Azzoun

Well, it was an "Ahhhhhhhh" moment like, Oh my good, so many ideas and do i wish I knew about them prior to my build.  Your kit bashing of the keel blew me away.  It was another moment where I just hadn't considered even trying that and it gave me so much excitement.  I really liked the working companionway ideas but of course, you just added a whole other level of "craziness" to the model.  The appeal to me is that it adds an additional "surprise" to the person your showing your model to that they wouldn't initially see.  I'm not sure how much value I would get out having a working rudder other than the reward of building a true working model.  I have in my future, the desire to build an RC boat, probably a tug or battle ship, where I get to make things working with servos and motors and LIGHTS!.  Doubt I'll do sound, i know some people do, but to me it screams Walmart toy. 

Sharing my excitement and at the same time mild disappointment in not being to consider applying my idea in my current build to my wife, she helped remind me that this is my first wood build and it's not a bad thing to see how certain basic aspects of the build go from the instructions.  To experience the trials and tribulations.  My thoughts that followed were that your alterations were fairly aggressive and agreed with her outsider insight. 

Practice making crates..lol... show off     But what an incredibly thorough, clear explanation on the companionways, thank you!    While I'm considering your advice, I am wondering if the fact that I was planning on doing a wood finish for the companionways makes a difference.  Does it?    By the way, I'm posting something in general discussion here in a bit about my trip to the Naval Academy that I hope you'll check out.  Had an amazing day, can't way to tell the forum about it. 

As i finish writing this, I realize that your crates suggestion was probably targeted towards giving me an idea on something to physically work on while I'm researching my next build steps and what a good suggestion it is. 

Josh

Dee Dee,   Couple questions,  What kind of wood did you use for the companionway slide cover?   Could you give me more detail on how you constructed the rudder?  I love the planking on the rudder, I've seen that in actual builds in the Sharpie book.  Your build really inspires me to slow down my build of the Sharpie and step up the details.   I'm very impressed. 

Josh

Dee, very nice work, looking around at companionways on real sail boats and then seeing how you did yours on this boat, it's exactly the effect I kind of had in mind.  Wondering If I'm going to have to cut into the cabin to get a nice recessed look.  Little nervous about doing that. 

wow.. your pictures really convey the size of this model, i'm overwhelmed just looking at them. 

I'm excited to watch this build, and take notes~!

Any plans for a model to come?

I'm going to throw out a word from my childhood - Stupendous - I can only imagine how you feel right now... maybe a bit sad?

I'll be calling you up for some help when I do my first planking model...

Really impressive job so far...

Tim,

Noticing a recurring theme that I definitely can identify with in that it's hard not to push forward too quickly.  I'm doing my best to take my time with the Sharpie but it's really hard sometimes as it comes to life right in front of you.  Good luck on this, looks like an interesting build.  I've never seen a wooden ship model where the hull was built in halves like this.

Joshua

Nice work, ---   

Love the fiber optics, it adds so much life to the model. My Connie is my first modeling build since doing them as a kid so thinking outside the kit is definitely something I want to develop. As far as painting, I was attempting to go for a more weathered look since that's something else I hope to improve. Nice work!

If it makes you feel any better, I'd be impressed with myself if my ship looked as good as yours at this point.  Further, if it makes you feel any better, this vessel is my next build and I'm definitely noting your mistake to try to avoid on my attempt so I think alot was gained.  You learned and so will I with less pain.  Remember the next one will always be better.