America 1851 by Kevin Kenny - FINISHED - Constructo

[Kevin Kenny]

Adding the corner patches 

[Kevin Kenny]

[Kevin Kenny]

The silk span can tear easily so I use a needle to poke holes in it and then put some thin CA on the needle and reinsert. This makes a strong hole. Gently use thread to attach to the sail then attach to the mast hoop.

[Cricket]

Mr. Kenny your modeling skills and practicum instructions have inspired me to complete my own Constructo Model of the America. Your two models look fantastic. This kit was a first for me, and in hindsight I wasn't prepared for the lack of detailed instruction. My bad. I have learned from your build, and thank you for that. I look forward to learning more.

On a more personal note, my wife and I day sailed the Tobago Keys. The day was perfect.

Thank you.

[Kevin Kenny]

You are very kind Cricket and I appreciate your comments . That’s the reason I did the videos in the first place so I am pleased that you found them useful . As life would have it I just returned last night from the Tobago keys and Carriacou so I’ll post some memories. Best regards

kevin

Edited November 13, 2018 by Kevin Kenny
Error in words

[Nirvana]

Kenny, the last non-modell pictures shouldn't be allowed in here …… lol, just kidding.

I guess I am not lonely when I say " I am jealous, of where you are located"

Still waiting for that lottery win, so I can move.

 

[Kevin Kenny]

Just got my stock of cotton thread

[Kevin Kenny]

[Kevin Kenny]

Close to the end andvthis happens. Dam , can’t put too much pressure on Silkspan

[Kevin Kenny]

Middle stay sail had been replaced which means all the Sails and rigging are now complete. Just need some tidying up, place the coils of rope, cut off the loose ends, add the flags and anchor chain and we are done. Then to make the display cases.

 

The model on the left used the cloth sails supplied with the kit while the one on the tight used silkdpan sails. I can see my skill improve as I went along under the guidance of Tom Lauria’s fantastic videos.

[Cricket]

The hard work really paid off. They look fantastic. Sail making is a way off for me as I decided to just show the rigging. When I get ready I will check out Tom Lauria’s  videos.

 

[Kevin Kenny]

Jig to make the rope coils and the sail ties

[Kevin Kenny]

Coming to the end, cleaning up the lines, adding the reefing lines, starting on the rope coils 

[Walter Biles]

Kevin,  I haven't been around for a long while, but in my research on the America, I ran across an explanation of the Hatch vs the companionway next to the skylight.  I seem to recall that the same frame trim for either one was used to either hold the grating, or it could be changed out by dropping the companionway down over the trim to hold the companionway.  Presumably that meant some sort of attachments so the companionway would stay in place.  

 

I loved your videos.  

[Kevin Kenny]

Hi Walter

i would love if you could remember where you got that information from as i plan to write a paper at then end. Even the front curved hatch i have done a bit differently. The drawings i have seen have it as part of a circle but i built it differently as curved hatch tops had a common solution and did not have to be perfectly curved. The curved circle would have been very difficult to access and use. 

 

Glad you find the videos of use, not very professional but should be instructive. I plan to do one last one when i finish. I may also add the case but am not sure as i have done two different ones on building cases.

[Mirabell61]

beautiful models of the America Kevin,

 

Nils

[Kevin Kenny]

Completed the scratch built modelFinial pieces to the scratch built. I decided to use one of the anchors on each boat. I excuse myself. 

[Kevin Kenny]

[Walter Biles]

Kevin,   I'll look and see if I can find the reference.  I should have it somewhere.  I was last active around 2015, and check in here sometimes.  My America is based on the plans of the Blue Jacket 1/4 scale.  I had been working to do a full framed up model.  I got on the boat in 1969 to replace a ripped out cleat on one of the booms due to the winds the night before at the Severn River Repair center across from the Annapolis Naval Academy. The Navy had her then, when I was stationed there.  I have built the Meridea Yawl which was her slip-mate at the time as a scratch-build 34.2" model.  

[gsdpic]

Kevin, Congrats on finishing the scratch-built boat.  She's a real beauty.

 

Regarding that forward hatch/companionway:  The bluejacket kit deck plan has a note about it.  It says "While some paintings show a companionway forward of the capstan, others show a hatch.  Quite likely a removable booby hatch -- which appears like a usual companionway -- was fitted over hatch coamings.".    For what it is worth, the bluejacket kit does not show the forward curved hatch at all.   These plans have "Copyright 1983 Arthur C. Montgomery, USA".   I hope this info is useful to you.

 

[Kevin Kenny]

Finial pieces to the scratch built. I decided to use one of the anchors on each boat. I excuse myself. 

[Kevin Kenny]

Fitted to the tempory  base

[Kevin Kenny]

Sail ties or reefing lines

[Kevin Kenny]

Last of the sail ties 

[Kevin Kenny]

[dvm27]

Excellent work, Kevin. Now back to your Swan!

[Kevin Kenny]

That’s correct I just have to finish the two cases

[Kevin Kenny]

 

 

[Kevin Kenny]

Some of the finial details 

[Kevin Kenny]

Finial thought on the build of the America of 1851.