samueljr

Nice Bob (as usual) Wish I had left mine more open i hindsight Sam

Nice save!

Bob, Nothing but praise. As I've said here a number of times your work is outstanding and I consider your example of ESSEX a vindication (of sorts) of the kit. We all know that Expo isn't going to release a kit with high end woods (wouldn't even consider it) so it's great to see the design detail/aspects of the kit produced in better stock. And there are always design limitations based on production and retail costs. There isn't a single kit available (not one) from anybody that can't be upgraded or improved upon. ESSEX is no different. The offer to join the "Design Team" is just a little tongue in cheek humor. I've often remarked that every builder should have to design a kit once in their life - they'd be much less inclined to comment on any kit after having done so. None the less there's always going to be a little "arm chair quarterbacking". That's what makes a community like MSW so great - the exchange of ideas and opinions from litteraly around the world. The issues with ESSEX's production are well known and as the Designer I have to except responsibility (whether they are my issues or not). ESSEX was a "perfect storm" of sorts - a company in transition, a new designer (I had to take on a frigate no less - couldnt be some type of single pole fishing dingy - lol) As with most things through experience I'm managing the new project(s) differently. Once the projects are public I'll chronicle the process (warts and all) here for all to see. Keep up the great work Bob. As always if there's anything I can do let me know ( still have to get the figure head out to you - I haven't forgotten) Stay well - Sam

Bob, Sorry - I forgot the obvious (if you're going to join the kit design team with me) We can only hope that the developmental/progress parts and drawings aren't produced and included in the kit (on the wrong size stock to boot)! Sucks when that happens (at least that's what I hear)............ Sam

Bob, Really nice work. You're doing an outstanding job of taking the details from the kit and recreating them in better woods. It’s a shame (as we’ve discussed) Expo didn’t let me include the deck framing as I had originally intended. But (it’s understandable) they have to pay attention to cost (both production and retail). By the way are you using the framing drawings I sent you a while back that I did for the kit? As they were never produced I was wondering. It seems there is a “call” for you to do a kit…. I’m currently just starting two for Expo. They’ll be announced in the near future. There’s a number of different aspects you might want to get involved in; Manual – ESSEX is 15 chapters (about 100) pages and over 250 photos. I actually wrote about 30 more pages (edited down) and took over a 1,000 pics. Of course we can only hope the printer doesn’t mess up the runs (twice) like they did with ESSEX. I hope you’d be open though to taking the countless phone calls and emails helping out builders who were unfortunate enough to get a bad manual as I have. Castings – Expo’s out-source company only destroyed all my masters once, so I only had to go back and start over once (at my expense). Photo-Etch – The production company wasn’t bad to deal with depending on whether they thought they could produce the etch images. Funny thing is on a couple of occasions one rep told me they couldn’t do a part and believe it or not they had already produced it and it was installed on the proto-type already. I actually had to send them photos to prove it! Drawings – do you know how to use a cad or drafting program?................. Pay – After taking into account the 1,000’s of hours (literally needed) to design and produce a proto-type and it’s materials and manage the process, after taxes and out-of pocket expenses it comes down to a few dollars an hour………….. I’d be happy to split that with you. Let me know – LOL! Sam

Unless you're going to have a natural finish (as opposed to a white bottom of some sort) why would you have to manufacture a new stem? Just cut the bad area square and cut a corresponding size piece out of the scrap sheet the parts came off of. Glue it on, Fill and sand the joints and paint as if nothing happened. Just asking? Sam

Mike, Testors I believe bought out the Floquil line a while back and discontinued the line(s). I think (some one correct me) that it had to do with the solvent base of the product. Model Master (also Testors' line) may have cross referenced the more popular colors but I don't know how accurately. You can take a look at Testors' web site. Sam

Thanks - I missed this post when it originally was up. I just found out. Hopefully they will resume next year (2015). I've got every issue from #1 through 2013. They're an invaluable resource Sam

Tim NO! - LOL! Sam

Bill, The corrections (additions) include the addition of a second former that already has the "cuts" in it for the "drop down decks" of the builder wants to use it and of course the corresponding images on the plans. I've also tweaked a couple of images (parts) nothing major. I've also added a few more lines in the manual and will make sure (try) to see that the manual and drawings remain correct after they have gone to the printer I'll be announcing the new kit very soon - it's a new kit in 1/4" scale. Sam

I hate spell correction!! I will not be matting the ESSEX but MASTING the ESSEX!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill There is a good chance that I will produce/market in some way the matting and rigging plan and additional items (drawings). the rigging will be with Syren's (Chuck) materials but not through Syren directly. It will also be cross referenced with Expo for monetary sake as their fittings are a little less than Syren's (but obviously less accurate as well) As soon as the corrections are out (very soon - bulk heads are done) I'll get to work on the rigging and I'm also just getting underway with a new kit offering from Expo - to be announced soon Sam

Tim The images for the masts and yards and additional boats will not be in the amended kits. Expo is keeping the kit as an admiralty offering only. I'd go with the AOS plans as a basis Sam

John, You're welcome. If there's anything I can do to help - let me know. don't forget to take a look at that web site - it's a great reference as well Sam

Floyd, You're gonna love working with Chuck's blocks and rigging line. If you're like me you're gonna want to go back and re-rig all you're completed projects because you can tell how much better they would be! Sam

Forgot to attach the site...... sorry tjlauria.com/gallery/whaling-schooner-kate-cory Sam

John, I built the KC about 20 years ago. Still one of my favorite ships/kits. Did you get the expanded set of plans from the New Bedford Museum. Also there is a series of articles from Eric Ronenburg (sp?) from the old SIS magazine called Whale Craft that are excellent. They follow along his build of the KC. Also take a look at this site. It's an outstanding version of the Kate. Good luck! Sam

Thanks Bob, As I've said your upgrade really illustrates what's possible with the kit and hopefully the build log will show what the kit is. My concern with the kit after the corrections are made is quality control at Expo. Chuck has seen "issues" creeping into the his kits through Expo as time moves on. Unfortunately at some point I can do no more to influence the product. I have been discussing with Expo the "next project" and have it down to two possibilities for a new kit. We should have a decision very soon and I can turn my attention to that. As always I'm available to help anyone with the ESSEX, but I'll also be very happy to move on............... Sam

will somebody please go and pick Sjors up!

so am I - if one shows up let me know....................LOL

Jax, you should really look into getting some help about that.......... lol

Can I charge admission?........................... (just wondering)

Dan you're in.

Thanks Floyd, Anytime on the sails. happy to help Sam

Druxey, I've missed the last couple of meetings - gotta get back next month hopefully Sam