Alec Hosterman

Just a quick update. Been busy teaching since the semester started last week, so I haven't had much time to work on the kit. However I (finally) started putting on the hull a few days ago. The first two rows are attached while the third is drying. I soak them for about 30 minutes then put them into place, letting them dry overnight. It's been a fairly good process but I did break two planks on the other side because I didn't curve them enough so when I went to pin them in they broke. Not a biggie - I'll just use them on the bottom where I need shorter strips. In the meantime I worked and completed the hatch. After putting it together I found myself picking up some really fine-nosed tweezers! Sometimes I think I should pick up an easier kit to learn on and set this one aside for the time being. But then I realize I'd make those same mistakes with that one so I'm continuing with the Virginia. However I think my second kit will be something that has more detailed instructions!

Many thanks for the tip! I've added a note to my instructions to check out your post again when I get to that point.

I was wondering how the glue would interact with it. Good to hear it's only a bit of stripping and not a lot. Thanks!

Yes, that does - thank you! My guess is this will inevitably sit on a shelf in my office so I don't think they'll be handled (much). Going to try the Tamiya paints and see how that turns out.

Actually Wallace, I think I have a question. I noticed the metal pieces are painted bronze or black. What paint brand is best to use? Any preference? From my model kit days, I used to use Testors or Tamiya. Are these good to use or is there one better for these pieces?

I decided to take the plunge to see if I could put together a wooden model ship kit. Apparently it's in my genes. My great grandfather once acquired blueprints from the Library of Congress to build a scale version of the Sovereign of the Seas. I'm definitely not reaching that high yet. Alas, I'm also not one to start with something simple. Nope. I like to know I'll get a challenge or two and expand my selection of colorful metaphors when confused. I went with the Artesania Latina Virginia 1819 kit. I really enjoy the look of it and thought it might reside in my office at work. So here she is thus far. I'm taking my time and enjoying figuring out how something is done. For instance, I looked at different ways to approach the deck planks. I opted to avoid going with the long deck planks. Rather, I went with 10mm sections and at first tried to alternate placement to give it a more realistic look but somehow I lost my place. Thus, it's a wee bit off. That's okay. I figured this is the ship I'm going to learn on so there will be more mistakes. In the end I'll look at it like I look at my woodworking projects: "complete with flaws and awl." Now I'm reading about soaking wood planks and other options for planking the hull. Think I'm going to soak a plank, bend it into place while damp, and clamp it into place letting it stay like that overnight. The next day I'll unclamp it, glue it, and tack it down. It'll be slower but from what I'm seeing on other posts that seems to be a good method. We'll see. Many thanks for looking!

Many thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely taking it one step at a time and enjoying the process.

Many thanks for the reference PDF. It will come in handy!

Hello all. I thought I would try my hand at building a wooden ship, so after some research I picked up the Virginia 1819 ship from Artesania Latina. The directions are a bit lacking, so I'm hoping someone can help validate what I'm thinking. As such, here's my dumb question of the day: Are the paper-thin strips (the thinnest strips that come with the kit) the #16 "Deck, bulwark and upper stern lining strakes" that is listed in the manual? I'm pretty sure they are the ones for lining the deck but just want to be sure before I go on since they didn't label them per se. I'm sure there will be more questions as time goes on but this is my first. Many thanks!