Pete Jaquith

Tapering the quarterdeck planks on my Fair American was worthwhile and not that difficult. Shipbuilder. Images 127 & 131 show the quarterdeck and Image 132 shows the process.

Here is how I solved the problem in my 14 Gun Brig Fair American kit. The fillers were either bass wood or sugar pine.

After graduating from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, I joined Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME. My 1st year included an apprenticeship in the "full scale" and "1/10th scale" mold lofts. Very enjoyable time and I learned a lot re structural design, material routing, and design for production. Later in my career, I ran the mold loft at BIW and oversaw the transition to 3D CAD. Today, most of the traditional loft functions are preformed near automatically using artificial intelligence (AI) and the 3D CAD design product model. Recently I have assisted the US Navy and warship builders with recommendations re modern 3D CAD Product Model design systems. For model building, I prefer to draw my own lines using ship's curves, a tapered pine batten, and lead batten weights from my four years at Webb.

As shown in the 1st picture they are great weights for ship modeling. I cast mine at Webb Institute in 1961. Shipbuilder, Pete

Hi Bruce, I used fillers on my 14 Gun Brig Fair American build. The fillers were bass wood, and they were a great help in fairing the hull. The model was single planked with 1/16" bass wood planking. Regards, Pete

Tim, the paint colors are period marine acrylics by Model shipways (Model Expo). Not perfect but I like the color selection. Good to hear from you. Regards, Pete

Shipbuilders, My ship modeling has been limited in recent months due to: Preparation of a major Technical Paper on "Warship Design and Acquisition" to be published in the Naval Engineers Journal Sept. `21 issue, an American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) publication. Incredibly hot weather which prevents work in my garage shop. With the paper complete and weather improving, I look forward to getting back to the shop. Regards, Pete

Very interesting and informative build. We are all watching. Pete

I recently purchased the CAF Model 130mm ships boat kit. With some additions as recommended by Allan, this builds into an interesting 18' lap strake cutter. I plan to display it stowed on the gallows in traditional fashion. Next step is on to the quarterdeck rails. Regards, Pete

Allan, Thanks for your input. I will try to address these points in my build. Kind regards, Pete

I recently purchased CAF Model's B-01-130 130mm lap strake ship's boat. The parts are very delicate. What glue would be appropriate for assembly? Regards, Pete - Shipbuilder

With the Brig Fair American hull painting complete, construction continued with installation of hull outfit: Transom trim and carvings were highlighted/painted with Deco Color Prime-Premio gold metallic paint pens Transom windows were previously formed to follow the curve of the transom trim and planking Transom windows were painted, glazed, and installed (Micro Kristal Klear was used for window glazing) Ship’s name was installed (prepared and printed with MS Word) Rudder chains were blackened and installed Next steps will continue with installation of the quarter deck rails. Regards from the shipyard, Pete Jaquith

An old article from the files using copper tape. Regards from the shipyard, Pete Copper Sheathing the Ship Model Hull_Rev 2.doc

Shop conditions have improved allowing further progress. With the Brig Fair American hull painting complete, construction continued with installation of hull outfit: Chain plates were fabricated from 22 ga. silver soldered brass wire rings (1/2” and 7/16” dia. respectively), formed around the deadeyes, and closed with soft solder. A simple jig was used to check the forming of deadeyes. Deadeye/chain plate assemblies were painted/installed Channel caps were painted/installed With the bow and P/S side zones complete, next steps will address completion of transom details. Regards from the shipyard, Pete Jaquith

Shop conditions have improved significantly. Now working to relearn past skills (i.e. silver brazing, window glazing, etc.); however, overhanging potential of a large full scale shipbuilding project. I will have to work to balance priorities. Pictures will follow completion of chain plates, lower deadeyes, channel caps, etc. Regards from the shipyard Pete

With the Brig Fair American hull painting complete, construction continued with installation of exterior hull outfit: Gangway steps were painted/installed Gun port hinges were fabricated, painted, and installed based on a mini-kit from Syren Ship Models Quarter badges were painted, glazed, and installed (Micro Kristal Klear was used for window glazing) Next steps will continue with installation of chain plates, lower deadeyes, and channel caps and then it’s on to complete the transom outfit. Regards from the shipyard, Pete Jaquith

Bob, Tim, A little cooler/less humid this morning. Looking forward to some progress in the coming days. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Limited progress due to CA heat wave (~116 outside and high 80's in my shop). Working P/S exterior hull outfit: Gangway steps - complete Aft gunport hinges - in process Quarter badges - in process Chain plates, lower deadeyes, and channel caps - next up Pictures will follow completion. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Etubino, Building up the Brig "Fair American" stern structure was an interesting challenge. Once complete with windows, ship's name, and quarter badges it should be impressive and representative of these beautiful ships from the past. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Working exterior hull outfit. Progress put on temporary hold due to CA heat wave and resulting high temperatures/humidity in my garage work shop. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

With the Brig Fair American hull painting complete, construction continued with installation of the head rails and bow fittings: Head rails were previously fabricated/dry fitted from 3/32” laminated stock (3 layers of 1/32” sheet stock with opposing grain) Middle rails were previously fabricated/dry fitted from 1/16” sheet stock Cheek knees were previously fabricated/installed from 1/16” sheet stock Boomkins were previously fabricated/dry fitted from 1/8” sheet stock Catheads were previously fabricated/dry fitted from 3/16” sheet stock Head and middle rails were pre-painted and installed After checking the head rails from all angles; they were primed and finished painted. Gold trim was applied with Deco Color Prime-Premio gold metallic paint pens After completion of the head rails, catheads were painted/installed Figurehead was painted/installed Boomkins were painted/dry fitted To avoid potential damage, the boomkins will be left loose for later installation during the rigging phase. To allow construction access, the bowsprit, bowsprit bitts, and fore bitts will be left loose until completion of bulwark interior fittings and cannon installation. With completion of the head structure and gold trim she is starting to look like a fine little armed brig from the 1780’s. Next steps will continue with installation of exterior hull outfit. Regards from the shipyard, Pete Jaquith

Captain Hook, Thank you for the likes. I typically break the edges on hull planking and try to minimize sanding in order to retain plank runs. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Bob, Thank you for your interest. I find the work rewarding and she is a fine looking ship. More to follow in the coming days. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Progress continues on the head structure. More pictures to follow when this work area is completed. Regards from the shipyard, Pete

Mugje, Thanks for your interest. Its been a long project as construction on this build started in October 2011. "Fair American" construction was delayed from 2012 to 2019 due to competing full scale shipbuilding assignments and moves from Hancock NH to San Diego and Indio CA. With painting in hand, progress should move along a little faster, Regards from the shipyard, Pete