KenW

Just completed the Model Shipways, "Armed Virginia Sloop", and while I was pleased with the result, I can see a lot of "mistakes".  So I want to see if I can do a model without the old problems (only new ones).

I chose the Fail American because it seems more difficult than the AVS, but not too much more difficult.  It has a second mast, more complicated bow and stern and it is squared rigged.

After my parts survey, I see that the center keel is not in agreement with the plans.  This problem has been seen by other MSW builders.  I contacted Model Expo and am waiting for the replacement center keel. 

However, the keel part's length is NOT about a half inch short, so that problem has been fixed.

While waiting for the new center keel, I decided to practice on the kit supplied center keel since on my last model I had problems with creating the rabbet.

     So I removed the center keel and bulkheads and lightly removed the laser burn discoloration.

     I redrew the bearding line to be more in line with the size of the majority of the bulkheads.  I did not make any changes to the bulkheads!  I did modify the kit supplied center keel if needed.

     I cut the rabbet and was pleased; I felt is was much better than on my previous model.

So I am happy with the practice attempt and now just have to wait for the replacement center keel.

Thanks.  You should write a book.

I can't wait to try this method; it sounds better than Bob Hunt's method.

Thanks again.

BTY:  What model are you working on now?

I have one more question.

I believe that you had a method of tying/creating the coils of line that are attached to various cleats,  timberheads, etc.

Would it be possible to remember how that was done?

Thanks.

I am using a hair straightener - set on low heat and only one pass - and the kit rope is behaving much better.

I still like the look of the morope, however.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

Thanks.  I am doing the rigging now (Chapter 9 in the practicum).

Now I am worried since I am using the kit supplied rope.  I will try morope on my next model.

Thanks again.

Your method of "bouy making" was very helpful.  So I would like to ask for another trip down memory lane and your mothod for rigging the cannons.

I had a log of trouble with the kit supplied rope being stiff. When I tried to fasten the blocks to the cheeks and hull, the rope would constantly "pull" them off.  My rigging looks sloppy while yours looks tight and proper.

Any help I can use of future models would be appreciated.

Thanks.

As someone in the middle of building the AVS, I wish I had access to the full blog, with your comments.

I found your comments to be as valuable as the practicum.

Thanks.