jdbradford Posted May 1, 2015 Share #1 Posted May 1, 2015 I started building the MS2015 Fair American this past Sunday and wanted to start a build log for this site. I am going to attempt some minor kit modifications per Bob Hunt's practicum and appreciate all the help and support I have gotten from the folks here. I took stock of what I had in the kit and noticed that the keel section that accepts the bulkheads is no longer made in two pieces and that much of this is also plywood. From other build logs I have read of inferior materials in regards to this, but my wood stock seems to be okay. After a bit of cleanup, I test fit the bulkheads. I made the listed modification to show the "great cabin" and some exposed framework of the ship. I added the filler blocks to the bow and began to fair the blocks and the bulkheads to prepare them for planking. After reading some of the great work done on the models from artists here, I am planning to add filler blocks between many of the bulkheads. If you have any thoughts or ideas, I would greatly appreciate them. Jeff yvesvidal, Mirabell61, thibaultron and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 1, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted May 1, 2015 (edited) Remaining pictures from week 1 build log: Edited May 1, 2015 by jdbradford rafine, Mirabell61, avsjerome2003 and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain.jerry Posted May 2, 2015 Share #3 Posted May 2, 2015 Good start. Bold move. I'll be following while still waiting for my kit. Jerry Quote You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 5, 2015 Author Share #4 Posted May 5, 2015 I added the bow and stern filler blocks, mounted the transom pieces, modified 2 bulkheads to show as frames, faired the model, and attached the stem, stern and keel pieces. As noticed in many of the builds, you have to add a small piece between the stem and keel section. Canute, yvesvidal, rafine and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 6, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted May 6, 2015 Okay folks, I need a little help. The instructions say for me to tuck the first plank in at the stem and the top of the bulkheads and then to work back aft gluing as I go. Well, the filler block only shows going as high as the deck area of the bulkheads, so the 1st plank does not have the same curvature as it would when I get down to the 3rd or 4th plank. I may have to modify the filler block, and/or add some uprights between the stem and the 1st bulkhead. Here are some shots specifically of that area. Jeff yvesvidal 1 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain.jerry Posted May 7, 2015 Share #6 Posted May 7, 2015 Jeff, the plan sheet calls for knightshead and timberheads to be let into the filler blocks, port and stbd. The curve gets pretty tight at the bow so I think the additional anchor points are needed. You might need to take some more off of the inside of bulkhead #1 to bring the bulwark planking closer to the curve of the filler block. I am just about at the same point in my build. I discovered that bulkhd # seven was slightly to narrow and needed to be built up to be able to be faired. I glued a 3/32" x 3/16" strip to the outer edges. How does yours look at #7? I think it should be the same as mine but I can't see it clearly in your photo. I'll not get to the filler blocks for a day or two. Jerry Quote You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted May 8, 2015 My port-side pictures above show shims on #7 and #12. I had to shave down the filler blocks, but since I am using Bob Hunt's practicum, he did not have additional uprights in front of bulkhead #1. I wish I had added them but I have the 1st 5 planks on each side starting at the top and will post those pictures tomorrow or this weekend. Let me know if you need anything at all. Jeff Canute and avsjerome2003 2 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain.jerry Posted May 8, 2015 Share #8 Posted May 8, 2015 Five planks a;ready? I'll never be able to keep up. Jerry Quote You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 8, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted May 8, 2015 Sometimes I think I try to go to fast. LOL Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 9, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted May 9, 2015 I have attached the first 5 planks on each side and will post pictures in a bit. But, I have another question I hope you all may be able to answer. The practicum says to install the 6th plank, called the Black Strake plank and that there are only 2 in the kit, so one on each side. See the pictures attached as the practicum says to notice that it is wider than the other planks. How is 5/32 wider than 3/16? In the last picture, the plank does look wider. Did I select the wrong strip from the kit?Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usedtosail Posted May 12, 2015 Share #11 Posted May 12, 2015 In the caption to the picture, it says the wale planks are 3/32" x 5/32", but it still doesn't make sense. My guess is that they are not wider, but thicker by 1/32" than the previous planks. Quote - Tom - Current Build: Vanguard Speedy Completed: Vanguard Duchess of Kingston, Stove Project, Ships Wheel Project, NRG Capstan Project, Billings Half Moon, Dumas Chris Craft 1938 27' Triple Cockpit Barrel Back, Panart Santa Lucia , Model Shipways Constitution , MS Bounty Launch , HMS Beagle Member: Nautical Research Guild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain.jerry Posted May 13, 2015 Share #12 Posted May 13, 2015 Jeff I think this is a printing error. The MS instruction manual and the parts list say that inner and outer bulwark planking should be 1/32" thick. Jerry Quote You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted May 13, 2015 My concern is that the pictures and from what I have read on many other models, the wales are wider. We shall see how this one turns out. Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain.jerry Posted May 14, 2015 Share #14 Posted May 14, 2015 Jeff I read your instructions to say that the first 5 planks should be 1/16" x 3/16" but the MS instructions say that the first 5 planks should be only 1/32" thick. The Black Strake is 1/16" thick and the Whales are 3/32" thick so both are thicker than the 1/32" thick specified for the upper planks. If you planked with 1/16" thick stuff on the upper planks, I think you are going to wind up with bulwarks that are too thick. Jerry Quote You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted May 16, 2015 The kit has: Basswood strips 1) 36 - 1/16" x 3/16" x 24" for hull planking, cap rail, fancy cap rail 2) 4 - 1/16" x 3/8 x 24" for Garboard and 1st broad strake 3) 4 - 3/32" x 5/32" x 24" for Main Wales 4) 2 - 1/16" x 5/32" x 24" for Black Strakes 5) 2 - 1/32" x 3/16" x 24" for Transom plank outboard, counter plank 6) 3 - 1/32" x 5/32" x 24" for Topsides plank 7) 10 - 1/32" x 1/8" x 24" for bulwark plank, quick work*** So this is where the mistake was made in the practicum. The 1st 5 planks along the top of the bulwarks on each side, should have been 1/8" wide. So I live and I learn. I should have enough to complete the model. Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 16, 2015 Author Share #16 Posted May 16, 2015 After completing the bulwark planks on each side, I sanded, filled in the gaps and scratches and sanded some more. I then added the black strake to each side. The 2 wales have been attached to the port side and looking at the pictures, I can live with my error. GuntherMT, usedtosail, Canute and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted May 28, 2015 Author Share #17 Posted May 28, 2015 After the wales, I am now trying to lay the planking that will most likely require tapering. I am totally lost on this part. I have read many of the builds and the planking tutorials on the site, but my first attempt at trimming a board to fit was a total failure. I will keep trying, but would love some advice from you folks. Jeff Jimz66 1 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimz66 Posted May 28, 2015 Share #18 Posted May 28, 2015 Looking good Jeff. Looking really good. I have this kit. its one of the first three I am going to attempt. I will be following along with this build. Quote Current/But Not immediate Build Logs I am still gathering the tools I need but starting preliminary work. Nothing to show just yet. Fair American Armed Virginia Sloop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captgino Posted June 6, 2015 Share #19 Posted June 6, 2015 Nice start. Quick question, is the practicum really needed for this build? I have her on the shelf and she will be most likely my next built. When looking at the plans, it seems that the photocopy from kit are cut off on the bottom making it difficult to identify which sheet is which in some cases. Quote Jean-Philippe (JP) Current build: Syren , Rattlesnake (Scratch built) Please visit and subscribe to my YouTube Channel On Hold: Mayflower, HMS Victory Cross Section Completed: Armed Virginia Sloop, Viking ship, The Flyer, Pilot Boat, Krabbenkutter, Marie-Jeanne, Sloup, The Smasher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share #20 Posted June 27, 2015 I don't think the practicum is required. The instructions with the kit are pretty straight forward. I just wanted to try some of the kit bash modifications. I will try to take some pictures of the drawings that I have and post them here. Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 4, 2015 Author Share #21 Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) I did not work on this model much during June as I started a new job, which is exciting enough for me. LOL I am ready to get after it again and have done some of the lower hull planking below the wales. I had a bit of trouble near the bow and tried to use what a master model ship builder called a joggle plank. My first few tries failed as you can see here. and here: I finally got a few pieces that seemed to work and continued planking of the lower hull Edited July 4, 2015 by jdbradford Canute and rafine 2 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 4, 2015 Author Share #22 Posted July 4, 2015 I then added a few more rows of planking as I approached the Garboard. rafine, mrshanks and Canute 3 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 4, 2015 Author Share #23 Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) I am adding some filler, sanding and cleaning up these last few planks and will then attempt to finish the lower hull planking. I also ordered some additional help for my shipyard. I have a Grizzly 1" belt/5" disk sander. I ordered some small machinist angle plates, machinist's squares, some medium diamond files, 30/0 paint brushes, an additional knife holder. I also have Bob Hunt's POF Armed Virginia Sloop POF, Chris Watton's newest design from Amati, the HMS Revenge, and I have a shaft driven Dremel tool coming sometime next week. I will try to post some pictures in our thread about what you received then. Jeff Edited July 18, 2015 by jdbradford Canute and mrshanks 2 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 5, 2015 Author Share #24 Posted July 5, 2015 Filled and sanded some of the lower hull planking. mrshanks, rafine, Canute and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 5, 2015 Author Share #25 Posted July 5, 2015 I am trying to figure out how to plank this next section. The planks seem to run right down to the next plank already attached, so cannot figure out how to get a full or half stealer in there. Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 7, 2015 Author Share #26 Posted July 7, 2015 How do I get the planks to fill up near the stern? Jeff Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocBlake Posted July 8, 2015 Share #27 Posted July 8, 2015 Try the stealer(s) near the keel, right next to the garboard strake. jdbradford 1 Quote Dave Click on images in posts to view them in full resolution! Click on the builds below and link to the log. Current Builds: -Gaff-Rigged Sloop, 1/4 Scale (3" = 1') -Chapman Water Hoy 1768 by DocBlake - Scratch Build - 1:48 scale -Hannah - 1:32 scale, Scratch-Built Plank-on-Frame Admiralty style -Generic Sharpie by DocBlake. 3/4" = 1' scale. NRG plans. -Fair American 1780 by DocBlake - Lauck Street Shipyard - 1/48 scale - POF -Independence 1775 by DocBlake - Artesania Latina - 5/16" scale -HMS Triton Cross Section by DocBlake - 1/24 scale Completed Builds: -Bomb Vessel Granado 1742 Cross Section - 1:32 Scale Scratch Build -British Capstan circa 1777 by DocBlake - FINISHED - 1:16 Scale -HMS Blandford - Cross Section - Scratch Build -1/32 Scale -17th Century Battle Station by DocBlake - HMS Mordaunt - 1:32 -17th Century Naval Cannon - 1:12 Scale -Royal Navy Ship of the Line Cross Section by DocBlake - (Mamoli's "Constitution") - 1:93 scale -Armed Virginia Sloop 1768, 1/48 scale. -Virginia Pilot Boat "Swift", 1805, 1/50 scale -18th Century Naval Battle Station, 1/24 scale -Armed Virginia Sloop 1768 "Patrick Henry", 1/32 scale, Lauck Street Shipyard, POF, Admiralty Style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbradford Posted July 13, 2015 Author Share #28 Posted July 13, 2015 I completed the 1st planking, filled and sanded. I will still need some more work before I put on the 2nd layer of planking. Some additional items I got today to assist with the finishing. Canute, GuntherMT, Mirabell61 and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash Previous Build: J-Class Endeavor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryKap Posted July 13, 2015 Share #29 Posted July 13, 2015 Hi Jeff - Nicely done! And thank goodness for wood filler. A suggestion for your shopping list. You might want to buy some 400 grit sandpaper. I found that it makes a real difference in the finished wood surface; even compared with the 220. <<Gary>> jdbradford and mrshanks 2 Quote current build: SYREN nearly done: Fair American, Benjamin W. Latham future builds: Emma C. Berry completed builds: Rattlesnake, Newsboy, Sultana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirabell61 Posted July 13, 2015 Share #30 Posted July 13, 2015 Very nice looking lines on that "Fair American Jeff, you did a good planking Job, and the trick of the double dense Frame Setting within the Skin outcut is a very smart idea, well done ! Nils jdbradford 1 Quote Current builds Steamship Ergenstrasse Completed "Mississippi Lady" sternwheel steamer 1:30 kit build fun boat as Xmas present "Zeesboot" heritage wooden fishing small craft around 1870, POB clinker scratch build scale 1:24 Pilot Schooner # 5 ELBE Chebec "Eagle of Algier" 1753--scale 1:48-POB-(scratchbuild) "SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse" four stacker passenger liner of 1897, 1:144 (scratchbuild) "HMS Pegasus" , 16 gun sloop, Swan-Class 1776-1777 scale 1:64 from Amati plan (scratch build)Pilot schooner #5 Elbe "Pamir" 4-mast barque, P-liner, 1:96 (scratchbuild) "Gorch Fock 2" German Navy cadet training 3-mast barque, 1:95 (scratchbuild) "Heinrich Kayser" heritage Merchant Steamship, 1:96 (scratchbuild) "Bohuslän" , heritage ,live Swedish museum passenger steamer (Billings kit), 1:50 "Lorbas", river tug, steam driven for RC, fictive design (scratchbuild), scale appr. 1:32 under restoration / restoration finished "Hjejlen" steam paddlewheeler, 1861, Billings Boats rare old kit, scale 1:50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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