SkerryAmp

Thanks all for the likes - they are greatly appreciated!
 
Just a little bit more of an update.   Decided to tackle the bulwarks tonight on this one while the parts fo they mayflower sit ever so patiently (that is tomorrows event).
 
The kit comes with very well done laser cut bulwarks,  they were clean and uniform (quite nice).
 

 
Decided to go at it what I think was the simplest way, again going by the kits instructions and trying not to add too much "extra", spread a VERY thin layer of white glue on the bulwark.  Then just lay the african walnut strips and let dry.   One of the problems with the strips is because they are so thin  of the edges are VERY narrow (like a sliver) it was difficult to get the to alll lay flat.  So, flipped it over once they were all laid on and looked around my work bench for heavy objects to flatten it down.   This is when it occured to me with all my tools, gadgets and gizmos I don't have a good selection of flat weights.
 
So, had to get a little creative
 

 
Worked PERFECT!  whew.
 
Now, once all was dry and I was sure they wouldn't slip around, I then flipped it back over and carefully trimmed the edges.  One thing to note with the walnut, it is VERY dry and VERY brittle as it turns out.  So I had to use a brand spanky new sharp sharp sharp knife and score it.  DO NOT try to cut it in one shot, it seems suseptable to tearing
 
Luckily the tearing was just along the hull edge and a couple inside spots which will be covered up once assembled.   WHEW again!!
 

 
Then it was just a matter of lining them up and installing them onto the ships hull.  Easy peasy! (not really,  Had to go at the formers a bit more to get the curves a bit better, but eventually it went on relativly easy.
 

 

 
Letting that setup and dry solid and will install the second one tomorrow then move onto the additional decks.
 
So far, AL seems to make a fairly decent kit (still really digging the color build steps companion, very nice - very nice)
 
Until later...
 
Enjoy and happy building!!! 

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!!!
 
 
 
 

So.  It would appear not only did Murphy move out - but a good luck leprechaun moved in.   The wife and I have been having a bizarre streak of luck lately and tonight was no exception.
 
As I just mentioned yesterday - the Blue Shadow was on hold along with the Mayflower due to a material shortage.  Mainly - lack of planking material   Mistakes chewed up what I had for the Mayflower and horrible wood needs replacing for the Blue Shadow.
 
With three projects on the table, 2 stalled and one drying primer and filler; the urge to build something was strong (maybe the weeks of being away whow knows) but the temptation was great to crack open the harriet lane.  I know - crazy right?... well - this is how close it came... 
 
From the closet TO the corner of the desk...
 

 
 
Now, some time ago I had invested in some Pear, Boxwood and Holly from the Lumberyard.  I keep my extra wood stock in the closet behind me and when I was looking for planking I went to use the boxwood I had gotten.  Could not find it.  I know I used some on the willie, but didn't think I had used that much but convinced myself I didn't have as much as I had thought.
 
So, imagine my surprise when I went to the hobby bench, dropped my xacto, leaned over to get it and saw....
 

 
Yuppers, that is right - that would be the boxwood planking I had picked up and talked myself out of even existing: Sitting right there, to my right on the bottom shelf of my work bench
 
I can't use it for the mayflower, but I can use it for the Blue Shadow...
 
So - the USRC Harriet Lane will once again head back to the closet and await it's turn.   The mayflower shall wait for her new shipment of lumber,  the Willie will dry and sit as I continue to contemplate how to do some of the upcomming work, and the Blue Shadow shall hit the bench for a little bit.
 
So.  WIth that,  the first planks were laid (just the initial ones along the deckline).    I know I have only finished one ship and only truly planked one (the mayflower)  but planking - the technique and the idea behind it sort of escapes me.  Some of you guys are masterful at it so I am trying to figure it out so I can show more of my planking and hide less of it under filler and paint       I picked up some books on the matter to help me out....
 

 
All three have great information (to me at least) especially trying to solve the mysteries of some aspects of ship building.    I read the mats here on the site, took into account russ's suggestion (where has he been btw..hmmm) and I have perused some of the members methods as well as read through these books. Ultimately I had to pick and decided for the Blue Shadow I would go with the method talked about in Ship Modeling Simplified.
 
We shall see hwo it goes.
 
So - the planking... is off and running!

 

 

 
 
What a day!!
 
 
Until later all
 
ENJOY!!!!
 

Well, nothing HUGE... but a quick update.   My plan as mentioned before was to get the other trim up over the weekend,  well - when I went to do that I noticed a tiny tiny flaw in my ship which I had to rectify ASAP.  One of the railings wasn't trimmed and sanded properly and was thicker than the other so had to work on that a bit before anything else could happen.
 
Then, of course tonight I realized I couldn't just lay the trim down either as it would be easier to take care of some of the painting first.
 
So - tonights up date,  the yellow painting along the exterior of the forward and rear decks.  This of course has to dry and then tomorrow will be masking it off and doing the green stripes.   THEN adding the trim!
 
Whew!
 
So, here it is, the mayflower + yellow paint!
 
I searched around for a yellow that I thought looked real good, and one of the threads here had mentioned using artist acrylics. So, poked around: the goal was to look for the right colors but more subdued and less vibrant than a lot of the model acrylics tend to come in.   Whalla!  Yellow Ochre.    I used Winsor and Newton Galeria artist acrylics, and while straight from the tube they worked well I did use a little liquitex flow aid to help even out the finish a bit.  
 
Here is the result
 

 
 I wasn't overly concerned with "neatness" at this point (I mean I didn't just slap the paint on but wasn't dialed into final lines etc) as there will be trim over the edges as well as masked and repainted secondary edges which is where I will start to hone in and focus on the lines. 
 
Until next time!!
 
Enjoy!

AAAAAND in the spirit of moving forward, as was said here by a few people - even a deadeye here and there is progress - SO, I attached the side gaurds today. Not a huge addition, but with that added I was set up to throw on the first coat of paint.  So it is currently drying.  It is going to need a few coats .
 
To do the sideguards I just copied the plans to the heavy blue paper to make templates and cut them out of some scrap wood I have with that kit.  Ran some diluted white glue along the edge and pressed it into place using two dots of CA to tack it into place while it dried since i couldn't get clamps in there.
 
Then, a final sanding and shaping once in place and they were ready to go!   I didn't cut the whole for the dredge roller yet, I want to be sure where it is going to lay once done.  While I know where it is supposed to be, sometimes what I am off JUST a tad so may need to compensate.
 

 

 
Until later all...
 
Keep enjoying what you do and doing what you enjoy!!
 
 

Okay - so, my shipyard continues to stare at me nightly casting accusing glares of neglect, I still havn't even found time to go through the VASSSSST list of post updates that is up in the corner there on MSW.
 
HOWEVER, I did squeeze out some time to go through and adjust/correct the existing measurements on the site.  I think I got all the ones I could do at the moment and they should be aligned with the correct system.
 
So at least that update is done =)
 
My sincere apologies for the lenghty updates,  hopefully next semester will be a little lighter than the last!!
 
Enjoy and Happy Building all!!

I can't see why not =)  Will add it to the list to get to.
 
Thank you!!

Okay - so, my shipyard continues to stare at me nightly casting accusing glares of neglect, I still havn't even found time to go through the VASSSSST list of post updates that is up in the corner there on MSW.
 
HOWEVER, I did squeeze out some time to go through and adjust/correct the existing measurements on the site.  I think I got all the ones I could do at the moment and they should be aligned with the correct system.
 
So at least that update is done =)
 
My sincere apologies for the lenghty updates,  hopefully next semester will be a little lighter than the last!!
 
Enjoy and Happy Building all!!

Okay - so, my shipyard continues to stare at me nightly casting accusing glares of neglect, I still havn't even found time to go through the VASSSSST list of post updates that is up in the corner there on MSW.
 
HOWEVER, I did squeeze out some time to go through and adjust/correct the existing measurements on the site.  I think I got all the ones I could do at the moment and they should be aligned with the correct system.
 
So at least that update is done =)
 
My sincere apologies for the lenghty updates,  hopefully next semester will be a little lighter than the last!!
 
Enjoy and Happy Building all!!

Hello Everyone ...
  ...SkerryAmp what could I say with a few words ? Here it is: our brand is " MarisStella.hr ," we want to show to the world the forgotten vessels of the Adriatic Sea , ... first we make a detailed research of the vessel , then we make a detailed plan (draft) of the vessel , then we compile the build instructions ... then we create mounting kit of the vessel ... and in the end we produce kits ... so You see , these are all original products , no copyright infringements , no pirating , etc. ... ... by the way it would be good to point out : except Santa Maria and Trabaccolo , the world of the kits had not seen one of these vessels so far ... these are completely new on the market ...  We are new on the market and we really would like to be included in your project ... do You agree ?   Sincerely yours, MarisStella.hr      

Evening all - just popping in to let ya'll know I have not disappeared =)
 
Still working on the database and my ship models - just VERY slowly as time permits, this particular semester is a bit more involved and sucking up a lot more of my time than I expected (Really wish I had done this back when I was a youngster ).
 
Anywho....
 
 
 
Will add them =) Thank you!
 
 
WOW thank you Karl, Looking into how I can edit all of these easily, AND figuring out what happened with my stored proc - will fix those as soon as I can.
 
As for the nation, I had originally put the country (e.g Sweden) but then moved to nationality (e.g Swiss, although Swedish will fit better with the others.).   I have them in there as American, Danish, German, French so Swiss (or Swedish) just fit better with the other convention.
 
Will put it up to those using it though,   better the ships country? (England, United States, France etc etc) or as is now (British, American, French etc etc) ?   I can accomodate.
 
I do see there are a couple I missed in there (a United States or two).
 
 
 
The only conditions right now are a brand or company who is on the up and up providing original kits and plans, any companies who are believed to be involved in copyright infringements, pirating, etc etc will not be considered for the list.   Should any get on there (as I am not an expert by any means) anyone can let me know and it will be pulled.

Okay, before we get to the customary build log pictures (the boxing, unpacking etc etc) I feel the need - no, the obligation to explain why yet ANOTHER build log.  
 
For my Birthday last month I was told I would like my present but I HAD to do something with it right away.  Well, it turns out that I received the Santa Maria by Artesania Latina.   It seems my lovely wife has taken an interest in the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria and wants them in our office on display.   So, we are starting with the Santa Maria.   I figure if the Admiral is going to encourage another build far be it from me to say no .
 
So,  while I had no intentions of starting a new build with 4 on the table - this became a special case and special project.
 
So.  Away we go!
 
Lets begin with the customary unboxing of the Santa Maria by Artesania Latina.
 

 
(Because of the limit on uploading pictures I split this into two posts to get all pics in there).

Thanks all for the likes - they are greatly appreciated!
 
Just a little bit more of an update.   Decided to tackle the bulwarks tonight on this one while the parts fo they mayflower sit ever so patiently (that is tomorrows event).
 
The kit comes with very well done laser cut bulwarks,  they were clean and uniform (quite nice).
 

 
Decided to go at it what I think was the simplest way, again going by the kits instructions and trying not to add too much "extra", spread a VERY thin layer of white glue on the bulwark.  Then just lay the african walnut strips and let dry.   One of the problems with the strips is because they are so thin  of the edges are VERY narrow (like a sliver) it was difficult to get the to alll lay flat.  So, flipped it over once they were all laid on and looked around my work bench for heavy objects to flatten it down.   This is when it occured to me with all my tools, gadgets and gizmos I don't have a good selection of flat weights.
 
So, had to get a little creative
 

 
Worked PERFECT!  whew.
 
Now, once all was dry and I was sure they wouldn't slip around, I then flipped it back over and carefully trimmed the edges.  One thing to note with the walnut, it is VERY dry and VERY brittle as it turns out.  So I had to use a brand spanky new sharp sharp sharp knife and score it.  DO NOT try to cut it in one shot, it seems suseptable to tearing
 
Luckily the tearing was just along the hull edge and a couple inside spots which will be covered up once assembled.   WHEW again!!
 

 
Then it was just a matter of lining them up and installing them onto the ships hull.  Easy peasy! (not really,  Had to go at the formers a bit more to get the curves a bit better, but eventually it went on relativly easy.
 

 

 
Letting that setup and dry solid and will install the second one tomorrow then move onto the additional decks.
 
So far, AL seems to make a fairly decent kit (still really digging the color build steps companion, very nice - very nice)
 
Until later...
 
Enjoy and happy building!!! 

Hehe thanks Augie - it was a nice surprise,  I think she is just trying to make sure I have things to do so I never leave the house   (J/K she is just super supportive of the hobbies etc).
 
I did not get official clearance for 5 (yeah,  that is right, there are actually 5 on the bench at the moment) BUT I figured nobody would complain too too much, although I really need to get moving on these otherwise It will look like the place ships go to retire rather than get build

Good evening ladies and gentleman!   Quick update - Dusek Models is now added to the database.  With that we currently have 225 kits listed with 8 of currently 25 companies planned.  Have been getting great suggestions and really appreciate it!  Remember no suggestion is ignored, they are all added to the list - it is just a matter of when they can be gotten to.
 
And, so far averaging just shy of a 1000 visits a month - some great support coming from the MSW crew.  Thank you!!
 
Here is the current list with added kit manufacturers based on your input and where they stand.  Will start working on the next one soon as well as polish up the "detail" page for the kits.
 
Aeronaut: Data not started A.J Fisher: Data not started Amati: Data Not Started Artesania Latina: Data Complete Billings: Data Complete Bluejacket Ship Crafters Inc.: Data Complete Caldercraft:Data not started Constructo:Data Complete Corel:Data not started Dumas: Data not started Dusek:Data not started Euromodel: Data not started Krick: Data not started Graupner: Data not started Mamoli:Data started, test entries only Mantua Models UK:Data not started Midwest Prouducts:Data Complete 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 Victory Models: Data not started  

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 19th Century French 1:64th 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!!
 
 

Just a small update.
 
The upper counter has been planked and the transom painted black.  Scribed moldings were made and added to the transom.
 

 
In addition, the bases for the QG were mounted, painted and moldings added:
 

 

 
I've worked on the white metal castings that go below the stern galleries getting them to sit properly.  I'll cover this when I get to mounting them.
 
Now it's time to thin the bulwarks from the inside.  Quite a bit needs to be removed and, since I don't relish this task, I'll be taking my time over the next few days. 
 
 

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 19th Century French 1:64th 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!!
 
 

Ack, very very sorry - I meant CS2... =(

If you dig around a little (or if I can find the link I will post it)  Adobe, for whatever reason, made their CS5 line of software free.  They shut down the registration servers, published keys and provided downloads for the software.  So you could get Photoshop CS5 for free.
 
OTher than that Gimp would work as well.
 
The major trouble you are going to run into is the editing of the picture. Most people will try to paint, or fill the areas with the color they want which ends up making a photograph look very much like a childs drawing on the refridgerator (not that that is bad just not helpful )
 
What you want, or my suggestion is, find an app that allows for color tinting or modifiying.  That would let you select the area you want to color model and tint the area with the color so that you get the shadows and detail etc and get a much better idea of what it will look like.
 
 
-Adam

Heh, I wish it was my full time job - this stuff is fun to me.  Sadly my full time job and full time school get in the way of my full time fun
 
:D :D :D :D
 
Thanks for the kind words, glad folks like it!

Nice job Adam !   Looks great !

Wow this is a full time job! Great work. and Thanks!

Very nicely done!
 
I had a crew once,  but they kept complaining so I had them walk the plank - then I turned around one day and realized it was just me - all by my little lonesome.   Gotta find me a new crew!

Hi Bob, glad you like it so far, it really is a fun one to work on.
 
Well, ya got me =)
 
I didn't too much (hardly any) detail on the planking because quite honestly it is a lot of magic under there.  I am HORRIBLE at planking.  What you see is a great attempt at getting the planks somewhat where they are supposed to be and then filled, and sanded, and filled some more and sanded some more, and filled and yup - you guessed it, sanded.
 
Since most of the hull is painted I had the luxury of not having to stress on it too too much.  The planks that can be seen are not bad at all to lay in as they are for the most part just parallels and straigth with some simple bending at the bow to get them to lay in well.
 
=)
 
Planking is something I am working on improving my self as I do each build.  The other ones I am working on I am not going to be able to fake it in any way - so this will be interesting!