Taken Aback

I've started this build, hot on the heels of the Grand Banks Dory, which is not quite complete: I have to finish the oars, tholes and seats. I've been working on those bits as I begin work on the pram. So far I've assembled the build board, which went fine with the exception of my breaking the stern transom holder on test fitting the transom to it. A bit of cleaning out some char, a dab of PVA and small blob of patience and it seems to be holding. I drew a centerline on the board, per a few build logs, and the cut outs for the moulds and transom supports seemed to line up. Kenchington's build log with its wonderful pics and descriptions is guiding me through this stage. Thanks! By using the hobby knife like a chisel I was able to pare away the bevels on both transoms and achieve some nice, crisp flats where required. I've found my ability to sand away material with a guide produces a less than perfect bevel. Paring then a very light touch up with some 220 paper produces the best results for me. I don't understand why the stern transom holder isn't glued into the build board, as it is quite floppy and provides little to no lateral support for the transom. Anyone? I'm tempted to glue it in then saw it off when the board is no longer needed, as I did on the dory. As Kenchington did, I will be gluing mine in. His addition of a support for the stern transom knee was brilliant, so I will copy that. As it stands before gluing and mods:

Thanks for the encouragement and welcome! I've just about finished the dory, and made a few mistakes that were excellent learning opportunities. Still, it has turned out well, to my eye at least. Painting it now, as I begin the setup and first steps on the Norwegian Pram. I will attempt a build log for it.

I've just finished some pre-painting sanding, and a little bit of filling a few small gaps: mostly at the stern where the strakes meet the transom. Perhaps I didn't bevel the planks enough, as there were a couple of small gaps visible. All in all, I'm pleased with how well the model looks at this stage, and how sturdy it is. My fumble fingers have tossed it more than once to the cutting mat as I attempted some fine tuning, but I haven't broken anything. Yet. Once I get a coat of primer I will post a pic or two. Geordie, thanks for the comment and your build log for the Adder. I am considering the Vanguard HM Sherbourne as my first model after this 3 boat kit.

Eric, thank you very much for the tip! I will try to keep things even.

So, I finally got one of the broad boards glued on; it was much more difficult for me than the first plank. Also, I think I was too sparing with the glue, as things kept springing loose right when I thought I had it stuck for long enough to get some sort of clamp or rubber band on it. Therefore, a bit more glue was used which seemed to help. White titebond for the detail oriented, which is probably everyone reading this. And, the other side ready to bend in place for another go. You can see I got a bit sloppy with the glue at the stern, which was giving me fits.

Chris, It's mighty crowded down there in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, quieter up here. But, we get down that way from time to time to check out the bright lights. Ryland, I'll get a pic or two and post them; I've never been great at documentation. This garboard strake is a bit fussy, at least to make it sit nice and tight.

I'm glad I found this forum and saw the great advice on how to begin. This MS kit has not disappointed.

Thank you, all for the nice welcome. Someday, I will join the heady ranks of those with a completed build in my signature. I did just soak and bend the first garboard into place, after shooting a few rubber bands around the work area. Progress. Chris, we're practically neighbors, I live near Cookeville, TN.

Thank you, Ronald, I'm quite interested in eventually building a Vanguard HMS Speedy, so I'm quite pleased to have a look at your Sphinx log.

Thank you, I'm enjoying the process, especially all the problem solving.

Hello all, my first name is Brian, and I'm new to wooden ship modeling, although I've always been intrigued by them. I've done some plastic modeling and dabbled in figure painting, and have done a bit of woodworking, mostly restoration. I've started the dory build, and am at the planking stage. As there are many logs on this kit, I haven't posted one, but I am reading and studying the logs of those who did, thank you! Also, I'm already soaking up the logs for the Norwegian Pram, especially the one by Kenchington. Thank you, sir! I appreciate the way this forum is maintained, it's quite good. Thanks to all the experienced modelers for sharing and the mods for curating this site.