samueljr

Hi Augie............ I'll save you one in VIP seating - lol

Thanks Jay - you've been a true friend through this. There's nothing revolutionary in her construction but I'm hopefully looking to shine a little better light on her - she deserves it........ Sam

Well with the corrections nearly complete I thought it might be a good idea to do produce a proto-type build log (of sorts). Obviously unlike other kits ESSEX has already been released but it and the members here on MSW didn’t have the benefit of seeing it come together. This will hopefully give everyone a chance to see the details in the kit, ask any questions they may have and hopefully clear up any misconceptions about the kit. How I’ll conduct this is to follow along with the manual, although I won’t be posting the actual pages but some of the photos and details. I’ll do this over a series of weeks (the manual is 15 chapters). It’s my intent to complete this in no more than half that time. One note, any updates regarding the corrections will continue to be posted in that thread. This thread is solely about the design and build of the proto-type.

Hi Bob, I hope they (Expo) will as well. The "thing" is moving on in time. I know that Chuck experienced some production issues (not to ESSEX's point) with his kits that were cleaned up but now as time moves on there are some other quality control / production concerns that have nothing to do with the design creeping back in. That's what's most frustrating. What I designed and was produced is assembled as the proto-type (and I consider myself an average builder) and it looks pretty good. Once production begins my influence is nullified for the most part. It's up to the builder to interpret whether it's a poorly designed kit or a poorly produced kit - two entirely separate things. My concern is that regardless of ESSEX's design ANY issue will be attributed to the design on my end as opposed to a production issue. I (like any designer) have to accept that inevitably there will be builders who do not like some aspect of my kit design be it drawings, methodology, instruction etc. You can't please everybody - that's just the reality of it. The best example I can give is that there are aspects of Chuck's designs (which I believe are as good as any available) that I don' care for. They're still amazing but I prefer different approaches - doesn't make them bad design. ESSEX has a shadow over it right now (and rightfully so) Hopefully moving forward the corrections along with a few build logs and the proto-type build log will re-establish the kit. Your efforts have been great in showing what can be done in a scratch/bash/upgrade approach - that's just what I hoped for in designing it. You can attest that even if the kit is followed there are a number of upgrade opportunities for the builder to really go for it. But if they choose to remain true to the kit (which has a lot of scratch build aspects) they'll still end up with a hell of a finished boat. Bob, as you (and a few others) have seen I have the masts and yards already drawn. I was always hoping to rig her to a high level (say along the lines of Grant's VICTORY) so I've got my work cut out for me. I also want to include additional details (boats, anchors, etc) so there's a lot to do. Once I know that the corrections are complete and she's in a good place again I'll start on the rig. Sam

Tim, Now that I look at your picture I recognize the background - cool! The Fort is amazing. I belong to the Association and always look forward to the French/Indian encampment. 1,000+ people in period costume. My Wife and I also love attending the outdoor concerts by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. The entire Lewiston region (Niagara Frontier) was a major area during the War of 1812. Lewiston itself was burned to the ground by the British and Indians and a majority of the residents (men, women. children) killed. As far as subject matter, if Expo were to have a specific project I would entertain it. On my own I've thought about doing a larger scale/high detail CONNY cross section that would include all the details moving aft at least to the end of the Main Channel. And it's kind'a "funny" that in the Gallery section pics were recently posted of a British 20 gun w/oars. There really isn't anything like that in the market. Sam

Tim, Fort Niagara is one of my favorite places. I live about 5 minutes from it, You could be correct about the time line. We have to remember that there is a whole world of builders who are not on MSW. They're not as current with the process. Sam

Hi Bill Hope all is well with you. The masting/rigging will happen I'm not certain on the when, how or who yet. I know I'm going to rig the proto-type (can't wait to see a full rig with Chuck's blocks and line) as well as complete a number of additional details. Whether this is through Expo, me (maybe Syren) or some combination I don't know. Most important is getting this cleaned up and out. It's going to be interesting once the corrections are out and in circulation. My concern is that any time a builder has difficulty (or dosen't like something) they'll assume something is off (blame the kit) as opposed to evaluating their process. I intend on continuing designing. I enjoy the entire process. I've had discussions with Expo about future projects ( don't know if we're going to revisit the solid hulls) and have given some thought to doing something on my own (or through Syren) if I can decide on the subject matter. Thanks - Sam

Tim, I see you're in Rochester. I'm just down the 90 in Lewiston. I've been discussing with Expo how they're going to incorporate the new files into the kit(s) as well as the amended drawings and manual. We're still trying to figure out how best to achieve all that short of putting everything old (good and bad) in the dumpster. WAY EXPENSIVE and not necessary. So there are production considerations and logistics that have to be worked out as the files I send are connected in a number of ways. The time line sounds like an outside number but that's up to them. I know they have a tremendous amount of back-orders on the kit and it is not a quick production item. I'm looking forward to getting the build log out here. As I said it will basically be the manual chapter by chapter but it will give everyone a chance to see ESSEX going together and give me the opportunity to answer a lot of questions I've received and explain why I designed aspects as I did. Also hopefully it will shine a more positive light on the kit and what it offers straight from the box or bashed up. Thanks - Sam

Jax, You're welcome. Thank you for your help and encouragement Frustrating is a good day................ Impossible to describe what it's like to look at the proto-type and wonder what the hell went wrong?................. Still a lot of work to do Sam

WELL THE FINAL CORRECTIONS WENT TO EXPO TODAY. ONCE I'VE GOT THEM BACK (ABOUT A WEEK OR SO) I CAN SIGN OFF AND ESSEX SHOULD BE PRETTY SET TO GO. IN THE MEAN TIME I'LL FINISH RE-EDITING THE MANUAL AND DROPPING THE NEW IMAGES ONTO THE PLANS. I'LL BE WORKING WITH EXPO ON HOW THE PIECES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED, LABELED, ETC. I'LL POST UPDATES HERE AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE. I'LL BE STARTING ANOTHER THREAD THIS WEEKEND - IT WILL BE THE BUILD LOG (DESIGN LOG) OF THE PROTO-TYPE. SOMETHING THAT NEVER WAS DONE HERE. HOPEFULLY THAT WILL ANSWER A LOT OF THE QUESTIONS I'VE SEEN/ RECEIVED REGARDING EXACTLY WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE KIT. I'LL POST THAT UP THIS WEEKEND. IT WILL BE PRETTY MUCH THE MANUAL AND SOME ADDITIONAL IMAGES AND NOTES FROM ME. I'LL RELEASE AN INSTALLMENT EVERY WEEK OR SO. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO'S BEEN KIND AND TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVEN'T................LOL! SAM

B.E. Yes they would have. I've seen them shown at both lengths. The full extension looked awkward at this scale. They would have been set in place as needed - not a permanent fixture Sorry for hopping in here Bob.........LOL Sam

Bob, Please forgive me for throwing this out here (I'll put it up in corrections later today) but I have been waiting on Expo's Production Dept regarding the plywood thickness. I spoke with them this morning and they assured me that the heavy plywood is no longer being used so they can begin to produce my corrected images. We'll see..... By the way Bob I haven't forgotten about the figure head Thanks - Sam

Thanks Bill

Bill, Although not "authorized" to speak on ME's behalf I'm comfortable in saying that they would honor requests for replacement parts. The method of requesting/receiving or distribution of them is totally unknown to me. Decisions on masting & rigging are down the road a bit. After seeing the work Bob is doing and having developed the proto-type I've always known that the kit was capable of producing an attractive model. It's not an "easy" build and I've said that throughout but this has been something totally different. The problems have at times been any and all of frustrating, embarrassing, maddening and confusing (to name a few). I pray this is the end of it. Sam

I have been in contact with Marc at ME this week and will be sending down for production a final (hopefully) set of the bulkhead assembly. Once these are produced and tested (again) that should be it. I'll drop them into the drawings, and amend the manual as need be. By that time I would have completed a final look over of the remaining laser parts as well. My final submission to ME will be of a full set of laser parts. That way there shouldn't be any "cross contamination" of original and corrected files. It's up to ME to keep them straight in production. As I've said before the proto-type went together fine. Based on ME assertions that they will be upgrading their ply I will maintain dimensions of the proto-type's 3/16" stock. I can't "chase" any future or possible stock discrepancies in dimension. That's a production issue - not design. I have encouraged ME to maintain as high a possible standard in production of the castings and kit components moving forward. Although as with any designer I have no control over such matters. I have discussed with ME a masting & rigging plan for the kit. It's future release is questionable. In the interim there is more than enough source material for a builder to rig ESSEX on their own. As always I'm happy to help however I can but for now I am looking forward to my own builds, and to possibly designing future kits. Be it for ME or others. I'll keep you posted Sam

UPDATE COMING END OF THIS WEEK AFTER DISCUSSION WITH EXPO SAM

Bob, I was not able to find any source material as to the depth of the basin that the stove would set in, only comments to the effect that it should be deep enough to allow for flow all around and such. I would imagine that as with most things on the ships that it was based on available room, cost, etc and so on. It was (obviously) for catching hot embers and for dissipating heat. I would also imagine that hot utensils may have been quenched in it as well although I would imagine there would be a water cask or such. The drawings (as with most things in the kit) are kind'a a sore spot right now.............. Sam

Bob It sat in a pan with water Sam

NO Sam

Thanks Dutchman I see you're wrapping up the YACHT MARY - one of my favorites. I built her about 20 yrs ago (or so). Do you have a build log or pics. I think she's one of the prettiest kits around and doesn't get enough credit. Sam

Thanks Galleons! I'd like to see some pics of your project. Sam

Bob, Really nice job. You're absolutely correct - the "trick" will be duplicating it on the other side. That was one of the reasons why I went with a cast gallery. There is a certain "weight" and symmetry to the galleries that gives them their appeal. Asking a builder to get it right once is passable but twice on the same boat in this small scale is a tall order. One I'm certain you're up to. I didn't feel comfortable leaving it as the only option. I figured that really skilled builders would undertake it on their own and put their own "touches" on it. Sam

Floyd, Welcome to the club (or is it boat)? Could we all fit in?................... The brass rod I used was simply bought at Hobby Lobby. It's 1/16" hollow and cut with a pair of snips. Best of luck - looking forward to following along Sam

David, thanks for looking in. These boats (all of them really) took on what would seem to endless configurations and modifications through their lifetimes that the possibilities are just as endless. From the start I wanted to produce something that was different (but accurate) from the "box top" photo. It was fun trying a few different techniques and some new products I was itching to try. Even being done for sometime I still read through the ongoing build logs and marvel at how wonderful everyone's models are and what a great kit this was. Sam

Bob, Great work on the cabin (play on words there)........LOL! If you're interested in dressing out the cabin more, let me know and I'll get some of the indents from the Essex Papers out to you. They have listings for chair types and numbers I even recall something on chintz material for drapes/curtains. Update on ESSEX corrections coming later this week.............. Sam