themadchemist

Yes is it ashame paint will cover that beautiful wood. Looks like its a mix of heart wood and sap wood with those colour variations, if its walnut. I know historically many of the ships were painted for preservation purposes. I just dont know if I could paint that beautiful wood. Personally I like the grain and colour variation more then if in all matched, but then I'm a wood-a-holic. I've been scraping the hull on my Swift, I just got a schmoo shaped scraper and I loving the way it fits nearly all the concave parts of the hull.
 
 

Hello RMC,
Im not sure on the picture posting issues either.
I did want to say I really like the planking. What wood is it, (looks like cherry maybe) the variation in the dark and light especially in the starboard stern section is gorgeous. I love the contrasting wood grain

I've heard of skimping on the cost of a build but this ship is gonna draw water from both ends. It'll go down faster then the Wasa
BTW, Love your Wasa.Ive seen her built with different colours but really love that lighter blue you used.
 
Seriously, I love these cut-aways. Have you considered adding more detail to the lower decks, i.e. barrels, ballast rock...
Looking at the side view you really get an idea of how cramped that second deck is, Look 5' something. Going to sea would suck for 6'2'' people like me.
 
Keith

We have a pandigital which wont read mobi files. It has a Lynx OS IIRC. Tammy got it because of the back light for reading in the dark. I read paper or on the computer mostly, with computer becoming more common as my eyes go, as it gives me the ablity to increase the font. That way I can put off getting glasses. With the Lyme my vision changes from day to day and I think getting prescription lens would be a waste, so I use those cheapy $3 magnifier glasses. Being far sighted, those work about as well as Rx and it save money and another trip to Dr.
 
Keith

I couldnt figure out how to get a non-kindle version but found it here in text. Easy cut and paste to word so I could up the font for my blind eyes and I think I'll be researching it abit tonight, if it isnt too dry. 84 pages at 14 font isnt bad an effort to have some details. Like why he sailed past new Guinea to Timor. I saw the map of the route sailed on spiff's base stand in his build log (that was an intriguing idea)
http://archive.org/stream/anarrativeofthem20337gut/pg20337.txt
 
Thats mean tempting me with a camera like that. Wish our budget could afford this hobby the way I'd like. First the kits, then tools, then books, then cameras.... I'm beginning to wonder where it ends. I'm looking at buying a lumber yard ATM also .
 
tmc

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.

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.   

I think it is very hard to see a curved surface object in a photo with out optical illusions.
I've seen many thing that appear wonky in a photo, but isn't to the natural eye.
I think your symmetry is Fantastic, Brian. Especially when you look at it closely from all the angles.
 
as an aside:
in some thread, I can't remembers who's, they used the shiny black plastic from a CD case a made windows. Since it looks black from the outside it looked natural and was probably easier to keep clean. That's a part of the hobby never discuss, the cleanup after every new addition.
 
Just thinking out loud, I really haven't followed AVS threads closely, but is there a trim around the windows. I can see a thin scraped window molding really setting off the stern. The scraped molding I made for the DSotM was a fun experience and really detailed the sides. There's a thread on making razor blade scrapers somewhere, you may have already found it.

I keep all receipts in a binder. ...But refuse to do the math. Wait until you've been at this 2 years.
 
I'm saving that addition for if I ever want to commit suicide by heart attack.  or Admiral flogging......
 
Seriously though, Try to think of it this way. Within a persons typical budget, they skip 2 important things - Savings and Hobby's. I have not paid a cable TV bill in 9 years, I hobby rather then melt my brain with consumer advertised TV. Add that total up, but most think of TV as important as the water or electric bill. I DON'T.

Never underestimate the ability for a human to justify just about anything.
 
Ultimately, if it helps you make it through life with more smiles on your face, and its not taking food out of you or your families mouths, I say do it and don't look back. Nearly every tool is an investment that will last many builds. Which equals hours of smiles, and frustration, which in my opinion is a character builder. Nothing good in life is free.
 
Try this, take your hourly wage and multiply it by the hours you put in Carmen, some say time is money. Now look at that total. No matter how you look at it many of the things we love are expensive, as a disabled homebound person, this hobby saved my life and sanity. To me that's priceless, Tammy agrees. 

I myself spend hours, over days, which fade into weeks, watching others without progressing myself. Although lulls in building that appear that way outwardly, often are rather busy in our own minds, making decisions and working through obstacles, both perceived and real. Learning by watching others.
I'm completely satisfied with Ron's "I don't know" as it make completely good sense to me.
 
All I know is that I'm thankful for all that Ron has shown and taught me about building, of the greatest things, I think the fact that patience and perseverance lead to quality is one of the best learned from his build. I'm sure his build log is worth another reread, the good ones are
 
All I know is that I'll be here when "I don't know" becomes pictures again, quality is worth the wait.

Thanks for the link to Dr Michaels works. That is some amazing work, his ebony blocks are amazing also. I completely understand what you mean about spending an hour just looking and feeling the completed boat. It never ceases to amaze me what we are capable of and how practice always pays dividends.
 
I don't think looking at work such as his or yours ever intimates me, it just make me want to try harder, knowing what is achievable with effort. I can't even imagine planking a small boat in ebony but now seeing it makes me want to try. This is such a great hobby as one can practice for years and will always continue to learn and improve their skills. I like that spacer idea, I think I'll use that.
 
More great work Ron.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the clinker planking. It's on my list of goals to one day be able to achieve satisfactorily. One would think it would be easier as planks tend to clinker anyway unless spiled correctly, but sanding can remedy uneven carvel planking, but not so on clinker planking.
 
Keep up the excellent work.

By the way Ron, have you considered just cutting the keel slot and planking the plug, then adding the frames after removal of the plug. Personally I think slotting the plug for frames would be a tough job. If doing it this way I would pre notch the keel for accepting the frames at a latter date as they will be tougher to cut afterward.
 
Just a though.
 
Also your plug has a shape very close to the modified MS longboat kit I'm working on, which makes me more confident with my eyeball method of measuring. I plan a plug method next so I'm looking forward to seeing how you progress on this little beauty.
 
Also, your calling it a cutter. I read that the English cutters were clinker planked while the launches, pinnaces and barges were carvel planked (from McKay's Vicky AotS). Just curious how she will be planked.

Since the subject of glue has come up.
I've been using Elmers WoodGlue Max. its waterproof and stainable. Interior or exterior.
I made deck stringers by laminating cherry veneer to basswood and then let it cure a couple days. I then soaked the piece for 10-15 minutes for shaping. I was worried it would de-laminate. It held fine.
Tthis glue is a light brown color and dries clear. I really like it so far.

Hey Ron,
More excellent work. As you were stating you needed to make deadeyes and didnt have a lathe I instantly thought of Russ crossection jig, then you beat me too it. I like the way you modified it to sit on the dowel with the metal ring.
Turning down that cherry to 5mm must of been relaxing, stuff like that I find like meditation. The cherry looks good also and its hard enough that it should hold up without getting dings like a softer basswood might. 
 
Keith

Hello Ron
 
I've been a bit under the weather and so decided to spend some time looking at some build logs. Learning about building is an important step of the process. I've not been looking at logs out side of what I'm building too much since the crash as the pain of seeing so much gone is hard to take at times, even though I'm still really new to the hobby. MSW went down about 1 1/2 months after I discovered it. I know how it made me feel, and cant even image for the oldtimers, but I'm still daily amazed at how she bounced back.
 
That being said, praise be to Ilhan Gockay for preserving it and you for getting it back up and online. I am absolutely astounded by so many things. First by just the beauty of your work, second by the simplicity of how you work with simple methods and tools, third by your daring to tear back into her to fix problems (such as the stem/bulwark refit). I just spent the last 8 to 10 hours reading and viewing your revived log and all I can say is WOW.
 
Thanks you so much for sharing this again. You have taught me several things I've been wondering about, like stem/buwarks shaping and rudder hardware. I love your methods of showing the step by step with pictures which is so much a help no matter what ship one is building.
 
As I said to start learning about building is as an important step of the process as any and your build log is/was a fabulous work of learning.
Thank You and Thanks Ilhan.
 
Shine On -/\=
Keith

Hello Kevin
Nice job with the cat heads and beak. I was comparing your pic's with the photo in the previous page and it looks Great. 
 
just a few things I noticed and I'm no expert, that is for sure, and dont know how many incarnations the Vicky went through....
Looking at the blue striped beam that runs down the cat heads bracket to the beak, in the photo there is what looks like a gunport but it seems to have side hinges and be smaller then the other ports. I looked over a few of the other Jotika kits and they all seem to have to same gunport placement. Is this something specific to the replica? There also appears to be an extra lower deck gun port directly under the cat head.
 
I'm still taken back when looking at the complexity of the Victory build, She's a magnificent Lady and has such a history. Guess I need to do more study. I can't help looking down that 3 rows of gun ports and thinking - look at all those ports to build and rig.  
 
To Victory and the modelers brave enough to build her  CHEERS!

Welcome John to the Swift builders.
I have the older kit which doesn't have the lower decks, so I can noit be 100% sure, but seeing that I haven't touched my instructions in...um.... hum I may have pitched them   I'd say glue the bulkheads first, then the decks. I glued bulkhead one at a time using 4 aluminum angles to secure them square during drying. The lower decks will be easy as they (I think) lay flat and should be easy to set. The main deck though you can put away the level as it has a wonderful compound camber. The deck camber and sheer line of the Swift makes it one of my favorites, she has some great lines.
 
I know my build log is long and windy, but if there's anything you have questions on I'd be absolutely willing to help, but one look at my Swift and you'll see I've deviated far off the beaten path, but structurally she basically the same... kind of.
 
I look forward to you build, IMHO the Swift kit is a great starter for learning on and there are so many places to add to the kit if your so inclined.
Keep it fun though, as that's the only rule. 

Also I found transparent tape useful for making patterns. For me it was easier then the paper or card stock. I would lay the tape over the leading edge to be planked next to making sure the tape doesn't kink. Using a pencil lead edge I would run it along the taped plank edge and emboss the tape with the edge. I would then place this tape over the next plank to be placed and use the tape pencil line for where to trim, Of course I'd pre-shape first. This is also illustrated in my swift log if interested.
 
Using the 2 above methods for planking, I was able to plank both sides without any dropped planks. I'd highly recommend a planking fan for marking your bulkhead plank placement so you know how much to narrow the planks also.
 
I find mindset also key, Think of each plank as a model unto itself and take plenty of time. Planking has become my favorite part once I slowed down and learn to focus on one plank at a time.

Hey Mario, so are you putting all the mortise and tenon with pegs in the planking, LOL.
This video is great, someone (was it you) posted it somewhere

 
I'll love seeing your progress on that one....and this one is a classic, but also a working boat at the same time, as it was most likely a fishing boat most of its life.
 
I agree Bob, your progress looks all forward to me. So what happened to the midwest kit? Poor thing, probably sitting in a box all dejected

Yea. I really like your card and balsa mockups also. Few would go to that kind of work to understand something. Its good to see someone going so deeply into understanding the subject matter. The CAD as you say is nice (think faster and time saving), especially for making plan prints. I'm a firm believer in the idea, if you cant do it in real life then you can't on a computer. I built my own instrument on which I did my MS chem work. That was a money issue though. 100k for a production CE (capillary electrophoresis) where I build mine for 15k
 
Its what I call the black box syndrome. In class I use to make my physics student use ticker tapes to calculate acceleration. Those accelerometer may give the acceleration but the student don't understand where it came from. Counting and measuring dots on tape helped make that connection.
CAD would be a nice tool in my tool belt, I just never saw a reason to learn it, until starting ship building. Now I'm thinking it may be worth the time to learn. First I want to learn Brass etching though, thats been my recent follly.

Thanks for posting the links Dee Dee, now I want a flattie kit also.
When will it end?
Mario's done a beautiful job on those 2, especially with the wood accents. I think alot can be learned from these small kits before jumping into a Victory or Wasa. The completion rate seem to help with confidence also.
 
Looks like I need to maybe get a copy of Chappelle's American Small Sailing Craft book also.
 
Here's a great site I've found for books.
http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=280091&qsort=p&matches=16&cm_sp=works*listing*buyused
 
$21.98 and I have a 15% coupon for alibris. First Kits, then tools, now books.... does it ever stop?
 
Keith

Hello Bob,
    Looks good so far.
    I just finished the Midwest Peterboro canoe and loved it so much I've ordered this model and the Dinghy. Ive started the AL Swift and thought I'd stop her construction after planking and build the Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack as a riggimg tutorial. The canoe taught me alot about the planking process.
    Sounds like we caught the bug about the same time and as all good lurkers have started to share. Sometimes figuring out the mistakes and misfittings is the most fun part, once the sailor language practice ends. Looking forward to watching your build as I have one of these coming in the mail as I type. Its always easiest to learn from others no matter their experience. New minds something think of ingeniuous way around a problem. 
 
Shine On -/\=
Keith

Hello Geoff
Beautiful work. the details on the masts are amazing. Your bowsprit turned out excellent also.
I tend to spend way too much time thinking things over myself. I prefer to think of it as internal research rather then putting it off. The difference is the amazing detail that was produced by that stalling/thinking. I like the pace that model ship building forces us to take sometimes. Its a slow precise hobby and your mastering it. I can't wait to see your rigging, as I'm sure it will conform to the excellency of the rest of your conny build.

I keep all receipts in a binder. ...But refuse to do the math. Wait until you've been at this 2 years.
 
I'm saving that addition for if I ever want to commit suicide by heart attack.  or Admiral flogging......
 
Seriously though, Try to think of it this way. Within a persons typical budget, they skip 2 important things - Savings and Hobby's. I have not paid a cable TV bill in 9 years, I hobby rather then melt my brain with consumer advertised TV. Add that total up, but most think of TV as important as the water or electric bill. I DON'T.

Never underestimate the ability for a human to justify just about anything.
 
Ultimately, if it helps you make it through life with more smiles on your face, and its not taking food out of you or your families mouths, I say do it and don't look back. Nearly every tool is an investment that will last many builds. Which equals hours of smiles, and frustration, which in my opinion is a character builder. Nothing good in life is free.
 
Try this, take your hourly wage and multiply it by the hours you put in Carmen, some say time is money. Now look at that total. No matter how you look at it many of the things we love are expensive, as a disabled homebound person, this hobby saved my life and sanity. To me that's priceless, Tammy agrees.