samueljr

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

Lower band of planking. 1st plank (Garboard is 3/16" aft tapered to 1/8" forward). It is beveled to seat into the rabbit created by the side pieces on the former (keel). It is then followed by 8 strakes of 1/8" x 1/16".
 
 

Lower band of planking. 1st plank (Garboard is 3/16" aft tapered to 1/8" forward). It is beveled to seat into the rabbit created by the side pieces on the former (keel). It is then followed by 8 strakes of 1/8" x 1/16".
 
 

First band of planking below wale on Port side (12 x 1/8" x 1/16")
 
 

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

First band of planking below wale on Port side (12 x 1/8" x 1/16")
 
 

Wales (Port)

Wales (Port)

Wales (Port)

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

CONSTITUTION CROSS SECTION c. 1812 in 1:76.8 scale 

Yes I know but the damage is done already.....I was too trusting and very naive.
 
Maybe I should partner with them as was mentioned in another thread by one of our members    .   That is why all future Syren parts and kits will no longer be sold with plans that include laser cut patterns.  For example...my new barge kit wont have any templates of parts....on the plans.  The plans will NOT be sold separately.  Because the parts are all included and laser cut in the kit, it isnt really needed.  I will use photographs of the parts in the instructions instead.  Its a shame really that it has come to this.  I have also removed the station lines from the body plan on the plan sheet so if they want to steal the barge design they will have to do some work to figure it out.  If they are even capable.  Live and learn.
 
I also no longer sell to Russia or China.  I do get orders but I simply cancel them.   Its a real shame I tell ya.   I am very close friends with two Russian model builders in the states.  They have family back home and brought this site to my attention last year and apologized on behalf of good Russian folks who dont condone the practice.  And they admit that the issue of piracy is as bad if not worse than in China.
 
They also pointed me to another Russian site which includes a free download of my Cheerful plans,  Syren Plans and Confederacy plans along with the practicum...which isnt even finished yet for Cheerful.  You can also download many books from Seawatch page by page in RAR format.  But those guys will end up with the nastiest of virus' on their computers after downloading anything.  Really bad stuff actually and they advised me not even to try it as it gives the site owners access to their computers afterwards.   So I do get a small bit of satisfaction in knowing that if anyone actually finds the site and downloads my plans they will have some serious problems......afterwards.
 
Some people say I get too upset over this stuff and its just the way it is and although they say publicly they dont condone it....they are not all that disturbed by it.  But I must tell you....its not a fortune lost but how much money have I lost because of folks like this.....and from those who are willing to use them?  Its very serious for the industry.   It makes me want to stop even trying and hang it up.....whats the point right?  At least that is what runs through my mind from time to time.  I could get a job at Home Depot and come home after a shift and make models just to relax like everyone else.   Working 12 hours a day in the shop seven days a week to make a living as a ship modeler pays about the same thing.....it will be far less stress.
 
Maybe some folks wouldnt take it so lightly or wouldnt buy from them if they were the ones trying to provide for their families by making a living at it.  I do wish they would think about that when they hit the buy button.

Well I'm Done!
 
Here are the final pics of this delightful little project............
 
I thought about listing all the changes/substitutions/additions/subtractions I made but that was turning out to be a rather long list. So, if anyone has any questions about a particular aspect feel free to ask.
 
I will say just a couple of things; 
 
First everyone should build something out of their usual subject matter on occasion. It's refreshing. It's also a chance just to relax without worry of screwing up months (if not years) of work and expense. Sometimes we get too hung up on Frigates and scarph joints and nail holes and wood types and guns and every other large and (extremely) small details found out here that we just forget to have fun. 
 
As a lot of you know I'm going through a (trying) time with a Frigate that will go unnamed and I found this side project to be just the diversion needed to remind just how much fun I have building for building sake. She's not perfect (far from it) but I'm just as proud of her as any of my builds that have a ribbon or medal to their credit.
 
Also it gave me the chance to correspond with some new and great people on MSW that I generally wouldn't be in contact with for any number of reasons. There are some really super folks out here.
 
Last but not least THANKS to Chuck for a great idea and kit design. 
 
Sam
 

Well I thought I'd put the start of the plans out here and get the thread up and running. 
 
I'm still counting out and converting block and line sizes (makes for hours of fun for the whole family)
 
I have to actually do it twice as I'm going to use Chuck's (SyrenModelingCompany) blocks and line but I also have to have the comparable product accounted for from Expo/Shipway as well that will be included in the kit.
 
In addition to the rig I have to draw out and construct the remaining open launches, draw and create the additional anchors and a few other details (ideas) that I have.
 
I'll say it now (although I'm certain I'll say it again) there will be no sail plan.
 
Sam
 
 
ESSEX RIGGING PLAN 062013.pdf

Chuck
 
Maybe I missed sometime ago but when you're spinning the stock in the drill what's holding the drill and what's stabalizing the wild end of the stock?
 
Sam

Chuck
 
Maybe I missed sometime ago but when you're spinning the stock in the drill what's holding the drill and what's stabalizing the wild end of the stock?
 
Sam

Well getting closer to completion.........
 
Shrouds, anchor and touch-up left
 
Sam

I've decided on a blue ensign that will be flown from the flag halyards not at the stern.
 
Updated pics..........
 
Needs touch up and the jib sail is next.
 
I am waiting on a new anchor from Model Expo as I will be modifying it to have five arms not four.
 
Sam

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
 

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

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

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