augie

A truly adorable piece of work. Outstanding. One question.... is that green lashing set up to keelhaul someone?

I'm sorry your friend is facing what he is Popeye. He is fortunate to have you on his side. Now......about that removable mainstay

I'm with Ferit. Your scratch built stack, and particularly the pumps, outshine the supplied items. Nice work. I like your red, by the way.

Because you have been 'good' and following the doctors (and Anjas) orders, today you get 15 minutes on the PC.

Thanks for the tip Andy. So marked.

HAMILTON - Will be giving some thought to replacing some of the basswood for perhaps decking and hull planking. I'd like to work in some Swiss Pear. John - Yes, she would be impressive fully rigged. In fact, I'm almost sure that's how Andy is planning to do his once he finishes Peggy. But I just don't have the space around here.

You just had to start still another page on this log, didn't you. Thanks for the kind thoughts. Now go fire up the popcorn (until Sjors feels better).

This build log will detail the construction of the Model Shipways kit USF Confederacy (scale 1:64) designed by Chuck Passaro. The brief history of this 36 gun American Continental Navy Frigate is presented in some detail in the full-color, 170 page instruction manual and is available at Model Expo online. The model will be constructed in the 'Admiralty' configuration (without full rigging) and shall have an overall length of 35". Although actual construction will not begin until about 9/1/2013, I have opened the kit and will provide here my overall impression of the contents and some photos to show 'WHAT'S IN THE BOX'. The inventory of the kit has been completed and all listed items were provided. No, I did not count the 300 eyebolts. The well-drawn plans comprise 5 sheets. As model ship manufacturers have not embraced the concept of rolled plans, they come folded and required a bit of steam ironing to be rendered suitably flat for my taste. As mentioned, the color manual is up to Chuck's usual standard and shall become my bible for the immediate future: The kit contains 23 laser cut sheets varying in thicknesses from 1/32 to 1/4" : The strip wood and dowels were supplied bundled so sorting was effortless. The quality of the wood is not bad. I am considering replacing some of the basswood strips but need some time to figure that out: An extensive amount of photoetched parts are supplied: Blocks, deadeyes, cleats, stanchions and parts including anchors: Figurehead, cannon and some stern decorations --- all brittania metal. Although some previous logs have felt these fittings were substandard, my opinion is that they can actually be used successfully. However, as Chuck offers some after market upgrades through his Syren Model Ship Company, I opted for upgrades of the figurehead and cannon: I shall provide a side-by-side comparison of the kit supplied vs. custom parts when the new ones are received. It is now time to do some reading and perusing of the plans to get my head around this new lady. I am hoping to improve on the skills developed during my recently completed Syren project. As usual, I'll be keeping a log of time spent for those who might be interested. All I can promise is to try my best and produce something worthy to stand with the other fine Confederacy kits already (or soon to be) underway. Everyone is invited to join in and comments and critique are welcome. WELCOME ABOARD TO ALL!

If you do decide to order from Model Expo (as suggested by Andy), once you decide on a ship check their website frequently for 'sale' items. They are constantly putting specific kits on sale and the savings can be as much as 50% off.

Yes Floyd, you're correct on the nameplate. I'll probably get around to it as I proceed on the next one and kill the proverbial two birds. That will also give me a chance to pull the glass and clean the inside a year or 2 down the road.

Have a great trip and say HI to Mobbsie. Oh --- you can export any QC rejected blocks to my attention here

Well done on the stern and I like the catheads. I also approve of the orientation of your paper towel roll. I like them coming over the top as well

I wouldn't be surprised if, 35 years from now, the memory of watching your work kindles another new model shipbuilder. In our own ways, many of us try to pass on the legacy.

You don't think Anja actually believes that, do you?

SUCCESS ! The case has been completed. Amazingly, everything fit :D . Frankly, I can't believe it. In addition, Syren exhibited her maneuverability (and sheer tenacity) in negotiating the perilous voyage from basement to home port. The predictable 'I think it should be going the other way' battle was encountered and victory seized from the jaws of defeat. Callie, the ships' cat, now has free run of the workshop once again with all rigging now under glass. On the glass, I was looking for non-reflective but couldn't find it locally. Still, she looks great. And, although ME specifies 1/8" glass for the case, I went with 3/32 which is plenty strong, lighter and actually fits perfectly in the pre-cut slots (after some final sanding). I'd estimate the total weight in the neighborhood of 20 pounds. As advertised, the fit in the cabinet space is tight. About 20 pages ago, I penned a list of thank you's and overall impressions about the project. It's been a happy time for me and, I hope, for those who followed along. I could not, would not, have finished without your encouragement. Thanks to each and every one of you out there on MSW. So now, in a (very) few days, we shall begin on Confederacy. Her shipping crate has yet to be opened. I'm hoping I can do her justice. And with that, we shall now secure this thread.

Would you guys hold your horses on Confed. Syren is in the middle of a momentous journey !!!!!!!.

Holy cow.......almost sounds like you know what you're doing :D You're a 'natural' with wood. I can only admire.

Really nice work on the ships' boat. Those little details are adding a lot to your build. CONGRATS !!!!

What a GREAT start to the day. Sjors is BACK, Larry is coming around and I also saw that Robbyn has overcome her internet problems. I am a happy man. Big day today ----- let's see what happens !

Eight more carronades and 2 long cannon to go! You're going to love how that deck fills out over the next few weeks. ENJOY! Oh, I've had one of those ME tumblers sitting on the bench for 3 months. Haven't tried it yet but I will prior to the next project.

WELCOME HOME, SJORS !!!!!! I'm sure your return has brought a BIG smile to many on MSW, myself included. I won't even joke that you probably forgot to pay your internet bill

Looking good Popeye. I love the skylight. And look whose back :)

I agree with Grant on how to make those slots using only hand tools. It may be helpful if you first drill the 2 end holes for each sheave and then carefully connect those 2 holes with a small cut or groove. This then helps you to align the 'connecting' holes between them when you are drilling those prior to cleaning up the slots. I have also read where you can create the slot between the 2 end holes by running very fine jewelers sanding thread down those 2 holes and working it back and forth. I haven't tried this but it sounds logical ---- if you can find thin enough sanding thread.

Good luck with the interview!

Hawaiian shirts are fine. I gave up black tie when I left the East Coast. Formal wear is too easily tangled in blueberry bushes. OK, picked up the glass and got it home all in one piece ----- well, 5 pieces actually. AND ---- Confederacy hit the porch today . So I'll be back in business tomorrow. Besides, I don't want to start anything without Sjors back on board.