KevinR

I am new to the site and I am pleased to have found it. I am a retired college professor spending my retirement years playing golf, woodworking and building model ships. I purchased the Bounty (Caldercraft) about 10 years ago and completed about half of it before I started building furniture for my children and there growing families. Recently, I have had time to get back to shipbuilding. In truth, I had forgotten how much I enjoy building model ships.

Now I surfed around on your site long enough, without presenting me.
So her i go
My name is Bjørnar Svendsby and live in a small town in Norway called Halden.
My interests are everything with  model building
Like many others, I built models as a youth. And has begun again in old age.
I have projec on Gjøa, a Norwegian ship that sailed thrugh the northwest passageways in 1903- 1906. She was  many years in a park in San frasisco, before she was taken back to Norway and put in a museum. It will be a POF building so things take time. I've only managed to build some small parts. But to have a building that is slightly faster have I begun to build Chucks Cheerful.
Photos and maybe a log on either Gjøa or Cheerful come, but it will take a while. Gotta get my new leg in order first. Staying at a rehabilitation center for amputees  for a few weeks
 After reading much about pirate kits  here on this page, I told someone in my local model club about this. And we agreed to have this as a topic at the next meeting.
I will take with me the list of Banned Kit Manufacturers. And I will tell how they Operates, stealing drawings and stock kits that they sell as their own
 
Bjørnar Svendsby
 
written with the help of Google translate

Hi all,
 
My name is Keith, and I've decided to get into model ship building. My grandfather was a modeler, and I grew up fascinated with his models (particularly a beautiful little xebex); I've also long been a fan of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I'm a graduate student in the midst of a dissertation, so a hobby that lets me work with my hands and get off the computer/away from my research for a bit is a needed distraction.
 
To ease myself into model building, I started with a couple of plastic models. I completed the Revell PT-109 in a weekend and am currently working on Revell of Germany's North Sea fishing trawler. These have been useful to convince me that it is a pastime I enjoy and have time for (on occasion, at least). I am, however, chomping at the bit to work with wood.
 
I see that many people use the Model Shipways Phantom as an entry point, and for a couple of weeks I was planning to do the same. But after reading through a few build logs, it looks like the Phantom always requires lots of sanding and often requires a dremel. I'd rather avoid both of these for now. I live in an apartment that doesn't have space for a dedicated workshop area, so I don't have a good set up for producing lots of wood dust. Likewise, I'm trying to keep my initial investment somewhat reasonable, so I'd rather not purchase a dremel yet.
 
So, I've been considering the Model Shipways 18th Century Longboat (http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS1457), which is a plank-on-frame. It seems like it would be a good intro to planking (which is what I aspire to) and rigging, and it's pretty cheap. Before committing, though, I wanted to see what you all think. Would the longboat be a terrible beginning model? Am I going about this wrong? Or is it a reasonable intro build?
 
Thanks for any thoughts. I look forward to being a part of the MSW community.

Hi everyone. I've been lurking and reading old threads for a while and thought it was time to register and say hello. My name is Dan, I'm 58 and live in the Dallas, TX area.
 
I've built several kinds of plastic models at various stages in my life but always wanted to try making a wooden model ship. I recently found out that a coworker is a model ship builder and after talking to him and seeing his work it brought the urge back and I decided to finally give it a shot. My first thought was to dive into the deep end with a complicated build like the Constitution, but common sense prevailed and my first attempt will be the solid hull model Phantom that I got from Model Expo.
 
I haven't actually started the build yet, I've been reading a lot about the hobby in general and the Phantom in particular. I think I'm about ready to start work now so I've got the model kit, a starter tool kit, a printed copy of Chuck Passaro's practicum and my working area kind of organized so I am going to start on the hull shaping today. I'm not that confident with my carving ability so my dremmel will probably be used a lot and hopefully I won't have to use filler to fix to many mistakes.
 
I'm sure I'll have some stupid rookie questions so please bare with me and wish me luck.
 
Dan
 

Hi all , my name is Daniele and i live in Denver CO. 
i registered a while ago' and i thought its now time to introduce myself sorry if i didnt do it before .
I started with shipmodelling when i was 18 , i remember my first model was a small fishing boat and after that i did a scratch build from and aeropiccola plan of the Cutty sark . After that life started to get very busy and after 2 years of navy i continued the  career as a merchant marine officer so the time for modeling was kind of over especially for big project.
I did continue on small project like warship in 1/700 and now after more than 25 years seems that i am finally settling in one place ( hopefully ), so  its growing in me the desire to start again on "big" shipmodelling project .
Few months ago' i picked up at an auction a Model Shipways kit of the Uss constitution ( the hull was already builded) so now i am setting up a small workplace because i want to start to work on this project asap .
 
 

The false deck and gun carrage are complete. 
 

Greetings and Salutations,
I have wanted to start a build log and successfully complete a build log for a long time.  I have a true mental block when it comes to building a hull that is not solid out of the box.  Master Korabel has all the parts and pieces precut so I figured ‘how hard can this be?’.
The Cannon Jolle 1801, was up for auction and I won the bid for about 1/3 the original price.  This supports my opinion that this will not be a hard build.  Expensive kits are hard, inexpensive kits should therefore be easy.

 
The box is about 14"x8" inches and it is full of empty space because inside the parts and pieces are very small.
 

 
Please notice the size of the kit when compared to a U.S. dime.  Well this means that I need a smaller work space for this particular kit.
 

 
Even though the written instructions are in Russian, the photos of the actual build are clear and concise.
 
I will finish this log.  It good then great, if bad, then everyone can learn what not to do.
 
What can possibly go wrong?
 
Chuck A

Allan,
The email is on the way. No rush on the sending the files, I am a long way from the rigging.
Thanks,

Allan,
The email is on the way. No rush on the sending the files, I am a long way from the rigging.
Thanks,

Awesome site with all the forums, information and galleries!
 
It is a pleasure !
 
attached pics of my Friesland from Mamoli, built in 2009
 
and HMS Victory from Caldercraft, just resumed build after 3 years!

Frank. I'm traveling this week with no access to the photo file as I am working from my IPad. Please email me as a reminder and I will send when I return next wee. Kevin. Did you already email me about these? I will get these to both of you as soon as I can
Allan

Virginia Armed sloop ?
 
I'm using these plans to rig my model of the Colonial Sloop Providence as no plans of this vessel exist, presently, only a wrecked replica.
 
The Virginia Armed Sloop  plans make me ponder a bit.
 
 On sheet 7 detail 7A shows the view of the jeers. The parrel goes around the "horse" securing the spreader yard to the horse.
 

 
My concerns are :
 
When sailing off the wind, Is this sufficient to hold the wind filled topsail sheets, and spreader yard strongly to the mast.
considering there is a pair of braces from the spreader yard to the bowsprit, further pulling the spreader yard forward.  Another pair of braces are shown aft to each quarter of the vessel.
 
It seems to me that only one brace aft would be effective, on the windward side. The leeward brace would have to be un shipped or else  it would cut into the main sail.
 
So what was the practice in the days of Colonial sailing vessel ?
 
I would rig up another parrel around the yard and the mast , especially if it came on to blow, and strike the spreader leeward brace. ( I might be sailing for a prize   or escaping a superior enemy Man o war)   
 
BTW I wonder how often the spreader yard would actually be lowered back in those days. The Providence replica for all practical purposes had it's spreader yard fixed. in position.  But unfortunately failure to strike it when on the hard and lower the top mast probably contributed to the Providence  replica to be blown over during a winter storm. 
 
Thanks for any imformed response.
 
SOS

In conferring with an ex skipper( who commissioned the model build) of the Sloop Providence  (Same rig as the Armed  Virginia Sloop ) The " brace" pair intended for the spreader yard leading aft were not used to brace the yard. They were used as a "utility" line, like to board cargo or cat the anchor etc.
 

 
In the image one can see the utility in a stowed position not bracing the yard.
 
To brace the spreader yard, the pair leading to the bowsprit was used.  
 
I wonder if the Armed Virginia sloop skippers did the same ??
 
SOS

Hello,
 
My name is Glenn Reader, I have been lurking on MSW for just over 2 years now, I just looked it up. My initial intention was to wait until I had more spare time then introduce myself. I have now concluded, like most things, its better to just get on with it.
 
I am not a newcomer to the hobby, for about the past 35 years I have been making ship models, however there have been about 10 year gaps between each of them. Not good for honing ones skills. I have made (in order):
 
HMS Shark, Sloop, Sergal, 1:50
La Sirene, Frigate, Coral, 1:75
Armed Pinnace, Panart, 1:16
 
I finished the last of these about 12 years ago having already bought the Caldercraft HMS Snake as my next model. About a year ago I started this, but did not get very far as I then got given the Billings kit of the Etoile. I thought, this is not normally my thing, but I am a bit rusty, I could just dash this off to get back into things. So I have put away the Snake and am now building the Etoile. My intention is to now start a build log for this in the next few days, I have some photos I have taken up to now and hope that starting a build log will encourage me to better document this build. Also to maybe get some advice on anything I am having a problem with; there are already a few of these.
 
On the personal side, I left full time employment 9 months ago, it did not give me any more free time - if anything the reverse, and am now employed part time marking exam papers (maths). I used to be an electronic engineer working in the defence industry. For the last 13 years on aircraft, I do not have any real interest in aircraft as such, but some of the sub systems are interesting.
 
I have a fairly long list of ships that I want to model. It should take me to at least the end of the century. These include, in no particular order: Thames Barge, Chapmans Water Hoy, Sloop 1776 (these last two are from plans published in Model boats March 1993 and July 1996 respectively), Trincomalee, though not as a frigate, but as she was with flush upper works during her second commission of 1852-1857. These will all be scratch builds, but there are a few kits in the list as well.
 
That's it for the introduction, please look out for me starting my log in the next few days.
 
Regards,
 
Glenn

Hello,
Let me introduce myself. I am Constant and I live in Holland. Recently I completed a scratch model of a narrowboat. These boats are very British, so I thought I had to show it on an English forum.
 
When you visit  www.constantwillems.nl you will find pictures and a description (also in English) under the topic; schepen, which means ships.
 
I hope you enjoy it,
 
Constant

Hello everyone. I have just joined the forum having found this site while looking for information about model building.
A few years ago my wife bought me the HM Chatham Yacht kit and I have waited until retirement to start the build - my first wooden model............
I am at the stage of planking and have read numerous articles and watched videos and so I had a good idea of how to go about this. However, every ship is different. I am at the stage of putting the top planking onto the bulwark tabs and there is nothing in the instructions or on-line, that I can find, that provides detail on where/how to attach the planking at the bow, particularly as the planking is above the keel and has a gap in the middle for the bowsprit.
Hope this question is not too simple for you all, don't want to waste your time
thanks
brian

I feel a bit silly, but I'm finally introducing myself after joining back in 2013.  My name is Rob, and I have been modeling since I was about 10 years old (43 years give or take).  Nothing special, but I have done figures, tanks and sailing ships.  I am currently building a 1966 version of the Mayflower (which holds up extremely well after all these years).  I will post some photos, but my progress is slow (especially now that summer is coming and I have a lot of property to mow). 
 
I have read a lot, learning a lot and viewed a lot, and I can say that I have seen a lot of real talent and innovation in this sight.  You guys and gals are really good at it!!
 
Look forward to a lot more learning and enjoying.
 
Rob

Hi, I am a model maker, Italian, very fond of ships and vessels. Very pleased to be able to admire the masterpieces of this forum. Greetings, Valter.

After some trial and error, the rudder is complete. Shaping and drilling little brass pieces on a large wood lathe is a little less then ideal but do able with some patients and extra material. I also purchased a few gadgets to help hold those small annoying little parts during soldering.

 

Finally finished the gunwales and wash-boards.



 
Once the gunwales and wash-boards were done, I relieved that I forgot all about the transom kness. Cutting them in - in place took a little patience and a slice of pizza.

Still working on the Gunwale.

So, it's been awhile since I've posted. I have been busy making many parts, but have been hesitant to post pictures until they are fully installed. I've also been a little hesitant to glue pieces down for fear that I'm forgetting something. With that said, tonight i installed the two stern swivel stocks and some of the locker bulkheads.

Thank you, for all the kind words and "Likes". I've decided that building a wooden boat from scratch is similar to a game of chess. Planning ones move as far out as possible is key. With that said, i would love some recommendations on how to blacken brass.
 
Thanks,
Chris