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


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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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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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.

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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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

You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure.

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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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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.

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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

You will never know if you can do something until you try... and even then you may not be sure.

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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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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.

 

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The 2 wales have been attached to the port side and looking at the pictures, I can live with my error.

 

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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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. 

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.

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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.

Jean-Philippe (JP)

 


 

Current build: SyrenRattlesnake (Scratch built)

 

:dancetl6:Please visit and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

 

On Hold: MayflowerHMS Victory Cross Section
Completed:   Armed Virginia Sloop, Viking ship,  The Flyer, Pilot BoatKrabbenkutterMarie-JeanneSloup, The Smasher

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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

Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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I completed the 1st planking, filled and sanded.  I will still need some more work before I put on the 2nd layer of planking.

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Some additional items I got today to assist with the finishing.

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Current Build:       Model Shipways MS2015 - Fair American Kit bash

Previous Build:     J-Class Endeavor

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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>>

current build: SYREN

nearly done:  Fair American, Benjamin W. Latham

future builds:  Emma C. Berry

completed builds:  Rattlesnake, Newsboy, Sultana

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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

Current builds

-Lightship Elbe 1

Completed

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under restoration / restoration finished 

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