SkerryAmp

And to that!
 
We have updated data for Dusek And Caldercraft added to the list.   HUGE thanks to Pops who has been scraping data for me to import into the system.  HUGE help and much appreciated.  
 
I have been working on some tools on the backend to make some things easier.
 
One addition that will be coming shortly is a price range.  Not 100% sure how that will be implemented yet, most likely a range so as not to locked into specific data that may change.  The idea is to help people again look for ideas and is not meant to be a taken as a promise of price..   that will be made clear once that data goes in.
 
Also just about done wrapping up the page for the kit information.  At which point will move some data from the front list and leave it to the detailed information page.
 
All on the way as well as more kit information. 
 
According to the stats folks are still using it and looking at it, so that is fantastic!   And again as always thank you for your patience =)
 
Current list of data and status
 
Aeronaut: Data Entered (incomplete due to source data issues  ) A.J Fisher: KIT Data Complete Amati:Data started Artesania Latina: Data Complete Billings: Data Complete Bluejacket Ship Crafters Inc.: Data Complete Caldercraft:Data Complete Constructo:Data Complete Corel:Data not started Dumas: Data not started Dusek: Data Complete Euromodel: Data not started Krick: Data not started Graupner: Data not started Mamoli:Data started, test entries only Mantua Models UK:Data not started MarisStella.hr: Data not started Midwest Prouducts:Data Complete Modeller's Shipyard: Data not started Model Shipways:Data Complete New Maquettes: Data not started OcCre: Data started, test entries only. Panart: Data not started Robbe: Data not started Sergal: Data not started Soclaine: Data not started Victory Models: Data not started

And to that!
 
We have updated data for Dusek And Caldercraft added to the list.   HUGE thanks to Pops who has been scraping data for me to import into the system.  HUGE help and much appreciated.  
 
I have been working on some tools on the backend to make some things easier.
 
One addition that will be coming shortly is a price range.  Not 100% sure how that will be implemented yet, most likely a range so as not to locked into specific data that may change.  The idea is to help people again look for ideas and is not meant to be a taken as a promise of price..   that will be made clear once that data goes in.
 
Also just about done wrapping up the page for the kit information.  At which point will move some data from the front list and leave it to the detailed information page.
 
All on the way as well as more kit information. 
 
According to the stats folks are still using it and looking at it, so that is fantastic!   And again as always thank you for your patience =)
 
Current list of data and status
 
Aeronaut: Data Entered (incomplete due to source data issues  ) A.J Fisher: KIT Data Complete Amati:Data started Artesania Latina: Data Complete Billings: Data Complete Bluejacket Ship Crafters Inc.: Data Complete Caldercraft:Data Complete Constructo:Data Complete Corel:Data not started Dumas: Data not started Dusek: Data Complete Euromodel: Data not started Krick: Data not started Graupner: Data not started Mamoli:Data started, test entries only Mantua Models UK:Data not started MarisStella.hr: Data not started Midwest Prouducts:Data Complete Modeller's Shipyard: Data not started Model Shipways:Data Complete New Maquettes: Data not started OcCre: Data started, test entries only. Panart: Data not started Robbe: Data not started Sergal: Data not started Soclaine: Data not started Victory Models: Data not started

Just haven't got to them yet.  They will be included.

Is there any reason that Caldercraft kits are not included in the database?

So I do believe that you lot of scallywags in this community have completely warped my concept of what exactly a "kit" for building a model is...
 

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

Again, the obvious is I should have done more prep work back on page one:  Drop the cockpit floor height, build up the mast step, the bow stem, framing for the wells and more.   Oh well, but I'm learning and having fun. 
 
It was a puzzle, trying to figure out what to do first, but slowly I figured it out.
 
After removing the balance of the false deck, I removed most of the 6th bulkhead and the keel between the 6th and 7th bulkhead.  Added outer framing on all four sides.  The mast thwart is 12" wide, that's too wide, so I added an extra 6" of framing and built out the foredeck.  Since the hull is single planked and a few spots are a bit thin, I add some epoxy for strength (OK, I added A LOT of epoxy.....)

 

 
Before the side framing was glued, I cut a notch for the thwart.  

 
This first section of planks will be cut in half, at the thwart and permanently glued, still need to drill a hole for the mast.  Three short planks will be cut and fitted.  In post #2, in the 6th photo, you can see these short planks.  

 
Next up, i made 20 floor planks, only needed 14.  I'll use 3 planks when I cut down the center plank and the other 3 will be for 'just in case', as in just in case if I / when I loose one or two.............
Next, need to make the planks that will fit on each side. 

 
These side pieces were an adventure to make!  These will be permanently glued, which isn't quite right, but that's the way it is.........

 
Finally, all of the floor boards in place! It's a real tight fit and they easily pop out, so will need to reduce each very, very slightly.  
 
 
Before I glue in the end pieces or do anything else, I first need to decide if I should do some painting first. 
This took a month to figure out and make all the pieces, but I'm happy with it and again, I learned a lot!
 
 
As always, thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your interest in my build.  
 
Dee Dee

that is the support for the deck extension.    there is a lot more where that came from       thanks for the likes and comments
 
I got into another aspect yesterday........something I could have done when I made up the fore deck additions,  but in thinking of all the added measuring I would have had to do.....I just did it in this manner.  the fore deck calls for fenders {I think this is what you call them} around the bow.   I didn't get pictures of this as I went along.......just picture the stern being between my knees,  and me trying to cement these buggers on there........at the same angle as the bow,  and as flush as I could to the edge.
 

 
this is a rough cut of one of the sides.   after shaping it,  I made up the other side and commenced to gluing them on.  let the battle begin!
 

 
of course,  I won....but the tip of the bow kept wanting to split.   to defeat it,  a piece of square stock was cemented in the corner of the tip,  and used the little jig I made to help out.
 

 
the angle isn't quite right,  but that's OK.  filler was applied to help hide the seam of the deck and such.
 

 
it was sanded at this point,  to bring it down and lessen the angle.   to fill in the minor defects,  it got a second application.
 

 
then it was sanded again,  doing a bit more to lessen the angle at the bow tip.  this was a good thing,  because it gave me more time to fix that slight bulge on the port side.  it's hardly noticeable now....I can live with it    any other small adjustments can be done when I finish out the rest of the hull.  one thing I want to do,  is take the bow tip down some more.   I made this over sized a little,  so it could be sanded and trimmed....it didn't need as much as I thought it would.  I got it to where it is now,  and gave it a shot of primer to seal it up.  I still need to fill the gaps along the deck line.
 

 

 
chop that tip down a little........and I'll be in business!

That dowel Popeye......
Is that for push up's ?????
Do you really need that ?
 
Sjors

jeeze.......thanks gentlemen!    done with the work week......perhaps I can get more done.   I do want to get with some of the other builds though....some are like loooooong overdue.  this two month hiatus I took really didn't do me any favors in this respect.
 
thanks Kees........I'm following your build...you got a very interesting build going on there!
 
thanks Piet..........I think you know more about ships than you let on........that sub is knock'in my socks off! 
 
thanks Omega.......I think it's kinda funny.....in the series,  Curly was the one that got replaced.....Shemp,  Joe,  Etc.  unfortunately,  the Holiday boats aren't going to get finished this year......still way too much to do.  this hull was the most logical to use,  since it had a couple of flaws,  that needed to be fixed.  that's all done now    though it's sad to think that the Holiday build has been reduced to a dual build,  the direction that this hull is going to take,  is going to be just as much fun to do.   ever since I first saw this hull design,  I had this idea......it was just too good to keep bottled up any longer 
 
thanks Bob and Adam     I'll try not to leave ya hang'in for too long.   there is a lot of dowel work ahead on me.......glad to know that I have enough from the kites.  I do have a couple of pictures here that show one little feature.   I have to narrow it by 1/8......just a hair too wide.   I left it in this position all weekend......when I went to take it out,  it had formed itself in the shape.   I have to change it though,  because the posts are now at a slight angle........I'll fix it
 

 

 
this gives the extended deck more of a purpose now.   I should have more on it soon 

Evening folks,   finished up with some of the deck heads so decided I woudl throw up an update before moving on to other things.
 
I so far have done the Poop Deck Bulkhead, the Forward Cubbridge Head and the Great Cabin
 
Nothing really spectacular as far as techniques here, I just made sure to do what I did for the rest of the ship in order to maintain consistency.   I used the Ebony wood putty for caulking and used a dental pick and walnut putty for treenails.     For the doors I used the eyebolts with the kit bent at an angle for the door handles, and pactra trim tape cut in half for the door hinges.  I followed Chuck's tip for creating bolt heads and whalla - we have doors!
 
Poop Deck Head
 

 
Forward Cubbridge Head
 

 
Great Cabin Head
 

 
Deck Shot
 

 
Poop Deck
 

 
Cubbridge View
 

 
Side Shot
 

 
Once everything was affixed I went over it with Formby's Tung Oil Finish.  It really helped to bring out the color and clean up some of the lines on it.   I will probobly do another coat once this is dry to deepen it a little but.
 
So, while this dries I am off to something else wonderful and funatstic!!
 
 
Thanks all for stopping in
 
Enjoy!!!
 
-Adam

Well,  my goal was to start rigging this week, however the set back on waiting for a few loose end parts and my approaching vacation this weekend will push rigging off to a start time of next week when I return.  Taking the wife and brother down to Hershey Park in PA tomorrow night and I don't think they will be too keen on me packing my ship and materials and working on it in the hotel - although it is very tempting!!
 
So,  got my parts and finished up all the little loose ends. 
 
Finished the pin rails;  pretty straightforward really just basswood and golden oak to blend it all together.
Put the "hinges" on the gun lids;  just used some pactra black trim tape. Cut it to size and stuck them on!
Then sprayed the whole thing down with a couple coats of sealer to bring out some of the colors and deepen the stain a bit and that is where she will remain until Next week.
 
So, as I head off to finish up some other work and tasks I need to wrap up before tomorrow night i will leave some pics of where she sits today, the hull for the most part finished and now waiting for some masts and rope!  Then it will be to attach the anchors, the flower the rear pole and mount on the base and wallah!
 

 

 

 

 

 
Until later all!
 
Enjoy and happy modeling!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

Indeed I am Popeye, getting closer and closer and looking forward to it!
 
Did a quick update tonight while waiting for planshears to dry on the Willie.
 
I painted the inside of the foremast filler as well as installed the backing to the gunports.   I decided to paint them black just in case I decide to have some or all open.  Still havn't commited myself yet, open / closed / open / closed - funny how such a minor thing can be a big ole flip flop
 


 
I then decided to go ahead and install the stern pieces.   Turns out I didn't do to bad compensating for having BH 5 installed backwards,  was just a tad off but once put together I don't believe it is going to hurt me much. Everything still seems to line up pretty good, just the outside frame piece is a tad wide off center.
 
Everything seems lined up and ready to go.   Tomorrow should be able to finish up the gun ports, install the false decks and fair the bulkheads.
 
 

 

 
As always,comments, tips and hints are welcome and thanks for popping in!!
 
 
Enjoy!
 
-Adam

Excellently coming along Popeye - can't wait to see how it comes along.   When your details start popping out - always a great surprise!

That looks great Sjors! VERY well done - and shiny !

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

Ahh Gentleman I very much appreciate the kind words,  I am slowly working my skills up.   I have tried doing bigger but they more often then not come out blurry,  plus if I get to big you can see alllllllll the booboos and the illusion would be shattered .  I will work on it though.
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you Dave,  much appreciated as I watch yours progress
 
 
YAY Gerty!   Thanks for stopping in again - appreciate it, and thank you!
 
 
Thanks Dennis,  the vacation was great!   But would be lying if I didn't admit to spending some brain cycles on what I was going to do when I got home
 
 
Ohh Sjors my friend, if you magnify it you surely would see dust - dings and other mishaps - but getting there, getting there...learning through every mistake, twitch, nick and oops!
 
And yes....  Ratlines!!
 
My time away has come to an end... and as such - back to the bench!

Well,  my goal was to start rigging this week, however the set back on waiting for a few loose end parts and my approaching vacation this weekend will push rigging off to a start time of next week when I return.  Taking the wife and brother down to Hershey Park in PA tomorrow night and I don't think they will be too keen on me packing my ship and materials and working on it in the hotel - although it is very tempting!!
 
So,  got my parts and finished up all the little loose ends. 
 
Finished the pin rails;  pretty straightforward really just basswood and golden oak to blend it all together.
Put the "hinges" on the gun lids;  just used some pactra black trim tape. Cut it to size and stuck them on!
Then sprayed the whole thing down with a couple coats of sealer to bring out some of the colors and deepen the stain a bit and that is where she will remain until Next week.
 
So, as I head off to finish up some other work and tasks I need to wrap up before tomorrow night i will leave some pics of where she sits today, the hull for the most part finished and now waiting for some masts and rope!  Then it will be to attach the anchors, the flower the rear pole and mount on the base and wallah!
 

 

 

 

 

 
Until later all!
 
Enjoy and happy modeling!!
 
 
 
 
 
 

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!

So, vacation was a blast - Hershey park is a lot of fun if you have not been and like amusement parks I think it was well worth the time and money spent!  Although - 84 through Connecticut is a bit of an anxiety trip .
 
So, got home last night and just kicked back and decompressed a bit. However, as a tradition started many moons ago I always take one extra day from work upon returning so spent today back at the bench!!
 
Next up was the bowsprit.   Between the plans and the great instructions it was pretty much straighforward and easy peasy.  Although tying the gammoning was a new experience and I spent a good amount of time learning to use two tweezers (didn't have to do that on the phantom).
 
So,  started with an acceptably sized dowel....
 

 
It was then time to taper it.  Since I do not have a wood lathe (Although after this I am thinking I may look into one,  Harbor Freight had a cheap one,  may see if that one is any good) I went with the drill method.  Used a small piece of cloth to protect the dowel end and chucked that puppy up and got ready to go!
 

 
Using 80 grit sandpaper I fired up the drill and started to slowly sand it away.   I varied the pressure from the base to the tip and after a little while (and a battery swap)  I got it to size per the plans.   One big tip doing it this way,  wear gloves! That sandpaper gets VERY hot and it gets very uncomfortable and the potential for a burn is pretty good.
 
I had debated on whether to drill the hole and let the gammoning do it's thing,  but ended up opting for cutting the correct angle and gluing it to the bow.  So created a small tenon for that effort.
 

 
Next up, add the chocks and cleats.   Those were pretty easy, not totally sure I got the alignment dead on but I think I got it acceptably close.  The chocks were just small rectangles cut rough and then filed to shape in place.
 

 
A quick coat of stain and the bowsprit was mounted and the gammoning tied and this step of the masting/rigging is done!
 

 

 
One small issue that did show up is that apparently when I sealed it I messed up.  I discovered how bad an idea that was after taking the pics and wondering what all those little white dust spots were all over the ship.   They aren't there in person.   However, after closer inspection the specks are the shine from the sealer.   I thought I had grabbed satin, but no no no.  I grabbed GLOSS, and HIGH GLOSS at that.   So,  I have to get some satin sealer and redo that, so please ignore the speckle effect,  it isn't there to the eye, but the camera gets it due to the finish -
It kind of made me
 
Tomorrow night it would appear that next up is to work on the main masts, so looking forward to that!!!
 
So, until later - enjoy and happy modeling!!