hamilton

Back in summer 2017 I scored a serious modelling injury - a deep cut in my left index finger that severed the nerves and nicked a tendon. The results were not only the immediate physical damage (despite surgery and physio I still have only very limited use of that finger and it still causes physical discomfort to bend the last knuckle), but also that my focus on modelling drifted in the extreme - a psychological barrier that I have found it much more difficult to overcome than the injury itself! My modelling hasn't stopped entirely, but the model I was working on when the injury happened has languished (I think I've spent maybe half a dozen days on it since the injury), and I have not been able to make much progress on the other project I have on the go - a 1:64 scale Bluenose scratch-built from the MS plans. I hope to finish both of these models one day, but I felt like I needed a smaller project just to get me back into the swing of modelling. I did not want to break open a new kit (I have quite a few on the shelf waiting) so I started looking for a good small project that I could dive into. Then last summer I stumbled across a site that I imagine some of the MSW crew are aware of - Off Centre Harbor out of Brooklin, Maine. OCH came up in a search for small boat kits (full size) and I discovered this great video series that follows the construction of a 14' rowing skiff, designed by Havilah Hawkins. The build was conducted by an OCH instructor and a group of what look like 7-12 year old kids. It was watching the kids build it that I think inspired me to have a go at modelling this and as an entry back into ship modelling. Here is a link to the first video in the series - the full set of videos is available only to OCH members - I joined and discovered quite a few useful and interesting resources, but am otherwise unaffiliated with them. https://www.offcenterharbor.com/videos/how-to-build-a-beautiful-skiff-part-1-introduction/ OCH makes the plans for this kit available at a reasonable price (40$) - and the 5 sheets (of varying scales but with all necessary offsets included) are accompanied by a wood list for the full scale boat that also serves as reference for modelling the skiff at scale. The video series shows an adaptation of the skiff for sail, but no plans for this are currently available. So in essence this build serves a couple of purposes - first (hopefully) to bootstrap me back into modelling and second to give a sense of how easy or difficult it might be to build one of these things full size at some point in the future. I'll be building the model at 1:12 (1" = 1') scale and following as much as possible, the process as outlined for the construction of the full sized boat - with some modifications. I'll close out this post with an image (cropped) of the profile and plan views of the skiff. Enjoy! hamilton

Hi Ron Your Oneida log has always been one of my favourites here, so I'm thrilled to see you embarking on Euryalus!! It's already looking great - I'll be following this build with interest! Thanks for sharing hamilton

You've made a great start! Your Syren was really well done and I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes with this one. hamilton

Thanks for the shout-out, Gary - seems a lifetime ago that I worked on America...in reality this was the last model I brought to completion....since then haven't been able to accomplish much in the workshop between demands of work, family and some bug house projects (including constructing what I hope will become my new modelling workshop this summer so I can get back at it!!). In any case, your America looks great! What's next for you? hamilton

I don't know if there are any other ways of saying what everyone is saying about your work, Bitao - simply amazing! A beautiful thing to see the incredible combination of engineering and artistry, and such a broad a deep level of skill. I wish I could be your apprentice!! I would happily move to Beijing to learn from you! hamilton

I was not even aware that there was a schooner configuration of the Emma C Berry - I have this kit too, and will follow along with interest hamilton

You're doing a great job with Syren - mine has been languishing and this is inspiring me to pick it up again! Wonderful work hamilton

Looking great so far! hamilton

I can't show this to my kids because otherwise I might be pressured into making one myself! No time and only half the necessary skill! This looks really cool and someone is going to be super happy! hamilton

Nice work so far - this is one of the many kits I've amassed over the years that I truly hope to get to one day......in the meantime, I'll enjoy following your build hamilton

Thanks so much for making these available! I have the mylar plans, but these digital images will be a nice quick reference! Thanks again! hamilton

Beautiful work all around! hamilton

So it goes....some nice items here at very good prices....

I have this kit under my bench and am looking forward to following your progress on the build - such a beautiful ship - you're off to a great start....also assuming from the previous post that you're back home and all is well! I hope so. Stay safe and bye for now hamilton

Dumb question - does not shipping internationally include Canada? I would be willing to transfer postage costs in addition to the cost of a few of these items if you would be willing to ship north of the border.... hamilton

Just catching up with your build, WG - she's looking really great! Nice going! hamilton

Thanks for the clarification Druxey - these distinctions are good to know! I'm thinking of English vessels of the early 18th century (1719-1745). Thanks again hamilton

This question has probably been posed and answered elsewhere, but after a few searches I came up dry, so I'll ask here - would hatches & gratings have been rounded down to match the camber of the relevant decks? Thanks in advance for any guidance here! hamilton

Great work on the Bellona Harlequin - despite what you've said about "errors" - I think that the overall feel of the model allows these to fade into the background and (as you suggest) define the personality of your build. Glad you stuck with it! Question - is that your deck in the background of the first shot of the finished model? I used to skate when I was younger, but now have trouble doing basic things on my kid's board. Fortunately he hasn't taken to it much yet so I can still appear to be a useful teacher.... hamilton

Great work! She's looking nice hamilton

Great work Harlequin - quick question - how did you get the snaking done without distorting the forestay and preventer stay? I tried snaking on the Blandford but removed it because I couldn't figure out how to add it without it pulling up on the stays and spoiling their run..... hamilton

Awesome work Harlequin! Victory, Greyhound and Bellona look great together! hamilton

She's looking really great - clean and precise! Very well done hamilton

Very interesting Gregory: I built the old Mamoli version of this kit years ago, and I can see that the Dusek version has made some significant changes - most of which (especially the laser carved wood parts) seem to be an improvement. A fun little ship to build for sure and I look forward to following you the second time around! hamilton

Amazing work on the anchors, Ron! I don't think I would have gone past thinking about it and then ordering something "good enough" from somewhere. It's this level of dedication to your build that makes this one a favourite! hamilton