Capt. Kelso

Some progress on the whaleboats. Initially I tried to build these in an "assembly line" process. However, these are essentially scratch built and required research to determine which version to build. I found I couldn't simply make four pieces of each part without knowing how a completed one would look. Also, I started going down the detail "rabbit hole"! The more you add, the more you need to add. There's a lot going on with these little boats. After much trial and error, I finally completed a prototype and feel confident that I have as much knowledge and detail to finish the rest. One issue I am struggling with is whether to add furled sail or not? The completed ship will not have sails and I'm wondering if adding the sails to the whaleboats will look out of sync? Anyway, regarding the paint color. My research noted black and dark green were commonly used during this timeframe. Other information regarding a band of color along the gunwale I found in the previously noted reference material. I have found that Tom Lauria's series on Building a Whaleboat has been an endless source of information, inspiration and motivation. The series covers modeling techniques that can be applied to builds beyond whaleboats. There are references to building the tabernacle and its position which I was not familiar with. But are a key detail. While going through the series I learned how to make the oar locks which I feel add needed detail. There is also a "How To" regarding sail making I intend to try. Once I finish the basic boats, time to add the gear!

There are a number of posts regarding the use of a proportional divider for calculating the number of planks. You might find the information helpful.

The original set of whaleboats that come with the kit are rough shaped solid wood similar to the hull. The revised Model Shipways Kate Cory kit includes laser cut pieces you glue up and shape (similar to their C. W. Morgan). I decided to try the new version as it looked like it would be easier to shape. If that didn't work out, I still had the original set. So, I was fortunate to get a new set and used my Rotary tool to shape the inside. Thanks for the feedback!

After approximately seven months I decided to start working on my Kate Cory build again. I had put it on hold as a result of relocating and struggled with getting motivated to continue. It was hard to figure where I stopped and then, how to begin again. So, I decided to start with the whaleboats. I consider the whaleboats along with the tryworks as focal points of the model. The kit plans offer little detail regarding the whaleboats and notes they did not have a centerboard. Nor do they show any detail regarding a rudder. When I researched whaleboats with no centerboard surprisingly, I found there was a whaleboat, the "Edwards Boat" that had neither centerboard or rudder. You may be thinking, why go through all this research, just build a whaleboat! Sure, but which version. Kate Cory was built in 1856; I need to build boats consistent with that time period. As I went through my research material it became increasingly confusing and difficult to pick "one" design. The book "The Whaleboat by Ansel" contains a great amount of detail and options, for example note the variations in rudder and lions tongue designs in the photo. The book also notes that whaleboat design was constantly evolving, earlier versions did not contain items like "peak cleats", there are numerous mast head design variations, etc. So, obviously, there is no one design. Consequently, I zoned in on an old set of Marine Model New Bedford Whaleboat plans and used these a basis to build a prototype. My strategy is to build one complete boat, and assuming I'm happy with it, use it as a model to build the others. After shaping the hulls, I added the ribs using a strip of styrene as a spacer. The rest of the build is basically trial and error using different size wood. I have a couple of minor details to add and then paint. Don't underestimate the time involved in building these boats. They're small but have a lot of detail!

Welcome!

Nice job!

Excellent job! I struggled with this kit, but a good learning tool. Your results are exceptional.

Nice build!

Check EBay, Vintage Watchmakers/Machinists tools, I found a good Starrett. I have found some handy little tools in this category.

Excellent work!

Great job!

Looks great! Congratulations.

In addition to Elmers wood filler, I use Bondo Glazing and Spot Putty to fill "small" gaps and imperfections. Have used it for many years on wood and metal fittings. Its relatively inexpensive, comes in a small tube, dries fast, easy to sand. However, not stainable.

From my experience anything I have painted with enamel or lacquer white paint has "discolored" or faded over time. I was looking at one of my builds completed in 1992, kept in a glass case and noticed how the white paint has faded. I typically apply (airbrush) a coat of flat Dullcote finish to my entire build, hard to tell if that is the cause.

Welcome!