David Rice

My work area is in a bedroom closet.  The closet has double doors which open very wide and allow me to pin sheets of plans, and other items to the inside and outside of the doors. I installed a table, one chair, lights, ventilation fan, and shelves.  The big advantage is that when I am done working, I just close the doors. No clean-up required. Also, by working in the closet, I am able to keep my projects hidden from grand children, and inquisitive cats.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

I have made a decision to purchase and build the US Brig Syren.  My goal is to become a better Wood Model Ship Builder. Learn the craft, and improve my work. I started building wood ship models 4 years ago. I started by building from scratch. With any wood and materials I could scrounge up. I completed 2 Commercial Fishing Boats. However, It was a very difficult experience for me. I became disabled, and have problems with spatial interpretations, reading, writing, and hand coordination. Four of my previous attempts to build a model ended up in the wood stove. The finished Fishing Boats are rough, and somewhat resemble folk art.  My next project was a scratch built replica of the Armed 14 Gun 1801 Russian Merchant Neva.  It took me 6 months working all most full time to build the Neva (over 600 hours). The Neva is a little rough, and I made many mistakes. Many of the  parts I built for the Neva were built out of scale. The rigging was my own invention! To my astonishment the Sitka Historical Society took the Neva and will display it in the new Russian America Museum which opens this summer. I have many pictures of building the Neva. But, I did not set up a Build Log. I was afraid that the quality of my work was poor, and worse yet, I was afraid I would abandon my attempt.  After working on the Neva, I felt ready to try a official kit. For the past six months I have been working on the Caldercraft HMS Snake. I must have gotten a older kit that had been bumped around a lot. Some of the wood was in very poor condition. Cracked and chipped. Some of the metal parts had broken pieces. So I tweaked the model a little.  I have been struggling with the HMS Snake. Being disabled, I am finding it hard to read the provided directions. My spatial interpretation problems makes viewing plans very difficult. I still can't rig a canon. That is why I have chosen to build the US Brig Syren.  I am impressed with the directions I downloaded,  and the Build Logs I have read.  I am hoping to become a better builder. The Syren is scheduled to arrive in 10-14 days.  Which really means 14-21 days to Sitka Alaska.   I'll start this log officially, when I start unpacking. At which time, the HMS Snake will be taken out of Dry Dock and put in storage.  Photo's of my past mistakes attached.

Does anyone know anything about the Blue Jacket U.S.S. Kearsarge? I see that it's a fairly new kit.  I did a search above, and asked Dr. Google, but I am coming up with very little information. No builds, no reviews, no real opinions.  Blue Jacket has a unpacking video, but not much else.
 
Any information?
 
Opinions?
 
Thanks, Dave
 

I bought the HMS Snake last year. It was my first ever kit, so I did not know what to expect. Nice to see that I was not the only one disappointed. I think as the kits get old, the wood dries out. Looses essential oils.  Then gets bounced around in a box for years, then cracks and chips. 
 
After I finish the HMS Snake........when ever that will be......it will be my last kit.  I'll stay with my scratch builds. 

I bought the HMS Snake last year. It was my first ever kit, so I did not know what to expect. Nice to see that I was not the only one disappointed. I think as the kits get old, the wood dries out. Looses essential oils.  Then gets bounced around in a box for years, then cracks and chips. 
 
After I finish the HMS Snake........when ever that will be......it will be my last kit.  I'll stay with my scratch builds. 

Thanks......that makes sense. 

Thanks......that makes sense. 

Should I leave my plank lengths as long as I can?
 
I see many people are using a single plank to cover the full length of the boat from bow to stern when possible.
 
When I made a scratch ship, I used very short planks.  My model was 24 inch long. I used 5-8 planks per row across.   I followed how actual wood boats were being built.  Which seemed to work for me.  But since it was my first build, I was not sure which was best. By using short planks I found it was easier for me to bend and shape them. Plus I didn't need to many clamps.
 
I am trying to learn the right way.

Thanks......that makes sense. 

Should I leave my plank lengths as long as I can?
 
I see many people are using a single plank to cover the full length of the boat from bow to stern when possible.
 
When I made a scratch ship, I used very short planks.  My model was 24 inch long. I used 5-8 planks per row across.   I followed how actual wood boats were being built.  Which seemed to work for me.  But since it was my first build, I was not sure which was best. By using short planks I found it was easier for me to bend and shape them. Plus I didn't need to many clamps.
 
I am trying to learn the right way.

I bought a Kit.   Caldercraft HMS Snake.   This is my first ever Kit.    Why are the planks in a kit installed full length?  
 
A wooden ship 106 feet long would be planked with numerous planks placed end on end to reach the 106 foot length.  Even the local fishing boats being built in my area are planked with much shorter planks. 106 foot vessel would require at least 10-12 planks placed end to end. It would be impossible to lay a single plank 106 feet long.
 
1. Per Kit directions, why are the kit planks laid full length?
 
2. Should I cut a full length plank into sections?
 
3 If I cut the long planks into 5-10 sections, would it make a difference in the build?  If so how? 
 
 

I bought a Kit.   Caldercraft HMS Snake.   This is my first ever Kit.    Why are the planks in a kit installed full length?  
 
A wooden ship 106 feet long would be planked with numerous planks placed end on end to reach the 106 foot length.  Even the local fishing boats being built in my area are planked with much shorter planks. 106 foot vessel would require at least 10-12 planks placed end to end. It would be impossible to lay a single plank 106 feet long.
 
1. Per Kit directions, why are the kit planks laid full length?
 
2. Should I cut a full length plank into sections?
 
3 If I cut the long planks into 5-10 sections, would it make a difference in the build?  If so how? 
 
 

Should I leave my plank lengths as long as I can?
 
I see many people are using a single plank to cover the full length of the boat from bow to stern when possible.
 
When I made a scratch ship, I used very short planks.  My model was 24 inch long. I used 5-8 planks per row across.   I followed how actual wood boats were being built.  Which seemed to work for me.  But since it was my first build, I was not sure which was best. By using short planks I found it was easier for me to bend and shape them. Plus I didn't need to many clamps.
 
I am trying to learn the right way.

We know all about the CSS Shenandoah in Alaska. It's part of our heritage.
 
http://www.adn.com/our-alaska/article/civil-wars-last-shots-were-fired-bering-sea/2011/04/17/