SkerryAmp

I think I have a plan for them when the time comes.  I hope I have a plan. Well I definitely have A plan, whether it is a good plan or not - it is at least.... a plan

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!!
 
 

Alrighty then, let's see what we have going on now - whew.
 
When last we left the Santa Maria I had just finished up the second layer of planking.  I then moved onto some trim, the waterways, timber heads,  and started the hull details. So onward we go.
 
The first thing I want to say is that the next bit of work was made a thousand times easier with the help of a few things.
 
I pulled out my NorthWest Short Line Chopper - boy do I love this little gadget, made cutting some of the thicker walnut pieces a breeze.  If you don't have one and/or something similar I cannot recommend this enough - it is fantastic!
 

 
Being my first time working with walnut I was surprised at how fragile it is.  Splinters VERY easy, cracks etc.  So, aside from the normal clean up of gaps and spaces I found this product to be very helpful.  Walnut colored Plastic Wood.  It dries much lighter than the walnut wood, however a quick wipe of a diluted walnut stain (very diluted 10:1 natural:walnut) it actually blended quite nicely.
 

 
Finally - a LIFE saver.  I have never had a good knack for bending wood.  There were a couple of waterways as well as the outside hull parts that, being thicker wood, did not want to bend nicely.  Doing some digging I found some articles as well as a supporting comments from a couple of MSW member posts regarding a curling iron.  So - gave it a try... and WOWIE,  I was able to bend so much easier than I ever did in the past, including an edge bend on the walnut waterways.   SO HAPPY!
 

 
So - with that little intro out of the way, here is where we have come....
 
First thing I tackled was trimming out the poop deck and the rear stair entry way.  This was pretty straightforward, made easy with the chopper. Cut to length, angle where necessary and glue into place.  My joints still need a LOT of work - as you can see. SO there will be some cleanup/sanding required on the poop deck.
 

 
 
Next was to lay in the waterways.  As I mentioned above they did NOT want to bend into place.  So, this is where i gave the curling iron a shot and again - wow.  A little patience and gentle nudging (after learning how to use the little clamp thingy as leverage) and it bent just fine - quickly even.
 

 
Next up was popping in the timberheads. Again, used the chopper to get some nice clean cuts and once installed sanded/trimmed the top flush with the hull.  Once the upper rail is on I think that will look quite good! At this point I also installed the mast hole base and marked off where I am going to have to drill later (that still makes me nervous).
 

 
 
Lastly I started working the outer hull details.  Again, the curling iron came in VERY handy to help bend these guys both at the bow and along the edge to help seat them nicely.
 
As you can see I only got so far as installing them, I still need to clean them up - sand them out, fill and finish.  That will be the next step!


 
 
Well, that is it for this update!  As always - comments, suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

I have a long way to go with growing my skills but at least I am seeing improvements in some areas as I move along - which is encouraging!
 
Until later -  Enjoy and Happy Modeling!
 
 
 

(Returning Preamble)

Whew.  Hey all.
 
I am not sure what protocol or etiquette is for continuing a build log after a very long hiatus.  I feel the need to explain my absence though, so whether necessary or not here goes.
 
It has been one heck of a year.  Shortly before my last updates here I was beginning to venture into a new career as well as getting involved in Muay Thai Kickboxing.  The first, for security the second for health reasons.   That, very quickly, became my life for the last year.   If the admiral and I were not going to the gym or sparring I was dug deep into code projects and work related things.  It pretty much consumed my world and thus my time.  Combine that with a bit of frustration and a disheartening event with the mayflower and well - a building hiatus ensued.

My career seems to be going well at the moment (hopefully I did not just jinx myself) and I have evened out on the learning curve. The Kickboxing has hit a nice groove with a nice schedule that we have fallen into.  This has, luckily for me, freed up some time and let me return to my other loves - writing, playing guitar and building these wonderful wooden vessels.

I popped back on shortly before Christmas to get caught up.  Am amazed, as always, at the progress of several projects and all the new ventures I saw.  As I searched for updates on some of you guys I sadly came across the news of Augie.  That took me back a bit - so sorry to hear that (even though I am late to the news).

Well, after re-evaluating my process and goals with building ships I am getting back to it.  I sort of have a very high bar set for myself which did lend itself to frustrations with my various builds.  I have decided to put that to the side.  After all, I am far from an expert - heck barely out of novice really - so my ships will be as good as I can do them with the skills i have.  Each ship will get better and my skills will grow - and that will do just fine =)

So - if there my seat at the table is still around here some place - I think I will get back to building =)

Good to see you all again!
(Since I have many build logs going, this will be CnP'd to the my first post across all of them - sorry for the repetition).

Onward and upward!!



Part of the reassessment process was looking over the builds I have going.   The mayflower is the closest to finished but sort of contributing to taking the wind out of my sails a little bit, okay - quite a bit.  While starting the rigging I damaged some of the deadeyes.  Struggled for a bit trying to figure out how to repair them and how much work that would take and really did not have a solid plan.  Still don't. So, that one is sitting aside and I will give attention to the ones I can continue on with some level of confidence =)

When we last left the Santa Maria - we had replaced the decking.   So I picked it up and dusted it off - cleaned it up and went to putting together the second planking layer.   My planking skills proved to still be mediocre at best so I did my best to learn what lessons i could as I moved forward.

Here we have the initial second planking on the port side
 

 
Really needed some clean up, errant glue and some ragged edges.  In going over it I also found a couple planks that had splintered.  So, I bit the bullet and with much trepidation attempted a repair...
 

 
It went well - thankfully!
 
Moved over and did up the starboard side
 

 
Cleaned it up as best I could and added a few coats of poly on it.  Each layer of poly helped expose areas that needed addressing, I think it turned out relatively okay.
 

 
Moved to the transom and luckily that went quite well.  Was able to plank it and clean it up much easier than the sides.  Applied the same amount of poly to blend it all together.
 

 
Then, once again, came the scary part.  Needed to cut the rudder linkage hole in the transom, so - outlined the shape with a sharpie and carefully rough cut it with the exacto and file/sanded it to final shape.   MAN is that stressful!
 

 
So there is where we stand with the Santa Maria.  I have started on the next bit which is the trip pieces, so that will be the next update once that is in a good spot.
 
Again, glad to see you all again - missed ya'll quite a bit and am glad to be able to return and look forward to a nice solid year of modeling!
 
Enjoy!

Yessiree.
 
Picked up a couple of doo dads from Hobby Lobby for this one the other day.  Since it is being recommissioned in honor of the admiral I needed things that were kind of "her.  Found a couple of charms in the jewelry isle that will make nice deco for the ship. 

I think I have a plan for them when the time comes.  I hope I have a plan. Well I definitely have A plan, whether it is a good plan or not - it is at least.... a plan

Yep, cranking on the Santa Maria for a bit - got a full head of steam going on that one!
 
But, keep looking at the others - keeping tabs on where they are at  and what my next steps may be =)

I think I have a plan for them when the time comes.  I hope I have a plan. Well I definitely have A plan, whether it is a good plan or not - it is at least.... a plan

I think I have a plan for them when the time comes.  I hope I have a plan. Well I definitely have A plan, whether it is a good plan or not - it is at least.... a plan

Yessiree.
 
Picked up a couple of doo dads from Hobby Lobby for this one the other day.  Since it is being recommissioned in honor of the admiral I needed things that were kind of "her.  Found a couple of charms in the jewelry isle that will make nice deco for the ship. 

Yep, cranking on the Santa Maria for a bit - got a full head of steam going on that one!
 
But, keep looking at the others - keeping tabs on where they are at  and what my next steps may be =)

they're not too bad Adam........I finally broke down and made up a jig for them.   now I can't wait to get the Half Moon back on the table.   hope to see your off and runn'in soon  

oh dear.........nothing here either.   not a speck of sawdust to be had      still busy my friend?

Thank you Denis - I did indeed.  And looking forward to a solid productive year!

Thank you!  I will be back to the Mayflower once I get an idea of how to fix my issues.   I am slowly coming to the realization I may have to take some parts off and rebuild  and well - that terrifies me! LOL
 
 
I do like the white back ground - I am not sure where it went so for now people get to see my messy desk.
 
As for ratlines - EEEEK!   Trying to scare me off already! =)

Thank you sir - that is the plan!

Thank you!  I will be back to the Mayflower once I get an idea of how to fix my issues.   I am slowly coming to the realization I may have to take some parts off and rebuild  and well - that terrifies me! LOL
 
 
I do like the white back ground - I am not sure where it went so for now people get to see my messy desk.
 
As for ratlines - EEEEK!   Trying to scare me off already! =)

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!!!!
 

Thank you sir - that is the plan!

Thank you!  I will be back to the Mayflower once I get an idea of how to fix my issues.   I am slowly coming to the realization I may have to take some parts off and rebuild  and well - that terrifies me! LOL
 
 
I do like the white back ground - I am not sure where it went so for now people get to see my messy desk.
 
As for ratlines - EEEEK!   Trying to scare me off already! =)

Thank you much!  Amazing how much I have missed this stuff... whew!
 
 
 
Thanks!  Great to be back in the mix!
 
 
Looks great Tripp - although there is a lot of pop corn and band aids all over - not sure if I should be ascared or now =)
 
 
 
LOL - thank goodness I didn't fall asleep sanding - that would be some mega repairs indeed!!    Had a fantastic holiday and hoping to fend off the leisure time thieves a little better this year.
 
 
Thank you very much! Look forward to getting back to it.  Will be circling around to it soon !

Alrighty then, let's see what we have going on now - whew.
 
When last we left the Santa Maria I had just finished up the second layer of planking.  I then moved onto some trim, the waterways, timber heads,  and started the hull details. So onward we go.
 
The first thing I want to say is that the next bit of work was made a thousand times easier with the help of a few things.
 
I pulled out my NorthWest Short Line Chopper - boy do I love this little gadget, made cutting some of the thicker walnut pieces a breeze.  If you don't have one and/or something similar I cannot recommend this enough - it is fantastic!
 

 
Being my first time working with walnut I was surprised at how fragile it is.  Splinters VERY easy, cracks etc.  So, aside from the normal clean up of gaps and spaces I found this product to be very helpful.  Walnut colored Plastic Wood.  It dries much lighter than the walnut wood, however a quick wipe of a diluted walnut stain (very diluted 10:1 natural:walnut) it actually blended quite nicely.
 

 
Finally - a LIFE saver.  I have never had a good knack for bending wood.  There were a couple of waterways as well as the outside hull parts that, being thicker wood, did not want to bend nicely.  Doing some digging I found some articles as well as a supporting comments from a couple of MSW member posts regarding a curling iron.  So - gave it a try... and WOWIE,  I was able to bend so much easier than I ever did in the past, including an edge bend on the walnut waterways.   SO HAPPY!
 

 
So - with that little intro out of the way, here is where we have come....
 
First thing I tackled was trimming out the poop deck and the rear stair entry way.  This was pretty straightforward, made easy with the chopper. Cut to length, angle where necessary and glue into place.  My joints still need a LOT of work - as you can see. SO there will be some cleanup/sanding required on the poop deck.
 

 
 
Next was to lay in the waterways.  As I mentioned above they did NOT want to bend into place.  So, this is where i gave the curling iron a shot and again - wow.  A little patience and gentle nudging (after learning how to use the little clamp thingy as leverage) and it bent just fine - quickly even.
 

 
Next up was popping in the timberheads. Again, used the chopper to get some nice clean cuts and once installed sanded/trimmed the top flush with the hull.  Once the upper rail is on I think that will look quite good! At this point I also installed the mast hole base and marked off where I am going to have to drill later (that still makes me nervous).
 

 
 
Lastly I started working the outer hull details.  Again, the curling iron came in VERY handy to help bend these guys both at the bow and along the edge to help seat them nicely.
 
As you can see I only got so far as installing them, I still need to clean them up - sand them out, fill and finish.  That will be the next step!


 
 
Well, that is it for this update!  As always - comments, suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

I have a long way to go with growing my skills but at least I am seeing improvements in some areas as I move along - which is encouraging!
 
Until later -  Enjoy and Happy Modeling!
 
 
 

Alrighty then, let's see what we have going on now - whew.
 
When last we left the Santa Maria I had just finished up the second layer of planking.  I then moved onto some trim, the waterways, timber heads,  and started the hull details. So onward we go.
 
The first thing I want to say is that the next bit of work was made a thousand times easier with the help of a few things.
 
I pulled out my NorthWest Short Line Chopper - boy do I love this little gadget, made cutting some of the thicker walnut pieces a breeze.  If you don't have one and/or something similar I cannot recommend this enough - it is fantastic!
 

 
Being my first time working with walnut I was surprised at how fragile it is.  Splinters VERY easy, cracks etc.  So, aside from the normal clean up of gaps and spaces I found this product to be very helpful.  Walnut colored Plastic Wood.  It dries much lighter than the walnut wood, however a quick wipe of a diluted walnut stain (very diluted 10:1 natural:walnut) it actually blended quite nicely.
 

 
Finally - a LIFE saver.  I have never had a good knack for bending wood.  There were a couple of waterways as well as the outside hull parts that, being thicker wood, did not want to bend nicely.  Doing some digging I found some articles as well as a supporting comments from a couple of MSW member posts regarding a curling iron.  So - gave it a try... and WOWIE,  I was able to bend so much easier than I ever did in the past, including an edge bend on the walnut waterways.   SO HAPPY!
 

 
So - with that little intro out of the way, here is where we have come....
 
First thing I tackled was trimming out the poop deck and the rear stair entry way.  This was pretty straightforward, made easy with the chopper. Cut to length, angle where necessary and glue into place.  My joints still need a LOT of work - as you can see. SO there will be some cleanup/sanding required on the poop deck.
 

 
 
Next was to lay in the waterways.  As I mentioned above they did NOT want to bend into place.  So, this is where i gave the curling iron a shot and again - wow.  A little patience and gentle nudging (after learning how to use the little clamp thingy as leverage) and it bent just fine - quickly even.
 

 
Next up was popping in the timberheads. Again, used the chopper to get some nice clean cuts and once installed sanded/trimmed the top flush with the hull.  Once the upper rail is on I think that will look quite good! At this point I also installed the mast hole base and marked off where I am going to have to drill later (that still makes me nervous).
 

 
 
Lastly I started working the outer hull details.  Again, the curling iron came in VERY handy to help bend these guys both at the bow and along the edge to help seat them nicely.
 
As you can see I only got so far as installing them, I still need to clean them up - sand them out, fill and finish.  That will be the next step!


 
 
Well, that is it for this update!  As always - comments, suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

I have a long way to go with growing my skills but at least I am seeing improvements in some areas as I move along - which is encouraging!
 
Until later -  Enjoy and Happy Modeling!
 
 
 

Love it Popeye - the way you attack these ships is awesome.   Errant breaks, repairs etc always send me into bout of frustration - I think I need to figure out how to look at it like you - an opportunity!
 
Nice going so far, as always my friend - this  should be a good one 'specially once it has been popeyed! =)

Alrighty then, let's see what we have going on now - whew.
 
When last we left the Santa Maria I had just finished up the second layer of planking.  I then moved onto some trim, the waterways, timber heads,  and started the hull details. So onward we go.
 
The first thing I want to say is that the next bit of work was made a thousand times easier with the help of a few things.
 
I pulled out my NorthWest Short Line Chopper - boy do I love this little gadget, made cutting some of the thicker walnut pieces a breeze.  If you don't have one and/or something similar I cannot recommend this enough - it is fantastic!
 

 
Being my first time working with walnut I was surprised at how fragile it is.  Splinters VERY easy, cracks etc.  So, aside from the normal clean up of gaps and spaces I found this product to be very helpful.  Walnut colored Plastic Wood.  It dries much lighter than the walnut wood, however a quick wipe of a diluted walnut stain (very diluted 10:1 natural:walnut) it actually blended quite nicely.
 

 
Finally - a LIFE saver.  I have never had a good knack for bending wood.  There were a couple of waterways as well as the outside hull parts that, being thicker wood, did not want to bend nicely.  Doing some digging I found some articles as well as a supporting comments from a couple of MSW member posts regarding a curling iron.  So - gave it a try... and WOWIE,  I was able to bend so much easier than I ever did in the past, including an edge bend on the walnut waterways.   SO HAPPY!
 

 
So - with that little intro out of the way, here is where we have come....
 
First thing I tackled was trimming out the poop deck and the rear stair entry way.  This was pretty straightforward, made easy with the chopper. Cut to length, angle where necessary and glue into place.  My joints still need a LOT of work - as you can see. SO there will be some cleanup/sanding required on the poop deck.
 

 
 
Next was to lay in the waterways.  As I mentioned above they did NOT want to bend into place.  So, this is where i gave the curling iron a shot and again - wow.  A little patience and gentle nudging (after learning how to use the little clamp thingy as leverage) and it bent just fine - quickly even.
 

 
Next up was popping in the timberheads. Again, used the chopper to get some nice clean cuts and once installed sanded/trimmed the top flush with the hull.  Once the upper rail is on I think that will look quite good! At this point I also installed the mast hole base and marked off where I am going to have to drill later (that still makes me nervous).
 

 
 
Lastly I started working the outer hull details.  Again, the curling iron came in VERY handy to help bend these guys both at the bow and along the edge to help seat them nicely.
 
As you can see I only got so far as installing them, I still need to clean them up - sand them out, fill and finish.  That will be the next step!


 
 
Well, that is it for this update!  As always - comments, suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

I have a long way to go with growing my skills but at least I am seeing improvements in some areas as I move along - which is encouraging!
 
Until later -  Enjoy and Happy Modeling!