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hollowneck

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Posts posted by hollowneck

  1. Proxxon MF70 Mill with accessory set of V-blocks and precision machining vice (PM40) - all in excellent condition. Approx 2 total hours of use. Original boxes for all. Great power tool, just don't need it for my model work now.

    $375 for all. I'll pack and ship to anywhere in U.S. I'll calculate total package shipping weight on serious inquiry. Paypal preferred. I have pics but you can also check this link:

    https://www.proxxon.com/us/micromot/37110.php

     

    PM me, if interested.

    Ron

  2. I found this kit to be generally excellent. I modify all my kit builds extensively (including this one), but a significant amount of this kit's components didn't need replacing. I did NOT use the Kit's glue-on decorative (and very distinctive) printed paper patterns; instead, I chose to hand-paint them with much better results. For more accurate rigging, much higher-quality rope and blocks from Syren "upped the game" considerably.

     

    Englishman, Chris Watton, is a first-rate kit designer. Amati is a first-rate kit manufacturer. Despite not using the planking, decking and masting wood supplied by Amati, IMHO the Revenge is still a worthwhile investment for builders not enamored with "scratch." My Revenge now sits in a dining room and generates "high fives" - even from friends and visitors who know nothing about what goes into our fascinating hobby. I've attached a hi-res pic to see some detail on what I did to modify this excellent kit and how I've chosen to display her.

    Ron

     

    NEShipModelShowApril28.jpg

  3. Thanks Tasmanian! When I decided to build a Swan Class sloop I also decided to make realistic set sails and...convincing H2o.

    HMS Swan is now berthed in my dining room, having chased a few Yankee privateers away from the Maine coast.

     

    This a kit model, extensively modified; the basic POB lines of the skeleton (keelformer, bulkheads) were excellent. Ditto all of the plans (17 sheets I recall). The kit is the HMS Pegasus from Victory Models (Amati's "high end"). It comes with extensive photo etch components including tiered decorations. I initially thought I was going to paint all the frieze work (along the bulwarks), but later decided that it looked better to turn the P/E elements into "carved wood" in order to match the stern and stem. All hull planking and much of the scratched top hamper is Swiss Pear that replaced the kit's wood.

     

    This photo you can see how I started the water base in the background below (layered 1" solid insulation foam, carved "swells")

    SwanSails01.jpg

  4. Chuck - Dave:

     

    Muchos Gracias to you both! Great timely follow-up.

     

    Chuck – when my order with Roman comes through (this was just a quickie web test post- conversation about supplier web sites), hopefully I'll then have a working phone number (and/or email) so I can ask some specific questions on a custom order.

     

    Dave —  If I hit a dead end here, I'll head to Germany for my Birnbaum - many thanks for this additional contact! Fantastisch!:rolleyes:

     

    Ron

  5. I also hope that nothing serious has happened, my fellow MSWer's.

     

    I've tried recently to contact and place an order for various milled pear pieces from Jason (Crown Timberyard); after no reply for more than 2 weeks, I tried Project Wood Source and, unfortunately, also no reply. I even placed an online order with Project Wood Source using their online e-commerce "shopping basket" PayPal link. Nada. Zip. No workee. PayPal is even asking ME: What's Up (with this order)?

     

    Neither Jason nor Roman list a phone # (not even on business cards)...

     

    I'm now contemplating ordering from Arkowood in Deutschland. Pain in the you-know-what, but I speak German. The shipping will be the killer but the milled sheet prices are reasonable and I expect the wood quality and milling finish will be high.

     

    I'll give this curious situation another week or two, then I'm moving on...

     

    Are their others who are reading this that would like to become my new precision milled pear and box supplier?

     

    I have resisted purchasing a Byrnes saw for several years ($600ish - including relevant accessories - can buy a LOT of wood). However, this situation may eventually lead me to heed Lord Vader's admonition: Resistance Is Futile.

     

    Ron

    CMMS

     

  6. An update, Mates.

     

    See photos here, from Victory web site (in Portsmouth). Indeed, the new color for the Victory is a weird hue of "pink." Actually, it's more a Caucasian flesh tone, or is even described by early visitors as " smoked trout!" I think it looks very "beige." Apparently, the perception of the color depends on the weather; if the sun is shining it's very fleshy looking and when overcast, it looks like Norwegian Gravlax! There is even an online question on the site asking for an opinion of the new color. 56% don't like it. I've voted similarly.

     

    This quote also: "Andrew Baines, the head of historic ships at the museum, said: "We are calling it Victory Hull Ochre. It varies in different light, but I believe it is close to a pale terracotta colour."

     

    According to the latest findings of marine archaeologists, this new color is more accurate to what Admiral Nelson's ship looked like. I'm not convinced it's wholly accurate.

     

    Pale terra cotta? Smoked trout? Norwegian Gravlax?

     

    Let's have our own online vote, eh? Comments?

     

    Ron

     

    PS I'll be at the museum later this JuneHMS_Victory_Before_3461711b.jpg.42b0c009b7397e05d639c065574a2673.jpg and I'll get a first-hand impression (and bring back some original pics for my Model Club's Newsletter).

     

    HMS_Victory_Pink_1_3461722b.jpg

    HMS_Victory_Pink_3_3461728b.jpg

  7. Andrew,

    Pink? Huh? Do you have any more information on this - a pic? This news must either be a cynical and late April's Fool's joke - or, the UK is sailing off the edge of the world, post-Brexit.

     

    I'm visiting the UK in a couple weeks and I'd love to take photos of a pink Vic in Portsmouth for my model club! I wasn't planning on going there, but confirmation of this could change my plans! I'd love to make the cover of my club's September Newsletter issue a photo of a pink-hued icon.

     

    Thanks for the additional info (from the restoration boss); it's clear that the principal decorative colors of the period were a creamy yellowish color. The particular hue of "yellow" was in fact, closer to what we'd today call, "ochre" -  a pale yellowish color. Ochre was the substance that was used to make the paint (whether used by painters of bulwarks or artist Turner). Today's (bright) yellow is made from chemicals that are substantively different and considerably higher in gamma (spectral content intensity).

     

    Cheers!

    Ron

  8. Jason,

     

    Excellent work, clean.

     

    I'm bringing my bashed Diana (2013) to the upcoming Northeast Ship Modeler's Conference and Show in New London this April 29th. The Diana was my third ship model and is still one of my favorites. Fully-rigged now, but I'm contemplating adding furled sails - job I think I can accomplish by the end of April.

     

    See you there?

     

    Ron

  9. Don,

     

    Thank you. No, I didn't do a Build Log. I have a handful of photos I will post in the Gallery in the next day or so. The model is truly unique looking, very colorful and has lots of interesting geometry, especially with full rigging (the mizzen and bonaventure masts with lateen yards).

     

    From her cozy spot in my dining room, my Revenge garners quite a few comments - and questions! I'm also a history buff (like many others here) and my answers can result in mini-lectures about the defeat of the Spanish Armada! Some feel sorry they asked... :huh:

     

    Zamuel,

     

    Thanks also...I guessed at the deck planking pattern. On locations for plank ends, I envisioned where I would have placed beams in the real ship and then carefully measured out from a datum point which I believe I referenced to the forecastle bulkhead. I use a product called "Minwax" stain. It's petroleum-based and comes in several wood "colors." (natural, oak, cherry walnut, etc.). I mostly use the Minwax natural stain since I prefer my models to present a look of the modeling woods I use - boxwood and pear, predominantly. I replaced all the wood in the kit (with the exception of the decking) with pear or boxwood. Once dried, I hand rub a clear satin polyurethane to most stained wood surfaces. This coat has a subtle reflectance and provides a practical sealing moisture barrier.

     

    This kit is definitely an advanced one, and I assume you have some experience. The instruction book is reasonably well done for the hull components - however,  you're on your own when it comes to the rigging sequence. Fortunately, the excellent set of plans provide a decent guide.

     

    You've chosen a great ship model kit to build. :rolleyes:

     

    Ron

  10. Greetings Zamuel,

     

    I used the included deck planking in the kit and cut lengths to approximately 20 feet. I've attached a close-up of my completed Revenge which you may find helpful. I use a "Sharpie" black marker (felt tipped pen) and run it (carefully) along ONLY one edge of adjacent planks to simulate caulking.

     

    I then use an awl for simulated planking trunnels. After the awl "pokes," I use a darker oak stain applied by brush over the holes. This stain is darker than the natural that I use for the actual deck planking. Remember that the butt ends of the deck planking should terminate where beams would be located.

     

    This was a wonderful and fun project. I'm certain you'll experience the same.

     

    Good Luck.

    Ron

    post-31-0-46771600-1480523826_thumb.jpg

  11. Chris,

     

    Thanks for the update and all the contributions, including some new studio pics of your excellent prototype.

     

    I am looking forward to Amati's release of this kit. What good news it is that you've completed the plans and instructions - and that Amati is now working on the components. 

     

    As you've seen here over the last few weeks (since you "popped back-up" in this forum), there is still considerable interest in your new Vic. Your explanations of some of the models' details are much appreciated by many. Seeing an in-progress shot of the "New" Prince is also encouraging.

     

    Great to know you're working on keeping fit. Chipping away at the “stones” is good - and we Watton-Watchers are eagerly awaiting the additional pounds that will inevitably show-up in the Amati Victory kit box! ;)

     

    Ron

  12. Chris,

    No idea - zip - nada. I wish there was some news, one way or the other. I also have queried the owner of Cornwall Model Boats to keep me updated on news from Amati when the Vic actually happens.

     

    When distributor/resellers know something, then us (internationally-aware) modelers will get the info pretty quickly. Like all manufacturers, Amati will fill the "pipeline" when they actually have something to ship.

     

    For now, those of us who want to build this monster just need to keep a dry towel handy...to catch the drool. :huh::P 

     

    Ron

  13. Chris,

     

    You're most welcome. Glad you checked-out Cornwall. Keep an eye on the US posted price as it moves with the exchange rate, currently listing the Vic at $801. As I recommended previously, opt for the standard Royal Mail delivery (through the USPS here). This is a real bargain, a direct result of the ill-advised Brexit.

    -----------

    PS to dafi: the Heller kit is excellent too, especially with all your upgrades and extensive notes here (and other forums) on bashing it. If Chris is looking for a plastic build then there really is no other choice. However, for a wood(en) model kit, it's Caldercraft until Amati's Watton-designed Victory becomes available.

     

    Good luck- don't forget to search for member builds here!

    Ron

  14. Mark,

     

    I will post some photos along the way, but not a full build log. The La Real is my "Winter Project" and I'll post progress pics with brief notes. As many here already know, doing a decent build log with good notes/explanations/photos will roughly double the actual build time for nearly any project. I want to have a completed model ready-to-go by next April, an 8-month turnaround. I like to keep my model builds to not longer than a year, ideally 8-9 months works best for me - from an interest point-of-view, as well as other competing schedules that inevitably crowd in on one's available time.

     

    Here is a pic of my last project which took approximately 8 months, a modified Revenge from Victory Models. This was fabulously fun to build, especially the decorative elements. I displayed it at the Annual Northeast Ship Modeler's Show last April.

     

    Stay tuned, I'll create a thread and post some pics for LaReal within the next 30 days.

     

    Ron

     

    post-31-0-36079600-1472853891_thumb.jpg

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