Commander Bond, RNSVR

Yes, sir. That's me 🍻

The more I look at the build logs on this site, the more impressed I become with the impressive craftsmanship that is so common among the contributing artists. You have a lovely work in progress! My compliments 🍻

Hello! I am in the early planning stages for Model Shipways' Armed Virginia Sloop, and would like to eventually put a name on the stern. This is a 1/48 scale ship, so the nameplate would necessarily be fairly small, but I would still like it to be easily legible. I was wondering about miniature transfer letters? This would probably be a wooden nameplate, since the ship herself isn't particularly ostentatious, naturally. How have other builders addressed this? Many thanks in advance. Cheers ! 🍻

Thank you sir! Much appreciated.

Greetings, sir! My compliments on your brilliant craftsmanship. I started this model about ten years ago, was forced to abandon it, and intend to start fresh anew. Your work is inspiring.

Hello, everyone! 🙂 I am a longtime plastic model kit builder who began the Model Shipways 1768 Armed Virginia Sloop (using Bob Hunt's excellent Lauck Street Shipyard practicum) about ten years ago...I got a good start on the kit (first layer of planking done, plus assembly of various other elements) and then an untimely divorce interrupted everything (looooong story). I am a published author (see my 'About Me'), and have decided to re-attempt the AVS, using a brand-new kit and all-new equipment, even re-purchasing Hunt's practicum. I have absorbed the build log by the venerable captain_hook on this site, and will use it as a shining example of just how good this model can be. In the meantime, my goal is to learn as much as I can as I prepare to begin building --- I intend to start after finishing work on my current writing project, and will use the AVS as a reward to myself when done, by means of motivation. I intend for this to be my long-term 'old man' activity (I'm 58 now), and will do it as long as I am able. I am reasonably intelligent, patient and eager to learn, so I don't think I will be scared off by challenges. My ultimate goals are Moby Dick's Pequod, John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard, and the USS Constitution. I am fully aware that the first two will be very difficult to achieve, as they will require adapting existing kits (I doubt that scratch-building is in my skill set, or at least I'm very intimidated by the notion!). I'm also interested in ships like the HMS Bounty, the Mayflower, and the HMS Surprise from O'Brien's Master and Commander novels. So...my goals are likely ambitious beyond my skill set! 🤪 At any rate, I'm glad to be preparing to resume this grand undertaking, and I humbly hope for everyone's assistance. Cheers, and be well during this stressful and difficult time!