PohjolanMatti

Some progress for a while; I started sanding the first planking Now getting ready for some wood filler touch-up (planking near the deadwood got a bump with a too strong clamp..)

Thanks NateB. Yes, I have read diligently the build logs, also Nikbud’s which is very nice indeed! I also read your Santa Maria log. You are really quick in building that! I might try that model next..

I started by going through the kit inventory and getting familiar with the instructions and the pieces. All good so I started cutting out the keel and bulkheads. Bulkheads fitted just a bit loose and only small deviations here and there, easily fixed with sandpaper. I glued the bulkheads in straight angle with the keel and false deck and faired the bulkheads in shape for the planking. This all went smoothly, until I had to figure out how to do planking. I checked again build logs, guides, books, videos. After lots of measuring with digital caliper, I figured out that 13 planks per side are needed. I also need at least one stealer wedge aft, and may survive without drop planks at the bow. Then I simply divided each bulkead width evenly for the 13 planks. I tried first planking from top to bottom as per the instructions. I bent the plank and learned that I maybe should have cut to right size first 🙂. With the first plank dry-fitted, I decided to go from bottom to top after all as it seemed easier somehow. When I managed to glue in the garboard, I finally got into practice and routine of measure-cut-bend-glue. It’s nowhere near perfect but I am satisfied taking the time going slowly. Now I know what I should or should not be doing next time.

This is my first wooden model, so bear with me 🙂 A while back I started to look for a suitable beginner model. I chose a fore-and-aft rigged schooner — simply because I like them — and it is easier than full-rigged ships to start with (or so I heard). I read through many nice MSW build logs here and decided to go with the Artesania Latina’s schooner Virginia 1819. The model instructions were not very thorough or detailed for a beginner and some illustrations were unreadable. No worries, MSW builders had it figured out: e.g. Trufo had posted nice drawings for the rigging: The corrected AL instructions are also available thanks to Ramzister: To fill in the gaps in the instructions, I’ve found invaluable guidance at MSW and Mastini’s book ”Ship Modelling Simplified”. Another drawback: there is a known issue with the rudder. It does not fit as per the instructions. Some builders fixed the rudder, some fixed the stern post, or even the transom. I was thinking to make at least a new sternpost. Another alternative might be to drill the rudder post directly through the deck counter instead of passing the tiller through the transom. This idea I got when reading Chapelle’s Fishing Schooners book. I don’t know if I’m able do it, we will see. I may also try out some modifications where needed. As this is my first wooden build, I try to keep it simple and learn the basics first before getting into the deep water. After reading MSW build logs, guides and videos I felt ready to start building my boat. Here goes.

Moi Mikko, welcome! That is a Nice boat, the Dragen. I would also like to build one so I’m very interested in case you are starting a build log. — Veli-Matti (I just started my first wooden boat model, too)

Thanks for the welcomes. And yes, I will try to set up a build log. Let’s see how it goes 😄

Thanks! I’ll pay a visit to the shop next time in Stockholm.

Hi Marshall and my greetings to you, too! I’m also new here and have just started out building the AL Virginia. There seems to be many excellent build logs for this model to learn from the other MSW modellers. That was also one of the reasons why I picked this model. Good luck! I’d be happy to share some experiences building Virginia. Best regards, Veli-Matti

Hej Tobias, I’m also just starting out this thrilling hobby and curious of any hobby stores in the Nordics. Do you know any you could share? Greets from Finland, — Veli-Matti

Hi to all model enthusiasts! I’m new to wooden models and just starting out to learn the ropes of the trade. I came across with Model Ship World by accident and what a great community it is; I’ve learned so much already from the conversations, excellent guidelines and videos and I also chose my first build project based on these. I just started to build my first model - Artesania Latina ”Virginia 1819” schooner. I like the period fore-and-aft rigged ships and thought that this model would be easy enough to start with but also provide the needed learning experience for my future modelling. I also enjoy doing research so in addition to getting familiar with the MSW treasures I’m currently reading: - Chapelle, The American Fishing Schooners 1825-1935 - Petersson, Rigging Period Fore-And-Aft Craft - Mastini, Ship Modeling Simplified I hope I can bring some value to MSW in the future as I’ve already got so much from it. Any good book and model recommendations are more than welcome 🙂 With regards, Veli-Matti