Wawona59

I recently came across this short video on ship models of the US Presidents.  I found it interesting and thought my MSW ship modeling friends would enjoy this too.  There's even a photograph of Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt building a ship model.  According to the narrator, ship models are not just objects, they can also tell a story.  Enjoy

She's looking good Al.  Thank you for the updates.  Please keep 'em coming.  I'm looking forward to seeing the final reveal.

Welcome Aboard!  You've found the right place to interact with other avid ship modelers.  I've been researching some of the martime history of the Pacific Northwest and found that there were a number of flat bottomed stern wheelers built in the Settle area in the 19th century.  I'm looking to following along on your project.

Glad to have you aboard.

Wishing you a warm "Welcome Aboard" to Model Ship World.  You're in the right place with 000's of like-minded modelers. We don't just build wooden ship models.  There is also a dedicated section on MSW for non-ship models.  You'll also find models in wood, plastic, multi-media and paper.

About 60 years ago, I helped my neighbor work on his Billings kit of the Norske Love.  I was about 6 yr. old and not sure if I was much help.  If I recall correctly, the model came in two separate kits; one with the wooden parts and one for the fittings.  The Lion figurehead was just a block of wood that had to be hand carved by the builder.  I don't think that model was ever finished as my neighbor put the kit aside at the planking stage.  Too bad, the NL builds into a beautiful model.  There is also a build log for the NL on MSW by Nils Wilhelm.  You should be able find it in the Kit Built Models section listed by date of launch. 

Beautiful work on your dory.  Are planning to build the other kits in the Shipwrights Series?  I suggest that you build the Norwegian Pram and the Lobster smack before taking on the NL.

Welcome Aboard!

If this kit is what I think it is or hope/wish it is, it looks like some of my unbuilt wooden kits (mostly Model Shipways, Airways and Trailways) will be going on the chopping block to make room for this one.  That should make the Admiral happy until she realizes there is another ship coming into port. LOL

On 6/5/2025 at 5:45 AM, ccoyle said:

 

Any West Coast lumber schooner would be cool -- especially if it came from the Bendixsen yard.

Al, it looks like you've created a following; at least 2 MSW modelers for sure.  Chris Coyle is hoping for the C.A. Thayer and John Newcome is hoping for the Wawona.  Both of these vessels are basically the same ship.  Bluejacket could develop a kit offering the builder options to build either ship from a single kit.  That kit could also give the modeler the option to build their ship as a west coast lumber schooner or an Alaskan fishing vessel.

Attached is a photo of a West Coast Lumber Schooner (Wawona) for the modeler who doesn't want to build all of the deck details. 

What kind of bribery would be involved for Bluejacket to produce the C.A. Thayer / Wawona double kit? LOL

Just found this build log for the Slo-Mo-Sun IV.  As a kid growing up in Seattle the unlimited hydros were a big deal in the 60's.  when I was growing up.  As I recall, every local TV station (BC - Before Cable), covered the races live.  I just picked up this kit at the latest Model Expo 40% off Sale.  This model will be one of my "Seattle Icon" builds.  If you look at my screen name you'll see the name of another of the "Seattle Icon" builds I want to do. I'm pretty lucky, so says my wife and Admiral.  The original Slo-Mo Shun IV resides in the hydroplane museum in Kent, WA about 20 minutes south of where I live in Renton, WA.  I'm sure there will be a trip down there in my future.

Beautiful work on your model. 

Very nice build David. This looks like a challenging but fun project. You've created an excellent build log that will be very helpful to anyone building these locomotive models.  In an inspired moment when I had some $$ in my pocket I purchased both locomotive kits offered by Occre; the Jupiter and the 119.  I had visions of displaying them together head-to-head as they were at Promontory, UT. . Then I realized that both models head-to-head would be over 4 feet long.  Are you going to build the 119 too? 

Welcome Aboard Grandslam! Before you dive in headfirst, I recommend that you heed Chris Coyle's advice in post #8 above. Start with a beginner's model before you tackle the ship model of your dreams. I agree with many MSW members who recommend a less challenging model to start with. I learned this the hard way and still have unfinished models that I started 30 years ago on my "shelf of doom". There are a number of quality ship model manufactures today such as Vanguard, Bluejacket and Model Shipways.  I am partial to and really like the Model Shipways "Shipwright Series" designed by world renown ship modeler and author David Antscherl  In the "Shipwright Series" you will first build a simple Grand Banks Dory followed by a Norwegian Pram and concluding with a plank-on-bulkhead Lobster Smack.  When you have completed the Lobster Smack, you will have developed the skills need to successfully build and complete some of the more challenging models now available.

I wish you all the best in your ship modeling journey.

Welcome to Model Ship World Jon.  You are definitely in the right place with like-minded modelers.  Beautiful work on the Sherborne model.  Please consider starting a build log for your Saucy Jack.  I'm sure others on MSW would like to see more of your work.  There are also a lot of folks on MSW who are glad to answer your questions.

Welcome Aboard!

Charles Davis' ship modeling books are still relevant today, in my opinion.  They show you how a respectable ship model can be built without a shop full of power tools.  I also like Harold Underhill's books such as Plank on Frame Models vol.1 and 2 and "Masting and Rigging of Clipper Ships and the Ocean Carrier".  I enjoy using hand tools primarily to build my wooden ship models.

Welcome to Model Shipworld George.  I'm from the "other Washington" on the west coast.  This a GREAT site and forum with lots of friendly and knowledgeable people. I think you will enjoy yourself here.

Welcome Aboard

Stay away from using putty designed for plastic models.  They will shrink during drying often requiring a second putty application.  The plastic putties dry harder than the surrounding wood and will sand differently.  IMHO, putty should only be used for small gaps or imperfections. I prefer making my own putty using sanding dust from the wood I am using and white glue such as Elmers.  Elmers also has a clear school glue which I haven't tried.  For premixed putty my preference is Elmer's wood putty.  It's texture and hardness are very compatible with wood.  It sands well also.  Ace Hardware also has a similar product sold under their own house brand.  Of course, nothing beats tight fitting joints to avoid gaps in the first place.  Good wishes to you in your ship modeling journey.  As you gain experience, every model you build will get better.

Welcome Aboard to Model Shipworld.

Welcome to MSW Yorick!.  This is a GREAT forum for both new and experienced modelers.  There should be a few build logs on MSW for the Polaris.   You can do a search for the Polaris in the kit build logs based on the year of launch.  Don't be concerned about asking questions, no matter how basic you may think your question is.  There are a lot of great folks, world wide, who would be glad to answer any questions you may have.  As said earlier, age is irrelevant to ship modeling.  Having thinning or gray hair is not a requirement on MSW.  I'm looking forward to following your Polaris project. 

Welcome Aboard!

Spumoni,  A very warm welcome from another modeler in the Pacific Northwest.  There seems to be a few modelers on MSW from the Pacific Northwest.  Your woodworking experience will be a great help in building your King of the Mississippi.  You can think of your build as furniture on a smaller scale.

Welcome Aboard!

Very impressive build.  I like how you included a series of step by step photos.  Very nice model!

What subject is next for you on the horizon?

Hi Jeff, Welcome to Model Ship World!  Based on the dimensions of the USS North Carolina from Wikipedia a quick calculation results in the following estimated model dimensions: 

USS North Carolina
Actual Length    728 ft 9 in (222.12 m)

Model hull length
    1/350 - 8,745 inches / 350 = 24.98 "
    1/200 - 8,745 inches / 200 = 43.725"

Actual Beam    108 ft 4 in (33.02 m)

Model Beam
    1/350 - 1,300 inches / 350 = 3.7"
    1/200 - 1,300 inches / 200 = 6.5"

Actual Draft    32 ft 11.5 in (10.046 m)

Model Draft
    1/350 - 395.5 inches / 350 = 1.13"
    1/200 - 395.5 inches / 200 = 1.98"
 

I'm sure others in the group may have a better way to calculate the model dimensions but this should give you a close approximation of the model size and the plan size needed.

Good luck on your project.

Hi Bob, A warm welcome to Model Ship World.  I remember when I first joined MSW I was frequently lost and eventually found my way around the site.  

If you are looking for help on your Armed Virginia Sloop, I would start by looking in the Member's build logs section.  The logs have a separate section of kit built and scratch built models.  Both sections are organized by launch date of the ship.  I would first look in the kit built section for ships launched between 1750 and 1800 (AVS was launched in 1768 if I remember correctly).  Once you are in the correct launch date section go to the search engine in the upper right corner of the screen and do a search for Armed Virginia Sloop.  You will then find a listing for all build logs in that section for the Armed Virginia Sloop or any log that mentions the AVS.  

Alternatively, you can search the entire MSW site for Armed Virginia Sloop.  That should give you some references to help answer your question.  You may also find some information the Shop Notes-Modeling Tips section of MSW.

There is a lot of information here as well as some very knowledgeable and friendly ship modelers.

Welcome Aboard!  Enjoy!

Hi Jeff,  I've been following your Confederacy build with great interest.  I too have the Confederacy kit in my stash and aspire to build her someday.  However, I'm in the same boat as you (pun intended).  I need to finish my current projects to improve my skills so I can do the model justice.  I've also got a clipper ship model on hold waiting for my skills to improve. 

I'll be building some of my smaller, easier, kits with a plan to give them away to an interested kid at our upcoming model show in February. 

In the meantime, I'll be following your Confederacy build with great interest.  She's a beautiful ship and you are doing an excellent job on her so far. 

I hope you have a great new year 2025.

Welcome to Model Ship World Andrew!  You're in the right place where there a lot of like minded modelers with various levels of modeling experience.  By the way, nice job on your lobster smack.

Welcome Aboard!

Welcome aboard to MSW Dave.  Your models are wonderful.  I tried to build a solid hull ship in the 70's and failed miserably.  There is a treasure trove of information in the modeling tips section of the MSW website.

You've come to the right place.  There are a few clipper ship and Donald McKay enthusiasts on this forum.  They have done some scholarly research on several of McKay's clippers.  Search the build logs for kit and scratch-built ships with a launch date of 1851-1900.  Look for build logs of Staghound, Glory of the Seas, Flying Cloud and Flying Fish.  You will find several clipper ship enthusiasts there.  By the way, the  remains of Donald McKay's last clipper, Glory of the Seas, rests here in Seattle.  Unfortunately, not much is left though as she was burned in the 1920's to recover the metal in her hull.

Good luck in your search and WELCOME ABOARD to Model Ship World.

4 minutes ago, The Bitter End said:

Little side project. I needed a carving knife that I could comfortably drag toward me for rough shaping parts. I forged this from the outer race of a ball bearing and a chunk of pear stump offcut coated in linseed oil

 

Beautiful!!  That's sure to keep a keen edge since you used a hardened steel outer ball bearing race for a blade.  That pear wood handle looks comfortable to use.  Looks like you've got a favorite tool on your hands (or should I say "In your hand"

Here's a list of the measuring tools that I use most frequently:

6" steel rule - L.S. Starrett

12" steel rule - L.S. Starrett

4" combination square - L.S. Starrett

12" steel centering rule - Bridge City Tool Works

6" adjustable bevel gauge - Bridge City Tool Works

Digital Caliper

3" steel inside and outside calipers

3" steel dividers

3" steel machinist's square

8" Proportional divider - Alvin West Germany

Marking knife

Mechanical pencil with lead and steel nibs

Marking Guage w/round steel blade - Veritas, Lee Valley Toolworks

Chalk line for marking the centerline of a deck 

I keep them in a Gerstner machinist's tool chest

I hope this helps.  Get the highest quality hand tools you can afford.  They are more accurate than the typical home center variety and are a pleasure to use.  With proper care they will last you a lifetime as well as the lifetimes of your decedents who may inherit them.

Glad to hear that you'll be starting with building the Shipwright Series.  All three models, Dory, Pram and Shipjack are progressively more challenging to build.  There are several build logs on MSW for each of them.  You will get a lot of help from folks on MSW who have built them.  I'll be following your build logs when you start one for the Dory.