Sea Hoss

That looks very good! Makes me want to invest the time and money in trying my hand at one!

Thank you all for your generous comments...I just have to stop adding stuff before I over do it!

Thanks for the comments, she's getting to be a popular model, lots of fun building her! Yes Will, the model RR sites are great for diorama components.

Fooled ya, got another update on my ECB... Got to work on the diorama and got the LED's on and working. Created some boatyard items to add interest. Still need to secure everything a little better and maybe add some rocks to the sand and a little construction debris. Eventually I'll get around to closing her up in glass and create a decorative top moulding. That's all for now. 

Very nice job on The ECB Andrew.

Looking great Mr T.

Thank you all for your kind words and acknowledgements. The Emma was certainly more complex of a build than I at first thought. I have and will continue to admire the other ECBs under construction! 

Well, I believe that I have achieved a point in this build that I can declare the model "finished". I can now focus on the base/diorama/case. I am generally satisfied with it. As with all the previous models however, I tend to zoom in on the areas that make me wonder if I could have done better! Visitors to my workshop assure me that it is "perfect" and they are amazed that such a creation by the likes of me is just short of miraculous! (this doesn't always quell my doubts however). But all in all, the overall look of the Emma is pleasing. So since the last posting, I rigged all the blocks and belayed them. Added the shrouds, jib stay, topmast stay and back stays. Attached the sheer bars and running lights to the shrouds. Then I  added some rope coils here and  there. I'm sure I will add a few more "do-dads" to the deck for some interest before closing up the case. I apologize in advance for the poor quality of the photos. My phone camera is sub-par to say the least. 

I could see from the start of this model that the manual was vague and that the plans were sometimes wrong. I just opted to do what seemed "right" when confronted with a dilemma.

Looking really good Andrew, the details are impressive.

Hey there, got some more progress to share on ECB. After stepping the mast I began adding the boom and gaff. Connected the jaws to the mast with the parrels, then began rigging the blocks. Then I just let them hang there until I get further along with the standing rigging. When all that is completed, I can look everything over and finalise the the rigging and belaying all the running ends properly. Next, I focused on the shrouds. Quite straight forward. It was actually nice to work these at a larger scale than most of the ones I've previously done, (and no ratlines!). I will also neaten up the deadeye lanyards eventually. Next up is the jib stay, topmast stay and topmast back stays. Then the end will be in sight. Permanently mount her to the base and finish the diorama. Eventually, I plan on enclosing everything in glass. 

Thanks Rich. I have to give credit to a fellow modeller for the bristle idea. (I forget who it actually was). But I know lots of guys here use black mono filament also. I just noticed; you are a fellow Mass. guy, where abouts? Also your Connie is coming along beautifullly.

Yes, I believe you are right about the 3 planks making up "the king plank". What appears to be two in the center is actually one with the center line down the middle. 

Thank you Yves, much appriciated. I enjoy your work also.

Stepped the mast and used wedges to get the proper rake and stability while I added the boom and topping lift and blocks. Also the main sheet set up and blocks were added. The boom was secured to the mast with a parrel bead rig. The parrel beads were not supplied with the kit so I purchased some 3/32 black glass beads at the local Michael's. They look just fine. I made the dicision to wait on rigging the shouds etc. until I got the boom/ gaff on as I could see it would be easier without them in my way. Before I put on the gaff a little distraction popped up. I had been meaning to add simulated treenails to the "newly" added hull planks. This I did by drilling holes in the appropriate spots, then, I harvested some black bristles from one of my hair brushes, dabbed in CA and pushed into the holes. Then after the glue cured, sliced off the excess with a sharp #11 blade. I think they look convincing. Now I can resume installing the gaff and the rest of the rigging. Also, I have been working on the base for the diorama. It will include a 3/16+ slot around the perimeter for the glass which will enclose it. Well, that's all for now... Thanks for looking and the comments and likes. 

Very nice stuff!

Absolutely! After all that intricate and amazing work, I would find a way to be able to remove the lids to show it.

Hello there, got some more  to post on the ECB. Began putting together the building ways. Cut various length timbers and stained them to look creosote soaked and bashed up a bit. Laid them out to try to keep the waterline as level as possible then put them together with brads and glue. The plywood base that I was going to use turned out to be a little small lengthwise so I'll need to make another. Then I can permenantly mount her and finish the diorama. Still a lot of little odds and ends to do before I'll attach the mast and boom/gaff and rigging. Details-details!

Well done and well written!

Well, it's been a few weeks and I've been working on the boom and  gaff. Putting as many blocks and such on while they are still detached from the mast. It's been a little slow going due to it being summer and all the usual activities associated with it. The actual boom and gaff were not much of a problem. I used the "poor mans lathe" to shape the tapers and used my instument to check the diameters. I'm happy with them... The metal work I did my best. It looks "reasonably acceptable" to me. I gave up on the intricate forming and soldering with the mast, the pieces are just too small. So, I simply replicated what I was looking at (artistic liscence applied here). But all together, I like it! If there's something down the road that bothers me, I'll fix it. I used blocks and cleats from "Syren". His stuff is so nice! (thanks Chuck). I have lots of various thicknesses and colors of scale rope. I do intend on purchasing the "Rope Rocket" and "Serv-o-matic" for my next project. There really is a lot of detail and effort in this model. I've already been working on her for over a year! Next up, I'll be putting together the launching ways and permenently attaching her to them. I intend on making this a diorama, so a decent base and trim will be required. But I'll get to that when it's time. I've been following all the other ECB's on the forum and getting great advice and ideas, thanks guys! Well, until I make some more progress to post, keep up the good work modellers! 

Hey there... got more to post on the Emma. Been working on the mast here and there for several weeks now and got it pretty much completed. Just need to  add the cleats at the base and some minor touch-ups then apply a coat of matte poly. I found the metal work to be extremely frustrating and difficult. Soooo small were the parts to be soldered! I don't have much experience with it to begin with, definitely need some coaching and more practice. But managed to put something acceptable together, (acceptable to me anyways). Also, I ordered and recieved some fittings from Syren. Chuck offers some very nice products hey? Just some cleats and the various blocks needed for the rigging. Very nice quality. I wont permenantly attach the mast until it makes sense to do so. 

Nice!

Great pictures! They give you a real perspective of the scale of the thing! The patina of the guns and carriages is eye opening. Also, I didn't realize that the deck was so dark. I will keep all this in mind when and if I build a (another) Connie, thanks.

Elegant!

Looking like a well seasoned work boat! The twisted eyebolts stay in better too.