homer

Hi everyone, I just finished building the Greyhound by Corel at 1:100 scale. I have placed a few pics of it in the Gallery. I just started my new build of the Charles Morgan and will post pics as I go!
 
I purchased the kit from Model Expo and have been a long time customer of theirs. After inventory of everything in the box I was short 30 pieces of 1/16 X 3/32 X 24" and short 2 pieces of 1/16 X 1/4 X 24". I contacted Frank at Model Expo and these were sent out ASAP no problems! They do indeed stand behind their product. This is one reason I like getting things from them if they have what I'm looking for. 
 
The Keel, stem and stern post went together well and were all very straight. I tried something different this time and won't know how well it will work or how clean it will look until I start planking the hull. I took the center keel before gluing on the false keel, stem and stern pieces and after marking the bearding line used my Dremel tool sander instead of chisel. Then I glued the remaining flat surface to the full-size stem, false keel and stern pieces. I'd appreciate any input if others have done this and if it worked well for you.
 
I then pre-shaped and dry fitted the bulkheads. Once square they were glued in place and I then did some additional bevel cutting and sanding. I suspect there will be some tweaking along the way. 
 
I then cut and installed the stern stems. Make sure you align the posts and watch the height making sure not to cut them too short. I then installed the Planksheer and even though I was careful I managed to break (several times) the part going around the bow. I then installed the stanchions and it's very important to make sure they are aligned and most important that when you install the mainrail (again I managed to break this very thin piece several times) they leave enough overhang so that it will accommodate the batten planks. 
 
I looked at a few other build logs at this point and of interest, after the hull was planked it was eventually sanded smooth. However, one would then have to add a fashion piece that is usually painted white along the outside of the plank sheer and I suppose main rail. This was troubling for me and I had to cut off all stanchions and realign to accommodate the stepped look. I really don't know if that was the correct thing to do or take the easy way out, sand the whole thing smooth and add the extra piece later???
 
Now, currently I'm struggling with the stanchions on the bow that go from the main rail down to the filler block. And, at the same time keep the exterior "future" planking aligned with the balance of other stepped planking. The problem is that the interior bow has this ceiling and waterway planks that are supposed to be sweeping up and smooth (just at the bow).  I've taken this apart a few times and naturally busted up the plank sheer and main rail several times. I look at the blueprint sheets everything lines up but I just don't have the sweeping angle it needs. 
 
I'll keep messing with this until I get it! Meantime any advice is always welcome. Also, I'm thinking of getting a ropewalk jig. Is Model Expos as cheap as it looks? I'm also thinking of ordering a few different chemicals from Jax to oxidize the copper plates before I install them. I was then thinking of putting a sealer on them before handling and installing? I really like the way the Model Shipways picture on their kit looks. Frank said the guy that built it actually used paper! you could use a thick paper and still roll over it with the ponce wheel to get the rivet effect. But, I'll use the copper and will sample a bunch of different shades and methods. Do I want more realistic or what appeals to "me"!!!
 
 

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:
 
 

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:
 
 
 
 
 
 

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! 
 
 
 
 

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! 

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. 
 
 

If I recall, before I started building the Shelter / Boat Bearer, I placed the Upper and Lower Channels being careful to place a slightly wider lower channel that while in line with the upper channel, has off set holes for the angle of the channel plates. 
 
Apparently, I still have to learn how to place pics so they are in order once uploaded. They seem to want to go into their own order. Maybe there's a way to edit the order???

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 know that reviewing pics sometimes helps me determine how I might go about the next build process. We're getting ready to head off to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the day... so I will do away with the description and throw up some build pics for your reference.

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. 
 
 
 

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 know that reviewing pics sometimes helps me determine how I might go about the next build process. We're getting ready to head off to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the day... so I will do away with the description and throw up some build pics for your reference.

I know that reviewing pics sometimes helps me determine how I might go about the next build process. We're getting ready to head off to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the day... so I will do away with the description and throw up some build pics for your reference.

I know that reviewing pics sometimes helps me determine how I might go about the next build process. We're getting ready to head off to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the day... so I will do away with the description and throw up some build pics for your reference.

I know that reviewing pics sometimes helps me determine how I might go about the next build process. We're getting ready to head off to the San Diego Wild Animal Park for the day... so I will do away with the description and throw up some build pics for your reference.

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. 
 
 

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've started planking the area between the planksheer and top of wale. For the most part this went okay. However, I did end up having to add some HobbyLite filler to take care of some stuff at the bow. My question is this, I don't want the smooth filler to ultimately show through the black paint. It is different than the rest of the well fitted planks. Do you think I should try to scratch some horizontal lines to try and match the plank strips/lines???? 

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. 
 
 

For the most part on Thanksgiving - I Ate!, however, I did manage to get a few things done in the shipyard...somehow???? I finished the remaining Bowsprit items, bowsprit net, furling stops and footropes. This completes the Bowsprit Rigging. I still need a couple of downhauls on the stays yet before moving on to the braces. Details on my website.

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!  

If I recall, before I started building the Shelter / Boat Bearer, I placed the Upper and Lower Channels being careful to place a slightly wider lower channel that while in line with the upper channel, has off set holes for the angle of the channel plates. 
 
Apparently, I still have to learn how to place pics so they are in order once uploaded. They seem to want to go into their own order. Maybe there's a way to edit the order???

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. 
 
 

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!