rvchima
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rvchima reacted to augie in USF Confederacy by Augie & Moonbug - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64
Chapter 3 has been completed.
I mentioned previously that the last bit on the stern was the addition of a few fillers. This turned out to be an exercise in Olympic-level Freestyle Sanding...but I think the fairing came out OK. So here's one last pic of the stern framing (I promise):
Yes, JP, the pencil sander came in handy again. I'm sure both Proxxon and this Microlux are both worthwhile.
And that brings us to the false deck. It is 1/32 ply, laser cut and supplied in 4 pieces:
Amazingly, the 4 parts slipped right in without any sanding whatsoever. I laid them in one at a time being careful to line up the lazer drawn alignment lines around the hatches and masts. Checking RustyJ and Trussben's logs, I decided to glue the decks down using 6 minute epoxy. There are not enough clamps West of the Mississippi to use PVA. The epoxy gave me time to maneuver and, with just weighting each section for about 20 minutes apiece, the job was done.:
She's back on her keel now and ready for starting gun port framing. She's growing up
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rvchima got a reaction from GrandpaPhil in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Syren Update - Case Completed
I just completed a case for my Syren. It is my own design made from quarter-sawn white oak and plexiglass. The inner dimensions are fit to the Syren at 34" x 13" x 27" and the outer dimensions are 36" x 15" x 28". Plexiglass is 1/6 the weight of glass so the case only weighs a few pounds and I can move it myself. The case is finished with a coat of Watco walnut stain, two coats of orange shellac to seal the grain, and several coats of a 1:1:1 mix of polyurethane varnish, boiled linseed oil, and mineral spirits.
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rvchima reacted to Gahm in US Brig Syren by Gahm - Model Shipways
I added boarding ladders and channels – and with that I am finished with Chapter 9 .
The channels as well as the boarding ladder steps I pinned on first (image 1) before I glued them to the hull in order to guarantee optimal placement. This is especially of interest with the channels as the precut notches which determine the locations of the dead eyes later may interfere with the gun ports if the placement is not done correctly. Images 2 – 5 show some different perspectives of the model with boarding ladders and channels attached.
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rvchima reacted to Gahm in US Brig Syren by Gahm - Model Shipways
I finished the gun port lids and mounted some of the cleats needed to belay the lines operating the upper lids (images 2 – 6). Before using the cleats provided by the kit I cleaned them up, added pins, and reduced the size of their feet (image 1).
Image 1 "Cleaning up" of cleats
Image 2 Finished rear gun ports - with the exception of the davits the stern is pretty much complete
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5 Upper gun port lid ropes fastened to cleats
Image 6
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rvchima got a reaction from Landlubber Mike in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Mike,
I bought 0.093 in. thick Optix brand acrylic sheet at Home Depot. The total cost was around $90 so glass might be cheaper. The acrylic sheets come in widths that are multiples of 12 in. My width was 12 3/4 in. so there was a lot of waste.
You can buy a tool to score and snap the plastic. If you score it many times perfectly along a straightedge and are very careful, it will snap right along the score. I screwed up my very first cut, so I gave up and used my table saw. I cleaned up the edge with sandpaper. The table saw turned out to be a good idea because I had to recut several pieces slightly undersized to make everything fit.
Rod
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rvchima got a reaction from Landlubber Mike in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Syren Update - Case Completed
I just completed a case for my Syren. It is my own design made from quarter-sawn white oak and plexiglass. The inner dimensions are fit to the Syren at 34" x 13" x 27" and the outer dimensions are 36" x 15" x 28". Plexiglass is 1/6 the weight of glass so the case only weighs a few pounds and I can move it myself. The case is finished with a coat of Watco walnut stain, two coats of orange shellac to seal the grain, and several coats of a 1:1:1 mix of polyurethane varnish, boiled linseed oil, and mineral spirits.
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rvchima got a reaction from schooner in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Syren Update - Case Completed
I just completed a case for my Syren. It is my own design made from quarter-sawn white oak and plexiglass. The inner dimensions are fit to the Syren at 34" x 13" x 27" and the outer dimensions are 36" x 15" x 28". Plexiglass is 1/6 the weight of glass so the case only weighs a few pounds and I can move it myself. The case is finished with a coat of Watco walnut stain, two coats of orange shellac to seal the grain, and several coats of a 1:1:1 mix of polyurethane varnish, boiled linseed oil, and mineral spirits.
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rvchima reacted to augie in US Brig Syren by Augie - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64
SUCCESS !
The case has been completed. Amazingly, everything fit :D . Frankly, I can't believe it.
In addition, Syren exhibited her maneuverability (and sheer tenacity) in negotiating the perilous voyage from basement to home port. The predictable 'I think it should be going the other way' battle was encountered and victory seized from the jaws of defeat. Callie, the ships' cat, now has free run of the workshop once again with all rigging now under glass.
On the glass, I was looking for non-reflective but couldn't find it locally. Still, she looks great. And, although ME specifies 1/8" glass for the case, I went with 3/32 which is plenty strong, lighter and actually fits perfectly in the pre-cut slots (after some final sanding). I'd estimate the total weight in the neighborhood of 20 pounds.
As advertised, the fit in the cabinet space is tight.
About 20 pages ago, I penned a list of thank you's and overall impressions about the project. It's been a happy time for me and, I hope, for those who followed along. I could not, would not, have finished without your encouragement. Thanks to each and every one of you out there on MSW.
So now, in a (very) few days, we shall begin on Confederacy. Her shipping crate has yet to be opened. I'm hoping I can do her justice.
And with that, we shall now secure this thread.
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rvchima got a reaction from augie in US Brig Syren by Augie - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64
Thanks Augie. That's about what I expected on the width but I wanted to be sure. The price on that case is quite reasonable so I'm tempted to order one rather than build my own.
Rod
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rvchima reacted to Gahm in US Brig Syren by Gahm - Model Shipways
I found a few hours to finish the bridle ports and one of the rear gun ports. I hope that with coming fall and winter I can shift more time to ship modeling again . . .
The gun port lids were done following Chuck’s instructions. The photo etched hinges for the bridle ports supplied in the kit were not quite as long as they were shown on Chuck’s plans, so I made my own.
Bridle port, port side
Bridle ports, front view
Bridle port, starboard
Bridle port, deck view
Closed rear gun port
Rear gun port, deck view
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rvchima got a reaction from Tigerdvr in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Details from Below
Dolphin's eye view of the Syren.
Reconstructed hanging anchors.
Dirk - I did not redo the knots on the anchor cable. None of my other knots are historically accurate. Why start now? I did use your salt and vinegar patina on the hull, and I love it!
Don't you want to climb up there?
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rvchima got a reaction from CaptMorgan in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Fore to Aft
You just gotta love the jib with all those lines!
The longboat was one of my finer pieces of work.
I copied Augie's mount for the bell.
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rvchima got a reaction from Elmer Cornish in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Details from Above
Fore top. Weren't they from Motown?
Main top.
Gull's eye view of the Syren.
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rvchima got a reaction from Jason in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Details from Below
Dolphin's eye view of the Syren.
Reconstructed hanging anchors.
Dirk - I did not redo the knots on the anchor cable. None of my other knots are historically accurate. Why start now? I did use your salt and vinegar patina on the hull, and I love it!
Don't you want to climb up there?
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rvchima got a reaction from Shamrock in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Fore to Aft
You just gotta love the jib with all those lines!
The longboat was one of my finer pieces of work.
I copied Augie's mount for the bell.
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rvchima got a reaction from Blueskippy in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Details from Below
Dolphin's eye view of the Syren.
Reconstructed hanging anchors.
Dirk - I did not redo the knots on the anchor cable. None of my other knots are historically accurate. Why start now? I did use your salt and vinegar patina on the hull, and I love it!
Don't you want to climb up there?
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rvchima got a reaction from Tigerdvr in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Fore to Aft
You just gotta love the jib with all those lines!
The longboat was one of my finer pieces of work.
I copied Augie's mount for the bell.
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rvchima got a reaction from Tigerdvr in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Another Syren Hits the Seas
I'm finished. 526 hours. 217 days.
I actually finished Wednesday after a marathon 10 hour anchor reconstruction, but yesterday was my wife's birthday and I didn't have time to take photos. Happy Birthday Cinda! I'm back.
I just read in Wikipedia that the real Syren was launched on August 6, 1803. I completed my model on Aug. 7, 2013. Dang - I missed her 210th anniversary by one day!
I had my doubts about the paper flags, but I love the splash of color aloft. I had to add a tiny wire to the gaff to hold the flag.
526 hours. You probably can't build this model much quicker than that. I wasn't trying to rush but I do have other projects in the queue. I could have knocked 30 days off by skipping my vacation and my son's wedding.
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rvchima got a reaction from yvesvidal in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Belaying Lines in Yellowstone
If you've ever been to Yellowstone National Park, you know that the first time you see a bison (buffalo,) you stop along with 50 other cars for that perfect photo, and create a huge traffic jam in the process. After several days you've seen dozens of bison and just want to yell "Get out of the way so I can get to the lodge for a bison burger!"
That's what belaying lines to pin racks is like. You do the first pin perfectly. Down to the left, up to the right, repeat, make a twist, over the top, add a rope coil. On the last pin there are 10 lines in the way and you think "Ill just glue this string to anything that doesn't move."
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rvchima got a reaction from yvesvidal in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Dolphin Striker Modification
I think I've broken my dolphin striker 4 times now. Reach for something under the bow on my bench, bump a line, and SNAP! Today I reinforced my dolphin striker by gluing an inverted V of music wire to it. Don't know if it will help, but I'd recommend it to anyone else building the Syren. Do it early and maybe you can hide it better.
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rvchima got a reaction from isali in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Another Syren Hits the Seas
I'm finished. 526 hours. 217 days.
I actually finished Wednesday after a marathon 10 hour anchor reconstruction, but yesterday was my wife's birthday and I didn't have time to take photos. Happy Birthday Cinda! I'm back.
I just read in Wikipedia that the real Syren was launched on August 6, 1803. I completed my model on Aug. 7, 2013. Dang - I missed her 210th anniversary by one day!
I had my doubts about the paper flags, but I love the splash of color aloft. I had to add a tiny wire to the gaff to hold the flag.
526 hours. You probably can't build this model much quicker than that. I wasn't trying to rush but I do have other projects in the queue. I could have knocked 30 days off by skipping my vacation and my son's wedding.
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rvchima got a reaction from Blueskippy in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Belaying Lines in Yellowstone
If you've ever been to Yellowstone National Park, you know that the first time you see a bison (buffalo,) you stop along with 50 other cars for that perfect photo, and create a huge traffic jam in the process. After several days you've seen dozens of bison and just want to yell "Get out of the way so I can get to the lodge for a bison burger!"
That's what belaying lines to pin racks is like. You do the first pin perfectly. Down to the left, up to the right, repeat, make a twist, over the top, add a rope coil. On the last pin there are 10 lines in the way and you think "Ill just glue this string to anything that doesn't move."
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rvchima got a reaction from ZyXuz in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Belaying Lines in Yellowstone
If you've ever been to Yellowstone National Park, you know that the first time you see a bison (buffalo,) you stop along with 50 other cars for that perfect photo, and create a huge traffic jam in the process. After several days you've seen dozens of bison and just want to yell "Get out of the way so I can get to the lodge for a bison burger!"
That's what belaying lines to pin racks is like. You do the first pin perfectly. Down to the left, up to the right, repeat, make a twist, over the top, add a rope coil. On the last pin there are 10 lines in the way and you think "Ill just glue this string to anything that doesn't move."
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rvchima got a reaction from bhermann in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Belaying Lines in Yellowstone
If you've ever been to Yellowstone National Park, you know that the first time you see a bison (buffalo,) you stop along with 50 other cars for that perfect photo, and create a huge traffic jam in the process. After several days you've seen dozens of bison and just want to yell "Get out of the way so I can get to the lodge for a bison burger!"
That's what belaying lines to pin racks is like. You do the first pin perfectly. Down to the left, up to the right, repeat, make a twist, over the top, add a rope coil. On the last pin there are 10 lines in the way and you think "Ill just glue this string to anything that doesn't move."
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rvchima got a reaction from Tigerdvr in US Brig Syren by rvchima - FINISHED - Model Shipways
Anchors Aweigh
While waiting for extra parts I jumped ahead and built my anchors.
I installed them as shown in the photos in the manual - right up against the catheads. Then I read ahead and realized that there was no room to add the double block and line that the anchors are supposed to hang from.
So as Dirk always says, "deconstruction!" A line drawing in the plans shows the anchors hanging from the cathead. I plan to redo them that way.
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