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This is a thread of my first model ship build. It is the bluejacket shipcrafter’s kit for the 1” scale Friendship Sloop. It is a plank on bulkhead model. I am new at this so bear with me as it will take a while. So far I have completed the first steps on preparing the framing pieces, currently I am working on the keel assembly.- 11 replies
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- Friendship sloop
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Hey guys ... I'm new here and wanted to try my hand at a wooden ship model. I cannot hope to complete anything as remarkable as the build logs I've seen but I want to try anyway and you've gotta start somewhere. I chose the Syren because I like her lines without regard for difficulty. I belonged to a yahoo group about model ship building around 20 years ago although I have no real experience building a wooden model. I did build a cross section of the USS Constitution back then but I can't say I knew what I was doing although I did learn a lot. I have started several other kits but got to hull planking and abandoned them. That was before forums (I even remember B&W TV) so I will rely on you guys for assistance in explaining things to me. I do have a fully equipped woodworking shop and experience mostly building small projects like boxes and chessboards although I have done a little furniture. I have also done some wood carving. I should apologize for the photos I will post. I lost my left leg so I am wheelchair bound now and unable to get better angles but I will do the best I can. I am retired now so time is available as long as I am not seeing that endless string of doctors. I got started by gluing the rabbet strip to the bulkhead former and then the stem. From there I cut out the rabbet. I have never done that before so I hope I did it correctly. I used my scalpel to thin the deadwood area which actually was easier for me than the smaller cuts along the bottom of the bulkhead former. Then I sanded as best I could making the transition as smooth as possible. That discoloration is a result of that sanding. I am now beginning to attach the bulkheads. With a background in engineering I know that the foundation is critical for the entire project so I was careful to get things square. I started with the center area because the bulkheads are larger there so it is a little easier to get the square in place. I have some leftover basswood blocks for carving that I intend to use for fillers. Cutting them on the tablesaw is next. I didn't see any indication of where the masts will go so I marked one side of the BF from the plans as I will undoubtedly have to drill holes somewhere along the line. I am also undecided as to the platform for the ship when completed. I have a decent pair of brass pedestals. If I use those I will have to prepare the BF for the nuts and bolt holes along with reinforcement. That is a lot more work, of course, so I don't quite know what I want to do. Any suggestions? Ken- 35 replies
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Hello everyone, A little background. I got this HMS Greyhound from my parents when I was in high school. At the time, I knew little what I was doing and less how long it would take. It didn't help to learn that whoever designed the kit seemed to be a few cannons short of a broadside when it came to plan drawing. Daunted by these difficulties, I did only the first few steps in putting together the hull, sanding it, and placing the first planks before I paused the project. Then I forgot about it for eight years. When I got back to it, my skills were about the same but my patience and will to persevere were far higher. I offer my thanks to the people who answered my questions on this site back then. My apologies for forgetting about y'all for about a decade. The bad news is that High School Me had made a few mistakes. Well, many mistakes. Mistakes that involved glue and delicate wood and couldn't be fixed. But with the right amount of planking, sanding, and perseverance, they could hopefully be hidden. Thus began my covert Corel corrections. To begin, here's the earliest set of photos I can find of the model. The upside down one resists all editing.- 15 replies
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Hello all, This is my first ever model and my first time posting on this forum. As a bit of background, I am a grad student in my early 20's. I suspect this places me firmly in the minority regarding the demographics of this forum. I consider myself to possess a reasonable engineering/technical background for my age. I have somewhat good access to tools and consumables for the purposes of this build. My interest in ships of this era stems mostly from naval fiction and non-fiction literature. As such I am unfamiliar with some of the terminology involved in shipbuilding. The HMS Fly kit from Victory Models was represented to me as a solid choice for a "confident beginner". I hope to inherit some of the knowledge from the experienced modelers on this forum, and those that have also built this kit before. Here are the box and contents that I received back in August: Photos of the build progression to follow in subsequent posts. -Starlight- 57 replies
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Hi guys, I was advised to create a build log and so here goes... I am kinda happy with the deck - although I kind of wish you could make out the individual planks more: I snapped the bit off the front which I will need to fix but that should be simple enough - i just hope the glue I use is strong enough to allow the planks to be attached to it without it snapping again. I have completed the first layer of planking and have sanded down - although I want to give it another good sanding before I move on. Then I will start building up the Bulwarks. I thought I would get away with only a very little filler but it seems more white than red. Non the less I am pleased and relieved to have done as well as I have....- 37 replies
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I am going to attempt to create a build log that is somewhat different. It is intended to follow my first ship construction including both the good and bad that occurs. I have built and flown RC Aircraft for about 18 years now, and have some experience with wood construction. However, I know that what I am starting is quite different. I have to stop building planes since some are now so big, they barely fit in my pickup bed. That being said, I will gladly take advice and comments as I go along. Since there are numerous build logs by experienced builders here, I will try to stay with a photo log and keep the writing to a minimum. It will be mostly from a newbie point of view any way, and I am not sure what tips and skills will convert from planes to ships. So here we go.... First, I needed to add some items to my tool box/bench. Not much need for a 9mm wrench, hex wrenches, or other larger tools. So I bought some diamond files, spring clamps in different sizes, and built my own building board that can be seen in the pictures. I used scrap wood I had laying around, added a lazy susan to be able to turn the model 360 degrees if needed. I built clamp devices that will allow me to turn over the build when I begin planking. To keep the table from spinning, I put in two blind nuts and a butterfly screw on each side. This will allow me to clamp it from either side so it will stay put. Today, I was able to begin the first step..... Hoist Anchor and get under way. 😃- 315 replies
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This is my first wooden boat model. I chose the Entry level Grand Banks Dory from Blue Jacket.- 21 replies
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Hello there! Sorry for taking so long this building log. I worked on the ship during the spare time I have and there is my progress (and some comments for my problems and solutions. Here we go. Problem here: as you can see I glued wrongly one at the bow, since it wasn’t a big deal y fixed it with a bit a sanding, lets hope it didn’t come on a bigger mistake. Nevermind now, lets continue. You can’t appreciate from the picture, but there are three small mistakes of cutting too much, but I fixed somehow with spare bits of the wood after cutting the form, it’s hardlyt noticeable unlees you search for it (and in futher building even more hard to nitice). Time for some walls and doors. After this point I made a little stop. I took my time to reorginze mi “work station”. Maybe I will update later with a photo of my little corner.- 10 replies
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New modeller here with my first build log. Unfortunately, I stumbled upon this site after I finished planking the dory, so this log will probably be of little use to anyone starting from the beginning. Here's where I am so far. I just finished freeing the boat from the building board and cleaning up plank edges at the bow and transom. Everything looks okay from far away... Oh my. As you can see, the port side planking is several millimeters higher than starboard. I think this is partly due to worrying about getting the edges of the planks flush with one another that I overlooked whether both sides were at the same height when gluing. As a side note, I found the transom holder did not do what its name implies. I followed the instructions regarding the assembly of the hook piece (don't glue) and the transom locator blocks on both sides (do glue), and silly me assumed that pressing the transom in would magically it lock in place. Well it didn't. Before and during planking, the transom would keep popping out, so I was busy worrying about that as well, and paid no attention to the height of the planks. Anyway, I seriously wonder if I can fix this (cosmetically) by sanding down the sheer plank to around the same height as the port side (and just ignore the unevenness of the broad and garboard planks). Looking at the above photograph now, it seems a lot worse than in person😞 I read ahead, to see what awaits me after fixing this blunder, and I find I'm going to be stuck at steps 12a and 13: For 12a it says to sand down the inner sides of the frames parallel to the side planking with the greatest bevel on frames 1, 4 and 5, some on 2 and none on 3. Living overseas for nearly half my life may have impacted my ability to understand written English, but is this basically bevelling the inner frame edges like I did with the outer ones in preparation for planking? That's the only way I can interpret this. Step 13 involves attaching and shaping the false stem. The instructions don't make it clear what is used for the false stem, just that it is an "extra piece." Am I supposed to use one of the strips? I've enjoyed the building process so far, but the above have shown me I have a long, long way to go before I tackle anything more complex than this dory.- 10 replies
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- Lowell Grand Banks Dory
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Ok, so this is my very first build, and here's what I've learned so far. This is going to be harder than i thought, but surprisingly enjoyable, trying to do this. Also, I've confirmed I am not a perfectionist! (this could be a blessing or a curse!) Step 1: I thought I'd try the harder beginning, that is, gluing the 3 bottom planks together. Apparently I took the instructions to "prepare & sand" the planks too literally, because they don't fit flush together. Not to worry, I used an enormous amount of glue trying to get them to stick. I tried to wipe off the excess with a brush and water, but that seemed to just water down the glue, and the pieces would not bind. So I used isopropyl alcohol, dismantled everything, and tried again. No such luck, but i found that if i placed the pieces together, ran a bead of glue over the top and let it sink in-between the planks, it might hold. As you can see in the photo, although it is "holding", there is daylight between the planks! Although catastrophic if at sea, (and I'm trying to build an "authentic" boat), I went ahead and attached the cleats (one of which is too long), just for practice. Oh, I also found that a toothpick works well in removing excess glue. Not sure if that's the right way to do this, but its working for me! I've decided to call this a 'trial run" for me to practice on, and I will now use the "backup" one-piece bottom to continue (because this first try might fall apart during the rest of the build) but at least I am learning! Next post will hopefully show a completed step one (one-piece bottom of boat with cleats!) Showing my failed trial run here... (not sure why my pics are coming out upside-down!)- 83 replies
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I know this is not the first build of this kit on this forum, but I decided to post my log of it for my own reference if nothing else. Very excited to start, I've only ever built plastic models, so this will be a learning experience. The kit I got comes with some basic tools, allowing you to build it out of the box. I already had most of the tools, but I won't say no to extra tweezers, clamps, paint, and glue. You can make the bottom from a single piece or three planks. I chose the latter, though I did use the single piece to mark off lengths for the bottom cleats. Used toothpicks to align the holes between the stern cleat and the transom. With the Transom and Stem glued on, I wetted the bottom, set the ends on 1/8" pieces, and placed some glass jars in the middle to get that 2° bend in the bottom. I deviated from the instructions when assembling the frames, but think I got a good result. Glued the frames to the bottom, then placed the whole thing on the building board. Going to let that sit for the night. So far the kit has built itself. Sanding and planking tomorrow!- 11 replies
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I’ve been encouraged to start a log for my build of this beautiful kit, the “Lady Isabella” by Chris Watton and Vanguard Models. This is my first ever wooden ship model. So I’m thirsty for knowledge and eager for thoughtful input. I’ve been a life-long architectural and plastic kit modeler, and wood worker, so I’m fairly handy with my hands, but I need to learn so much about best practices in this discipline. I’ll be posting up a few photos soon as I have the time over the weekend, and I’ll catch you all up to where I am in the process. Many thanks to my new and helpful friends, Chris Watton and James Hatch who have been very encouraging and patient with all of my newbie questions. I am having the most fun with this build. Looking forward to sharing a bit of my joy with you all. -Erik- 220 replies
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First ever wooden ship model build. Starting with an intermediate level build (hope this is not a mistake) knowing I have the great folks at Bluejacket to help me out of any jam.- 21 replies
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Table of Contents Welcome to my build log for documenting the making of HM Cutter Alert by Vanguard Models. In order to keep this organized I have reserved this first post for a table of contents in order to allow future readers to jump ahead to sections they are interested in if so desired. Log #1: And So It Begins Log #2: Assembling the Frame Log #3: Designing the Deck Log #4: Final Assembly and Faring Log #5: Planking and then Re-Planking Log #6: Lining Off the Hull Log #7: Fixing More Errors Log #8: The Stern Bulkhead and Counter Log #9: Lining Up the Wales Log #10: Concerning Drop Planks Other Alert build logs I have found useful (not an exhaustive list): Blue Ensign (Finished) - A must read for anyone wanting to add some extra details to their kit glennard2523 (Finished) VTHokiEE (Finished) PhillH (Ongoing)- 49 replies
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Hello, this is my first build log. After reading many build logs and hesitate between some models (HMC Sherbourne, HM Cutter Mermaid), I finally choose the Armed Virginia Sloop from Model Shipways in 1:48 scale. I choose this model because I can found many advices on the excellent build logs of this forum: aliluke, DocBlake, GuntherMT, Ryland Craze,... All this logs have wonderful pictures on the building process. I have also found two excellent documents on the web : an addendum from John H. Earl and the practicum of Robert E. Hunt. It's also a model not to much complicate with only one mast. On mid November, I ordered the kit through the modelexpo website and, one week later, I received it. It was a big surprise: what a quantity of woods... Just after the beginning of my work, I realized that without the practicum of M Hunt it will be very hard to complete this model. So, on beginning of last December, I ordered the complete version of this practicum. Two weeks after, I received the CD and was a little more reassured. I first slowly cut out all the bulkheads and I adjust the slots. I made a first try with all the bulkheads but without glue... Before gluing I extend the lines of the slot and mark all the letters to be sure to not invert some bulkheads... I also made a copy of the plan with my printer and cut all the paper bulkheads and glue them on a piece of cardboard. It will be so more easy to report the bevels on the real bulkheads.- 165 replies
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Mayflower 1620 - 2020 Dutch Cargo Fluyt - ca. 1608 Artesania Latina 1:64 scale Hi all, this is my first instalment of my first ship model. Ship modeling is a new genre for me, having built so far only aircraft plastic scale models. For this start-off of mine, I chose the kit of the Mayflower from Artesania Latina. My choice was driven by its reasonable price and by its rating as a kit of medium difficulty. In addition, this month, on September 16th, it is exactly 400 years since when the Mayflower finally set out from Plymouth for her historical voyage that brought the Pilgrim Fathers to America after a first attempt from Southampton in August of the same year. I live in the Netherlands, in the outskirt of the city of Leiden, the city where the Pilgrims Fathers resided for 12 years before their departure. The city of Leiden is celebrating this anniversary with several events spread over the year. Considering all these connections, I though that the Mayflower was a nice and motivated choice for my first build. The parts of the kit are of good wood quality and are quite precisely cut. The bulkheads and the keel need just a bit of filing to facilitate their assembling. This is the basic structure just assembled out of the box on my workbench.- 39 replies
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Here some photo's of my progress thusfar. I started this kit due to the book Batavia by Peter Fitzsimons. My wife had started it, but has stopped the project. She was not patient enough to continue. All the flash on this kit and the fit of the parts discouraged her. So after reding the book I had the urge to build a sailing ship. The only choise I had was this one. So I disassembled all my wife had assembled and started the kit all over. I have made some progress after the steps you see on the photo's, but haven't made pictures of it yet. This is my first ship build, but I hope you all like it. On this moment I'm in the middle of a move, so the coming weeks I will be working on that. But I hope to continue this build very soon.- 9 replies
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Buildweek 1 - entry 1 Hi there, I just received the kit Havmågen by Billing. Since this I really the Norden, with some colours and additional decals, I chose to place it under Norden. As I am from the Norwegian west coast, these boats are a common sight for me and I look forward to getting to know the hull shape better. In the kit a colour for painting the hull above the waterline is included, however this is not common here. So I'm wondering if I'll be able to plank it so well as not to paint it on my first build, or if I should just focus on gaining experience with this build. Any thoughts on this? I will try to follow the building instructions closely an not make any changes other than absolutely required ones. Possibly with the exception of the painting scheme. Next post will be unboxing and checking that all the parts are there and in good condition. Best regards, Halvor- 33 replies
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Like many, I had an old kit sitting around for years (this one from early/mid 80's) and finally got to it. It's one of 4 models I have, two I bought to build "some day", and two more my father bought but passed on to me when he realized he was running out of "some days" as it were. I didn't start recording all the steps so this is going to soon jump right into the thick of it with some pictures of things I finished up in the last month. I'm also going to artificially break down some of the steps into separate posts just so there's a bit more of a focused subject for each one. Before showing what I started recording with photos, I thought I'd share some of the steps I did "off camera" and what I learned, plus what I used as motivation and learning. First, the plywood bulwarks were a real pain to get right. I quite like the approach that the OcCre kits take, where there is a notch in the bulwarks that fits into a protruding part on the deck plywood so they go just where they should. If I'd seen this before I assembled mine, I'd have been tempted to modify them to use that technique. Second, rather than plank the first layer around the very bow and stern, I built them up with balsa infill. I left the infill proud of the frames such that they had the same surface as the main hull first layer of planks. I got this trick from the YouTube builder Harry Houdini Models. See this video starting about 2:30 for the technique. Third, I quite liked the planking approach that OcCre uses on their models, where they place full width planks without tapers, then fill in with wedges. Their Endurance YouTube series shows it well I think, plus it's got the most pleasing music I've ever heard on any build video! Here's their starting video for planking. Next post will be a fast-forward to the close to finished hull.- 23 replies
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Plans glued to decks to aid shaping of hull. Section lines marked on hull. Section line templates created for shaping the hull. Beginning to shape the stern. Rough shaping of stern.- 15 replies
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Hello, this is my first model kit, started it the other week. Decided to post on here for tips/advice/ideas and thoughts. Thanks.- 263 replies
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Hi all this will be used as a log for my build of the Amati HMS Fly. I have never built a wooden ship and have only built plastic ships for about a year so most of this is very new to me, including the terms—which I will hopefully learn along the way. I will likely move very slowly because I’m nervous to make a mistake, but please offer any and all advice you have. I’ll gladly accept it all. Forgive me in advance for my dumb questions I’m sure I’ll ask. I haven’t don’t much yet, but I started to dry fit the keel and bulkheads. I will hopefully start the beveling process soon. —Tim
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This will be my first ship construction and decided to make a build log to show my progress and also get ideas and help along the way. I picked up the Latina Bluenose II as it was local and looks like a decent kit. First impressions: Kit packaged well and the fittings in plastic boxes is a nice touch. Wood looks good although the plywood hull has some warpage. No instruction book as they are on a CD. Who uses CD's these days. Had to get my old laptop out to print out the instructions. No scale plan that I could find so placement of parts might be a little hard to determine. Rigging instructions lacking but I think I can deal with it. At this point I have the hull framed and the deck on and planked. I did find all the bulkheads needed some slight sanding to fit as the laser cut was too tight. Also the plywood frame was warped which plywood does. I didn't replace it but tried my best to keep it straight. Here are some photos of my progress so far. Couple minor mistakes but I can live with it and you don't see that I staggered the center when it should have been the same on both sides.- 44 replies
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Dear forum members, I‘m a newbie both in this forum and in building models as well. I‘d like to tell you about my first approaches as well as asking for some tipps. When my wife had the idea that two sailboats would be a nice decoration I bought a ready assembled model of a J Class Yacht and was totally disappointed about the poor quality. So I found the kits of Amati‘s Rainbow with a resin hull and Endeavour with a wooden hull. With a first glance at the pieces I began to foresee on which adventure I had embarked. I hope you don‘t say „oh no, not another Amati J Class kit“! Since I wanted t o have a good edging of the deck, I built a bow and stern on my own and painted it in white together with the outer deck planks. After that the further planking with a scalpel and 600 sandpaper. Unfortunately I was not able to fit it together absolutely mirror-inverted.- 14 replies
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