Jasennord

Here’s my first attempt at a build log. I completed the Dory last month, and now it’s time to move on to building the Pram. I learned a lot from the Dory, which was my first wooden model. The most important lesson I learned was to slow down and take my time to figure out the problem before moving on. I rushed a bit on the Dory, and it shows. So, this time, I plan to be more deliberate. I also need to take more photos in between steps, as I don’t have many considering how far along I am. The first few steps were pretty straightforward. The biggest issues I had with the bow and stern transoms were figuring out the correct sanding direction for the straight edges. The instructions weren’t very clear on how to face the edges when sanding the angle. I had to refer to the included schematics before I figured it out. I found it very helpful to print the page at 125% to make it more clear, and then it was easy to see how to sand the edges. Next, I sanded the knees and created a flat 90-degree edge so they would sit flat. I spent a lot of time on this step, holding the knee on my square and using a sanding block to run parallel to create the edge, as shown in the book. In my opinion, there has to be a better way. I’m already trying to think of a jig I can make that will allow me to secure the knee easier and have the sanding block in a groove or channel to help keep everything perfectly square without damaging my fingers, etc. Once I had the transoms built, I proceeded to assemble the building frame. This almost killed me. Not only were the two middle supports not square, but the aft transom holder wouldn’t stay in the slot. The slot was too big out of the box. I cut some small 1/8-inch basswood strips, sanded an edge on them, and wedged them in the best I could to get a tight fit. I also added a spare strip of basswood along the base of both middle supports to help secure them and keep them straight as possible. I discovered that the most straightforward way to shape the three bottom planks was to wet them and then attach them to dry ones. Although I haven’t invested in a bending iron yet, the more I practice this technique, the more I realize it’s a necessity. It’s frustrating that I have to wait for hours for the planks to dry completely before I can proceed to the next step. However, I managed to dry the planks and glue them to the transoms. The most challenging part was ensuring that the transoms remained straight and aligned with the guides while the glue was drying. Despite these challenges, I believe the transoms turned out well, not perfect, but better than my previous attempt. As long as I’m improving, I consider this a positive development. I’m eager to hear any suggestions or criticism, as they are the sole reason I’m undertaking this blog. I appreciate your input in advance.

I suppose it’s time I introduce myself. Like many newcomers, I’ve spent countless hours combing through build logs, tool reviews, and beginner tips—trying to absorb everything I can. For a bit of background: I grew up building plastic models and always found the process therapeutic. Over the years, I’ve also dabbled in woodworking—simple projects like cabinets, dollhouses, and shelves. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and, admittedly, collecting tools. Last month, while wandering through Hobby Lobby, my daughter stumbled into the aisle filled with Mayberry Street miniature dollhouses. She asked if we could build one together. Without much thought, I agreed—expecting a quick 20-minute assembly. I couldn’t have been more wrong. What I thought would be a simple task turned into an all-day project. I found myself digging through the back of the garage for my old modeling toolbox, pulling out tweezers and magnifying glasses. But something clicked. That little project reignited my love for modeling. This time, though, I wanted to take it further. Rather than returning to plastic kits, I decided to finally tackle something that had long been on my bucket list: wooden ship building. I headed to the local model shop. Living in a small town, the selection was limited—but tucked away on the back wall was the Model Shipways USS Constitution. It practically called my name. Fueled by blind confidence, I bought it as my first project and headed home. Like anyone starting something new, I turned to YouTube. I watched every video I could find and quickly realized I may have jumped into the deep end. The USS Constitution is no beginner’s kit, and I didn’t want to waste time or money learning the hard way. So, I decided to slow down and build up my skills first. I ordered the Model Shipways 3-ship combo series and started with the Dory. I’ve just finished that build and am now working on the Norwegian Pram. My plan is to complete these smaller kits—and a few others—before diving into the Constitution. I want to build confidence, make my mistakes on simpler projects, and learn as much as I can along the way. I’ve already seen how supportive and knowledgeable this community is, and I’m excited to start sharing my progress, my missteps, and hopefully get some guidance from those of you who’ve been down this road before. Thanks for reading—and here’s to the journey ahead.

Thanks for sharing this! I was totally in the same boat with my oars, but after reading your post, I ran out, grabbed a small plane—and wow, game changer. Your blog has helped me so much!

I have read your build log top to bottom and it looks like it’s going great. I am sitting in your same position as you did at the start. I have never done wood ship building before..although I have done a few of the Mayberry street miniatures with my girls. I also recently started the Model shipways build serious and I am currently on ship #2 the Norwegian sailing Parm and plan to complete step 3 next. With that all being said, I have a question for you. Now that you are this far into the USS Constitution, would you recommend that a novice start it with as little experience as you had, and if so what would you say has been essential to your success so far? I started this journey with one goal in mind, and that’s to build my own Connie and I am feeling a little unsure. So I was looking for some insight from someone who seems to be starting in the same place as myself.