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Fair American by jdbradford - Model Shipways - scale 1:48 14-gun Privateer 1778


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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  • 2 weeks later...

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

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  • 2 weeks later...

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.

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  • 3 weeks later...

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.

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and here:

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I finally got a few pieces that seemed to work and continued planking of the lower hull

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Edited by jdbradford
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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 by jdbradford
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