themadchemist

Not just enjoying your build but the added information also. Keep up the interesting Great Lakes History, I'm loving it.

Every once in a while you come across one of those ideas that just scream "WHY DIDN"T I THINK OF THAT!" Wow, what a great idea using the saw teeth for a drill guide and spacer! Amazing! She's looking Great PopJack. Very clean detailed work.

Actually Lawrence its not really a builders personal touch, but rather changes made between the First SF kit and the second. My kit is still in the box on the shelf (it is a SF1) and the two pictured are from other builders off of MSW. Wolf's change is kind of a step between the 2, I guess one could always fabricate the one piece upper bulwark as is used in the SF1 if they didn't want the break in the flow into the head. If I'm remembering correctly I've read some where that the one piece bulwark that wrapped to the head was a problem for people to build, so they redesigned the kit with two pieces. The other really big kit difference is the SF1 is double planked and the SF2 is single planked. There are also many other subtle changes. I think its interesting how the 2 kits compare and how builders improve on the kits. The one issue both kits have are those metal gunports and Wolf has really made that not just go away but made really awesome scratch port doors. I had plans to do that and it's always nice to see someone clear the path. In my opinion the custom gunport doors make a HUGE difference on this build.

Hello Wolf How you've mounted the head rails is more similar to the SF1 kit design. If I'm remembering correctly the SF1's bulwark wrap to form the head rails and they changed that for the SF2 design. That was one of the reasons I decided to go with the older SF1 kit as I think it is much nicer with the smooth transition. Just for example purposes heres Vulcanbombers SF1 and Garwards SF2 for comparison SF1 SF2 chainplates placement is also different between the 2 kits. Nice job on your San Francisco. I my opinion the scratch made gunports make your build. They are so much better looking then those attrocious molded port doors. Keep up the excellent work.

Just an FYI. I couldn't seem to get the rapidshare to download. After PMing with Ilhan he found that it was an internet explorer issue. I'm now using Google Chrome and they are downloading. Just a heads up for anyone else wanting these and having IE issues. Thanks Cor for mentioning this and a big thanks to Ilhan for archiving and posting them for download. I thought they were lost forever, I'm so glad they are not!

Oh I was also going to pass on the suggestion that CaptHarv gave me. He recommended replacing the plywood bulwarks with solid basswood. I found this shaped like a dream and was a well spent few dollars. I think the 3" wide by 24'' long sheet at Hobby lobby was $2 and it was a simple trace and cut with an exacto #11. Just an Idea, I thought I'd share. IIRC Harv stated that they built the Swift as a club project and many had issues with the plywood, so this change was found to be the fix. It worked for me.

You can usually pickup basswood in wider pieces at places like Hobby Lobby. I myself kinda cheated and forced the 2nd plank to bend laterally (sidebending some call it) and it seemed to work. Heat will greatly help in achieving that. Soak the wood then pin it down with a jig and let it dry that way. I've found a piece of plywood and push pins work although the pins sometimes leave dimples in the edge where the pressure is applied. You could also use an iron to steam it into submission. Lots of options. If its any consolation, the 2nd plank next to the garboard I found the hardest to lay. You might consider investing in a sealing iron. I didn't until just before starting the second planking and it made shaping the thin stuff easier then I could ever image. There are lots of styles, but I bought this one based on Randy's (lamarvalley) recommendation and it was worth every penny. I might be able to find one locally, if not at the hobby shop, check fabric stores as they are commonly used it quilting. http://www.amazon.com/Hobbico-Veneer-Edge-Banding-Iron/dp/B000X4PWTM Also from looking at the minty floss battens, it appears that the 2nd and 3rd bulkheads don't transition smoothly. Although it may just be the picture or the clink in the floss. It looks like the 2nd from stern on the starboard side is low or the 3rd is high. Here's a modified pic which may better expain what words didn't.

Its good to see another Xebec log on MSW. I agree that Alexander Romaschenko "shark" was one of my favorite builds ever. That build log was such a huge loss for MSW2, I sincerely mourned its loss as well as Roma's passing. You mention Ilhan has the pictures? are these of the build log? I searched the web for another place where the build log is posted and all I've found is http://www.shipmodels.com.ua/eng/models/elite/shebeka/index.htm which only has 15 pictures of this magnificent build. I'd love to revisit that build even if only in pictures. Your Cazador is coming along nicely. Beautiful work Cor! I'm glad to see you share this build.

Hey John Not to be nosey but I was just curious where you got the Amati Xebec kit. I just saw cornwall has it for $196 US which sounds really reasonable but shipping fron the UK may be expensive. Just curious where and how much she set you back as now seeing her, you've given me the bug again. I like that its a 1:60 scale also. You really have me wanting one of these now. Next to the Galleons, the Xebec is one of my favorite gun ships.

I've always loved the Xebec design with its lateen sail and unique deck structure. This should be a fun build to watch. I've always loved the model posted here http://www.shipmodels.com.ua/eng/models/elite/shebeka/index.htm Alexander Romashchenko's log was one of the great losses when the old MSW1 disappeared into a puff of electrons. It has some beautiful carving and so much detail. Sure a beautiful build. Looks like your off to a good start, John. Its good to see this being built as its a fairly rare kit as far as I've seen.

Hello Ron More marvelous updates. I remember your build being one of the first I read upon joining MSW and I have to say you made a huge impact on my building Philosphy. I love the way you create with the simplest of tools. Your work really shows its not about the fancy toys but rather the attitude of the builder. As I pass my 1st anniversary as a builder, I just though I'd take the time to say thanks for restoring your build log post crash and the valuable lessons it has taught me about this fine art of relaxation called ship modeling. Beautiful capstan and deadeyes, as always with anything you build.

Garboard looks good. Nice and symmetrical and it ended up perfectly placed. I think many crowd the bow with the garboard by stopping it too far forward. I ended mine about where you did and I planked the complete first planking with no dropped planks up front. You also got a nice even twist on the garboard as she lays down the keel, dont forget that much of the stern area of the garboard will be removed to narrow the total thickness down to the keel thickness. Now comes the really fun part of planking, but then heck it's all fun to me. Beautiful job so far.

I know what you mean Randy, Peterssons caused me to put on the brakes before starting to make masts and even attemp rigging. Seeing your and Robbyns roping and rigging issues made me really spend quite alot of time studying rigging before starting. Its such a large topic and rigging changed so much over time, not to mention the vocabulary involved. It is kinda the reason I got into this hobby in the first place though. If it were EASY everybody would be doing it. When you think about it the aerodynamics of a tall ships sails is as complex as any aircraft or race cars aerodynamic design. ....That being said I think Florencia looks beautiful sporting her canvas wings. I look forward to more pics as you progress.

Petersson - 2000 - Rigging - Period Ship Models is a great source for square rigging and Petersson - 2007 - Rigging Period Fore and aft Craft is great for fore and aft rigging Both books are primarily pictures with diagram labels, which make rigging much more understandable 2 great must have books IMHO.

Good call Jay Also - Fisher Scientific has the best MSDS's. They are typically 10 to 15 pages and include much more info then many of the condensed MSDS put out by other companies. They also have a better format , although MSDS are standardized, not all are equal. Fisher is where I acquired all my MSDS's for my labs. I use to teach my freshman how to read an MSDS, its a very important tool for the work place... and play place if it contains hazardous chemicals. Just an FYI from your friendly neighbouthood mad chemist

It saddens my heart when a friend is in pain. I hate your dilema of being at sea and losing a dear member of your inner circle. Growing up as a Navy brat I learned early of that from my father and his beening trapped at sea. In his case, with radio silence the sailors didn't know until arriving home, which was never fun to see as all the families always met the boat at the dock. What you do is hard enough without such further worries and concerns. Grief is such a hard emotion to cope with and isolation intensifies it so much. Our thoughts and prayers are that you may be able to remain strong and have the patience needed in this time of waiting, and that you will be released soon to be with your family. Your presence on MSW brings smiles to so many faces and I soon hope your back to your usual self, but take your time as we all are here for you.

Yipee! Congrats on finishing your first. She's a fine little longboat and at her scale no small feat (pun intended). I like your plan to plank and rig. That way you can always switch hit when one starts to bore, although the SF2 should be a 2nd complete build fairly shortly as its near completion with just running rigging to go. One thing that may have had you confused on the sheaves/blocks situation, IIRC the AL blocks only have one hole on the single blocks. I'm not sure about the MS kit blocks, but Chucks blocks have both the top and bottom holes. i.e. 2 holes in a single block and 4 in a double. If you were use to using the AL blocks on the SF that may have thrown you off when you saw 2 holes on the single blocks.

Strange that I've just happened to have watched 12 o'clock high in the last few months. Twelve o'clock high is on youtube and some of the TV episodes also - movie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSVZlvsa5t8 I've always noticed the first sign of a real hero is they never know or realize what they did was extraordinary. They only recall the brothers they lost in combat as the true heros. That selflessness is the reflection I spoke of seeing. It doesn't surprise me at all to learn your father was such a gracious individual. Thank you for sharing his story, I always have found real inspiration by looking at the lives others have selflessly lived, as our true meaning in life is really measured by what we do for others, in the face of adversity. Dieing for what we believe in is the greatest gift one can give, but many forget that living what we believe is nearly as significant, as it pays tribute to those lost for those causes. It makes that sacrifice paid meaningful. Thanks Buck for the added information. Your father is well worth any amount of space required by MSW. I'm so glad fate (I prefer to call them synchronicities) brought you 2 together at the end. I've found life does some really unexpected things like that, and believe there is a reason for these small gifts.

What an amazing life your father must have seen. At 93 that puts his birth around WW1. He saw the depression and the whole of the modern world evolve in a life time. I'm glad you had that small bit of time together before he past, it amazes me sometimes how things work that way. I know it wasn't enough time, but then it never is when the loss is so great. If the reflection of the father can be seen in the son , then I know what a noble individual your father was as I've seen his reflection in you. I hope your reunited soon with your anchor. I see know offense in this analogy. Tammy is my anchor and my mirror and in such times our other halves are so important to helping us maintain equilibrium. Life for you must be quite a stormy sea of change at the moment. We pray for calmer waters to prevail and things to become more stable soon. Just know we're here as ship mates and your sorrow is ours. Be strong my friend and remember the joy as well as the sorrow. Losing someone close is never easy, thankfully we have memories that can sustain us through the sorrow. I don't know which is better or worse, the loss or the preparing for it. As I see my and Tammy's parents health fail I can't help but panic. The only thing that sustains me is the knowledge of the fullness of life they have lived. I'm thankful for every moment we have together, but they will never be enough. It never is, but thats part of life. Know that if you need to talk I'm just a PM away, my heart is with you and my shoulder is your for leaning on. No greater gift exists in life then the gift of friendship. Thanks for being mine. Know I'm always here in return, its what friends are for in this ocean of chaos called life.

Your Welcome Gabe and I'm glad if any part of my build log comes in handy. Seeing that everything I know I learned here, I figured it was only fitting I share my build back for others to use. I definitely have problems following directions though. For me its more about the fun factor, which means rules are only guidelines. I kinda like painting myself into a corner just to see what happens. AL's poor instructions are to blame. I found them so lacking early on that I just decided to go my own way. Especially when I had MSW and the worlds best instruction set which include so many great builders to ask any question to. Its amazing how well one can blend wood. isn't it. Your port side isn't all that horrible and for a first build, things like that happen. Its all part of learning. You did an amazing job on the colour match of the planks. I can't tell there different planks at all. I attached the sternpost at the same time as the keel and stem, that way I prevented that headache. If I remember correctly, Popjack eliminated the first planking on the skeg to deal with this problem. Its a kit flaw, not yours as we both had issues on that, so your not the first. As a chemist, I've never used the ammonia (NH4OH) as I've had to spend to many days in a lab reeking of its smell. The peterboro canoe I built suggested it and I skipped it due to it obnoxious odor. The canoe was also done 100% with CA as the midwest instructions suggested. Thats one of the things that kinda turned me off CA. ...curiously I was looking at your planking colour. My kit came with walnut but I switched to cherry as the walnut in my kit was MUCH darker then yours. I really like the light cocoa colour of your walnut. Ferits Berlin is also walnut and lighter like that. AL must use differing woods over time and the walnuts have alot of colour variation by species it seems. Ferit said his was labeled African walnut if I'm remembering correctly. I recently bought some peruvian walnut thats dark brown, even darker then what was in my kit. I'm saving my Swift walnut for the lobster smack though. I'm planning a SF Galleon in teak and the peru walnut. Anyway I rambling again. Oh she looks good with the rubbing strakes on. That always really makes the planking job look so much more detailed and complete.

I used a hand drill and needle file on the scuppers on the DSotM and it worked fine. You actually did a move aggressive scupper addition to your swift then I did by cutting them into the inner waterways. I always liked that part of your build as it made better mechanical sense for water removal. I assumed that would be how you would attack the bluenoses. Needle files are great, I couldn't have gotten to where I am without them I'm not sure about the cove but scrapers are another handy item and single blade razor blades are great for scaping down molding. I've also seen somewhere on MSW where hacksaw blades were used to create scrapers. She coming along nicely PopJack.

I use almost exclusively PVA glue. It is specifically Elmers wood glue max which says its interior and exterior and stainable. The only place I used CA is on the deck as it was a real bugger getting it to lay on the frames with the compound curvature. CA really burns my eyes from the fumes and I've found that the PVA forces me to slow down. I glued the planks about 1 cm to 1/2 cm on the end and slipped them into the psuedo-rabbet of the stempost, A pinch clamp then was enough end clamped on the stem to hold until dry. I'd then wet with a paint brush and iron it down. If it didn't shape like I wanted. re-wet and re-iron until it does. Page 40 in my log illustrates how I did this all if you haven't had a chance to get through my log yet. http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/997-swift-by-themadchemist-al-150-the-dock-side-of-the-moon-pink-floyd-custom-build/page-40 I have to say, never under estimate where on MSW you'll get an idea. Nearly ever technique I have, has been borrowed from some build log. I have also yet to find a member that if you ask a question, where they won't go out of their way to help. MSW has some excellently experience builders with decades of experience, but so far they have all been amazing in their willingness to help. It's quite refreshing in todays world of attitudes. I can't say the other plank bender isn't good. I know others use them, but I purchased the Hobbico after seeing lamarvalley's (Randy) San Franscisco Galleon build where it did a beautiful number on the mahogany single planking. Check out here for pic's in Randy's build log here http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/741-san-francisco-2-by-lamarvalley-al/page-3 if I recall, look throught to page 7 where he tung oils the mahogany. Its absolutely gorgeous wood graining. I've also see homemade benders made from metal pipe and soldiering irons and everything imaginable. Heat and moisture is the key, it makes otherwise unbendable wood submit easily. Prior to the second planking I used exclusively just wetting the first planking and got away with it on the softer basswood. On some of the second planking I didn't even need to clamp, it fit so well after 2 or 3 steamings with the iron.

Hey Don You can also find a pdf of McKays AOTS here http://www.libramar.net/news/anatomy_of_the_ship_series_hms_bounty/2009-11-09-85 they also have Peterssons square rigging book http://www.libramar.net/news/rigging_period_ship_models_a_step_by_step_guide_to_the_intricacies_of_the_square_rig/2009-11-05-48 Nice job on your Bounty, just watch out for mutineers.

Hey Gabe I agree on the keel and stem post (stern post also) placement before second planking. I did the psuedo-rabbet as you did and found it work excellently. On the thin veneer planking, just for future reference, I trimmed the width of the second planking ... then glued the end at the stem. I then wet the plank and used a sealing iron to get the thin second plank to shape and lay next to the adjacent plank. This took repeated wetting and ironing on some planks. Once shaped it was glued. Heat and moisture work wonders on wood. Personally I prefer a sealing iron to a plank bender, but there are lots of tricks you can find on MSW. You can see all this in my log if your interested here is the type of iron I used http://www.amazon.com/Hobbico-Veneer-Edge-Banding-Iron/dp/B000X4PWTM Its hard to get the second planking perfect, I don't think I'll ever double plank another build for this reason. The Y in front of the stealer is a tough fit to make but it appears to be done well. The overall fit and finish of your planking looks excellent.

Greeting Gabe Welcome to MSW. I so glad you decided to post your log. You right about the atmosphere of MSW and its members. Thanks also for making me feel not so slow. Its not the time you take though, but the fun you have along the way. You've come along way, farther then I'd have never made it without the input of MSW. Look forward to watching in on your build.