wallyh

Hi all,

I'm about to start the second layer on my Fair American, I would like the planks to look scale. Can anyone point me to somewhere that talks about length and how they were staggered?

Thanks again in advance, Wally

I am planning to do a scratch build of the Rattlesnake using Harold Hahn's plans. My question is: can I use a 3/32" sheet plus a 1/8" sheet to make up the 7/32" thick frames? 

Thanks, Wally

I have a question concerning reinforcing the joint on a keel on a kit such as the Rattlesnake. Is this needed? Or is everything OK after bulkheads are installed?

Thanks in advance  Wally

I've used an Olfa gridded cutting mat for years (same one). It's 12"x18", never needed a bigger one,I just looked this one up at Jo-Anns (a sewing and craft shop). It's $22.99 but Jo-Anns almost always has a 40% off coupon to use.

Wally

I'm to the point in my Fair American build where I need some guidance on how to attach the spars to the mast. I've tried to find this on my own but I've come up empty handed.

Is the spar simply glued or pinned to the mast ? Do you then "tie" this with rope? Any and all help will be appreciated. If I can be pointed to any instruction or pictures that would be good too.

Wally

I'm back again with another question. I've got the tree nails down to the right size I think, took them down to 25 on the draw plate and the number 71 drill bit seems right - thanks for that tip. 

My question  - what do you use for cutting and finishing (sanding ?) the bamboo tree nails?

Wally

Well, back again, with all the help here I've managed to get a few pieces of bamboo down to 25 on the Byrnes drawplate. Next up up is a test on some planking, Would a size 75 drill be OK? Is there a depth for the treenails?

Thanks again, Wally

Thanks for all the help and ideas for my treenail "problem". I managed to do about 4' of BBQ skewer today, so far I've passed them through the number 55 hole on the drawplate - is this OK for the 1:48 scale? What size drill should I be using?

As always, thanks so much  - I can't tell you how much I've learned on this site.

Wally

Thanks to all for your replies. The scale of the ship is 1:48. And, I'm ashamed to say, I have a Byrnes drawplate that I can't seem to work!

I was using bamboo skewers but not getting luck with drawing. I will try again this morning - what size should I be shooting for>

Thanks again, Wally

I'm just completing the deck planking on my Fair American and am wondering about tree nails. Should I add them? If so. I would appreciate any help that you could give me, ie, size of drill to use, etc. If this has already been answered perhaps you could point me to the right spot.

Thanks, Wally

Hi Everyone.

When I built my bench (2'W x 5'L x 37" H) I put heavy duty casters on it. When needed I roll the bench out into the garage (normally it's against a wall), set the locks on the casters and then I can easily walk around the bench. I use a drafting stool with this bench and a mechanic's hydraulic roll around seat.

Wally

Thanks for the replies.

Russ - I was planning to use the  Buff color on the bulwarks. Should I be considering other colors?

Tom - thanks on the heads up on the RR colors.

Wally

Hi Everyone,

I would like to use the color buff on my Fair American but I'm not sure exactly what shade this is - looks like it varies all over a range between a tan and a yellow color.

Can anyone point me to the proper color?

Thanks, Wally

Hi,

I am following your build and loving it! There's some good information on the Model Expo site. The model US Brig Syren has wonderful documentation (by Chuck Passaro). Under Documentation for the model Syren, Chapter 11 has some great info on cannons and blocks.

Wally

Thanks so much Nathan,

I haven't done anything yet! You're right, it does look good and seems to me that this would be the way to go. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't bend down to go through that short door on the real ship.

Wally

Thank you Russ, I think you've convinced me to go with the model door size.

Wally

Hi Maury,

I'm not sure I understand (forgive me, I'm rather new to this) about the FA not being a real ship. I thought that it was.

This is a Model Expo 1:48 scale model.

Thanks, Wally

I would like to replace the 3' (scale) door with a companionway. I believe the Syren has a companionway. Would this style be appropriate for the Fair American? If so could someone out there give me the dimensions?

Also, it seems to me that there should be a longboat. Again, if this is correct, what would be it's length?

Thanks in advance - hope this post is in the right place.

Wally

Thank you so much for your detailed information on the skylight and companion way. I will try my best to incorporate this into my model.

Wally

Hi,

I just recently picked up on your post and I wish my progress was as good as yours. Where would I find a picture of a companion way - I agree with you on the size of the door. I also like the skylight idea - what size would that be?

Thank you for any answers.

Wally

Here's another one

http://www.shipmodelersassociation.org/research/tps9705c.htm

Wally

Another couple of questions, I see you have had about 122 views - has anyone built one of the ropewalks in those links? And if so what was their experience?

Wally

Which of the ropewalk links are you leaning towards? I agree with you, simpler is usually better.

Wally

Thank you for posting the links - are you planning on building a ropewalk? I'm thinking of building one for my brother in law and myself.

Wally