Gregory

Senior ole salt, I noticed in another thread, you mentioned you were using the plans for the AVS ( ModelExpo? )

I have those plans, and they do not show any top-mast shrouds.

Are you using other sources that call for the shrouds?

Petersson in "Rigging Period Fore-and-Aft Craft, using a contemporary model of an ~1808 US schooner, shows the

lift passing through the shrouds..

However, there are no deadeyes or rat lines.

Someone with more knowledge, might know why it may have been different on a sloop,

and how sailors ventured above the cross trees on such vessels..

Of course, the model may not be 100% accurate either...

You definitely have the background now...

.......

 I have no woodworking background, so live and learn.

I couldn't resist snipping this from your post..

No woodworking background?

Oh, no..  Not much..

Beautiful ship!

I missed it if you clarified this above..

Did you manage to match the AL plans to a Doughty design if not a named ship?

I look forward to your progress on this kit.  It is one I hope to complete in the future..

 I think it would be fun to emblazon " Not The Dallas " across the transom...

Someone let me know if there are restrictions about linking to YouTube, but here is a little video I made

about my plank bender..

Gregory's Plank Bender

That particular piece was fairly soft..  It's the stuff usually seen in kits for 1st/base planking ..

I watch for splitting as I bend it, and sometimes flipping it over, reduces that.

I Have seen a lot of good ideas for making soakers, but have found I only have to soak about six inches or less.

The little blue topped container seen above, filled with water, is all I have ever used.  I can see using  boiling water might help.

I'll have to try that.

I thought I would share my little idea for plank bending.

I'm not sure how original it is, but I have never seen one just like it..

Basically, it is half the bottom of a large tin can, attached to a base board.

I place the end of my wet plank into the slot  and use a clamp to adjust the amount

of bend ..  ( I soak in plain water for a few of minutes, depending on the type of wood )

I direct a hot blow dryer onto the jig for about two minutes.  This is usually enough to dry the wood.

This picture does not show the wood, but it is there when the dryer is on.

I wait at least 5 minutes before taking the wood out of the jig.  It needs to cool before the bend is fully set.

I have the AL Surprise and found all of the comments here to be spot on. You may want to check out other kit manufacturers of the same ship (Mamoli I think). Never did hear why Jotika didn't launch theirs (too many "Surprises" on the market?). The prototype building log is still on their website.

Best

Jaxboat

For what it's worth, the Mamoli Surprise is a  re-box of their La Gloire.  Considering that the Surprise was a captured French ship, it would seem Mamoli's heart is in the right place..