than later we are only talking about the two subjects that I have nearly completed and designed. I was thinking you guys would want to build something else though. The first is the Winnie (1/4" scale only) as mentioned and it would only be possible as a group project because its completely done and planned out already....the second is the new and improved Medway Longboat of 1742 in 1/2" scale. The new version is based on an actual contemporary draft from that period and is much much better than my older generic longboat design at 1/4" scale. It will hopefully look just like the contemporary model of it fully framed with floors and top timbers,etc. So if you guys are willing to wait 12-18 months for something entirely new we can continue talking about it which will fill the pipeline for later. If you guys are eager to start something now or in 3 or months or so......then we are pretty much limited to the two projects I personally developed and are almost ready for primetime. Feel free to express your opinions about it here and let us know if you would be interested in either of these two or if you want to wait until we flesh something else out later because neither of these interest you as a group project. This of course would also be subject to the approval by the NRG board.....Im sure we could work something out though. Chuck

I have added a small poll to this topic. Not about subject matter, but about the nature of the group project itself. The subject matter is a whole different ball game. I would love to design another one for the group.....but it would need to be something I have already started. I am working on four new projects actually and only two of them are actually a good fit. I am developing a 1/2 scale long boat from 1742 fully framed like the barge with floors and toptimbers...fully rigged. And the American Fishing Chebacco Lion as a plank on bulkhead entry level project. So any other subject options we talk about here will be taken under consideration and we will try to match them up with an individual who is willing to help create it. Having said that...if you know of anyone who would be willing to help author a new project (with guidance) or if you are willing to do so please contact me. If we know what subjects you are most interested in that would help us match it up to a person who could create it. Maybe I can create a list of subjects to add to the poll but I hate to dictate that....so you guys need to help me with it and I will create another poll with subject choices....by era or vessel type. Remember.....please dont suggest we do a group project on the Wasa......think small and doable. so far... Gun boat Long boat Felluca Fishing Chebacco Stern sectional model Anchor Hoy In the meantime...please take the poll above to give us an idea about what type of group project you prefer.etc. If you feel I have left off an important question related to this, please send me a PM about it.

We want to get a consensus so we shall see if any one topic/subject is preferred and we shall seek one out. And dont forgetthe other question I asked.....shall we keep it as scratch projects only or offer some sort of starter package? I love Michaels cutter project......perhaps.

Just an announcement of sorts. I wanted to let everyone know that after a bit of time gone by since we created a special project for our members, the NRG and the folks at MSW will be actively starting to bring you some new projects. Funds have been set aside specifically to create a new group project which will be offered to our members. This will be a project similar to Triton where plans will be made available after signing up for the project. These will probably not be huge fully framed first rates mind you. Instead we are looking at smaller and quicker projects that will be fun to build in a short time period. But we hope that the new projects will offer some elements that will allow the participants to try something new or build a model using a new approach etc. We will of course make more info available when the time comes but I would like to ask for some feedback, These projects should be of smaller interesting subjects not over done and widely available.....please do list some of your ideas....perhaps -1/2" scale longboat project fully framed like in actual practice circa 1740 with rigging -Smaller boats of a more modern flavor....early 20th century boats and racing yachts. Plank on bulkhead perhaps -Bow section or possibly stern section showing those details and some techniques for building them (headrails, stern carvings and stern lights etc. -Your suggestions Rather than just plans for download and only scratch type projects some might not have the tools for....perhaps your thoughts on -Semi scratch group projects where framing kits may be made available or starter packages of sorts....for example maybe all of the framing components for a cross section or small period boat with the balance of the project being completed from scratch....after downloading a planset. This would also deter theft of design like what happened with Triton. This would of course come with a small fee as well. Similar to my barge framework/Cheerful bulkhead set as a starter set. Your thoughts???? As not everyone has the tools to scratch build everything yet they may want to participate. In addition, we may be approaching some of you after seeing some of the fine models our membership have made. We may contact you to see if your projects....with your help and guidance....can be translated into some fun group projects for all to enjoy. Feel free to point out a few or even contact me directly via PM if you have a specific idea or ice boat design concept.....oh wait I am getting ahead of myself. You get the idea....if you think a small craft project you are working on or someone you follow would make a great group project...feel free to contact me about via PM. Or bow section or stern section or cross section....or whatever. But please no fully framed or large frigates or 74 gunners. We want to make sure that not only you guys can start and finish them, but we will also need to be able to start and finish the designs and prototypes as well. We dont want to wait ten years to bring them to you....lets keep them manageable. Perhaps a small project on building a brodi stove....or double capstan??? Just dive right in with your ideas and contact me. Chuck

Alistair.... Welcome back buddy. Man its been too long. It is nice to see you back in the shop and I hope to see you on the forums. Let me know if that heavy frigates book doesnt sell. I may be interested. Chuck

Wonderful job.....

Yupp!!! Glad she does that too!!

Nope....the admiral says no fun with models until after I catch up with making rope and blocks. I am almost there!!!

Ian you are doing such a wonderful job on her...please send me some images by PM from time to time anyway.....I would love to see it. Please take some photos of her so I can see the outboard details.....

Nicely done..... Do you have a build log for Cheerful? I didnt see one.

Eventually you should sand it flush with the transom.....its looking really good. Dont forget to add that small rectangle of planking forward of the last wide plank.

Wonderful work on both!!! I am sure the model will come out just as beautiful as your full size. It looks like you had the perfect day for sailing in that photo.

Any progress on your model. You are doing a wonderful job on it. Looking forward to seeing an update.

Just scroll up....if you voted you can see the results...on the top of this topic.

I am not sure how either one of those machines work. But Druxey is correct. Those ropes are laid up too loosely. When referring to the tension, I would suggest increasing the amount of twists on the the three strands (or four) initially....this will build up more tension and energy. Then you will be able to twist all three or four strands together more (in the opposite direction) and it will keep the more tightly laid up state. There will be more opposing tensions created to keep the rope nice and tight. Its the opposing tensions that keep the rope from untwisting and also nice and tightly laid up. The rule to remember is....the more initial twists of the individual strands will allow you more twists in the opposite direction when you lay up the final rope. Here is a fresh .025 tan that I just finished making. You can see how much tighter it is laid up. Hope this helps. Chuck

Keep in mind that you will see plenty of POF kits from Chinese companies like ZHL. Because these companies have been known to pirate and steal the hard work of other reputable ship model MFGs, they are banned from this forum. So please read up on our banned list of pirated MFGs and be aware that we do not allow them on our site or any person building them. If this is something that is as important to you as it is to MSW and the NRG and the ship model community at large, you may want to avoid any products from these companies as well. See here for the details

Thanks I am going to omit those on my prototype...they are nearly invisible and I find it distracting but I have seen it done well on other models. Builders choice I suppose. Chuck

Its a little yellower and less tan than boxwood but its supposed to mellow and darken with age and get more tanish. Time will tell. My wood guy just dropped off several hundred sheets so I am fully stocked should anyone want to give it a try. Unlike boxwood however it is very soft. About the same hardness as Basswood but without any of the issues that basswood has. The surface quality is excellent after sanding and finishing. The planking sample below was made using 1/4" wide planks ripped from cedar. The seams between each plank were darkened with a pencil on one edge only. It has two coats of wipe on poly and I made this sample about two or three weeks ago. You will see slightly darker grain running through the wood before you finish it. But once you apply the wipe on poly or sanding sealer....the darker grain doesnt change color but the lighter wood between it does and it makes the grain almost invisible because it darkens to the same color. Hope that makes sense....its hard to explain. The fluorescent lights in my shop make it tough to photograph but I am messing with the camera settings to try and match the real life color best I can. I dont want to misrepresent it as I really really like this stuff once I got used to the soft nature of it after using boxwood for so long. Chuck

My laser cutter brand has improved this model several times over the last few years. They have made it so the wires coming from the power source are easy to connect to the tube now.....I will send you a pm with a link to a video. Its the only reason why I am changing the power source because the wires are a pain in the butt to connect to the tube. But now there is no soldering needed at all....or at least there wont be if I can run the new wiring. Chuck

Thanks To finish the yellow cedar I sanded it with some 320 grit paper and applied a coat of wipe on poly. Here is what it looks like. I have also done a mock up of the planking in yellow cedar. My photography stinks but I think you can get a good sense of the grain structure and finish of the wood after applying the wipe on poly. Chuck