Wintergreen

I am glad to have made it back!............glad to see the Stag did as well.   thankfully people talk....or I wouldn't have known when MSW was back online.   I couldn't use the bookmark I have,  so I had to do a search in order to reconnect with the site.......just got in tonight.
 
it's so sad to see the library so bare
gone is the content that used to be there
it was like taking a walk on the longest pier
to view all the ships that used to be here
 
through all the effort,  of all that are friend
will whittle away,  in an effort to mend
the void that was created, by the electronic foe
back to the greatest site,  that we used to know
 
it's not much,  but I threw this together for you folks at MSW...........we'll get her back ship shape Sir{s}

Ok here are a few pics showing the relative scale of the pilot cutter.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
It was tough going through the shrinking machine but I managed to stay calm. Normally I am 6 foot 2 inches here I am at 9 1/4 inches tall.
 
Michael

Thanks, Daniel, Hakan and Joe.  This is like a forest fire; it clears out the old underbrush and leaves room for a fresh start with a clean sequence of the most interesting photos!
 
Mark

The ships boats are just (like the rest of the build) exquisite (Mozilla's spell checker helped me with that word )
 
a silent "oh, my gosh" sips through my lips when I browse all you images. Great!

Ah, ok, now its clearer to me. Thx!

Håkan,
 
inte hålla mig i ovisshet för länge (do not keep me in suspense to long) 

Hey Hakan -- I just happened to be over at your re-built build log!!

Yepper, yours was one of the logs that really brought the true joy into model ship building for me.
Will watch this 'til the end.
 
/Håkan

Yepper, yours was one of the logs that really brought the true joy into model ship building for me.
Will watch this 'til the end.
 
/Håkan

Static: Rattlesnake 1780 (Model Shipways MS2028) 1:64
 
Note: The first section of this log is a repost originally created in 2012
 
First, I would like to thank all of those who have taken the time to create or re-create thier logs on Model Ship World. Your efforts have been invaluable to me and I am sure will be to many others.
 
Thank You All
 
As for my story: I purchased the Model Shipways Rattlesnake kit around five years ago from a local hobby store. After assembling the false keel, I realized the magnitude of this endeavor and decided it best postponed for another day. The box sat on my shelf until recently when I found the Model Ship World forums. This is where I discovered the build logs, like great sagas, some taking years to complete, they inspired me, renewing my interest in ship modeling and giving me the confidence to restart this project.
 
Kit Review/Preview:
 
According to the manufacturers website http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS2028
 
The kit is an Intermediate Level build. Originally, a solid hull kit, it was converted to plank on bulkhead with updated instructions in 1994 by Ben Lankford. The rigging, hull details, and original kit were done in 1963 by George F. Campbell based on Admiralty draughts and an earlier reconstruction published by Howard L Chapelle. The manual is informative and judging by comments posted regarding other manufacturer’s attempts, seems to be above average. It is not however, as clear as some of the other manuals provided by this same manufacturer. All of instructions for the Model Shipways kits sold on the Model Expo site are available for download at no cost. As are some very helpful practicums. These were very useful to me, either clarifying the steps in the manual, or elaborating on tasks in which I have no experience. The parts in the kit are, again to my untrained eye seem to be of good quality. The wood contained in the kit is primarily Basswood and this I am sure is to maintain an affordable initial cost, allowing the builder to add wood upgrades at his own expense, and choosing. Castings seem OK, only requiring minimum cleanup, and a generous supply of additional hardware is included. Two double-sided sheets of plans round out the kit. I picked up some inexpensive wood for the optional second planking and recently purchased a few additional lengths of Cherry plus a sheet of Walnut. Overall, I am very pleased with the product Model Shipways provides.
 
I would like this log to be as open as possible. I will attempt to post pictures, comments, questions, and any information I discover on the way as I have seen others do. I will also try to accommodate any request for additional pictures or responses so please feel free to ask. My goal is to create an atmosphere encouraging feedback, especially those pertaining to any corrections/improvements regarding the methods needed to complete this model. I enjoy writing so I will apologize for my wordiness from the start. My main priority however is to just have fun and enjoy the hobby and this blog. Comments, criticisms, or suggestions, are always welcome and appreciated!
 
Please note that I have very little or no experience in model shipbuilding. I have built some RC aircraft, rockets, and if I can use the phrase “a boatload” of plastic.