yvesvidal

After a long hiatus, some updates. Since it may be a while before I have time to work on the boat itself, I told myself that at least the structure should be displayed. With that objective in mind, I decided to build a base that will present the model as it is today. Having the model on display (rather than a box) may motivate me to proceed with the build. The base is made of two pieces of pine glued together. The overall size is 30 inches by 7 inches. The base is painted with black acrylic Gesso which is a wonderful medium to obtain a silky and very uniform appearance without too much sanding and painting. Ultimately, this base will be covered with fine dirt and I may turn it into a diorama as suggested by the Model Shipways cover picture. http://imageshack.com/a/img633/2826/tQALl3.jpg Since the shipyard uses leftovers from a nearby railroad company, the boat will sit on massive pieces of wood and railroad ties. The ties are made of 1/4" x 1/4" basswood (provided in the kit) and I have used miniature spikes in the scale of 1/32nd to secure the pieces of wood to the base and the pieces between themselves. The basswood is stained before assembly using the Brown Micro-Mark Age-it-easy fluid. The spike are driven into the basswood using a special spike pliers/driver and finished with a small hammer. Without the spiker tool (also available from Micro mark/Xuron), it is very difficult and almost impossible to drive correctly the spike into the hard wood. http://imageshack.com/a/img903/989/riMfCI.jpg The result is not too bad and will allow this base to sit in a glass enclosure, if I ever finish the model. http://imageshack.com/a/img633/6307/79iNtZ.jpg The boat sits gracefully on top of its Building Ways. My next little project will be to fabricate the lateral stands to stabilize the hull. http://imageshack.com/a/img633/29/ccbtwf.jpg Yves

Lawrence, Thanks for the kind words. Yes, these framed ships are a regal to build and I need to get back to work on mine. It is still standing in the same condition as the last picture published on the Blog.... which is pretty sad. Personal issues in my life have not allowed me to make any progress, plus I am pursuing too many other projects at the same time. I think I am going to try to get in the groove and resume the building of this lovely ship. Yves

Ok Guys, we are no longer in the "small crafts" section here.... This is becoming riveting.... Yves

Those PEs take the model to a completely different level of quality and detailing. It is really impressive. Yves

It must have been slightly nerve-racking to remove carefully all these bulkheads. Wonderful job. Yves

Absolutely Superb, Maurys. You can be proud of this masterpiece. Yves

Any recent progress on that very unusual boat? I am curious to see how all this rope is going to be used.... Yves

Yes, I agree with Dirk: Leave it this way and do not try to correct it. It is very unlikely that copper plates would be cut in curves on the real ship. For the shoe: I would leave it "unplated" as well. I do not know if the real ships had plates to cover the shoe, but I know that occasionally, these shoes were replaced or fixed in some places. Having the shoe plated would definitely make the job more difficult and would prevent monitoring the condition of the shoe when the ship is hauled in dry docks. Besides, it makes a visual contrast between the wood and the copper, which is very pleasing. Yves

You can ship it to my house, if you do not know what to do with it.... :-) Yves

Pete, How will you remove the bulkheads, since most of the hull is empty? Just curious. Yves

Fantastic build and so interesting. Have you got enough rope to finish the kit? :-) Yves

Did you check Michael's or Hobby Lobby shops for balsa? They usually carry some. Yves

Julie, Is the backing included into the box? I did not see it on the pictures of the contents. Yves

Glorious, simply GLORIOUS!!! Yves

rigged7.JPG Dave, You are definitely Speedy Gonzales. Here we have a man who can do the rigging of an entire model over the weekend.....!!! Seriously, I love that blue color. So soothing and calming. Yves

Jack, I am so pleased to see that you are agnostic, when it comes to ship building. You have basically proved that you can be a master when it comes to Partswork and Scratch building. Now, a kit was the logical continuation for your skills. And the choice of that kit is an excellent one, so different from all the period ships you built in the past. I will be looking with a lot of interests. Excellent choice my friend. It is going to be beautiful. Yves

There are a few Blog of this model on the Forum, but a new thread of this fantastic model is always welcomed. I cannot wait to see your build. Yves

Dave, man you are building so fast. Is your nickname Speedy Gonzales by any chance? Yves

I built the Revell Cutty Sark when I was 14 years old. I remember getting it for my Birthday. Quite a kit and a beautiful ship at the end. All these clippers made me dream ..... Yves

What a beautiful model. It is definitely Museum quality. Yves

Very impressive. This is going to be a beautiful model. How would you rate the kit, now tat you have reached a definitive stage in the construction? Yves

Thank you Jack. All these pictures bring back fond memories of Italy, Pisa and Tuscany. I long to go back. Yves

Jack, This is superb, especially as presented on that beautiful table book. Yves

Brett, Thank you for taking us on this beautiful Dorade ride and sharing the construction of that great kit. Enjoy your sail trip. I envy you. Yves

Jack, I am glad that you are taking some models and work with you. A man with your skills should not stay inactive As for the updates, an Internet Cafe may be your solution temporarily until the ADSL line is repaired. Best to you during this temporary move. Ciao. Yves