James G

Wow! Well done! I’d be proud of the results.

It looks really nice Gary! I’m just getting started. Busy cutting out the bulkheads and bulkhead former. Planking seems a long way off at this point. 😆Thanks for sharing.

Kevin, I received the various Lee Valley mini planes from my bride for Christmas. Absolutely love them and her of course! 😆. Wonderful additions to the tool arsenal. I continue to enjoy seeing your progress. Really appreciate your sharing.

Good morning! A rookie question for the veteran Winnie builders. Did you use lite ply or birch ply for your bulkheads and bulkhead formers? I have a supply of both and am wrestling with which ply type to use. I’m weighing the ease of faring with lite ply verses the strength and smoother cutting of birch ply. I would appreciate any feedback that you all have on the directions you went and why. Thank you! Best, Jim

Thank you Rusty! Along with the others, I appreciate your warm welcome. Also, I followed your tip on scroll saw blades. I ordered the type you recommended in your build log from SawBird. Waiting for them to arrive so I can start to make some sawdust. Finally, your Winnie looks fantastic! Hoping I can get close to what you’ve accomplished.

Mike, she looks great! Your patience and skill have definitely paid off.

JJ, your model is beautiful! The lights add a whole other dimension and enhances the realism of the ship. Sounds like building those cannons is something to look forward to. 😆 Hang in there!

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I truly appreciate it along with the offers of help and support. You already are keeping me out of trouble! Sounds like I need to steer clear of using birch plywood for the bulkheads. However, since I have the inventory, I’ll use birch on the bulkhead former. I’ll source a softer plywood for the bulkheads. Appreciate the feedback! Best, Jim

Greetings! I’m showing up a bit late to the party but hope this build log will still be relevant. I’ve enviously watched everyone’s builds since the group project began and have been working to improve my own skills to the point where I’m ready to take the plunge. I think now the time is right. I’m not getting any younger and after 3 POB builds of various scales I’m thinking why not? I’m pretty new to model ship building as I’ve only been seriously doing projects since 2019. I have grown to love the hobby and the quality of the work members of this forum post daily never fails to awe and inspire me. Ok, a few basics on my build. I’ll be doing my version in Cherry and will mainly be purchasing Chuck’s laser-cut mini kits. In fact, I’ve already purchased the kits offered through Chapter 5 to keep me busy for a while. I’ll be using birch ply for the bulkheads. I’m dreading the faring but wanted the added strength. I’ve purchased a scroll saw and already have a Jim Byrnes Table Saw. I plan on cutting my own planks. My wife and I are visiting our daughter and grandkids in Cincinnati now. I’m wrapping up an electrical project I’ve been doing at my daughter’s house. We return to Michigan next week and I then plan on making some sawdust. Thank you for looking and more importantly for all the wonderful sharing so many of you have done over the last several years. Best, Jim

My gosh that is beautiful work. We’ll done!

Another beautiful build David! I’m sure your friend will be over the moon with it. Thanks for sharing and look forward to seeing your next project. Best, Jim

Greg, Thank you so much for the response! Very helpful! Never heard of those applicators before but I can see how they would be extremely useful. Will save this for future use. Continuing to really enjoy your progress here. Best, Jim

Greg, the linseed oil looks great! Quick question, what finish did you use on the Emma C. Berry? Thanks for your help.

Welcome back, Dave! It’s almost like you’re returning from a sabbatical. Sounds like a fun time but I bet you’re glad to get back to the bench! Happy New Year.

Thanks James!!! A wonderful addition.

Beautiful model Rob! You should be very proud. I understand the bit of frustration you note at the end of the build. I feel the same way on two RC boats I’m wrapping up. Lots of little details that take time. However, mentally I’ve moved on to other projects I want to start. At times like this I guess it’s best to do what’s necessary and call it good. Thanks for sharing this build and all the best on your next project!

Welcome, Don! I have fond memories of living in the Ann Arbor area. We had a home in Chelsea in the early 90s. After retirement my wife and I returned to our hometown, Muskegon. I think you’ll enjoy this forum. Made up of a great bunch of people that are always willing to help. Best wishes as you begin your builds.

Looks like they all lost their heads and ate too much during the holidays!

I’ll take happiness over haste when it comes to the end product in this hobby any day. Sure enjoying following your journey here!

Very informative video, Kevin! I’ve purchased a couple of the Jim Byrnes cutting plates and had wondered which direction to pull through. Thanks, as usual, for your helpful insights and Happy New Year!

Beautiful model! Crisp has been used to describe previously and this was my first thought as I reviewed your pictures. You are doing an amazing job and deserve to be proud. Thanks for sharing!

She is so impressive!!! It’s hard to find the words to describe her beauty and perhaps more importantly, the level of your skills and craftsmanship. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you! I’m located in West Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan. The blizzard 🥶 is here!!! 30 knot NW winds, lots of lake-effect snow and 8 degrees. Perfect model ship building weather. Cheers 🍻

Very nice and congratulations! I'm sure he's going to love it!!! Merry Christmas.

A tough life but somebody has to live it!