homer

Then I started on the Sky Light. Admittedly I struggled with this and was sort of happy with the end result. Fortunately I didn't glue it down onto the deck. The more I looked at it I realized it was out of scale and I just wasn't happy with the brass wire / rods. It looked sloppy to me. So, I tried several different ways to accomplish the build. There are pis in other build logs but none that really showed how they built it. My third try I decided I would build the panels separate then set it into the Proxxon X/Y and utilizing the vice to hold the panel as I drilled the holes all the way through. But first I painted the panel and then drilled it. I know the plans call for the rods to be yellow but I wanted to keep them brass. The whole thing went together well until I sat back and looked at it and one of the top panels is not straight. At this point I'm fairly frustrated and have to decide if I will use it. It's just sitting on the deck and not glued down at this time. 
 
I then installed the rudder and steering wheel assembly. I'll post pics of where I'm at below. I may start on the deck houses and think further about the sky light!! I'll post pics of the first one and the one I just finished. The last pic in the series below is the first one I built.
 
Also wanted to add... the Proxxon tools sure work well. In fact, I just ordered the Proxxon lathe from John who sells Proxxon tools. He has a web site and his email contact is " texxn5@gmail.com ". He is building the same ship and his web site details his entire build. It's been a great reference for me and he's a pretty nice guy. He put a special combo deal together for me! 

Then I started working on the Main Hatch, the chain Bitt and the Fife Rail etc. One of the two metal bilge pumps was broken in the package before I opened it. I know ModelExpo would replace it but I decided to use part of it, solder on another piece then mount it onto the pad below the fife rail. 
 
I just went to upload the pics of this and realize I didn't take any pics!! I will snap a few and upload them shortly! 
 
 
 
 

Moving on, I built the work bench, chicken coop and the duck / water pen. I did end up cutting off one of the handles on the grinding stone. I also attached the vice to the work bench but don't ask me why I painted it Red! I also thought it would look better if I made one of the work bench drawers in the open position. I'll post these pics below:
 
 
 
 
 
 

I've been able to spend a little time on the build in the evenings. I completed the Tri -Works, Cooling Tank and Scrap Hopper. Didn't have any copper sheeting to make the cooling tank so I used card stock and painted it copper color and then used some aging powder to give it a bit of a dirty look. I need to change the chain attachment that is seen in the picture as it doesn't go well. I'll post my build pics of these below:
 
 

I've been moving a bit slow on the Morgan build and haven't been able to give it as much time as I'd like. I've laid the deck planks, installed the pin rails and pins, cheek knees, head rails, billet head and have begun working on the deck fittings and the bowsprit. I will upload pics of the work completed to date. 
 
 
 

It's been a while since my last upload. Lots of things going on at home and I haven't been able to spend a whole lot of time on the ship. But here and there I squeeze in an hour or so.  I was able to spend half of today working on it and have some pics to share.
 
I finished with the copper plates and painted the balance of the hull black. I then sprayed a matte finish on it. Then I finished up most of the outside part of the stern and painted it. 
 
I then finished installing the Waterway and Ceiling Planks. Admittedly, I struggled with the Ceiling Planks and had to use a little filler. I then installed the Log Rail and Top Gallant Rail. Again, I painted the exterior black. 
 
I then installed the Lashing Rail and decided to paint the inside now so I wouldn't have to tape off or make a mess after planking the interior. Today I worked on the supports that will go under the coamings for the Hatches, Skylight, Steerage companion, Tryworks and Forecastle. I also installed the deck insert for the Windlass. If I recall, the width of the scrap wood used for the supports was about 1/4" wide. 
 
I'll see if I can upload the pics to this work: 

My build continues on the Morgan. I enhanced the ponce wheel jig to make the copper plates. I took a strip of wood and lined it with very thin strips a quarter inch apart. These strips are just a hair thicker than the copper tape. I then played two more thin strips on top of the two previously glued down. Except, I pushed them closer together so there is a slight overhang such that the copper tape will slide between the bottom two and under the top two. I then laid some more thin cross strips that I could trace the vertical ponce lines. I put these just under 3/4" apart and the others are line up guides. I start by running the ponce wheel along one side of the entire horizontal strip. Then, as I pull the copper strip through the jig, I make the vertical lines. I keep repeating the process until done. I only put one horizontal line because the strips will overlap slightly as they are being applied to the hull.
 
I've taken some pics of the hull completion. I also added the 1/8 X 1/8" waterway and sanded the top inside edge down. This will eventually taper into the ceiling planks. 
 
I have included pictures of the copper plate jig and ponce for making the plates. Of interest, I purchased chemicals to put a black, red, rust and patina affect on the copper. I did like the way some of them turned out but in the end, I used Acrylic pain with a make-up rubber do-hickey that my wife uses to apply her make-up (I think!). I would dip the soft rubber sponge thing into the paint, tap it a few times then dap it onto the copper plates. I had much more control of the coloring this way. If you recall, I posted a while back that I like the way the copper plates look on the Model Shipways box cover. So, I came close to that but added a patina look and while they are not the most realistic ... I like it and that's what counts!!! :-)   
 
Oh, while I was making the copper plates, I would constantly wipe with alcohol. Then, after the plates were painted I sprayed a clear matte finish onto them. This way, when I applied them to the hull, my prints wouldn't get on them. After they were all applied, I sprayed them again. I suspect they will continue to age as I've read on this site. So, we'll see what happens!
 
Here are some pics:
 

I almost forgot ... a few weeks ago someone was talking about making a more sturdy working stand for the ship while under construction. I initially made my finished display stand shortly after coppering the hull. But, during construction I tend to drip this and that and scratch it all up. Usually, I just refinish it after the build and before the ship is placed in it's display cabinet that I build. 
 
But this new working stand idea intrigued me. I took an old show box and cut it down to size opening the ends to a half circle. Then wrapped the ship in shrink wrap or plastic wrap so it doesn't get anything on it. I then set the ship on the box and shot that expanding foam, you can buy at Home Depot, into the corners. It filled it all the way up and after it hardens I trimmed it down and now have a perfect fitting stand!  

I then placed the Skylight, and began building the Deck House. Before attaching them I did a test fit of the Mizzen Mast and Spider Band because they sit very close and I wanted to make sure there wouldn't be a problem down the line. Seems you always have to think a half dozen steps ahead. 
 
 

Managed to finish the Main Upper Topsail Yard and get it squared, rigged and completed today. Belaying lines is getting to be a challenge....it's getting crowded...lol. Time to put the Magician's Hat on I guess..

HI John, sounds like you had a great vacation! I just read Lester's approach to protect and hold the ship during construction. Sounds like a great idea and I just might try it this weekend! I haven't been able to spend much time on my build due to a multitude of reasons. Still looking forward to using the lathe. I should probably set it up just to make sure it works. Anyway, sorry about your scratch. But there isn't anything that can't be fixed. It will just take some time and patience. I think you should very carefully cut out the damaged plates and replace them. Hopefully you still have some copper that's been laying around and tarnished at the same rate. Even if not, it will all blend in eventually. I usually bust something when I pull my hand out of the build too fast!!! Can't tell you how many times I've done that. 

HI John, sounds like you had a great vacation! I just read Lester's approach to protect and hold the ship during construction. Sounds like a great idea and I just might try it this weekend! I haven't been able to spend much time on my build due to a multitude of reasons. Still looking forward to using the lathe. I should probably set it up just to make sure it works. Anyway, sorry about your scratch. But there isn't anything that can't be fixed. It will just take some time and patience. I think you should very carefully cut out the damaged plates and replace them. Hopefully you still have some copper that's been laying around and tarnished at the same rate. Even if not, it will all blend in eventually. I usually bust something when I pull my hand out of the build too fast!!! Can't tell you how many times I've done that. 

HI John, sounds like you had a great vacation! I just read Lester's approach to protect and hold the ship during construction. Sounds like a great idea and I just might try it this weekend! I haven't been able to spend much time on my build due to a multitude of reasons. Still looking forward to using the lathe. I should probably set it up just to make sure it works. Anyway, sorry about your scratch. But there isn't anything that can't be fixed. It will just take some time and patience. I think you should very carefully cut out the damaged plates and replace them. Hopefully you still have some copper that's been laying around and tarnished at the same rate. Even if not, it will all blend in eventually. I usually bust something when I pull my hand out of the build too fast!!! Can't tell you how many times I've done that. 

Moving on, I built the work bench, chicken coop and the duck / water pen. I did end up cutting off one of the handles on the grinding stone. I also attached the vice to the work bench but don't ask me why I painted it Red! I also thought it would look better if I made one of the work bench drawers in the open position. I'll post these pics below:
 
 
 
 
 
 

HI John, sounds like you had a great vacation! I just read Lester's approach to protect and hold the ship during construction. Sounds like a great idea and I just might try it this weekend! I haven't been able to spend much time on my build due to a multitude of reasons. Still looking forward to using the lathe. I should probably set it up just to make sure it works. Anyway, sorry about your scratch. But there isn't anything that can't be fixed. It will just take some time and patience. I think you should very carefully cut out the damaged plates and replace them. Hopefully you still have some copper that's been laying around and tarnished at the same rate. Even if not, it will all blend in eventually. I usually bust something when I pull my hand out of the build too fast!!! Can't tell you how many times I've done that. 

wow that sucks.. its really visiable too...when I do mine I will make a protective cover for the copper by putting clear wrap around the hull cut a box down to size so it is just above the copper and then spray in foam sealing .. it will expand and dry that way I have a cradle that will hold the ship up and also protect the hull from that sort of thing till it gets put in the display case... sorry I didn't think of this earlier for you...i'll draw it up and send it to you maybe you can post it for your followers... also when you make the harpoons use twigs of the right scale so they will look authentic. I believe that they used straight sapplings about 2 to 2-1/2 inch in diameter for the shafts...rig them up and you have a really good looking harpoon....

Then I started on the Sky Light. Admittedly I struggled with this and was sort of happy with the end result. Fortunately I didn't glue it down onto the deck. The more I looked at it I realized it was out of scale and I just wasn't happy with the brass wire / rods. It looked sloppy to me. So, I tried several different ways to accomplish the build. There are pis in other build logs but none that really showed how they built it. My third try I decided I would build the panels separate then set it into the Proxxon X/Y and utilizing the vice to hold the panel as I drilled the holes all the way through. But first I painted the panel and then drilled it. I know the plans call for the rods to be yellow but I wanted to keep them brass. The whole thing went together well until I sat back and looked at it and one of the top panels is not straight. At this point I'm fairly frustrated and have to decide if I will use it. It's just sitting on the deck and not glued down at this time. 
 
I then installed the rudder and steering wheel assembly. I'll post pics of where I'm at below. I may start on the deck houses and think further about the sky light!! I'll post pics of the first one and the one I just finished. The last pic in the series below is the first one I built.
 
Also wanted to add... the Proxxon tools sure work well. In fact, I just ordered the Proxxon lathe from John who sells Proxxon tools. He has a web site and his email contact is " texxn5@gmail.com ". He is building the same ship and his web site details his entire build. It's been a great reference for me and he's a pretty nice guy. He put a special combo deal together for me! 

Then I started on the Sky Light. Admittedly I struggled with this and was sort of happy with the end result. Fortunately I didn't glue it down onto the deck. The more I looked at it I realized it was out of scale and I just wasn't happy with the brass wire / rods. It looked sloppy to me. So, I tried several different ways to accomplish the build. There are pis in other build logs but none that really showed how they built it. My third try I decided I would build the panels separate then set it into the Proxxon X/Y and utilizing the vice to hold the panel as I drilled the holes all the way through. But first I painted the panel and then drilled it. I know the plans call for the rods to be yellow but I wanted to keep them brass. The whole thing went together well until I sat back and looked at it and one of the top panels is not straight. At this point I'm fairly frustrated and have to decide if I will use it. It's just sitting on the deck and not glued down at this time. 
 
I then installed the rudder and steering wheel assembly. I'll post pics of where I'm at below. I may start on the deck houses and think further about the sky light!! I'll post pics of the first one and the one I just finished. The last pic in the series below is the first one I built.
 
Also wanted to add... the Proxxon tools sure work well. In fact, I just ordered the Proxxon lathe from John who sells Proxxon tools. He has a web site and his email contact is " texxn5@gmail.com ". He is building the same ship and his web site details his entire build. It's been a great reference for me and he's a pretty nice guy. He put a special combo deal together for me! 

Moving on, I built the work bench, chicken coop and the duck / water pen. I did end up cutting off one of the handles on the grinding stone. I also attached the vice to the work bench but don't ask me why I painted it Red! I also thought it would look better if I made one of the work bench drawers in the open position. I'll post these pics below:
 
 
 
 
 
 

I've been able to spend a little time on the build in the evenings. I completed the Tri -Works, Cooling Tank and Scrap Hopper. Didn't have any copper sheeting to make the cooling tank so I used card stock and painted it copper color and then used some aging powder to give it a bit of a dirty look. I need to change the chain attachment that is seen in the picture as it doesn't go well. I'll post my build pics of these below:
 
 

Then I started on the Sky Light. Admittedly I struggled with this and was sort of happy with the end result. Fortunately I didn't glue it down onto the deck. The more I looked at it I realized it was out of scale and I just wasn't happy with the brass wire / rods. It looked sloppy to me. So, I tried several different ways to accomplish the build. There are pis in other build logs but none that really showed how they built it. My third try I decided I would build the panels separate then set it into the Proxxon X/Y and utilizing the vice to hold the panel as I drilled the holes all the way through. But first I painted the panel and then drilled it. I know the plans call for the rods to be yellow but I wanted to keep them brass. The whole thing went together well until I sat back and looked at it and one of the top panels is not straight. At this point I'm fairly frustrated and have to decide if I will use it. It's just sitting on the deck and not glued down at this time. 
 
I then installed the rudder and steering wheel assembly. I'll post pics of where I'm at below. I may start on the deck houses and think further about the sky light!! I'll post pics of the first one and the one I just finished. The last pic in the series below is the first one I built.
 
Also wanted to add... the Proxxon tools sure work well. In fact, I just ordered the Proxxon lathe from John who sells Proxxon tools. He has a web site and his email contact is " texxn5@gmail.com ". He is building the same ship and his web site details his entire build. It's been a great reference for me and he's a pretty nice guy. He put a special combo deal together for me! 

Moving on, I built the work bench, chicken coop and the duck / water pen. I did end up cutting off one of the handles on the grinding stone. I also attached the vice to the work bench but don't ask me why I painted it Red! I also thought it would look better if I made one of the work bench drawers in the open position. I'll post these pics below:
 
 
 
 
 
 

I've been able to spend a little time on the build in the evenings. I completed the Tri -Works, Cooling Tank and Scrap Hopper. Didn't have any copper sheeting to make the cooling tank so I used card stock and painted it copper color and then used some aging powder to give it a bit of a dirty look. I need to change the chain attachment that is seen in the picture as it doesn't go well. I'll post my build pics of these below:
 
 

I've been able to spend a little time on the build in the evenings. I completed the Tri -Works, Cooling Tank and Scrap Hopper. Didn't have any copper sheeting to make the cooling tank so I used card stock and painted it copper color and then used some aging powder to give it a bit of a dirty look. I need to change the chain attachment that is seen in the picture as it doesn't go well. I'll post my build pics of these below:
 
 

Then I started on the Sky Light. Admittedly I struggled with this and was sort of happy with the end result. Fortunately I didn't glue it down onto the deck. The more I looked at it I realized it was out of scale and I just wasn't happy with the brass wire / rods. It looked sloppy to me. So, I tried several different ways to accomplish the build. There are pis in other build logs but none that really showed how they built it. My third try I decided I would build the panels separate then set it into the Proxxon X/Y and utilizing the vice to hold the panel as I drilled the holes all the way through. But first I painted the panel and then drilled it. I know the plans call for the rods to be yellow but I wanted to keep them brass. The whole thing went together well until I sat back and looked at it and one of the top panels is not straight. At this point I'm fairly frustrated and have to decide if I will use it. It's just sitting on the deck and not glued down at this time. 
 
I then installed the rudder and steering wheel assembly. I'll post pics of where I'm at below. I may start on the deck houses and think further about the sky light!! I'll post pics of the first one and the one I just finished. The last pic in the series below is the first one I built.
 
Also wanted to add... the Proxxon tools sure work well. In fact, I just ordered the Proxxon lathe from John who sells Proxxon tools. He has a web site and his email contact is " texxn5@gmail.com ". He is building the same ship and his web site details his entire build. It's been a great reference for me and he's a pretty nice guy. He put a special combo deal together for me!