Auvergne

Scale on the Xebec is 1:60....I have read all comments and feel your suggestions are very worthy. I really like the broom idea as well and happen to have black bristles. One more question though for simulated caulking...Pyrography System at a low temperature??? Just an idea but I will probaly do the sharp pencil as it seems a bit easier, less messy,and maintains a realistic result from what I have seen.....thanks a bunch friends...

I have seen very some incredible solutions here for caulking a deck. Not sure whether it may have been mentioned but would a fairly good size kit rope inked with black ink and filling into seams as is done on real life older ships work??? I am considering this for my Xebec that I have finally gotten back to work on. Please if someone has tried this arduous procedure completed let us know....I suspect it may take some time but the effects to me anyway would seem to appear quite realistic.

Zeus Cat, This was a very nice post you made and wonderful advice. My hat is off to you and I thank you, kindly. I have since moved on but the holidays have made me lazy. It is back off to school for me so the model making will be much slower. I have the Bireme in the paint facility in my shop and will not give her up...every project I have done does seem to have a way to resurrect itself so letting her sit for a while is surely a great idea. Thanks Zeus! John

Thanks Cor and Keith for your valued comments! I had hoped to discover which ship's name my Xebec had but its OK. I have enjoyed your progress thus far. Keep up the brilliant craftsmanship.(Cor). Keith, I as well would have made this a Xebec my first scratch-build as well but have not ever attempted. Should you be able to obtain plans please let us know. I wish to do the same in a 1/4" = 1'-0" scale. I don't know how well your drafting is but there is a project (a nice looking Xebec), in one of my books by Chapelle I believe. Not sure of the title though but will get back to you if you like. Good luck gentlemen. Thanks kindly. John E

Many thanks Jack and Ollie!! It always is so beneficial to hear from other mates out there. I appreciate you both as well to MTaylor and Sawdust, too! You guys are great confidence builders. Jack, I certainly hope I can be of assistance to you for she is a fine build when completed. Best of luck to you, friend. John E

Many thanks here Grant!!! I appreciate your comments. Looks as though I may complete the aft decking sometime later today, but I am in no hurry. I am watching closely the other finely crafted Xebec on MSW hoping to learn more. He is doing a wonderful job. I shall keep you posted here Grant. Many thanks! John E

Such superior craftsmanship!! I have enjoyed watching your progress and innovation. Sometimes I suppose we have to compromise a little kit instructions for our own ingenuity and if this is the case, you have done a brilliant job! Congratulations friend! John E

Planking the Aft Deck...not sure what it is called in Italian. Job is going well after about 1-1/2 hours today cutting individual planks at 80mm long. The planks for the deck are measuring 1x3.5 mm. To tell you all the truth I am having nothing but fun with this one. Very relaxed, listening to some music and cutting one plank at a time. Comments, advice and suggestions are most welcome folks. I have so much to learn. Thanks and all have a great day! John E

Following are some of the photos I promised. Have fun folks.... John

Hey folks...been at it since 5 a.m. today on the Xebec. Today is the first day I have actually drawn blood though, so, this project is beginning her safety days over. I accidently pushed too hard with the nail driver and pierced my thumb. I am in a delicate situation because I have the tendency to push to hard. Still taking my time very well as I nail the thin sheet (1.32 mm), for the decking foundation down. Have done a pretty decent job on that since 1.32 mm is not very sturdy but on one nail pushed a little too hard initially and cracked a small section (3/8" x 3/8"), off and now have placed back into position. Guessing that must have been when I pierced my thumb. I had to do some minor trimming on the cut-outs for the posts outside the parameters of the deck but she fit nice and snug... Now I am just taking a break but I was hoping someone may be able to identify which actual name this ship had made by Amati called Sciabecco - 1753....for now I will research a bit and let you all know whether I discover anything. If I have my history correct I believe the USS Constitution captured a warship off the Angolan coastline in the 19th century as her last mission.....I do not think or even come close to knowing what type of ship she captured but I thought it was pirates... Well all, have a great day and I am in the process of re-sizing about 15 photos for today's work and I will be back shortly to post them. John

Excellent job you have done here!!! My Xebec is by Amati and instructions all in Italian. This is only my second build, the first was a Bireme that I have set aside for I am waiting for the right time to get back to her. Your planking and all in my view are superior quality. I only hope I can do as well. Warm Regards, John

Hi Keith, thanks for sharing the same passion for the Xebec, my all time favorite of ship design with lateen sails. I purchased at a place called Hobby World out of New Market, Maryland....formerly from somewhere in Canada. The guy who sold it to me is named Sam, it took over a month to receive it and the price was 400 but I paid less than 300. It used to be a 197.00 kit 5 years ago. The materials are excellent and despite the fact there is a lot of cutting and trimming, looks fairly easily built as of yet.... I think the link may be at www.hobbyworld.com ....give her a go. Thanks also for an awesome comment! Regards, John

So sorry for the delay...

OK...let me try and load the photos for the previous post. What you see is mentioned in my previous post. I will say, the 1st layer of decking material is 1.32 mm thick. Very fine material (basswood), and I have not included photos of the deck (unfinished), but did have to trim the notches for the gunwale posts. I will post those photos as soon as that phase of the job is complete. Thanks for your patience. John E

Well here I am at stage 1...Positioning all frames into the keel after painting required areas. For color, I used Daler-Rowney Acrylic Inks. As you can see from the thumbnails, red, is the color of choice....by me as well as the kit....apparently the Barbary Pirates liked red, I don't know. After taking the photos I noticed several diminutive areas requiring touchup so I will attend to that prior to advancing. I will be laying down the foundation which later will be the means for planking the decks. I shall post additional photos as progress continues. John I tried to load some photos but now must resize...apologize.....will make it up, thanks.

Thanks a bunch Kip!! For the advice and about Hubert's site. I will have fun with this one. Regards, John E

Hello Kip, Thanks kindly for responding. I do not have membership to Hubert's site but shall give it a try. As I have pre-fit and sized my bulkheads (in order to have a flush deck), bulkhead # 17 must be beveled on the underbody section of the frame due to the positioning of frame # 17 striking at an angle of about 30 degrees towards frame # 18. There is very little room to work with when attaching to the keel. The frames are quite snug and one must be careful not to snap the stern post right off. I am in the process of painting the timber section of (forgive my ignorance), what appears to be gunwale framing and the transom and interior of the cabin. Once complete I will post photos of the progress. I am delicately taking my time though. My Italian is very rusty but, alas, my wife Judith is Italian by her father. She is a tremendous help for the Amati kits. Thanks for following. Regards, John E

Following are a few photos of the kit. One thing I have noticed on this Xebec is all material appear (to me, anyway), to be of high grade. A great kit to build I believe. Time is of the essence and with my next step once the bulkhead frames are individualized I will paint them as the colors the kit requires, then attach to the keel. Onward I shall proceed. Presently it is 3:46 A.M. I have officially entered the ship yard. Thank you kindly Grant for the friendly reminder of posting photos.....let me give her a try. Regards, John E

A fresh start to a new build, friends. This is a Barbary coastal favorite ship of a variety of pirates during the 18th century. I chose this build for a second build in progress to relieve myself from mistakes made on the first build for awhile. I have learned a great deal from you all and really must think every stage of the operation through. The Xebec is a fascinating ship of her day. She was swift and carried a fairly good size armament for her crew typically used by Mediterranean pirates and off the Algerian coastline. I will give more history later. This Amati kit is a museum quality hardwoods and softwoods, metal fittings and cannons, scrollwork, oars, lateen sails, six types of rigging, color plan...I have found this kit to be of very good quality More data to come in good time... John E

Really Cool craftsmanship!!! Doing a great job!! John E

Ian, thanks very much friend...wise words I believe, and, I shall give her a go. Thanks so much Ian for the kind words and advice.... John

Nick, my friend...a BIG yes I would say.....I sure do want to give modelling a go but I think you are right, the Bireme is a beauty when constructed correctly....lol....I figured there was no hope for me once I saw Arthur's Bireme....excellent job he did. Not giving up though. Just received 2 kits today...Fair American and a Sciabecco 1753 (Xebec), trying to figure which is less complicated....any suggestions friends....???? Appreciate the input, advice, and tutoring....from everyone....this one is headed for a Viking funeral.............

Augie, Thanks for the tips which I will give a go at....planking that is. I have finally appropriated a booklet on planking any type of vessel. I have seen it on the site as well. I must take whatever time it takes for the next ship. Already figured to spend whatever it takes as you state, thanks Augie...appreciate your tutor.

As you all may have seen, I have had more than my share of difficulty with this Bireme. Simply put, I could not figure out the planking and with no experience at planking the hull, I decided to use the paper clay to complete the hull. She is planked by the way, all the way through except for the stern up to a certain point. I could not get in all the twists and turns. I did however for future builds purchase a wood steam bender and an electric heating iron and my tool inventory is growing rapidly. I began painting the hull yesterday...one coat, with my airbrush and for a first try at everything makes for quite a demonstration model as well as a fair display model. Though not completed as of yet, probably a few more weeks or so. (I was anxious to get this one completed), but have promised myself if it takes 9 months to finish her or a year, so be it. I have 2 kits on the way. One is a Chebec and the other the Fair American. Sing praises friends if I complete at least one of them. John E

Let me try Ian....Thank you Ian!!! Grateful for your assistance, sir. John