Stevinne

I built the Enterprise back before Constructo modified the kit. It was my first build, and while the instructions back then left a lot to be desired, I think it came out very nicely. The veneer covered any nail or pin holes used to secure the first level of planking. I used water on both the first and second planking (and on subsequent builds). I went to a thrift shop and bought an old electric coffee maker, and I had no problem bending the wood. On the second layer, I'd soak the wood, applyglue and then use my plank bender to heat the plank until the wood "took." I found this process pretty easy. I've never used ammonia, since I could toss the water or spill it all over my work bench without worries.

Enjoying reading your log. I have a Lynx waiting to be built, so I'm eagerly following your progress.

I found A history of American privateers by Edgar Maclay to be a really comprehensive, and readable, look at the exploits of privateers from the revolution and the War of 1812. I think it's an old book, so you can probably find it for free somewhere if you have an ereader.

Having built the plastic version of the V-106 torpedo boat, I always had a question about card models: Where does one get the fittings for things such as cannon barrels. Do you make them from card, buy them from a third party or construct them out of tubing?

I would recommend anybody who can attend do so. Charleston is a great town with lots and lots of nautical history. The tour of Patriots Point is well worth an afternoon. I saw the Hunley several years ago, when they first brought her up. Not a lot there to see at the time, but even then I came away impressed with the bravery of the guys who cranked her out to attack the Housatanic. I imagine the tour can only be better now that they have had time to excavate the sub, though it seems like they still haven't uncovered many of the secrets of her crew's final hours.

Although I haven't built either, I'd recommend the AVS as it is double plank on bulkhead and I think that is very important to a novice modeler. The first layer of planking is thick enough to give you good experience in cutting and fitting planking. Then, when you are done, you can take a look at the hull, use wood filler to correct any big problems and then do the second layer of planking, which is usually paper thin. It's easier to cut and with the experience gained from the first layer, gives you the opportunity to achieve a good looking hull. I'm not sure how much it would cost to purchase a set of thin planks to do a second layer on the mayflower hull, but you could undoubtedly buy the wood if you really like the look, shape and history of that ship. I also can't recommend Frank Mastini's "Ship Modeling Simplified" highly enough. MS plans are great, but I think Mastini does a really good job of giving builders a good overall picture of what to do and why.

Dang, I had a vision of the chase guns in pink frilly petticoats. Interesting discussion. I know in the Aubrey/Maturin books O'Brien talks about the gun names, so I thought the opening scene of MaC was cool. It's nice to read the real history behind it.

very attractive build. I second the comment on the carronade carriages

Very nice work. I love the Prince and wish Model Shipways would bring her back. Til they do, following your build will be the next best thing

Very cool. Thanks for posting

I sometimes think the too easy "entry level" kits actually discourage builders. My first build was a solid-hull America's cup racer. I was able to do it with little more than a linolium knife and the smallest bits for my hand drill. It came out OK, but I had no real sense of accomplishment and wondered why I'd spent $50 on a cheap wooden kit.. A couple of years later I saw a library display on modeling with Frank Mastini's book prominently displayed. I picked up the book, read all about plank on bulkhead kits and soon had an itching to build another ship kit. I read the Mastini book, which actually gives pretty good advice on picking a first kit. Based on his book, I chose the Constructo Enterprise, a fairly straight-foward schooner that's double-planked (which I agree with Mastini is a must for any first kit), but one that had lots of guns (something the little boy in me still demands). Now I in no way, shape and form have any wood-working skills. And I was really intimidated when Christmas morning rolled around and my wife presented me with what I told friends was basically "a box of sticks." But following the Mastini book (the Constructo instructions are terrible, although the ship plans are good) I was able to build a ship model that I was really proud of. When my father-in-law (who is a marvelous woodworker) saw it and began talking that he'd like to try a kit, I went to Mastini and chose the Bluenose for him. I gave him that, some basic tools and a copy of Mastini for Christmas one year and now he has one ship under his belt and is working on a second. So I guess what I am saying is that if I were to recommend an "entry level" kit, it would be something plank on frame that is double planked, relatively inexpensive and is either single- or double-masted. I would also insist that the new hobbyist get themselves a copy of Mastini, because I think good instructions and explanations of the concepts behind shipbuilding are key to a successful build. I think what happens too often is that folks buy kits and either screw up very early due to things like fairing the frames being left out of the instructions, or get discouraged by bad instructions and give up. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably build the MS Armed Virginia Sloop or Fair American as a first kit. I can't recommend the NIagara or Pride of Baltimore, as they seem to be single-plank on bulkhead, and I think the double plank is really a must for a first kit.But I do think Model Shipways instructions are so clear and do a good job of laying out the basic concepts of building that even their intermediate kits could easily be built by a beginner.

My neighbor is finishing up his build of Corel's Wasa. I stopped by today to take a look at it and we got to talking. During our conversation, he pointed to the yard for the triangular lateen-style sail on the mizzen mast and said something along the lines of he couldn't understand how the crew would be able to use that sail. It got me thinking about it. It's a subject I've never really considered before. The yard has always been on the starboard side of every model I've ever built, but what would happen if the wind was from the starboard side? Would they shift the yard to the port side, as I imagine they do on Xebecs and other lateen-rigged ships, or would they just let it push against the mast. Wouldn't the shrouds get in the way of working the sails in most cases?

River Rat, I know how you feel. For years, I hoarded the Recorded Books unabridged readings of the O'Brien books by Patrick Tull. First I did two or three per year, then, as the supply dwindled, one or two. Eventually, though, I had listened to them all. Then I began to read them. I would recommend you do the same thing, only backwards. Now that you have read them, go to your library and see if they carry the recorded books version. Patrick Tull is a master and really brings the characters to life. I think listening to them will open up new avenues of appreciation for you. I remember back, many many years ago, I tried to get into the series with "Letter of Marque," but I couldn't really appreciate it. Then I listened to Tull read "Master and Commander" and I was hooked. As I said, I'm reading my way through the series now. But in the back of my mind, I still hear Tull narrating.

Anja, A very nice build. If you're worried about one plank, I am never going to post any of my builds here. Yikes! Now I know what I'll be getting my father-in-law for Christmas. I got him the MS Bluenose a couple of years ago to get his feet wet in the hobby, and the darn guy has done a better job on it than I did on my first build. He also concurrently built the MS Bounty launch and it seems like he's about done with both. The Half Moon is perfect for him because he's something like the great-great to the 39th power grandchild of Cornelius Mey, the Dutch explorer who gave his name to our Cape May down here. While I don't think Mey ever sailed with Hudson (though my wife told me early in our relationship the family story is he was the navigator for Henry's first trip to the New World) I think a Dutch jacht would be something he'd enjoy building and now I can steer him to your fine build for help and advice. I can't wait to see how the rest of your build progresses.

Very nice and very interesting. I've never seen a card model of a sailing ship, so I'll be interested in following this build. What is the scale of the ship?

Very nice work. I really like the carriages. I look forward to following the rest of the build

I'm building the AL Le Renard. My biggest complaint was this pressed wood or plastic bow piece that I thought was just awful. The wood isn't great, but not bad for what I paid for the kit (less than $30 abuot 15 years ago). I'm hoping I have enough to complete the job. The castings seem fair, though the carronades do appear really simple and underscale. My first kit was a Constructo Enterprise, and I have to say the AL instructions, with pictures, are way better than Constructo's so far, though Constructo's ship's plans were good and matched the pieces. Overall, though, I'd say I got my money's worth from the AL kit.

Very nice build. I've been working on the same kit for some time now and I'm impressed at how well your hull turned out, particularly given that molded bow thing that comes with the kit. I'd been thinking about leaving the sails off mine, but now I'm rethinking that decision after seeing your ship.