themadchemist

Nice work Brian, just catching up after a bad weekend.
 
Just starting out and not wanting to send huge sums on tools, consider this
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hobby-Lathe-Disc-Sander/H2669
 
its a good starter and someone, sorry can't remember the thread gave it excellent reviews. 
 

Thanks for all the likes
 
managed a little more work on the supports this evening.
 
The first picture shows the adjusting screw it is 1 1/2 inch in diameter and the threaded collar is rotated with a 1/2 inch bar inserted into one of the 4 holes.
 

 

 
In order to ensure that the holes were at right angles to each other I set up a couple of bars (scrap stainless steel out of a used wiper blade) to support the 1/2 inch bar before drilling the other hole.
 

 
The stern support are only needing the swivel pads and then a bit of clean up on the bolts then I can move on to the bow supports
 

 

 
Michael

Just finished the first layer of planking.  Quite an experience.  When I first got the model unboxed and saw all the planks and parts, I thought " what did I get myself into", especially thinking about the planking and rigging. Now, am thrilled to death getting it done and having it turn out so well. Still not ready to try a single planked ship, but happy none the less.
 
Ran into a little problem with the starboard side though. I used up all but two of the planks that were at least 5 mm wide, so as I got further along, I knew this side wouldn't fill in as good as the larboard. Most of the planks were 4.9 - 4.97. 
 
I had bought some 1/16 (1.5 mm) x 1/4 (6.5 mm) inch basswood at Menards ( like Home Depot ) right after I got the kit, just in case I needed them.
When I got to the last plank, the gap on 5 & 6 frames were right at 6.5 mm so my purchase was justified. Had to sand a lot on both ends but it worked out.
No gaps, no dropped planks.
 
Tomorrow will put some poly on the main deck and get ready for the bulkheads.
 
Shot of the last plank after glued. I use map marker pins I cut to about 1/4" to secure the planks and push them against the frames.
 

 
Final product
 

 

Almost done with starboard side. Getting ready to start on the bulwarks.
 

 
 

Thanks Russ,
 
I owe it to another member here - I used a method from Bob's (bhermann) Bluenose build log.  I marked the dowels at multiple points and transferred the size mechanically to the dowel at that point from the plans using the caliper.  I then used sandpaper (for two of them chucked into a drill, and for the two shorter ones, I just sanded by hand while slowly turning the dowel) to sand them down to the marks.  I then laid them on the plans directly to compare and finish.
 
In this picture you can see all the bits and pieces, and the main boom has had the taper points transferred, but not yet sanded.
 

 
This method worked very well for me, but I still want a lathe. 

Just a bit of progress from this weekend and this evening, as I was working on moving lots of stored stuff (10 years worth of storage room accumulation) in preparation for a new hobby room.
 
I had tapered the gaffs and booms, and glued the jaws?, clamped them, and left them to dry on Saturday.  I completed the boom shaping yesterday, and then tonight I shaped the gaffs, and rigged all 4 pieces.
 
These display an interesting 'history' of my block stropping, and I'm leaving them as is just for my own interest.  First, the double blocks were stropped with the kit's copper wire to the eyebolts per the instructions.  Second, after I got the blackened wire, the single blocks on the booms were stropped with the blackened wire in place of the bare copper.  Third, tonight I read about the 'figure eight' rope stropping technique for attaching blocks to yards, and used that technique for the 6 single blocks attached to the gaffs.  The rope system is really nice, and fast, and looks pretty good too!
 
Here are the completed pieces before varnishing.
 

 
And now, complete and drying.
 

 
 

Hello all,
 
Nothing really earth-shaking to report.  I decided to use templates for the port and starboard cockpit seats, which took a lot of guess work out of the process.



I intend to paint all the thwarts and cockpit seating, so none of these pieces have been glued in place yet.


I also want to install the ring bolts in the center floor board and apron.  The ring bolt in the apron is for the staysail halyard block, which would have hooked onto the ring bolt.
 
BobF

Hello Bob
Some very excellent work on this little build. I've found the small boats a very interesting topic as I develop in this hobby.
Your planking illustrations are simply magnificent and really help those learning the techniques.
 
I love some of your innovations, such as using evergreen as a sanding shim on the cap rail, or the paint bristle nailing.
 
Thanks for the efforts of your sharing, as this build log is truly an asset to MSW's fountain of knowledge.   

Hans, Thanks for stopping by and the kind words.  I really like your Batavia!  FWIW, Batavia is also the name of a suburb, west of Chicago in the Fox River Valley.  Now I know where the name Batavia came from! 
 
Bob,  This hull was a challenge to plank, but I learned a lot!  Umm, as for those oysters.....  Bob, I like your idea of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds also look good.  But not sure if seeds will be stable over the years, so possibly bits of Fimo clay.  What ever I use, I'll add a layer of glue and roll it in crushed shells for texture and color. But first, I need to make those crates.
 
 
 
As for the bow!  I liked the way the stern stem turned out and decided to do the same with the bow stem. 
 
To get the planks to line up neat and tidy, the bow stem was removed 

 
And then I added a new walnut bow stem. It looks good!  But the lines on the bow stem are not parallel and it's a bit curved, so I need to make some corrections.  It's an easy fix, but the obvious is this should have been done on page one. 

 
I've spent weeks trying to figure out how I'm going to do the cockpit decking and it's looking good.  Have a few more pieces to add and shape and then I'll add some photos. 
 
 
As always, thanks for stopping by.
 
 
Dee Dee

 

Cutters Ver 2.5 continued....
 
Only a minor update today.  I've been painting the hulls for the last week or so.  Decided to break out the airbrush for this job and after six coats of white paint on top of the gesso undercoat, plus one coat of clear Satincote (one more to come), here's a quick sneak peak at the outside of one of the hulls - just to prove that progress is being made
 

 
As soon as I get another coat of Satincote on the external hulls, I'll move onto the interior, painting that in yellow ochre before proceeding with the fit out.  This painting lark is a slow process! 
 
In between watching paint dry, I've been working on the quarter davits to carry these Cutters.  I've mainly been working from the diagrams and description in Longridge for these.  The basic structure is boxwood, with working brass sheaves held in place with a copper wire pin.  I also manufactured the cleat for the base of each davit by silver soldering brass wire into a T-section and then cutting/filing to shape.  These have been blackened and placed temporarily in place for the photo.  The davits will be painted black prior to final fitting.  At the base of the davit, I have manufactured separately some brass swivel/hinge plates to attach the davits to the hull - these aren't shown in the photo below, but will be fitted in due course.  So here's what they look like (only 3 of the 4 davits shown in the pic):
 

good afternoon 
 
thank you everyone for the comments and PM's
42 months after i bought her my build now has a name, 
apart from a repaint and fitting the emergency steering chain aft is now complete, good god i actually finished a bit - lol

Good evening everyone
 
sorry about poor photos - i will harder better tomorrow
the six  quarterdeck cannons are now completed that leaves a couple to do forward in the future, as i am not sure where i am going to put them, after all i still need room for the band 
the next bit will be paint any showing brass bits and train the ropes to lie down they have been pva glued to stop the fuzziness biut as a result they need to be dampened again and some weights to make them look a little more realistic
believe it or not as far as i am concerned the worst of this build it now over, maybe another 20-30 hours finishing things off on the hull then into phase two of the build, the bit i am so looking forward to

thanks Mobbsie      I tried to get back here last night to post the pictures........darn thing went into sleep mode and wouldn't wake up.   yea still a few things I need to do towards getting my computer to fit my lifestyle     anyway.......here are some pictures of the hull after it got the primer coat.   they aren't real good quality......but they show the progress well enough. 
    I still have more to do.......
 

 

 

 

 
I let it dry quite a bit before I brought her back into the house.   while it was out there,  I started to work on the fore deck platform.
 

 
here's an odd thing I noticed.   when I sprayed the transom......I was pointing right at it when I sprayed.    yet none of it got in the chute.  I did not mask the chute at all.
 

 
I did cement the bulkhead in place.......and the bottom support for it {behind it}
 

 

 
now,  the deck support beams need to be done at the bow.   the fore deck platform can be cut out,  and hopefully,  I can get to the point of cementing it in place,  in the next session.  thanks for looking in 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thanks for the kind words, as well as some great words of wisdom Keith.
 
Thanks for all the likes Joe!
 
Spent most of the day working on cleaning out the future hobby room, and went to dinner with family, but in between and after those things, I finished the main boom.  Very happy with how it came out, although I came very close to taking down too much material on one of the side pieces and wrecking the entire thing.  I also managed to put that simple little single block on wrong 3 times, but it's finally on right.
 
Those holes where it wraps the mast are just tiny, as the material there just isn't thick enough to drill reasonable size holes, so there is no way I'll be able to use the .028 rope like the kit says to hang the mast (it's just knotted on both sides with square knots and tied around the mast in the instructions).  I'll have to use thread, or possibly the .012 rope (the holes are .018).  Having seen some other builds with this sort of boom assembly, I think I may try to find some beads and make a 'proper looking' attachment with the smaller rope and some beads.
 
I did also manage to get the hole at the tip of the boom at an odd angle, but I don't think that will show.
 

some illustrations of lacing if you decide on that, I agree that on a vessel the size of Carmen hoops would be preferred though.
 
Here are a few differing illustrations, first with 2 methods


and expanded view



and a 3rd double wrap

 
Hoop attachment, for future reference.


These should give you some ideas, I hope. One of the reasons I've slowed WAY down on the DSotM build is that I'm learning how it all works before progressing.
Order of installation on rigging can quickly paint yourself in the corner. Your finding that out the hard way, but there is nothing like trial by fire to learn.
A lot depend on if you want a kit made like is pictured on the box or one outfitted as they really were.
 
The kits simulate LOTS of things and leave out even more. This is where it becomes the builders decision how detailed to go. I'm a detail junky, where your approach on this kit was to finish it based on kit materials. 2 completely differing Philosophies. You are probably seeing why so many scratch build rather then try to figure out what the kit skimped on.

Once again, your more then welcome.

I started building 2 years ago this November, so I'm still rather green at all this myself. I'm also amazed at just how much REAL knowledge I have acquired in such a short time.
 
What I know is that NOTHING I know is original to me, as pretty much everything I have developed is due to some member of the MSW community and their willingness to post excellent build information, including detailed photographs of procedures. I have still yet to PM a member of this community about a question I have and not just get an answer, but get a wealth of knowledge far beyond what I ever expected.
 
an enquiry to Janos about his carving equipment, ended in him helping me pick equipment and the best place to buy burrs. Not to mention a great friend.
 
If you haven't already seen his work, YOU MUST
http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/501-carved-figure-heads-and-decorations/
 
I could list a many others that I've had similar interactions with in the past 2 years.
 
I share because I understand that what I have, I own to those that gave to me. You happen to have Teacher and student when you speak of Russ and I, because he taught me.
Its the reason MSW exists, to help preserve the ART of something that is quickly being lost by our throw away society. Preservation of the understanding is important. We owe a lot to shipping, and yet most take it so for granted.
 
I, like you, started this hobby with a throw it together attitude. It was to blow off the stream of becoming disabled and help me retain my tactile ability. Something changes when a stranger lends a hand and then a light bulb goes off when the enormity of it really strikes home. Russ did that for me.
 
Kits are poor examples, that are marketed and require a profit margin. They expect you to find source material and have a working knowledge. Some have made that better with practicums. If one stays in this hobby long enough I think they either become scratch builders or HEAVY bashers, but the kits have there place.
My first thrown together is a Petersboro canoe with a misshapen hull. For the DSotM I slowed down and I'm bashing and learning. Kits are important and have there place, but they are lacking and $$$ will always have an effect on that.
 
Learning takes time, experience and proper guidance. MSW has the community to provide the help you need and as the Carmen becomes the AVS we will be here and more new people will join in. I Love when people link their build logs in their sig, as that is how I came across your build. Providence? Maybe.
 
Just do what feels right for you on the sails and you'll succeed.... and as for Pretty decent? I'd say for the length of time you've spent, this is a Beauty of an example of a Carmen build using the restraints you've imposed. Using just kit parts make it a lot tougher.  I would be PROUD of what you've achieve in knowledge as well as the GREAT LOOKING pilot schooner your building.

your welcome Brian.
 
I would suggest creating a folder system on your HD of your computer. I have a folder for each kit or build I an working on, even those I intend to build. I keep my build log pic's in it and then have a reference folder also in which I put reference pic's and information I find on the internet or on MSW. It makes finding them later handy. For ease of finding them later I have inner folders in the reference folder labeled (ie. bow, masts, spars and booms, rudder....). Just an idea. I also backup my archive regularly.
 
As far as with or without sails, admiralty models typically have only partial masts and bowsprit and little or no rigging. There are many who display without sails as they block the view of the detailed rigging.
There is also the question of, to furl or not to furl if one wants sails. I personally like sails, but furled or not is dependent on the vessel and the particular build.
 
If they are unfurled and just left hanging, I feel they are better left off. They should look full of wind. This is usually achieved with dilute PVA and a curved surface, but IIRC Popjack used a hair dryer for drying the glue and setting the wind blown look into his set. As with nearly everything in this hobby, there is more then one way to approach an issue/problem.
 
Furled sails look good also, but I've read its a tough technique to get them to look real, they are usually done wet to help, or so I've read.
 
Just to give you an idea of furled versus unfurled, here are 2 builts of the pilot boat Katy.
Furled:


and unfurled


I prefer the furled sails between these 2, but that my opinion.

It all really comes down to one thing, your the captain and only you know what you want. Remember hobbies are for FUN and when you do something based on what you feel other want, rather then what pleases you, the fun lessens or stops.
You tend to build very fast for my tastes, but I'm an analytical chemist and have a different build philosophy then you, also a differing temperament. Its crazy for anyone to say exactly how you approach a build as we all have different things we want to achieve, be it in detail or pace of build.

...sailing on the steel breeze....

Once again, your more then welcome.

I started building 2 years ago this November, so I'm still rather green at all this myself. I'm also amazed at just how much REAL knowledge I have acquired in such a short time.
 
What I know is that NOTHING I know is original to me, as pretty much everything I have developed is due to some member of the MSW community and their willingness to post excellent build information, including detailed photographs of procedures. I have still yet to PM a member of this community about a question I have and not just get an answer, but get a wealth of knowledge far beyond what I ever expected.
 
an enquiry to Janos about his carving equipment, ended in him helping me pick equipment and the best place to buy burrs. Not to mention a great friend.
 
If you haven't already seen his work, YOU MUST
http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/501-carved-figure-heads-and-decorations/
 
I could list a many others that I've had similar interactions with in the past 2 years.
 
I share because I understand that what I have, I own to those that gave to me. You happen to have Teacher and student when you speak of Russ and I, because he taught me.
Its the reason MSW exists, to help preserve the ART of something that is quickly being lost by our throw away society. Preservation of the understanding is important. We owe a lot to shipping, and yet most take it so for granted.
 
I, like you, started this hobby with a throw it together attitude. It was to blow off the stream of becoming disabled and help me retain my tactile ability. Something changes when a stranger lends a hand and then a light bulb goes off when the enormity of it really strikes home. Russ did that for me.
 
Kits are poor examples, that are marketed and require a profit margin. They expect you to find source material and have a working knowledge. Some have made that better with practicums. If one stays in this hobby long enough I think they either become scratch builders or HEAVY bashers, but the kits have there place.
My first thrown together is a Petersboro canoe with a misshapen hull. For the DSotM I slowed down and I'm bashing and learning. Kits are important and have there place, but they are lacking and $$$ will always have an effect on that.
 
Learning takes time, experience and proper guidance. MSW has the community to provide the help you need and as the Carmen becomes the AVS we will be here and more new people will join in. I Love when people link their build logs in their sig, as that is how I came across your build. Providence? Maybe.
 
Just do what feels right for you on the sails and you'll succeed.... and as for Pretty decent? I'd say for the length of time you've spent, this is a Beauty of an example of a Carmen build using the restraints you've imposed. Using just kit parts make it a lot tougher.  I would be PROUD of what you've achieve in knowledge as well as the GREAT LOOKING pilot schooner your building.

Once again, your more then welcome.

I started building 2 years ago this November, so I'm still rather green at all this myself. I'm also amazed at just how much REAL knowledge I have acquired in such a short time.
 
What I know is that NOTHING I know is original to me, as pretty much everything I have developed is due to some member of the MSW community and their willingness to post excellent build information, including detailed photographs of procedures. I have still yet to PM a member of this community about a question I have and not just get an answer, but get a wealth of knowledge far beyond what I ever expected.
 
an enquiry to Janos about his carving equipment, ended in him helping me pick equipment and the best place to buy burrs. Not to mention a great friend.
 
If you haven't already seen his work, YOU MUST
http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/501-carved-figure-heads-and-decorations/
 
I could list a many others that I've had similar interactions with in the past 2 years.
 
I share because I understand that what I have, I own to those that gave to me. You happen to have Teacher and student when you speak of Russ and I, because he taught me.
Its the reason MSW exists, to help preserve the ART of something that is quickly being lost by our throw away society. Preservation of the understanding is important. We owe a lot to shipping, and yet most take it so for granted.
 
I, like you, started this hobby with a throw it together attitude. It was to blow off the stream of becoming disabled and help me retain my tactile ability. Something changes when a stranger lends a hand and then a light bulb goes off when the enormity of it really strikes home. Russ did that for me.
 
Kits are poor examples, that are marketed and require a profit margin. They expect you to find source material and have a working knowledge. Some have made that better with practicums. If one stays in this hobby long enough I think they either become scratch builders or HEAVY bashers, but the kits have there place.
My first thrown together is a Petersboro canoe with a misshapen hull. For the DSotM I slowed down and I'm bashing and learning. Kits are important and have there place, but they are lacking and $$$ will always have an effect on that.
 
Learning takes time, experience and proper guidance. MSW has the community to provide the help you need and as the Carmen becomes the AVS we will be here and more new people will join in. I Love when people link their build logs in their sig, as that is how I came across your build. Providence? Maybe.
 
Just do what feels right for you on the sails and you'll succeed.... and as for Pretty decent? I'd say for the length of time you've spent, this is a Beauty of an example of a Carmen build using the restraints you've imposed. Using just kit parts make it a lot tougher.  I would be PROUD of what you've achieve in knowledge as well as the GREAT LOOKING pilot schooner your building.

Thanks again Keith.
 
I'm still undecided on how to proceed, but I took the evening off and went out with some friends, so still have the gaffs & booms to make, so I've still got a little bit of time to think about it.  I could always stitch the sails on, and if they look like crap, cut them off!
 
I did indeed approach this build in a fairly fast/reckless manor, but in turn, I did learn a lot of lessons that I hope to apply to the AVS build, which I will try to take a lot more time and care with at each step, in order to improve the quality of the build, now that I have gotten my initial 'excitement' at that new hobby out of the way on the Carmen (which is still turning out fairly decent looking, in spite of myself).
 
The tips and advice of you and Russ in this thread have been invaluable, and I appreciate all the feedback from both of you, and everyone else who has dropped in to offer tips and/or encouragement.

your welcome Brian.
 
I would suggest creating a folder system on your HD of your computer. I have a folder for each kit or build I an working on, even those I intend to build. I keep my build log pic's in it and then have a reference folder also in which I put reference pic's and information I find on the internet or on MSW. It makes finding them later handy. For ease of finding them later I have inner folders in the reference folder labeled (ie. bow, masts, spars and booms, rudder....). Just an idea. I also backup my archive regularly.
 
As far as with or without sails, admiralty models typically have only partial masts and bowsprit and little or no rigging. There are many who display without sails as they block the view of the detailed rigging.
There is also the question of, to furl or not to furl if one wants sails. I personally like sails, but furled or not is dependent on the vessel and the particular build.
 
If they are unfurled and just left hanging, I feel they are better left off. They should look full of wind. This is usually achieved with dilute PVA and a curved surface, but IIRC Popjack used a hair dryer for drying the glue and setting the wind blown look into his set. As with nearly everything in this hobby, there is more then one way to approach an issue/problem.
 
Furled sails look good also, but I've read its a tough technique to get them to look real, they are usually done wet to help, or so I've read.
 
Just to give you an idea of furled versus unfurled, here are 2 builts of the pilot boat Katy.
Furled:


and unfurled


I prefer the furled sails between these 2, but that my opinion.

It all really comes down to one thing, your the captain and only you know what you want. Remember hobbies are for FUN and when you do something based on what you feel other want, rather then what pleases you, the fun lessens or stops.
You tend to build very fast for my tastes, but I'm an analytical chemist and have a different build philosophy then you, also a differing temperament. Its crazy for anyone to say exactly how you approach a build as we all have different things we want to achieve, be it in detail or pace of build.

...sailing on the steel breeze....

Just catching up and wanted to comment.
 
First, beautiful work as always Nils. Your take on the 1/64 Amati/Victory is as always Magnificent.
 
Second, The scale issue is definitely happening due to the macro-photo shots, The pictures are sometimes up to 4 times larger then life size, if one clicks on them to see the larger photos. For me at least, I have to remind myself that she is only 1/64 as the detail is what one would expect of the larger 1/48. The fact that so many misgauge the scale is just a testament to the amount of detail you have achieved.
 
You are truly a Master, and you unique take on the Pegasus is so different with its cut-away sections. I was admiring the distiller that can be see tucked back in some shots. See so many details and seeing them so well executed by an artisan is one of life's true pleasures.   

it also becomes more fun and for me relaxing. The slow process of fitting planks is one that draws me into "the zone" you know when you look at the clock and go, WOW, where did that all that time go. I've actually gotten so engrossed that when I saw the sun coming through the windows was my first indicator that I'd worked through the night.  
 
For a beautiful single planked hull from a first timer, just check out Randy's Florencia, Its a beauty. (tmc says as he looks at the SF1 kit on the shelve).
You just gotta love a Galleon.
 
It's funny Randy's talking about rigging, because it was his and Robbyn's issues with their SF2 kits which caused me to slow way down and start pouring into research of the Gaff rig. Randy is right, as big as the learning curve is on planking, rigging may be even bigger. But that's not to intimidate, that's the challenge of this hobby. If it was easy everyone would be doing it.

your welcome Brian.
 
I would suggest creating a folder system on your HD of your computer. I have a folder for each kit or build I an working on, even those I intend to build. I keep my build log pic's in it and then have a reference folder also in which I put reference pic's and information I find on the internet or on MSW. It makes finding them later handy. For ease of finding them later I have inner folders in the reference folder labeled (ie. bow, masts, spars and booms, rudder....). Just an idea. I also backup my archive regularly.
 
As far as with or without sails, admiralty models typically have only partial masts and bowsprit and little or no rigging. There are many who display without sails as they block the view of the detailed rigging.
There is also the question of, to furl or not to furl if one wants sails. I personally like sails, but furled or not is dependent on the vessel and the particular build.
 
If they are unfurled and just left hanging, I feel they are better left off. They should look full of wind. This is usually achieved with dilute PVA and a curved surface, but IIRC Popjack used a hair dryer for drying the glue and setting the wind blown look into his set. As with nearly everything in this hobby, there is more then one way to approach an issue/problem.
 
Furled sails look good also, but I've read its a tough technique to get them to look real, they are usually done wet to help, or so I've read.
 
Just to give you an idea of furled versus unfurled, here are 2 builts of the pilot boat Katy.
Furled:


and unfurled


I prefer the furled sails between these 2, but that my opinion.

It all really comes down to one thing, your the captain and only you know what you want. Remember hobbies are for FUN and when you do something based on what you feel other want, rather then what pleases you, the fun lessens or stops.
You tend to build very fast for my tastes, but I'm an analytical chemist and have a different build philosophy then you, also a differing temperament. Its crazy for anyone to say exactly how you approach a build as we all have different things we want to achieve, be it in detail or pace of build.

...sailing on the steel breeze....

Build log part 60
 
 
 
here is a Little update on the process as is....
 
I trust that over the Weekend the lower Standing rigging (shrouds, stays) will be fixed
 
 
Nils