RFP

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

OK, I guess I must be pretty easy (!)  I'm going to do it...
 
Heartfelt thanks to the encouragement... I'm delighted to see that there are other "grown ups" here and so willing to help.
 
I will do a build log, I can see that is the very, very best way to get expert - and sympathetic - help along the way.  It'll be a while before I start, I'll be in the setting-up-and-gathering-stuff stage for a while, not to mention the requisite and enjoyable research.
 
Thanks again for the warm welcome!
 
Rob
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

I agree with everyone ! Go for it !  I'm 75 now but did build the Morgan a few years back for a friend.  It's a challenge but looking at your Constitution model you are definitely up to the challenge. Open a build log so we can all follow along.

Definitely, go for it.  The worst case scenario is that you wasted a little money for the kit purchase.  But I think you will find that your skills are up to the challenge.

Rob, I'm 79 and building a Skipjack with my next project the scratch-build of the brig "Leon" (Underhills) followed by a scratch-build of a late 1800's tug "Alva B".
 That should get me into my 90's. Would also encourage you to find and join a ship modeling club. Good modeling................feathermerchant.

Absolutely go for it, Rob. Being 77 myself, I well understand the challenges of age, but that only makes each new project even more enjoyable.
 
Bob

Rob, model making is an affair of the heart and a journey of discovery.  It looks like you've made a pretty good fist of your Constitution, so if your heart says that you really want to try the Morgan, then I'd say go for it.
 
If you start a build log here you'll not only have your wife to encourage you, but the MSW family as well.
 
John

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett 

In late 1988, I completed a Bluejacket USS Constitution.  It was my second wood ship model kit, and turned out light years better than my first: Billlings' 'Jylland.'  I built the Constitution on the kitchen table, having to clear off and clean up after every session... no sense in making my long suffering wife suffer even more!  Also, I was working full time and doing house remodeling throughout the build.  I must truly be insane.
 
Now, some twenty-nine years later, I've run out of 'projects,' and my thoughts keep returning to another ship build... wanting something without cannons, I'm especially drawn to the Charles W. Morgan.  And here is where I need guidance, encouragement, or just a plain ol' sanity check (perhaps even therapy).
 
Today, I'm seventy seven and long, long retired.  My health is good, eyesight excellent (thank you very much, cataract surgeon!), and my hands are steady.  The kitchen table would not be needed in that I can set up a suitable work area in the 'office' of our modest home.  
 
But I've read and re-read many of the build logs of the excellent Morgan builders here and genuinely feel that I'm just out of my league.  I'm concerned about taking on a challenge the scope and detail of the Morgan, while - on the other hand - that's likely just why I'm drawn to it.  My sweetie-pie wife (of fifty seven years) is quite encouraging... she says 'do it'... saying that even I fail to finish, I'll have great fun.
 
So, I don't know... seventy-seven yeas old and a Charges W. Morgan.... seems like it might prove to be a poor combination.  
 
So, what would you do if you were an old geezer like me with limited experience?
 
Oh, I've attached a couple of photos of my Constitution, NOT for compliments (which it doesn't deserve) but just to show my general capabilities.
 
Thanks for your consideration and whatever light you may shed on this dilemma!
 
Rob Pritchett