samueljr

Bob, What's that old saying about "Fools rushing in where Angels fear to tread"?........................ The guaranteed success of your ESSEX will only further your reputation as one of the best out "here". I'm glad it's you working through this. Sam

Thanks Jax

I'd like to thank everyone who has become involved or shown an interest in the new ESSEX kit from Model Expo. Obviously as a Designer I strived to produce a kit that when completed will be a model the builder can be proud of. I believe I've achieved that as the finished product represents. Unfortunately it's become apparent that there are (for whatever reason) some parts that are incorrect in the kit as being produced. Let me state that both Model Expo and myself are fully committed to correcting this situation. When complete I will work with Model Expo to see that this does not happen again with projects I am associated with to the best of my abilities. I have (just) received a complete kit as produced by Model Expo and will will be reviewing the components of it to identify and address any incorrect parts. Once I believe that I've accomplished this task it will fall into the capable hands of Model Expo to honor the purchases made. That's what this thread and the task in front of me is for. To that end there are (in response to a number of requests or suggestions) a number of things that this is NOT ABOUT.......... This is not a re-design of the kit or an opportunity to upgrade the offering. This is not about inclusion of different castings, blocks, line, wood stock, etc. Those components (and others) are out of my control and are the sole provence of Model Expo. I have, when asked conveyed individuals suggestions and findings to Model Expo but that is the extent of my influence. Additionally I am not rebuilding ESSEX. I will be testing parts for correct size, and stock weight and inclusion. I will be cross referencing drawings and manual as necessary to make sure that all information corroborates. This is not an opportunity for a group design - ESSEX is already designed (and looks pretty good when completed). If there is a process, method, sequence or approach that you as a builder do not care for or agree with you are entitled to your opinion(s). I in no way believe I have the market cornered on what is correct (to be honest I don't believe that there is a correct way of doing things in our mutual endeavors). Everyone does things differently. The way I have offered and suggest to the builder to achieve what is in front of them is just that - a suggestion. As it is with any kit and any Designer............. Lastly, this is not about assigning blame to either Model Expo or myself. Rest assured we will collectively figure out what happened. I will do my very best to move expediently through the process and work with Model Expo to get things corrected as quickly as possible. Thank you for all your interest, support, suggestions, encouragement and friendship. Please keep checking back for progress and updates. This is what really makes MSW great! ESSEX didn't give up without one hell of a fight at Valparaiso - neither will I. Samuel Cassano, Jr. Designer, ESSEX

Just decided I'm doing my next ship in Legos! Is that too cool or what?...... Great job Wesvdal! Sam

Bob, Don't know what to say. With the stock being anywhere from a 1/64" to 1/32" heavy you're "all over the place". I was just "talking" with Jax about this. at 5/32" = 1' scale, a 1/32" is the equivalent of 2-1/2" in reality. The drawing programs allow us to get to "DNO" so 1/32" (which is about a pencil line) off is big. Multiply that trying to fit something between two pieces off and you're fighting almost a 1/16" of an inch. I wouldn't know where to start. I'm at a loss right now. An error on the drawings is fixable, (shouldn't happen but never the less it's fixable) Even a wrong part (ie bulk heads can be rectified Don't know how to have design "chase" product though......... ??????????

Bob, Just checking in........ As we've discussed your plywood is fatter than the 3/16" that I designed and build the proto-type with. Even the slightest discrepancy will throw those windows off. Their tolerance when I designed them is basically zero. They fit perfectly on the proto-type. They are so delicate that there is no adjusting them. The only recourse would be to sand the stern frames as you did. Even then the spacers may not be able to align the frames correctly after they've been "worked on". Can't really design for heavier stock (or lighter) for that matter. Once you've completed the stern framing and beveled the Quarter Deck Bulk Head extensions take another look at your QD gun ports. Did you take them from the top of the Bulk Heads or the Gun Deck up? If you took them from top down you may be off a little. it wouldn't show up until you start to frame the Quarter Deck in and set guns. How heavy is your plywood? Are all the pieces consistency that weight/thickness? let me know. This is fun!................. NOT LOL........ Sam (I'm switching to stamp collecting)

Bill, I'll be posting later on the "bashed kit" thread but Expo's production manager called me today and said that my kit shipped out so I'll see it in a few days. I'll then be able to tear into it and see what's happened and get stuff figured out. Keep the faith............... Sam

Bob, Hard to tell from the pics, did you check the bevels on BH 's # 3, 2, 1 going into the stem? It looks a little severe. Did you check it with batons? Also I see you've framed in your QD gun ports. I cant tell from the pics if you've angled the BH's yet as per fig 3i and 3j in the manual. It would be difficult to without the stern framing in place as it sets the high point. You may find that your QD gun ports will be too shallow once the BH's are angled. Sam

put the pieces in the freezer

Bob, (everyone) I've had several at length conversations with Eric at ME trying to decipher what has happened with ESSEX. I know the kit is "buildable" as I'm looking at it as I type this. Expo is rushing me masters to compare against my files to see where (and what has happened) This will take a little time. I'd like to have an answer (answers) within the next week or so. It will actually be almost akin to reverse engineering the boat as I'll have to go backwards against my drawings (images) and then against the parts (each individually) to see what's what. No small feat to say the least. Please believe me when I say that I (and Expo) are fully committed to clearing this situation up as expediently as possible. The solution is not as easy (or economically feasible as some have recommended) of me just re-submitting my masters. First, this would require the abandonment of all existing product. Secondly we haven't determined (yet) as to where the issue (s) are in the process. They could be in the juxtaposition of one of my files as well so all the problem isn't so easily answered. We just cant throw out the "baby with the bath water"............ In the mean time for any and all of you who have ESSEX please do not hesitate to contact me here or through PM with any questions. I am only too happy to help. If you need clarification on drawings, manual (the updated version is still at the printers) - just ask. Thanks - Sam

Hi Folks, Thanks to Bob (and a couple of others) for keeping me updated. I just had a very brief conversation with Eric (hard to do much after hours on a Friday night). Although I've not seen a full released kit myself yet at this time from what I've been told and seen out here my first inclination is that an old file(s) may have been inserted into the kit some how. The issues Bob has described (and we've discussed off line) as well as some other indicators show "things" that I went through during design/development and corrected. They shouldn't be there (anymore) I'll be working with Expo to get these items addressed ASAP. Have faith and I'll be back................ Sam

Jax, Great information! Thanks - Sam

I've had this book for years - it's inspiring and humbling all at the same time. Keep in mind the models were made without power tools or electricity........

could they be the stud booms? are they on the channels?

somebody HAD to ask...............

Where'd you get the polio vaccine and what colors does it come in? - LOL!

Hank, I too am a Floquil user. They've been discontinued due to the environmental issues with enamel paints and apparently safety concerns as well. Hit my local supplier as soon as I heard. Loaded up on about 4 - 5 colors I use. They'll probably end up drying out before I can get to them. Although I still have a couple of jars of the old Classic Sailing Color line that I'm nursing along believe it or not. Sam

Augie, When did tickets go on sale?! Should be fun to watch. Sam

Jax, There's a list and now you're on it for the sail comment.......... I will have discipline on this ship! Sam

Bob, I was thinking about your opening post. I'm a fan of Portia but I did my best to stay away from the AOS book. Copyright issues aside, I lifted my lines from the original Hackett draught not AOS or Baker which is where Portia got most of her info. There is also an interesting article from (I believe in the NRJ) from a long time ago comparing the old Shipways solid hull, Portia's AOS and her P-O-F book. They were all different. The point of the article was that all based their work on Baker yet they all ended up different. There were even variations in Portia's work from AOS to P-O-F. My point being - be careful. Also you mentioned that you may include more detailed deck beams. I've attached a PDF of the deck beam layout I did for the model. It's pretty comprehensive. The concept wasn't included with the kit. Take a look. When the time comes I may be able to save you some time drafting your own. Dirk, Make sure you bring enough pop corn for everybody and make mine kettle corn please. Thank you. Sam ESSEX MS KIT DECK BEAM PLAN 082913.pdf

Bob, Looking forward to seeing ESSEX in the hands of a top-notch builder. Please reach out with any questions. And I am working on the rig right now. Take a look at some of my posts for that thread. Although there are no construction shots (yet) still doing all the preliminary stuff. You'll get an idea of what I intending on doing with the second part. There's a lot more than just rigging. Sam

Hi folks, Well since my last post much has happened. I have had serious technical, construction and philosophical discussions with JMaitri (Jay) regrading where to take BOUNTY. Also a lot of soul searching on my part as I really don't have a great amount of interest in BOUNTY - but being the glutton for punishment that I am and not shying away from a challenge - here we go! Jay and I have gone back and forth regarding getting the scale correct (as much as possible) and I have gone so far as to work on the NMM plans as well as conduct some additional BOUNTY research I promised myself I wouldn't do (for time considerations). There were a number of discrepancies between the AOS book and the Mamoli plans (not surprising) but the differences were significant enough for me to go the additional research route as well. Here's what I'm now doing in my "re-fit" I have stripped the hull down to the skin. I'll build the bulwarks back up to correct height (they were low and uneven) The deck was single sheet (although nicely done in scale) it was de-laminating from the false deck. I will replace with strip decking, this will also allow me to lower the Bow which is about 10" high in scale due to higher bulkhead arms. The original builder attempted to 2nd plank just below the LWL and copper over this. It didn't work out so well so I'll finish planking below and re-copper with tape plates in scale. The deck fittings will be addressed as they come into play. The masts and yards are accurate to the AOS and not to badly done. They lack a little detail and finesse so I'll keep and touch up. The one launch at present will serve as the "famous" 23' launch Bligh was set off in. It's pretty accurate in scale and not too poorly done. I'll repaint though. I'll also add in a 20' cutter. NO SAILS!!!!! (had to add that in) I'd like to thank Jay publicaly for his help and humor. Being able to "talk" with everyone is what makes MSW so great! Sam

Matt, Just found your build. Very nice (and fast whew!). I'm "re-working" an existing Mamoli BOUNTY. What do you think of the kit? Sam

Flounder, Keep up the good work Sam

Jay, Lot of good people out here. Looking forward to seeing your current build with laundry hanging........... Sam