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Erik W

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Everything posted by Erik W

  1. Erik W
    Wow! Thanks for all the kind words. As far as a next build, my plan is to throw my hat into the ring with all the other Cheerful builders. I'm working on getting my ducks in a row now with what I need from Chuck, and Jason at Crown Timberyard. Erik
  2. Erik W
    It’s been quite an enjoyable journey. I started this model as a practice build, the idea being to use the build to develop my skills before moving on to a larger, more involved project. The longboat has been a challenge every step of the way. Being a practice build, I was committed to using the kit supplied materials. I learned that though I’ve used basswood for years, the low quality wood supplied with this kit set new standards for poor quality . . . The one upgrade I made was using Chuck’s scale rope, rather than the nylon rope that came with the kit. While this project started as a bit of an experiment for me, I quickly grew rather fond of this little boat. I think my results are acceptable for a first build, and the finished boat actually turned out to be a credible model in its own right. Being a practice build, there were several instances where I skipped redoing things I wasn’t completely happy with in favor of just moving on to the next step. My next build will involve only high quality materials, and the will to put in my 100% and do things over until I get them to my liking. I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this build log with their comments, encouragement, and ‘likes’. They have really helped contribute to sustaining my motivation through the more difficult aspects of this build. I’d like to give a particular shout out to Brian (GuntherMT), Toni (tlavine), Mike (Stuntflyer), and of course Chuck, who were kind enough to answer my questions off-line when I messaged them at one time or another. Mike (Stuntflyer) has been a real mentor to me. His longboat was his first ship build, and in my mind it stands as a sterling example of what can be achieved on a first build when patience and persistence are applied. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; it’s no accident that my longboat has nearly the same look as Mike’s. Lastly, I can’t thank Chuck enough. It’s your devotion to this hobby that has helped attract new members like myself. The Longboat is an exquisite kit, and just the model to whet the appetite for more. Your availability, not just to me, but to all members of this forum, is the type of attention that’ll ensure that this hobby continues to thrive. Erik
  3. Erik W
    Per, I admire your desire to scratch-build the lift rings. It's hard to get wire perfectly round! I was lazy and just used the pre-formed rings that came with the kit. Erik
  4. Erik W
    Thanks for the kind words guys! Brian, the quality of the rigging on your Armed Sloop Virginia was what I aimed for on my longboat, so I'm sure when you tackle your longboat, it'll be gorgeous! Paul, ship-wise I'm leaning heavily towards the Cheerful as a next build. I'm going out of town for part of January, so can't order anything until I'm sure to be home for delivery. Erik
  5. Erik W
    I added the oars, windlass handles, rudder, and grapnel (after reshaping, removing material, and cleaning it up). Now it's on to the base. Here are a couple preview photos. I'll post a bunch more when I get the base finished and the longboat mounted. Erik
  6. Erik W
    Wow. That's some delicate work! Your scarph joints also look great. Erik
  7. Erik W
    Per, I made my own hooks out of the wire in the kit. I just measured them. They are 4mm. Erik
  8. Erik W
    I should have everything finished in about a week or so. I'll post a bunch of photos with the boat on the display stand when it's finished. Erik
  9. Erik W
    The rope is untreated. I used Syren Ship Model Company's rope as is. I used 50/50 diluted matt medium on the rope coils to get them to hold their shape, and also to secure my seizings and knots. Erik
  10. Erik W
    I finished the rigging and their associated rope coils. I'm working on the grapnel now, then it's just a matter of adding the oars, windlass handles, and rudder. I had a small brass plaque made at a local trophy/awards shop, so the final display base should look pretty sharp. Erik
  11. Erik W
    Thanks for the kind words guys! Mike, yeah I'm on the home stretch now. I ordered a small brass name plate from a trophy/award shop last week. I think the boat will really look nice when finished and displayed. Erik
  12. Erik W
    Looks good Mike! If you're like me, this rigging thing is a totally new experience. In my own case it's a rewarding process . . . but is giving me an ulcer at the same time! Like with the rest of the boat, take it slow. I've gained confidence as I've progressed with the rigging. I'm sure you will too. I'm looking forward to seeing your results! Erik
  13. Erik W
    I attached the shrouds and stays. I'm enjoying the rigging, though there is a steep learning curve since I haven't done anything like it before. Erik
  14. Erik W
    Mike, It really looks great! I like how you've really gotten into the use of your airbrush on this build. I know you weren't entirely happy with the brush painting of your longboat. Seems like you've adapted to emphasize your strengths. Your perfectionism and the high standards you set for yourself are really paying off. Your build is incredibly clean and crisp. Being relatively new to this like you are, you are definitively a role model for those of us just getting started. While I'm at it, I've always admired your willingness (and this includes on your longboat) to pull things apart and start over when you're not satisfied. Your results show your high standards. Erik
  15. Erik W
    Mark, I just stumbled onto your build log. Impressive!! The Hahn building method intrigues me. I'll be following your progress. Erik
  16. Erik W
    Paul, Of the 4 models listed, I think you should go with the Armed Sloop Virginia as a second build. Like Brian said, the rigging is more complicated, which will get you prepared for the Constitution build. The Bounty launch is similar enough to the longboat that I don't now if it will really give you the opportunity to enhance your skills much beyond what you've already developed with the longboat. That said, anything you build at this point is just more practice for a bigger build down the road. Erik
  17. Erik W
    Paul, Well done! Your longboat looks great. I'm in the rigging stage of mine, so appreciate your advice on some of this stuff. Do you have any plans for a future boat/ship build? Erik
  18. Erik W
    I attached the chainplates. I used a ruler held up against the side of the boat to figure out the correct angle each chain plate needed to be attached so as to have a straight line towards the area of the mast where the shrouds and backstays will be seized. Erik
  19. Erik W
    Mike, What brand paint are you using? Also, one thing I've done in the past to make a durable finish on brass with acrylic paint is to put the parts under a hot bright light bulb for 5 minute or so, this basically bakes the paint on and it's less likely to chip (be careful with glue or solder joints). If you're having adhesion problems though, it could be poor quality paint. In addition to the above brands, Testors Model Master acrylics are good. You may also try a non-acrylic paint. They are a bit more hazardous, but generally adhere better. Erik
  20. Erik W
    Mike, I never bother to clean the metal before I paint it, and haven't had a problem. I rarely have issues with chipping. If I do, I just touch it up when I'm finished with assembly. Erik
  21. Erik W
    Mike, I used Polly Scale Engine Black acrylic paint. It has been discontinued. With many years of model railroading under my belt, I have a lot of these railroad colors. I'm not sure what I'll do when they dry up/run out . . . If you're looking for a good black acrylic paint for brush painting, Vallejo paints are among the best out there. I've applied them with a brush and they leave an even coat with no brush marks. http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/Also, Ryland Craze, in his build log, says these paints are good: http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/850-18th-century-longboat-by-ryland-craze-model-shipways-148/?p=368056 I've also used Testors Model Master acrylic paint with good results. Erik
  22. Erik W
    Well done Dave! That's a really nice gesture for your doctor. Erik
  23. Erik W
    I made the chainplates. They were a total pain in the butt! I have many rejects. I figured soldering would be the way to go, but the wire doesn't solder. So, I went the super glue route. At any rate, in real life they look perfectly fine. Keep in mind in this photo they are about 350% their normal size! Erik
  24. Erik W
    As long as we're talking about Badger paint, what marine color red did you use? Erik
  25. Erik W
    I made the rope coils. I made a jig using two brass rods, with the smaller diameter rod at the top and a larger one at the bottom. The rods were put into a block of wood that was covered with clear packing tape (to keep the finished coils from sticking). In order to get the 90 degree bend of the rope, I attached one rod on the top of the block and one on the side. I looped the rope around the rods and saturated them with a 50/50 mix of matt medium and water. Once dry, I removed the rope coils from the jig and glued them in place by saturating them again with more diluted matt medium mix. This allowed me to tweak the coils in place. Erik

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