kscadman

Great work Peter. Your planking is coming along nicely. Richard

Hi Mike, thanks for the heads up on 2 hammocks per crew member, I hadn't read about that yet. My Syren had a crew of 120. I wonder who's crew were short. The two ships are comparable in size and armament. From what I've researched, its my understanding that the hammocks would help in defense when under attack. Either way, I'll be following your lead and adding the hammocks as well.

I finally found some time for modelling. I managed to finish installing all the ribs and added some floor boards. I used some scrap .028 wire that came with the kit to use as spacers between the floorboards. I just bent them until they friction fitted over the installed floorboard. It proved to work well. Also I made the tie down hooks and the hooks that will go on the davit blocks for my jolly boat. Richard

Hi Jim, considering I've been thru it, your answer is too many. I divided it up and cut roughly 100 per side and applied them then started the process over. It may not be the best way of doing it but it took some of the monotony out of it. Richard

Very nice work Mike!!. She looks great and no damage! Did you make enough hammocks for the full compliment of crew? Richard

Hi Jeff. It looks like a quality kit and I will definitely be following along. Looks like you have a great start! Richard

Welcome aboard, enjoy the site. Years ago I built the Ertl Chebec, it was an enjoyable build. I'll be interested to see your Chebec. Richard

All I can sy is be very careful drilling your pilot holes. It sounds like it will be a 2 man job if you hve your masting and rigging done. I used the same set of pedestals for my Syren so you shouldn't have trouble with splitting. Richard

I hear your frustration! Its taken way too long for me to get where I'm at. Do you have a build log for your Syren?

Thank you Thomas.

great work EJ. Ill be following your build

Sorry fnkershner, I guess I should of added that. My bad To be honest I tippy-toed my way thru this. Once I got my lifts glued together I used 120 grit sandpaper to slowly sand the outer hull. Once it looked close to the drawings and pictures then I switched to 150 grit and checked my progress using a pair if calipers. I didnt use a big piece of sandpaper, I folded the sandpaper about 3 times so it was about 1 inch by half inch so I had more control over it. I used the 6 lines under the plan drawing as section cuts and thats where I took my measurements at. Once the outer hull was close, I Did the same on the inner hull (which was a pain). I'm still not pleased with it. The stern was the hardest part. It was hard to get that crisp angle between the transom and the "side planking". And again I used the calipers to get it down to 1/32. Next time I do a boat using the lift method I'm going to sand the "laser cut" burn marks off. I assumed they would disappear as I sanded, but it didnt. As far as the staining is concerned I've been using minwax products. Just the natural stain and the golden oak. but I make sure to use the pre-stain which I leave on for about 10 minutes before staining. Then I apply the stain (just a single swipe each way) and wipe it off after about a minute or so. Yes, I did soak the ribs before fitting. I used some old kappler lumber I've had from my model railroad days. The 1/32 x 1/32 strips that came with the kit were terrible. I spent alot of time trying to sand it properly, but after a while I just gave up and I found out that a HO scale 2 x 2 is almost the same as 1/32 x 1/32. I hope this helps. Richard

Progress on my long boat continues. I finally have the hull sanded down to the proper thickness and started adding the ribs.

Hi, Nils. I just ran across your Chebec and I will be following your build. Your work is very impressive and look forward to seeing your progress. Richard

Amazing work Thomas

Whats the difference between the PVA and the Elmers glue. I've been using Elmers for years and haven't had any troubles with it. Nut I'm always looking for a better way. Richard

Feeling good this weekend! Finally finished my yawl for the aft davits. Its not exact to a true yawl but I like the outcome. I'll need to learn more before I make another. On to the long boat.

Hi Allan, sorry you went thru the trouble. I should have added USS to my initial post. Its the USS Syren kit sold by Model Shipways that I am working on. I'm using The yawl as a pattern for ships boat that will hang from the stern davits. I was looking into using a jolly boat but I found more information for the yawl so I went with that. Richard

I have a "throw off" table I use. Its big enough to hold the plans and keep them flat.

I agree completely with you Chuck. I patterned it on an 18 foot yawl and it is exactly 18 scale feet. But you are right, I should of made it 16 feet. My ringbolts are 1/16" wider than where the blocks will hang on the davits. So as you said it will look a little odd Yes, the Niagara does carry an aft boat during their voyages. Thanks for the advice and I hope I'm doing her proud with my build. Richard

Gudgeons have been formed and dry fitted. (Sorry, upper gudgeon slipped when I took the picture) Need to get some CCA to install them. Then the ships boat should be done. From the research I've done it looks like all the accessories; rudder, mast oars, provisions were stored below decks until it was needed for usage.

Hi Joshua. I have made several posts in the various forums and haven't had much success with it.

Eric, I know how you feel. I would like to comment more on current builds other than the "looks nice" comments. I understand what you mean about being too critical in comments. I guess my frustration comes from the asking for criticism (help) and just getting a "like". This is my first build and though I've been researching to learn, sometimes I'm too green to know where to search. BTW, where in Missouri do you live? I'm right across the border in Kansas near Kansas City. Hi Steve, its ok, we are all shipaholics. lol. Thanks for the comment and yes you do have good taste. That's why we are here. I try to reach out to those who have the knowledge and experience so I can continue to get better at my work.

The weekend has been fairly productive. I was able to get the backboard fitted and trimmed as well as installing the wales. All that is left is to cut out the oarlocks and stain and install the backboard. Attached are pictures showing its size and how it should look hanging from the davits. I have 2 questions though; 1. Concidering the location of the fore ring bolt I'm not sure how I should fit out the bow? Or should I leave it as is? 2. Whats the best way to make the gudgeon straps? What material, etc.? Richard

Mark and Chris, thanks for the perspective.