SkerryAmp

Adam - Do you still need the spreadsheet? I had assumed that Chuck had already shared it with you. I believe he made some updates to the version I have.

 

If you have it readily handy I would love to go through it.

Adam - In MSW 1.0 we used to have something very similar to this. I twas a spreadsheet that listed every model on the market and other relevant details. I provided an old copy of that sheet to Chuck, but I am guessing he is pretty busy and it needed some updates. I will send that to you so you can include it here.

 

That would be fantastic Floyd - thank you!!!

 

I have placed a banner on the right side of the forum and also on the MSW home page...this will ensure easy access moving forward.  Adam has been working very hard on this and it will soon be the go to place to find info about ship kits.   This will replace that spreadsheet Floyd was referencing.  All of us on MSW thanks you..please give Adam any help you can with this if it is at all possible.

 

Wonderful work Adam  

 

Chuck

 

Thanks for the support sir!  Appreciate it!

 

 

Too all the others, wow!  Thank you for the support - am glad it is being so well received; even more motivation to make it kick proverbial butt!!

For what it is worth Wayne, I have actually started to become kind of fond of Windex as a "wetter" to bend the wood.  I typically just pop the top off the bottle, sink the wood in there, let it sit there a few minutes take it out, bend and wait a few minutes.   I MAY perhaps be a bit of an impatient person in some cases and found Windex bends nice, dries pretty quick and does not retain the blue tint from the liquid (at least so far it hasn't). IF that is a concern, there is clear as well.

Exceptional idea, Adam - thanky you!  Good to see you have quality interns working with you as well

 

Yeah, Mr. Friskington is pretty good - and quite busy:  And he is cheap too!   A bit needy,  but cheap!!

Thanks all, glad it is being received so well.

 

 

Can you supply measurement data in metric also?

 

Absolutely! 

Hello all,

 

Ever wanted to know what kits are available for 17th Century British Frigates?

 

How about what kits are beginner and which kits are advanced?

 

Worried about space and want an easy way to find out what ships are available which are a certain 

lenght or height?

 

 

Read on my friends, read on!

 

Since joining Model Ship World, I have continuously been impressed with the quality of its members and the level of help people get with their hobby.  It is incredibly refreshing to find a place where people of all skill levels and interests, from all over the world, can come together in one place and help, encourage and applaud the wonderful works which can be found from its members new and old.

 

There is one trend I have noticed, with regards to questions and requests for advice, and that is related to the kits themselves.  Questions regarding quality of kits, availability, types, subjects and overall level of difficulty.

 

We have great resources for that, several articles, build logs etc.;  but I got to thinking it may be helpful to have this information in one place.  Not to replace what is on MSW in its various forms, but to supplement it.

 

While not an expert modeler by any means yet, I am a code jockey =) and enjoy doing techy codey things (that is a technical term by the way), so I decided to try to put that to use.

 

This is to announce a project which I am working on and am making available as of tonight.

 

The Model Ship World Ship Kit Database

 

What is it?

 

Well, it is a database of Model Ship Kits.  A central repository for what is available out there along with as much data regarding each kit as I can scrape up.

 

Secondly, Model Ship World Ship Kit Database is a living project.  This basically means it is intended to grow and expand based on feedback and contribution from the model ship world membership.

 

What does it do?

 

Right now, it allows you folks to search for ships.   As of this evening you can search for available ships based on Manufacturer, Scale, Type of Kit, Type of Ship, Period of Ship and the Ships Nation of origin.

 

You can search for these ships based on one of the above criteria or build out the criteria to get as refined a search as you want.

 

So, for example, if you want to see all the ships Model Shipways Currently has available – you can do that.

 

If you want to find all the ship kits which are 19^th Century French 1:64^th scale Plank on Bulkhead Frigates – you can do that too.

 

Is that all that it does?

 

As of this evening, yes it does.  Is that all it will do? No.    I actually have big plans for this and was going to wait to announce it until much more was done.  However it will take a little time to get everything in so I wanted to “release” it in stages.  Mainly to get it out there and let people get some hands on it and start giving me feedback.   

 

The idea is to make this as useful to the MSW community as possible.  I think it is in a good starting point, but really want to hear from you guys regarding it so I can develop it over time to make it as great as it can be.

 

I can’t promise all suggestions will make it in, or that they will go in overnight, but this in my mind is for MSW so I look forward to collaboration and the discussions to do as best we can.

 

Where does it stand right now?

 

Currently I have identified the following manufacturers for inclusion in the database.  Some have their kits added while others are queued to be completed over the next week or so.

• A.J Fisher: Data not started
• Artesania Latina: Data started, 80% complete
• Billings: Data not started
• Bluejacket Ship Crafters Inc.: Data Complete
• Caldecraft:Data not started
• Corel:Data not started
• Constructo:Data not started
• Dusek:Data not started
• Mamonli:Data started, test entries only
• Mantua Models UK:Data not started
• Midwest Prouducts:Data Complete
• Model Shipways:Data Complete
• OcCre: Data started, test entries only.

 

You said there was a lot planned so what else is there?

 

I am so glad you asked

 

Not only is this meant to be a list of what is available but it is also a place where people can come and find out about the ships.   Here is what is on deck....

• More refined filter parameters:
  • Ability to filter on length and height
  • Ability to filter on skill level
• General Search:  Ability to type part of a kit name and search for all related kits.
• Data page:   This will be a drill down into the kit including a picture of the kit completed and important details regarding the kit itself. Some of what is currently in the data view will be moved here to make the data view a little less cluttered.
• Reviews: The ability for those of you who have built some of these kits can review them for others.  The reviews will have scales for the quality of materials, documentation and plans as well as a way to rate the kit for accuracy and skill level.   It is one thing for the manufacturers to say it, it is more meaningful when those who actually have worked with it say it.
• Links to related build logs.   Just another way for the MSW to find build logs related to their ships or for people to get a preview of what they may be in for.
• Manufacturer Data Page:  Just a quick data sheet on the company itself, where it is, contact information etc etc.
• Search launch:  A simple mechanism for people who may have found a ship they are interested in to one click google search for the kit in question.

That is what I have on my list, the best part (as is usually the case) what comes out of the community.

 

As I mentioned, my hopes is this becomes a think tank project and grows from ideas provided by the MSW Community.

 

Why announce it with so much more to do?

 

  Feedback. 

 

Like it, Love it, Hate it I can take it; let me know.  

 

Whether you like it or not; let me know.   What people like I will continue with and what they don’t I will try to change so that they do,  but I can’t unless I know.

 

I can promise to take all suggestions and comments under consideration, but can’t promise all will be done.  

 

I will do my best to address concerns and questions as quickly as possible; after all if you take the time to lend a suggestion I can at least take the time to acknowledge it =)

 

My only goal is to make this as useful as possible and make it a solid resource for the Model Ship World community.

 

We can use this thread (I think) as the think tank for this project.   I will post updates to the database as I do them as well as keep a running list of ideas and where I may be at with them.

 

Where is this database hosted? I see it doesn’t have an MSW domain.

 

This is true,

 

this project is hosted on my own hosting service. 

 

I have been using them for quite some time and have not had any issues so am fairly confident it will have acceptable uptime for us to use this. 

 

The ampitcher.com well, ampitcher is me =)  

 

There is no link behind the scenes to MSW so your MSW information is safe, and this database does not require any sensitive information for you to access it.  If you have any concerns please PM Me I will be glad to address them.

 

This is however an MSW resource, meaning I am doing this for MSW and the MSW community. 

 

People from the outside may find it in a search or what not, but all efforts are to grow from within MSW and to drive TO MSW from the outside. =)

 

Anything we can do right now to help?

 

Kit companies and information

 

I have several in there (see list above) but I know there are more.   If you see any companies that are missing please let me know.  Right now I am focused on wood kits, but will be adding in plastic and card shortly.

 

Likewise, while in the database you will see many entries have blank data.  This is because of one of several things; either I could not find it, couldn’t figure it out or had conflicting information so wasn’t sure what to put.  

 

IF anyone has any knowledge they can lend me towards those empty slots please PM me with ID (first column) and the information.  I will edit them asap!  And thank you heartily!! =)

 

Well, I think I rambled on enough.   

 

Here is the link to the database.  

 

http://mswshipkits.ampitcher.com/

 

Take a look, let me know what you think and I want to thank you for your time.  

 

Updates will be coming so stay tuned!

 

For now, if we can limit data error information to PM and leave the forum topic for discussion related to the database, new ideas, feedback and updates – it would be appreciated!!

 

Thank you again, hope you like it and looking forward to creating the best model ship database on the web – with your help I know we can do it!!

 

As always

ENJOY!!

 

 

To get technical, PVA is Polyvinyl Acetate.   That is what PVA stands for.  As for what it is -  it's a fancy name for White Glue or any of in the white glue family because those glues use a PVA base, the differences betweent them come with the other stuff that may be in the glue..

 

Elmers, Carpenters Glue, Tack Glue etc etc.

Very nice!!   That looks like some impressive planking going on there I do say!

 

That long before an update?  Okay, okay..nobody panic...  we can take it......  okay everyone...just like we planned - we can make it through.

Interesting responses.

 

Personally I have never really sat and thought about my preferences, but since this topic came up; now I have

 

Primarily I like the acrylics as well.  They are just superior overall with regards to no or low odor, easy clean up, quick dry time and just a tremendous amount of variety of colors, brands, mixes and what not.  However, that being said - not all acrylics are made equal

 

I do very little spraying (from a spray can) but when I do that is the only place I go with enamels.  I have tried the house brands but the paint is just too thick and too easy to obscure details.  Model sprays (mainly testors) are scaled so the paint is thinner and go on much easier.  Again though, I don't too much there.

 

For brush on I find that Humbrol Acrylics, Model Masters Acryl Line and Model Shipways are for the most part great right out of the bottle.   Depends on the colors though,  so far Model Shipways White has been the one I had the best luck with.   I have recently discovered (thanks to folks on this board) artists acrylics.   Not sure if I like the tube acrylics, although just like any acrylic a little water thins the consistency to whatever you like and are comfortable with.

 

For shooting I really like Model Masters acrylic,  so far I havn't had to thin them much out of the bottle and they shoot great!  I have heard you can thin down the artists acrylic to shoot, but that just seems wierd to me.

 

If you looked in my paint closet you would see quite the random assortment of paints.   Overall I don't steer away from any paints much,  paint is paint - but if i had to pick favorites, then the above is where I would go.

 

 

As for colors, like others have said - not much Gloss used on those ships.  More modern ships maybe, but the old tallships not so much.  A nice semi looks quite nicely I think.  Although, when it comes down to it - any model is a good model; it is all in the enjoyment of the hobby and expressing your own vision/view and likes.  I have never looked at a ship and thought much about the colors;  although if someone did a constitution in pastels and neons THEN I may take a moment to gag    but still, in the end - it is what you want it to be and I will appreciate the art if nothing else

 

 

 

Good luck,  and enjoy!!

I did also decide to do a little prep work for when the bulwarks are done.   I decided to get the wales ready for their debut.   I have some boxwood and pear laying around so I decided I am going to use those to do the wales and the moulding.  I want a nice clean edge and have become somewhat addicted to using those woods.  

 

For the wales I decided to stain them using ebony stain.  Will give a nice black I think and a nice touch to the model (I hope)

 

So first I picked out some clean boxwood strips.....

 

 

Pulled out the trusty ole Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (I absolutely love this stuff)

 

 

Treated the boxwood accordingly....

 

 

The previously mentioned Ebony Stain also by Minwax (I have pretty good luck with their products)

 

 

And - WALLA!   Black Wales

 

 

I have no set those aside to dry overnight and will see what I can about those tomorrow...

 

The question now is,    what do I do now...hmmmmmm.

 

 

Well, thanks for stopping in!

 

Enjoy!!

Good Evening All,

 

Did a fair amount of work on the mayflower finally.

 

1st, once again - thank you Dennis; this would not have been done if it were not for your planks!!

 

I finally got the entire hull and bulwarks second planked, and decided to fill and paint the hull.   It was an adventure as always.  A little sanding and filling here, sanding and filling there, more sanding, more filling, more.. well you get the picture.    I am satisfied I guess is the word for it,  but I still recognize I need a lot more skill building in the planking department.   Not overly thrilled with the bow, the planks are semi even but angle up a tad which means (I believe) I didn't taper them enough.   Am hoping once it is all together and shiny and cleaned up that only I will see booboos.   Live and learn eh?

 

So,  here is the hull all painted up....

 

From the bottom

 

And from the bow (don't worry, it looks crooked but that is camera operator error not getting a nice clean shot, the angle is mucking it up.   Drove me into a panic at first until I checked and double checked and triple checked)

 

 

And finally from the stern.  I may need to work a little more on where the planks meet the stern, that edge is less than smooth,  but try and try I can't seem to get it where I would like it.  We shall see how that goes.

 

 

So with that done,  I shall let that sit aside and dry and then give it another light sanding and then will stain, treenail and seal the bulwarks tomorrow night.

 

 

 

 

HI Andy, slowly getting caught back up on my log reading,  so very sorry to hear about your loss - my sincere condolences.

Those structures look outstanding John!!  really like how this is coming along....

 

Internet High Five for you sir!

 

Wow Popeye, sorry to hear about all the rigamarole they are putting you through, and a cold on top of it - eek!!

 

A good hot toddy should do it -

 

Cinnamon Stick

Cup of whiskey

Shot of hot water

Dash of lemon

 

Does the trick up nicely....

 

or maybe it is actually a cup of hot water and shot of whiskey... I always get those mixed up - but I sleep like a log =)

Russ, nice to see you back and back at the building! 

I don't know how I missed this build log but until today I did. Great read and good info... except for the funeral parts of course. Sorry to hear of so many losses... my condolences to you and your wife   Here's to improved karma for the future 

 

Now, i hate to say it and sound like... well.... someone else... but where are the most recent planking pics. Enquiring minds and all that... 

 

Thanks Randy, a appreciate that a lot.  The good Karma I am sure is on it's way, and thanks to our great friends and you awesome people at MSW,  things are going quite well all things considered.

 

As for pics... well, I will be updating the build as soon as a I submit this here response   I don't want to cause anyone undue stress ya know

Sorry to hear about the misfortunes that have happened recently, Must be hard, but chin up we are here for support! I have just started the ratlines on this ship as I am currently building it now. Yours is looking great by the way. It's not a bad ship to build actualy

 

Thank you very much,  the chin is up - the admiral and I are keeping each other up and moving getting things back in order.   She has her jewelry to keep her mind occupied and I have my Ships - and boy are they a wonderful help!  SO many good things about this hobby!

 

Nice to hear someone else is building this one,  I would LOVE to see your work on it so far!    The ratlines are a bit down the road but are already making me nervous, and I have TWO ships that need em....   ... so have a little bit of pre anxiety going on with that.

 

You are right about the kit,  it is a nice and relatively fun kit to build.

 

I just need to find a cat type figuring in the right pose to use as the figure head for this to be transformed to the Kara June for the admiral, that seems to be my biggest challenge now that I have figured out the planking (so far that is)

So, after getting it all sanded the way I wanted it is where I want for a starting point.   I learned a lot from the phantom and so far those lessons have come in quite handy.  This one is in a much better starting point than the phantom was - lessons are good things!!

 

So, the next bit was to get the keel, stem and stern post hooked up.   I used stock piece of lumber for those and used a small piece of scrap ply for the bend connecting the keel and stem.

 

Interestingly enough it would seem I have the same contour gauge Sarah has - it is my Dad's and quite old but does the trick!! So used that to make the joiner for the keel and stem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was then a pretty straightforward task of assembling the parts.  

 

 

 

 

 

And then it was Filler Time!!

 

There are two things I really like to use as filler depending on the task at hand.   Either Joint Compound (Sheet Rock Mud) for large areas because of how easy it is to spread due to it's consistency.   For smaller things I really like Hobbico's Balsa Colored FIller - HobbyLite.  REALLY great stuff in my opinion.  Out of the jar it is a workable consistency and spreads quite easy and thick enough to work into small gaps.   Sanding is a breeze!!  If you haven't used it - I strongly recommend it!

 

 

 

So, applied the hobby lite, let it dry and sanded it all out.

 

 

 

I will be adding the figure head and details shortly..... 

 

 

Until later - ENJOY!!!

 

 

 

One trick I do is once I am done, before I stain I will take some alcohol and just lightly wipe down the area enough so the alcohol wets the wood but doesn't soak it.    This can often show those nasty glue splotches,  the alcohol won't soak in where there is glue.

 

Also, if using PVA (white glue) a rag dampened with alcohol can sometimes be used to clean up glue splotches.

 

If everything looks good,  I take a wood conditioner and wipe down the whole area.  This does two things, one it is a slightly darker "wet" look and will again show any glue splotches which may hinder the appearance,  and if there aren't any it pre conditions the wood for stain.

 

 

If you are fairly certain the glue is going to be a problem no matter what,  then Brian's suggestion above is a good way to go.  It richens up the wood color without exposing glue mishaps.

So, really wanted to get to something tonight, wasn't sure which project would get a little TLC and after much back and forth on each build I decided some aggressive sanding was just the thing I needed!

 

So, I examined my HL Hull and realized while it was sanded down it really needed a bit more to get the right thickness and shape all around, so armed myself with my sanding gear and went to town on the hull.   Really got it to where I am truly happy with it,  nicely shaped I think and smooth - ready to go!

 

For those who may be interested my aggressive sanding gear is the following.

 

Dremel Tool w/Flex Shaft and rough Sanding drums (great for stripping material to basic shape and lines)

Proxxon Pen Sander (Moderate to fine sanding and to get in those corners)

Finished off with 500 grit sand paper all around.

 

 

So next up will be the keel, sternpost and stem and then sealing and priming!

 

For now - the hull as she stands today.

 

Am happy with the thickness and shape,  am oddly enough looking forward to getting to the copper plating on this one.  The hull already is in much better shape than the phantom when I did that one.

 

 

 

 

Uht oh - missed a spot! 

 

Aww damnit - need to sand out the bow to accept the sternpost better.

 

 

Okay - so, it isn't QUITE 100% as I thought,   I would say 95%... will hit those trouble areas tomorrow before moving forward.

 

 

Thanks all for stopping in and for the support!   Highly appreciated!

 

Until later----  ENJOY!!!

 

 

 

 

Thank you guys - much appreciated

 

@Wayne - Between you and Sarah I have quite the list of things I want to try with this build.   Excited to give it a go!  As for school; I decided to finish up my software engineering degree.  I have been in the industry for about 20 years or so (give or take) and decided it was time to finish it up.  

 

@Mark - Thank you sir,  yes - doing things "normal" is definitely a good way to get the coping going.  Has helped us out quite a bit - Yet another reason I have found to love this hobby and this site and you great folks on it - normalcy!

Thanks - yeah,  life has had it in for us for some reason this year.   Starting to feel like us and ours have a big ole target on us - but,  that is part of life right?   Good and bad, it will even out at some point!!

Thank ya Dennis,  much appreciated!   The keel is a tad uneven, but we are banging it back into shape

Thanks all, it is kind of unbelievable really.   But yes,  we roll on - difficult at times, but roll on we do.

 

@John - it does indeed. 

 

@Gerty: Wow - great to see you sir!   After all, your log was one of the ones to inspire me to do the willie!  Nice to see you around!  And thank you sir, much appreciated!

 

@Dennis - Thank you friend, appreciate that.  I did and She says thank you very much.

 

@Augie - Oh I know, and it is appreciated.   Great group you all are!!

Wow,  J.Pett - thank you.  Just what I have been looking for.  

 

I have checked out the other mills but they always seemed too much for what I have been considering.  The Dremel in a Drill press is a good idea (but I need a better drill press, the dremel press - at least the one I got - isn't true so it doesn't work quite right).

 

However, that proxxon hobby mill ... now we are talking!