Chuck

The NRG is excited to launch our latest program focusing on advancing the art of ship modeling through research.  The Ship Model Grant Program was developed to provide ship modelers of all levels easy access to fully developed modeling projects.  We are seeking NRG members who can develop a thoroughly researched set of plans and accompanying monograph for smaller vessels and projects.  The details of the Grant program are provided below.   After work has been completed for all of the materials, the NRG will print the plans and offer them to ship modeling community at large.  The accompanying monograph will be produced in electronic format and supplied as a CD along with the plans.
 

 
To kick off the program, the NRG has selected the first project.  This first NRG Monograph will contain the plans for a plank-on-bulkhead model of the Hudson River Sloop “First Effort” built in 1830 (pictured above).  We have selected this project to set a standard for the size and scope of the projects intended for Grant program.  If you are an NRG member who would like to work with the NRG to develop other projects like this, read the details below and submit a proposal.  Should you have any questions about the program please contact Chuck Passaro at cpassaro@verizon.net.  The NRG Grant Program rules and details can also be downloaded from our website.  Visit www.thenrg.org today.
 
The NRG Ship Model Project Grant Program
 
Request for Proposals: The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is issuing a request for proposals for consideration of funding projects which advance the art of ship modeling through research.
 
Eligibility:  The Nautical Research Guild Grant Program is open to NRG members only.
 
Project Description:   The NRG will award $750 to $2500 for individual projects that provide original research and plans for small ship modeling projects.  In addition, up to 10% of each sale will be awarded for the exclusive rights to publish and sell the completed published work in either print or electronic format.  Grant amounts will be determined by the NRG Board of Directors based on the size and scope of the accepted proposal.  Finished monographs and plans will be offered and branded by the NRG and copyrights will be maintained by the NRG.  All credit will be given to the author.
Each project proposed must be model ship related with research obtained from primary or secondary sources. Projects are to be for scratch built/semi-scratch built models.  Monographs must contain a section on history and research as well as a “how-to” for the model builder.  The monograph must also be accompanied with a set of plans to allow building of the project, produced electronically with the intention of being printed by the NRG for sale.
 
Project Specifications:
Plank on bulkhead, plank on frame, and solid hull are all acceptable building methods.
 
Other building methods will be reviewed by the Board for appropriateness.
The recipient must include plans to build the model and a corresponding monograph of 70 to 100 pages depending on the scope of the subject matter, with bibliography of all sources used.
 
Preference will be given to smaller projects: For example small cutters, launches, brigs, sloops, tugs, cross section models, battle stations, dioramas etc.  The NRG is NOT looking for larger vessels such as frigates, ship of the line, battleships etc.
 
Projects should take the average builder between 3 to 8 months to complete.
 
Projects can be directed toward the beginner, intermediate or advanced ship
modelers.
 
The monograph must be delivered in MS word format and the plans delivered in PDF format.
 
Grant awards will be administered in installments with the dates and amounts of payment determined by the NRG, and final payment being made upon delivery and review of the project by the NRG Board.
 
The NRG reserves the right to stop further payments and advancement of the project upon assessing the author’s progress.
 
Failure to complete the project in a timely manner may result in the cancellation of the project by the Board without further payment.
 
All proposals must be sent to :  Nautical Research Guild, 237 S Lincoln St, Westmont, IL 60559 or by email to info@thenauticalresearchguild.org
 
Information Required at the Time of Submission:
 
Proposal must include applicant Name, Address, Phone and E-Mail address.
 
Project Abstract:  Applicants must submit an abstract of less than 200 words describing the proposed project, including what level of builder it will be directed towards. Identify how it will enhance the knowledge and skill of the model builder.
 
Approach: List all equipment and materials required to complete the project.
Milestone Schedule: An activity schedule should be submitted for the duration of your research for project delivery.  Starting with month one and concluding with the project delivery date.  Expect to give the Board frequent updates based on this schedule (i.e. monthly, quarterly etc.)  Grant projects must NOT take the applicant longer than 14 months to complete once accepted.
 
Cost Summary: Detail all costs to be incurred for the project up to its delivery, including but not limited to equipment purchases, materials, information technology needs and software, travel, and research.  Prepare your budget carefully and make it as detailed as possible. 

David,
 
I second that!  I believe the conference was a great success, the topics were very good and the speakers were outstanding!  I look forward to the 2014 conference in St. Louis.   
 
Cheers,
Tim

It was a great time for all that attended the Conference.  I really enjoyed the trip to Patriots Point on Wednesday and the tour of Fort Sumter and the Hunley on Friday.  The presentations were excellent and the presenters definitely had a lot of enthusiasm for their topics.  There were also about twenty ship models on display.  The best part was meeting up with old friends and making new ones.  There were also a lot on Model Ship World members in attendance.  Like Tim, I am looking forward to St. Louis in 2014.

The NRG is excited to launch our latest program focusing on advancing the art of ship modeling through research.  The Ship Model Grant Program was developed to provide ship modelers of all levels easy access to fully developed modeling projects.  We are seeking NRG members who can develop a thoroughly researched set of plans and accompanying monograph for smaller vessels and projects.  The details of the Grant program are provided below.   After work has been completed for all of the materials, the NRG will print the plans and offer them to ship modeling community at large.  The accompanying monograph will be produced in electronic format and supplied as a CD along with the plans.
 

 
To kick off the program, the NRG has selected the first project.  This first NRG Monograph will contain the plans for a plank-on-bulkhead model of the Hudson River Sloop “First Effort” built in 1830 (pictured above).  We have selected this project to set a standard for the size and scope of the projects intended for Grant program.  If you are an NRG member who would like to work with the NRG to develop other projects like this, read the details below and submit a proposal.  Should you have any questions about the program please contact Chuck Passaro at cpassaro@verizon.net.  The NRG Grant Program rules and details can also be downloaded from our website.  Visit www.thenrg.org today.
 
The NRG Ship Model Project Grant Program
 
Request for Proposals: The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is issuing a request for proposals for consideration of funding projects which advance the art of ship modeling through research.
 
Eligibility:  The Nautical Research Guild Grant Program is open to NRG members only.
 
Project Description:   The NRG will award $750 to $2500 for individual projects that provide original research and plans for small ship modeling projects.  In addition, up to 10% of each sale will be awarded for the exclusive rights to publish and sell the completed published work in either print or electronic format.  Grant amounts will be determined by the NRG Board of Directors based on the size and scope of the accepted proposal.  Finished monographs and plans will be offered and branded by the NRG and copyrights will be maintained by the NRG.  All credit will be given to the author.
Each project proposed must be model ship related with research obtained from primary or secondary sources. Projects are to be for scratch built/semi-scratch built models.  Monographs must contain a section on history and research as well as a “how-to” for the model builder.  The monograph must also be accompanied with a set of plans to allow building of the project, produced electronically with the intention of being printed by the NRG for sale.
 
Project Specifications:
Plank on bulkhead, plank on frame, and solid hull are all acceptable building methods.
 
Other building methods will be reviewed by the Board for appropriateness.
The recipient must include plans to build the model and a corresponding monograph of 70 to 100 pages depending on the scope of the subject matter, with bibliography of all sources used.
 
Preference will be given to smaller projects: For example small cutters, launches, brigs, sloops, tugs, cross section models, battle stations, dioramas etc.  The NRG is NOT looking for larger vessels such as frigates, ship of the line, battleships etc.
 
Projects should take the average builder between 3 to 8 months to complete.
 
Projects can be directed toward the beginner, intermediate or advanced ship
modelers.
 
The monograph must be delivered in MS word format and the plans delivered in PDF format.
 
Grant awards will be administered in installments with the dates and amounts of payment determined by the NRG, and final payment being made upon delivery and review of the project by the NRG Board.
 
The NRG reserves the right to stop further payments and advancement of the project upon assessing the author’s progress.
 
Failure to complete the project in a timely manner may result in the cancellation of the project by the Board without further payment.
 
All proposals must be sent to :  Nautical Research Guild, 237 S Lincoln St, Westmont, IL 60559 or by email to info@thenauticalresearchguild.org
 
Information Required at the Time of Submission:
 
Proposal must include applicant Name, Address, Phone and E-Mail address.
 
Project Abstract:  Applicants must submit an abstract of less than 200 words describing the proposed project, including what level of builder it will be directed towards. Identify how it will enhance the knowledge and skill of the model builder.
 
Approach: List all equipment and materials required to complete the project.
Milestone Schedule: An activity schedule should be submitted for the duration of your research for project delivery.  Starting with month one and concluding with the project delivery date.  Expect to give the Board frequent updates based on this schedule (i.e. monthly, quarterly etc.)  Grant projects must NOT take the applicant longer than 14 months to complete once accepted.
 
Cost Summary: Detail all costs to be incurred for the project up to its delivery, including but not limited to equipment purchases, materials, information technology needs and software, travel, and research.  Prepare your budget carefully and make it as detailed as possible. 

Nope...we really dont have a timeline but I can tell you that the plans are all drafted and the model prototype is currently under construction.   If you are are a member of the guild,  we will be providing updates on teh status of these projects in the Journal and in the newsletter.  
 
But we arent finished announcing our new programs yet.   There is one more that we will be announcing very soon.  So stay tuned.   Greg Herbert is heading up teh other program so I will let him announce that one.   The Board is very excited and passionate about the new direction the Guild is going in.   Should anyone have a question,  dont hesitate to ask me.
 
Chuck

Nope...we really dont have a timeline but I can tell you that the plans are all drafted and the model prototype is currently under construction.   If you are are a member of the guild,  we will be providing updates on teh status of these projects in the Journal and in the newsletter.  
 
But we arent finished announcing our new programs yet.   There is one more that we will be announcing very soon.  So stay tuned.   Greg Herbert is heading up teh other program so I will let him announce that one.   The Board is very excited and passionate about the new direction the Guild is going in.   Should anyone have a question,  dont hesitate to ask me.
 
Chuck

Dave..its really hard to explain this in writing.  But the general shape is presented below.  I use a needle nose pliers and just start shaping.  Each hook takes some time.  To make the end of the hook...just cut the wire on an angle so you get a point.  When I get rolling I can only make about 50 in a half hour.   Its a lot of precise bends.  The secret is to have a good set of pliers that has very small pointed ends.  The kind that jewelers use or watch makers.
 
This will enable you to get very small eyes and hooks.   The wire I use is very soft.  It wont allow for much pulling pressure.   You should only apply enough pressure to make the lines taught.  Dont over tighten or the hook will bend.  I use 30 gauge black annealed wire for small hooks.   Those for the 2mm and the 3/32" blocks.  Then I go up to 28 gauge wire for 1/8" blocks and 5/32" blocks.
 
I plan to start making them for sale as well but like I said it takes a lot of time to churn out many of them and keep the shape and size consistent.
 
Chuck
 

 
Here is a look at Gary's Alfred that shows the hooks on his rigged cannon.  These are large ones for 5/32" blocks.
 

 
I will try and make a few tonight in intervals and take some pictures.  But I am sure it will be tough to follow how it was done and with what hand movements.
 
Chuck

Looks like Fort Sumter will be open for you, Chuck. I think you will find it a fascinating experience if you haven't been before. The boat ride out and back is also super. Enjoy
 
Best
Jaxboat

The CONFERENCE

Check out the Conference details on the NRG website.  There are some great speakers, Interesting tours, Technical modeling sessions, and much more.  I think you will recognize many of the speakers from right here on MSW.  I am looking forward to it very much...especially seeing the CSS Hunley

http://www.thenrg.org/2013-nrg-charleston-conference-details.php

 

THE HOTEL

The Crowne Plaza Charleston Conference Hotel will be home base for the Conference. We have arranged a great room rate of $109 for singles and $119 for doubles – the low room rates include the morning Breakfast Buffet.  We have arranged for these great room rates to be available for three days before and after the event for those wanting to extend their time in Charleston.

The hotel has free airport shuttle and their shuttle will also take us to and from some of the 30+ restaurants in the immediate area, though the food at the hotel is both good and affordable. 

The hotel is adjacent to the large Tangier Outlet Mall where bargains abound and the hotel’s shuttle will be available to and from the Mall. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Chuck

NRG Director

 

Chuck
 
Good luck with the Conference - I know it will be a first class affair with you involved
 
Wish I was there..........
 
Sam

The CONFERENCE

Check out the Conference details on the NRG website.  There are some great speakers, Interesting tours, Technical modeling sessions, and much more.  I think you will recognize many of the speakers from right here on MSW.  I am looking forward to it very much...especially seeing the CSS Hunley

http://www.thenrg.org/2013-nrg-charleston-conference-details.php

 

THE HOTEL

The Crowne Plaza Charleston Conference Hotel will be home base for the Conference. We have arranged a great room rate of $109 for singles and $119 for doubles – the low room rates include the morning Breakfast Buffet.  We have arranged for these great room rates to be available for three days before and after the event for those wanting to extend their time in Charleston.

The hotel has free airport shuttle and their shuttle will also take us to and from some of the 30+ restaurants in the immediate area, though the food at the hotel is both good and affordable. 

The hotel is adjacent to the large Tangier Outlet Mall where bargains abound and the hotel’s shuttle will be available to and from the Mall. 

 

Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Chuck

NRG Director

 

Looking very nice.  I just made a batch of 1.5 MM blocks...Special order for a buddy of mine.  Thank god I didnt have to make that many.
 
Chuck

Floyd,
 
I can't remember where I saw it, but in one of your table slots, fit some wood with an "adjuster" such that it is the distance from the blade of the plank you need ot cut.  It should be set such that's in front of the blade.  Put the wood to be cut against this adjuster and move the fence over.  With each succeeding plank, just reset the wood and move the fence.  It works very well.  I think it was garyshipwright or EdT who showed this in one of their builds.
 
What I'm using are two featherboards.  One in the normal mount on the fence to hold the wood down.  The other is distance from the blade to the featherboard.  The plank comes off, I move the fence and wood to the featherboard and cut another.  Very repeatable and very thin strips can be cut.  The pic at the bottom is my setup.  YMMV.
 
What the others have said about the thicker blade works a treat.  If you're not sanding each plank, waste is minimal. The kerf is part the game as such and should be figured into the calculation when ordering stock.  I figure about a 50% yield for 1/16" planks for ordering.  Yield is higher depending on how quickly I can dial in the featherboard distance.
 

Chuck,
 
I don't know enough to comment, however you are on my list when its time to order rope. After seeing so many awesome builds here, I know that the kit provided ropes just won't do. Glad to be of future support.
 
PS: Your new lanterns look awesome, but wrong century for my current build (:-(
 
R/   Michael

Thanks.
 
I temporary turned my attention to make the aft hatch and grating. Making gratings was one of the things I've been looking forward to making. I finally got around to set up my table saw to make the notched battens, it was actually less difficult than I had imagined. In the end I didn't use the special sled I had made, but just a regular cross sled with a small batten off set from the blade to make repeated cuts. I had to adapt the coamings to let the bitt pins pass. 
 
A big batch of notched battens were made so I only need to do this once and have good supply to make all the gratings.
 

 

 

 
The nails are simulated with a graphite tipped needle, just like I did on the mast tops.
 

 
Remco

Thank you gentlemen!!!  
 
I will be be away next week at the NRG conference so I am afraid I probably wont be as responsive next week.  I really appreciate the support and business.  I am now experimenting with possible ways to make deadeyes as well.  It may fail miserably but what the heck.  I get all kinds of crazy ideas that pop into my head at night.  Drives my wife crazy.
 
Chuck

Thinner blades will bend and warp and cause deflection as the saw works its way through the sheet.  This creates an inconsistent thickness when you cut your planks.  I only use thin blades like that when cutting sheets that are 1/32" thick or 1/16" thick.  For all thicker sheets I will go up to a .032 blade kerf.  Yes... you do loose some wood with each cut but you will have fewer bad planks and it ends up being a wash.  It is also super important to make sure you have a squared up sheet before you start.  If the edge that is against the fence is a little wavy initially,  it will take several cuts to even it out.
 
Chuck

Thinner blades will bend and warp and cause deflection as the saw works its way through the sheet.  This creates an inconsistent thickness when you cut your planks.  I only use thin blades like that when cutting sheets that are 1/32" thick or 1/16" thick.  For all thicker sheets I will go up to a .032 blade kerf.  Yes... you do loose some wood with each cut but you will have fewer bad planks and it ends up being a wash.  It is also super important to make sure you have a squared up sheet before you start.  If the edge that is against the fence is a little wavy initially,  it will take several cuts to even it out.
 
Chuck

Have a fun and productive trip.  We'll keep a stern light burning for you.

Well I placed an order with Chuck last night had a couple of questions that I PM got a fast response back including a note that would not get a chance to fill the order till Sat the 12th, earlier than what i expected. Got home from work to a PM that the order was completed toady!! Woo Hoo!
Thanks Chuck!!
Sam

Very nice hooks.  I know how small these actually are and how finicky it is to make the hooks and strop them.  Here are some of my blocks with hooks.  The bottom block is a 2mm.  The two above that are 3/32".   This is about as small as I can make a reasonably good looking hook.
 
Chuck
 

At request of the family...we will close this topic.  Rest in peace John.
 
Chuck

Hamilton: I don't have any photos and don't have the model anymore. The Unicorn framing provided an approximation of the hull shape and in those days I wasn't quite as concerned as I would be today.
 
Back to Essex. I did a few easy things prior to planking. First, I added some additional framing at the stern to frame the doors to the quarter galleries. I'm considering showing the great cabin in some level of detail and also scratch building the quarter galleries. This framing will allow me those options down the road. Next, I painted the area of the lower deck cut outs with Pollyscale engine black. I then made and installed the sections of lower deck planking to fit the cut outs. The deck planking is holly (as will be all of the deck planking). The caulking is simulated by pencil on one edge of each plank. It's finished with Wipe On Poly. Lastly, I painted the inside and edges of the gun ports with Pollyscale AT&SF red.
 
I've decided to begin the planking with the upper outer hull. Full speed ahead!
 
Bob

Why not try a brig like the MS Syren, or Niagara.
Or one of the Caldercraft collection (Supply, Badger, Cruizer, Mars or Jalouse). Or if you want, the Amati Mercury. If you feel up to it go for three masts, the Amati HMS Fly or Pegasus, or the Caldercraft HMS Snake.
 
All good high quality kits with a sizeable following
On MSW.
 
Amati follows the same construction style as Caldercraft so they would be a good warm up/prep for what you would experience with the CC Vic.
 
Andy