samueljr

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

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

Well, I have certainly been remiss in updating this!  Yes, the repairs were successful.  You may recall that I had a problem with the bulkhead former being less than flat/straight.
 

 
Based on the advice provided, I widened the holes that the supporting dowels passed through, as well as slightly thinning the dowels.  It isn't particularly attractive, but will be planked over fully so not visible.  Important thing is the repair worked.
 

 
Next step was to clamp the keel thingy between two pieces of steel for about 3 days (arbitraty - had to go on a business trip so let it sit for the duration)
 

 

 
After removing the clamps and metal, the former is nearly flat.
 

 
 
While I haven't gotten a great deal done, have not been totally idle.  In the above you can see the supports for the garboard plank have been installed and shaped.  In addition, #1 son has started to work on preparing the stern and quarter galleys for painting and installation. 
 

 

 

 
While he is working on that, I have been pondering the planking of this beastie and planning the approach. 
 
It appears that the first plank will be about at the level of the deck and follow it toward the stern, with a slight rise in the bow.
 

 
First plank piece has been bent to shape, now getting ready to cross check between sides and take the plunge of putting glue to wood.
 
Until next time,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Correction update............
 
I've assembled the redrawn set of bulk heads (including the former, rabbit strip, stem, keel and stern post)
 
A couple of "things"
 
The increase in slot width allowed the bulk heads to be inserted much easier
 
I was able to release all the parts listed above and the 22 bulk heads from their sheets (bass or plywood) with nothing more than an x-acto knife and a #11 blade. There was no damage of any part.
 
The assembly is drying up
 
I will start tomorrow to cross reference dimensions against the proto-type. Once satisfied with those then I'll lay up battens to assess fairness of the bulk heads.  When doing that I'll also bevel the stern and bow as required and install bow blocks
 
That should take me through the end of the week or so.
 
Just an FYI - The plywood used remains at a heavier weight/thickness than the 3/16" used on the proto-type and represented in the drawings. The plywood supplied in the kit moving forward is at the discretion of Expo. The amendments I am making through the kit are a one time only exercise.
 
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
 

UPDATE COMING END OF THIS WEEK AFTER DISCUSSION WITH EXPO
 
SAM

UPDATE COMING END OF THIS WEEK AFTER DISCUSSION WITH EXPO
 
SAM

UPDATE COMING END OF THIS WEEK AFTER DISCUSSION WITH EXPO
 
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'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
 

NO
 
Sam

Time to start making guns. After searching around for barrels to replace the kit castings, I could find none that closely matched the sizes needed. As a result, I had two choices: use the castings or make my own. In this case, I chose to try to use the castings. After a lot of filing, drilling out the bore and adding the rings for the breeching rope to the button, the barrels looked acceptable to my eye. They were then painted black.
 
Next came the question of the carriages. This time, I decided not to use the kit parts, but to use the laser cut pear carriage kits from the Lumberyard. Here again, because of the odd scale of the kit (1:76.8), finding a size match was a bit of trial and error. I ended up using their 1:64 6 lb carriages. These still required some modification to allow the barrels to fit. After assembly and finish with Wipe-on Poly, I added the eyebolts, ringbolts and the quoin handles (these were done with the smallest brass belaying pins that I had on hand). The bolt heads on the carriages were done with a fine tip marker. The barrels were then glued in place and the cap squares added using black painted tape ( another concession to the very small size of these pieces).
 
I'm going to rig these guns with blocks and rigging line from Chuck. Sizes are again the issue and I'm now awaiting my second order from Chuck to pick what I want to use.
 
Bob

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

Some extremely quick update pics
 
I'll post better and with description(s) next week
 
Happy New Year everyone! 
 
Sam

That I'd post a few more progress pics.
 
It's really just straight from the manual building at this point.
 
Sam