Capt. Kelso

Looks good. I really struggle with the smaller scale rigging.

Welcome!

You're missing the Marine Model Co. New Bedford Whaleboat! From my experience, the most difficult to build, solid hull. I don't believe all these kits represent the same version whaleboat. Also, different scales. Are you familiar with "The Whaleboat" A study of design, construction and use from 1850 to 1970 by Willis D. Ansel? I'm familiar with the Bluejacket, Model Shipways and Marine Model kits. None are easy.

I've finished approximately 95% of the rigging and need to resolve the Cutting Tackle before mounting the whaleboats. Rigging the Cutting Tackle aloft doesn't seem practical. Regardless, I can't find any documentation on how it attaches to the windless! So, the easiest solution is to stow it on deck. Other than what is noted in the kit plans I found some other reference material which I feel should be enough for me to piece together something reasonably accurate. If anyone has any other info to share, it would be appreciated.

Just finished the masts on my Kate Cory Whaling Brig. I regretted not having completed as much as possible prior to installing the masts. In hindsight I could have kept the masts in a jig, added the yards, blocks, footropes, eyebolts, etc., everything except the standing rigging. Basically, completed the masts prior to installation. I have built many models, but this was a real learning experience for me. One issue I found when I started the rigging was items that needed to be added to the masts overlooked after I installed them. There were items noted in the rigging plans not included in the mast plans which I then had to add. I should have fully studied the rigging plans prior to installing the masts. Best of luck with your build.

Added the Fore Royal Yard which completes the Fore Mast and finishing the rigging. I substituted 1/8" bullseyes for the fairlead blocks, instead of deadeyes, seized to the shrouds, found they were easier to work with. Without sails, not all the rigging is necessary but I'm adding as much as practical, looks better. One of the tougher rigging issues I had was adding the topsail sheet chain. First, finding the correct scale and one that works through the blocks. Consistent with the museum plans I've used a mix of iron stropped and wood blocks. For the sheet chain tackle I used 3/16" iron stopped. I'll also use these for the Yard braces. While I had some breaks waiting for glue to dry, worked on the hanks/rope coils using a jig I found on YouTube. After countless tries they seem to be looking like "hanks". The issue was finding a glue that works best. Found CA to be the worst, too stiff, not flexible enough. Settled on Elmers Clear, diluted. In the photo are a few I placed on the rail to check sizes. Still experimenting with different sizes. This is a relatively small-scale build 3/16", sometimes it's hard-to-get crisp detail. × Worked on the display case, just some finish work at this point. The original case I was building was made of Walnut but I wasn't happy with how it matched with the model (it will go better with my Skipjack). So made another out of select pine with Traditional Cherry finish. Now need to make a new base for the model to match the case. Regarding the Cutting Tackle, there are a couple of options. A document Richvee sent me, by Erik Ronnberg Jr. noted "Cutting tackles were customarily stowed down until whales were taken, although the tackle pendants were usually rigged aloft early in the voyage and seized to the main shrouds, starboard side, until needed". You could also rig the Cutting Tackle as noted in the kit plans. At this point I'm inclined to stow the cutting tackle on deck. Ratlines. While reviewing the document by Ronnberg, Rigging Specifications and Color Scheme, I noted a ratline variation not included in the kit plans. As an alternative to ratlines crossing all four shrouds, only the forward three need to be crossed, with every sixth ratline extending aft to the fourth shroud. This applies to the main mast as well. As crazy as it sounds, I may change over to this variation if it doesn't require much effort.

Have visited the exhibit at Mystic Seaport many times. There may be some helpful information available on their website: - Mystic Seaport Museum- Good luck with the build.

Impressive!

Did you finish the Battle Station?

Richvee. At this point I plan on doing the cutting tackle. Some of the bunt and leech lines aren't necessary without sails. Aesthetically it looks better with them, not sure how much I'll add at this point. It's starting to become a slow frustrating process interpreting the rigging plans. Thanks for the tips!

Rigging has been going slower than I expected. Have had difficulty at times trying to interpret the plans. Also, have been frustrated with shaping some of the lines to give a natural appearance. For example, the footropes. I applied coats of beeswax which helped shaped them, but they don't keep their shape. Hopefully over time they'll fall more naturally. If you're building this kit, or plan to, there is lots of tiny detail in the plans which is not obvious, like adding cleats to the masts for attaching hauling lines. Also, there are several eyebolts that need to be added to the cap rail for attaching lines. I didn't find these details until I noted them on the belaying points in the plans. A couple of "learning curve issues", attach as many blocks as possible, especially the Fore Course and Fore Topsail Yards! And I underestimated the amount of running rigging line needed when factoring in hanks and coils.

Very impressive!

Welcome. Lots of posts regarding the Model Shipways kits on this Forum. May be of help.

At 78, I'm a long-time ship modeler and have always considered NRG as my go-to resource. I've thought about the resource advantages newer modelers as well as myself this Forum provides and encourage everyone to contribute to keep it available! Contribute what you can!

Welcome!

Sounds like the book would have saved me a lot of frustration!

Actually, did not receive the book. I did get the plans directly from New Bedford Whaling Museum. Does the info in the book differ from the plans? At this point I am about 80 percent done with the rigging, between the kit plans and Museum plans I've been able to figure things out. Also, Tom Lauria's build on YouTube has been a tremendous resource. Oddly enough, I researched the build for years, even found old NRG articles from the 80's, no mention of the Ronnberg booklet. Nice job with your Kate Cory build. Thanks for the offer!

Welcome!

Rick, I'm unclear what you mean by "preserve the etchings/laser engravings"? Do mean still be visible after applying paint over them?

I finished this build in April 2025, it was challenging!

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Chris, actually I never looked at the paint schemes in the instructions and just saw the reference to "red lead". For a build reference I tend to refer to Tom Lauria's build. Tom has been very helpful in answering questions and gave me a paint mix ratio for green used on the bulwarks and deck structures.

Finishing the standing rigging, next step is the ratlines! Not one of my favorite steps. Decided to stage the whaleboats and am really pleased with the alignment. I've decided to add them last, thinking it would be easier to finish the running rigging without working around them. At this stage I plan on methodically going over the build and doing any touchup and cleaning before the ratlines. Fortunately, I already had finished the yards and boom. So, running rigging should move quickly. Will also start working on the display case. I love this build!!!!!!

You might want to search the site for similar builds. Welcome and good luck.

Here's an old chart I have. The quality of the copy is not very good; Hull Cream is not yellow! But it may provide some reference. May want to consider the colors used on whaleboats and Dory boats of that time period.

Where are you located, it will make a big difference on cost.