USS Kearsarge by rtibbs2018 - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - Scale 1:96 - First ship build

[rtibbs2018]

Well, I've been lurking around here too long. It's time to start my first ship build. As I stated in the introductions post I looked at several kits and decided on the USS Kearsarge.

Haven't found many build logs on the Kearsarge so I might as well start with the requisite box contents picture.

I ordered the paint kit to go with it and forgot the copper so I ordered it separately.

This won't be a quick build. opefully, it Hopefully it will end in a completed model though and not in the lost builds file 

Thought the included Brass plaque was a nice touch. 

[popeye the sailor]

a very nice kit indeed!  definitely will follow along on your journey  

[rtibbs2018]

Now if I can only figure out how to post pictures in the proper order and edit my typos 

[Elijah]

Looks like a very nice model and should prove a fun build!

[mtaylor]

To edit a post, just click the "Edit" button at the bottom.

 

To add pictures, use "Chose Files" button.   Upload your pictures and then set the cursor where you want photo.  Click the almost invisible "Add" button on the left side of the thumbnail.  "Rinse and repeat" so to speak.

[RGL]

Strait to first grade! Looks like a really nice build. 

[rtibbs2018]

I guess I'd better get to building as the workspace is way too clean

 

Going to use my magnetic building board for hull framing/planking

[CPS_skybolt]

Hi rtibbs2018 , You have inspired me to build another ship. So I ordered kit #50. My last build was the USS Constitution by BlueJacket. I swore I would never build another 1/96 scale ship but here I am again a couple years older but none wiser. Seems like ship building is in my blood. I will be following your build. Just as soon as I figure out how to follow a build log. This looks like a beauty.

Edited July 22, 2018 by CPS_skybolt

[mtaylor]

30 minutes ago, CPS_skybolt said:

I will be following your build. Just as soon as I figure out how to follow a build log. This looks like a beauty.

Upper right hand corner of the page is a "follow" button.  

[rtibbs2018]

43 minutes ago, CPS_skybolt said:

Hi rtibbs2018 , You have inspired me to build another ship. So I ordered kit #50. My last build was the USS Constitution by BlueJacket. I swore I would never build another 1/96 scale ship but here I am again a couple years older but none wiser. Seems like ship building is in my blood. I will be following your build. Just as soon as I figure out how to follow a build log. This looks like a beauty.

 

Welcome skybolt,

We can commiserate together  

 

Ron 

[rtibbs2018]

They give the option to construct the hull with a reveal which shows chain placed at strategic locations within the hull for additional protection from cannon shot. I elected to build it without the reveal. Something about seeing a hull with a hole in it's side didn't appeal to me.

I'm also including some balsa triangles to add additional support to the bulkheads in case "heavy hands" gets carried away in the fairing of the bulkheads.

 

Starboard bulkheads being glued in place.

Port side bulkheads

Support cradle to keep everything aligned

All bulkheads in place with balsa triangles in addition to the basswood pieces supplied with the kit

Ready for the false deck

Dry fitting

Deck gluing

Dry fitting of bow and stern jigs for planking

 

 

Now it's time to cut and fit bow and stern filler blocks.

 

Sure is good to get back to building. Almost forgot how nice it is to chew CA from ones fingers.

[Cathead]

If this is your first ship build, what have you been doing with that fine workshop up until now? Whatever it was, I hope you enjoy this fun hobby.

[rtwpsom2]

If I had to offer a guess, the magnetic building board probably indicates he did some RC or balsa wood aircraft at some point.

[rtibbs2018]

1 hour ago, Cathead said:

If this is your first ship build, what have you been doing with that fine workshop up until now? Whatever it was, I hope you enjoy this fun hobby.

Building kit and plans built RC model aircraft since the late 60's

[Estoy_Listo]

Righteous workshop! This may be your first ship build, but you're no beginner.  Me on the the other hand...  I'm learning a lot just by watching.  I'll follow along. 

[BETAQDAVE]

On 7/20/2018 at 8:25 AM, rtibbs2018 said:

This won't be a quick build.

Well I guess that you better slow down then.  At the rate you're going you should be done with all four of your ships by next summer!  It looks like you have all the tools and the shop to "get er done" as they say at Home Depot.

[rtibbs2018]

On ‎7‎/‎22‎/‎2018 at 4:53 PM, BETAQDAVE said:

Well I guess that you better slow down then.  At the rate you're going you should be done with all four of your ships by next summer!  It looks like you have all the tools and the shop to "get er done" as they say at Home Depot.

I’m closing in on the planking stage. May not see another post for six months 

Edited July 27, 2018 by rtibbs2018
Typo

[popeye the sailor]

hull frame looks very good  

[CPS_skybolt]

The balsa support triangles ideal must have come from model aircraft construction. I always put them everywhere in aircraft models. Never thought of using them in ship construction. Great ideal. To support the finished model I glue pieces of hardwood inside on either side of the keel where the Pedestals screws go through.  You have given me ideals on purchasing some new tools prior to my next build. I'll be watching.

Edited July 23, 2018 by CPS_skybolt

[rtibbs2018]

Had to take a break from building and throw together a smaller building board which will allow me to get to both sides for fairing/planking without having to bend over to reach the other side of the hull.

Directions call for the bulkhead extensions to be adhered (glued) to the building board then sawed off after planking. My method is to use magnets instead of glue.

Never have been accused of taking the easy way out. 🙃

Filler blocks roughed in and glued in place

All mounted and ready for the "fun" to begin

[rtibbs2018]

Thankfully I have a nice selection of PermaGrit shapes and sanding bars

Filler blocks sanded and most of the fairing is complete

Now I need to build some "soaking" tubes for my planking. I have used wallpaper wetting trays in the past for planking aircraft however I need something a little smaller for these planks. Also they tend to float in the larger tray.

[CPS_skybolt]

Ron, When you get to the " sally port " ( personnel passage way on and off the ship, one on each side of the ship ). The instructions call for LK28D. I can not find this part, it does not exist in my kit. The instructions and plans are confusing reference number wise. The reference photo is wrong and instructions are confusing as far as numbered parts.  By looking at the plans I made the parts out of spare wood as they are simple to make.

 

Bob

 

[rtibbs2018]

49 minutes ago, CPS_skybolt said:

Ron, When you get to the " sally port " ( personnel passage way on and off the ship, one on each side of the ship ). The instructions call for LK28D. I can not find this part, it does not exist in my kit. The instructions and plans are confusing reference number wise. The reference photo is wrong and instructions are confusing as far as numbered parts.  By looking at the plans I made the parts out of spare wood as they are simple to make.

 

Bob

 

Thanks for the heads up. Not there as yet but will make a note of it

[rtibbs2018]

Well, its been a few weeks since my last post and I began planking the hull. I have the lower hull planked and will finish the bulwarks next.

I'm sure I've violated most all of the conventions used by you master builders when it comes to planking. Planking is a tedious process which I actually enjoyed.  It is a lot easier planking a model aircraft as balsa forms much easier than Limewood. But I digress....

Being my first ship build I certainly learned what not to do on my next project. This is a single plank which will be coppered.

When I complete the bulwarks I'll finish filling some boo, boo's, add the keel and sand the hull. I'm looking forward to turning the hull over and looking at the deck. 

[rtibbs2018]

Thanks for all the “Likes” guys. So far this has been a enjoyable project 👍

[John Allen]

On 7/22/2018 at 2:06 PM, rtibbs2018 said:

Sure is good to get back to building.

I guess we will call you MR. Tibbs (related to Sidney?)

 

I agree your build will be much nicer without the exposed guts. Not very appealing unless they showed more like crew quarters or engine.

 

Good luck should be a killer build.

[rtibbs2018]

Well, I have to take a short break from 1:96 scale building to full scale planking. The Admiral has me laying new hardwood flooring. You know, the old fashioned kind, 3/4" oak nailed down 

[rtibbs2018]

Ok, full scale decking is finished so it's back to the shipyard.

Don't you just hate when you start to cook something then you realize you don't have all the ingredients on hand.

Since the hull is to be painted and coppered I decided to seal the hull with 3/4 oz. glass cloth then prime and paint.

Ya gotta love the smell of polyester resin in the morning. (Paraphrasing Robert Duvall) 😉

Had all my glass cloth cut and ready to apply when I noticed my polyester resin had hardened in the can. I ordered a new can from the local hobby shop and it arrived the next morning. Opened the can and found it had started to gel. Oh crap, it's off to the store to exchange it. They had one container left and it appeared ok.

 

Applied a layer of glass cloth to the hull and Lightly sanded the surface with 220 grit paper.

Applied the final coat of resin.

Sanded the hull.

Now I'm ready to prime the surface with my favorite grey primer. Oops I'm out of primer. So now I wait for Amazon to deliver it as it's not carried locally. 

 

[CPS_skybolt]

Looks really nice. Looking forward to your progress. I thought about glassing my model but didn't, should have.

 

Edited September 9, 2018 by CPS_skybolt

[popeye the sailor]

the hull came out really nice    I've tried it once {didn't use the cloth}..........I should do it more often