Phantom by Duanelaker - Model Shipways - 1:96 - New York Pilot Boat

Duanelaker · September 15, 2019

So after purchasing quite a few model shipway kits I’ve decided this Phantom kit (given there are quite a few completed logs and a well written practicum by Chuck) would have the highest probability of success and completion, with the lowest monetary loss.

After opening the box and comparing the parts list, I am only missing one mast cap. I also noticed they did not include the original instructions, but did include Chucks guide and “The neophyte shipmodeller’s Jackstay”.

Hopefully I can do this kit the justice it deserves.

Duanelaker · September 15, 2019

All sorted and ready for work! Will copy the plans tomorrow so I have an extra set for cutting the templates out of.

Duanelaker · September 18, 2019

9/17 - 6:30 – 8pm

First day shaping the hull and I too noticed some discrepancies between the plans and the templates. What was more concerning was that my hull was already less than what it was supposed to be along the keel.

Per Chucks practicum it says I should shape it to 1/8” wide at the keel, however you can see in the picture that I am already at around 1/16”. However, as stated in another log that I read a few times over the last month or so, the plans do show the keel being 1/8” in height and 1/16” in width. So I am going to build it per the plans and continue on….

I also notice that the stern wasn’t created equal, but it is wood, and as I have seen many places in many logs, if it looks good to the eye than its good! So I think I can fake it as I do have wood putty on order.

The stern is alittle thin/nasty as well, however, when I thin the bulwarks I believe I can erase the error in the picture below.

Side by side of the keel Compared to after I finished for the night….

so I continued and did some more shaping…going as slow as I could and checking and double checking.

so I also noticed that the bow is also thin along the stern post, but if I keep with the 1/16” I hope it might be closer to scale and work out for me.

In the picture below you can see how much thinner the keel is then the 1/8” x 1/8” piece of wood in the kit.

The good news is I really struggled with a Blue Jacket solid hull, only because after spending hours shaping it I realized that the holes for the mast were drill wrong and the entire hull was off by ¼” to a ½” and I faked it and made it work except when I went to redrill the holes I didn’t have a good jig and it went back in the wrong holes…so I gave up.

Now with this one I realize that kit manufacturers assume you aren’t expecting perfect, or that you are a model maker creating art and should be able to fake it…its not engineers work as I have seen stated before.

I also recently read the log of a completed pilot boat where the creator states that if he ever did a solid hull he wouldn’t get hung up on things and would make sure it was boat shaped and move on. I am following his advise and not stressing about it matching the plans to a tee as long as it looks like a boat and I am happy with it.

Duanelaker · September 19, 2019

9/18/19 - 6-8pm

I spent more time studying the plans, checking the templates and sanding...but it’s getting easier and better I think. Reading through Elijah’s log helped quite a bit.

Kind of hard to tell but I sanded quite a big off. I’m starting to see the contours as I study one drawing to the next. Hard to tell in the pictures.

i also started me keel and rudder by glueing the 1/8” rods together.

Duanelaker · September 19, 2019

I have also been trying to finish up the “Shipyard”....sometimes it’s good to be single and have a house with empty room lol. Other times it’s lonely.

Duanelaker · September 20, 2019

Decided to build a rudder for the phantom while waiting for putty.

Duanelaker · September 20, 2019

Also, I’m a plumber so I like this sign lol

Duanelaker · September 25, 2019

I’ve been researching pilot boats and it is very interesting the history of these ships! Must have been amazing racing to ships to assist in bringing them into port.

i installed the stern post, broke the keel post and have to build another. Seems like a difficult way to build it by the practicum, but I haven’t figured out an alternative.

drilled the hole for the rudder and it fits nice! Although it is slightly off center, it is a little larger then the rudder so the rudder can be centered and you would only notice this if you were looking from the bottom. Every mistake is a lesson anyways lol

Below is a picture of the drill, found recommendations on MSW and it really is an easy to hold and control drill!

lmagna · September 25, 2019

I must have a Marine Toilet installed in my house, or it's close cousin. But mine only clogs when you flush it! :rolleyes:

Your hull and rudder are looking quite nice.

Edited September 25, 2019 by lmagna

Duanelaker · September 27, 2019

I’m struggling with the keel post at the bow...any advice? I’ve made this piece three times now only to have it break on me.

el cid · September 27, 2019

9 hours ago, Duanelaker said:

I’m struggling with the keel post at the bow...any advice? I’ve made this piece three times now only to have it break on me.

For particularly delicate or small features, I sometimes fabricate it as a larger piece and attach it to the model, then carefully trim, file, or sand it to final size/shape.

HTH,

Keith

Duanelaker · September 28, 2019

After reading every log known to man on this site I decided to do what “sald” had done in his log, hopefully if I take my time it will work. I also used CA instead of wood glue...we will see

Duanelaker · September 28, 2019

This turned out way easier than I thought it would...using the Dremel with small sanding barrel helped as well. Traced it onto tracing paper, glued with rubber cement and sanded to contour or bow. Now I think I will glue it on before I do final sanding...

Duanelaker · September 29, 2019

Guess I spoke too soon as it snapped off as I tried to glue it to the boat...I’m getting quite frustrated with this repeated failure. Wondering if I should do it in a larger single piece of stock, or if I should follow the original instructions and do this piece in two pieces.

Duanelaker · September 29, 2019

Not sure if this would be any easier

Duanelaker · October 3, 2019

Well I haven’t given up yet lol. I got it on there after glueing it back together. This hobby has taught me so many things in such a short period of time. Patience being one...enjoying a hobby for two...and sh*t happens, so deal with it lol

GrandpaPhil · October 3, 2019

Lol, well done!

Every single model that I have built has at one point or another become a lesson in adapt and overcome. For me, that’s how I learn and get better.

You are doing well and I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

Papa · October 3, 2019

On 9/17/2019 at 9:05 PM, Duanelaker said:

lso recently read the log of a completed pilot boat where the creator states that if he ever did a solid hull he wouldn’t get hung up on things and would make sure it was boat shaped and move on. I am following his advise and not stressing about it matching the plans to a tee as long as it looks like a boat and I am happy with it.

Right on! I doubt that anyone who looks at the model will have a set of templates to check that the hull exactly matches the prototype. If it looks good it is good. Don’t obsess over the exact shape. When I made my Young America, Newsboy, and the Essex, once I had a smooth hull I was happy. I never worried if the shape was exact.

Duanelaker · October 6, 2019

As a break from things, I’ve started the launching ways.

Duanelaker · October 23, 2019

I definitely need to work on my carving skills lol.ah well I’m hoping the deck, cap rails and paint will cover any mistakes that could be seen over the inter webs 🤣 one side almost complete, one side left..

forward progress is always a positive, especially the way my job have been going.

RickyGene · October 23, 2019

Howdy, I also agree, solid hull builds.....damn the torpedo's. Build and do the best with what they give you. I have built many solid hull models in my life time. The best I ever took a swing at were a company that went by the name of Marine Models. Many of their designs still live today thru Model Shipways. I have a un-built Taube that came w/a hull almost perfect with very little work left to prep f/building. Got it out yesterday and smoked her over. The down side, the fittings are lead! But one can find whatever is needed since she is the common scale of most solids. Anyhoo, like your determination and look forward to more of the build. Not too shabby work room you got there. We sold our house and I lost my build room, man cave and 2 car garage. We live in a Town Home now......8(. All for the sake of down sizing, my wife and I are geezers and did not need all that space.

Rick

Chuck · November 8, 2019

Its a favorite of mine and so far you are doing great. I love the pilot boat as a subject and i just wish it was a bigger scale. But it certainly finishes into a beautiful model.

Elijah · November 9, 2019

Nice start to your Phantom! Yeah, I found the solid hull very annoying to work with quite frequently, and the templates provided didn't correspond to the plans. I'm still not in the mood to build another solid hull model in the near future... She's looking good though, nice work.

DonInAZ · January 17, 2020

I started this kit many, many years ago (sometime in the mid 1980s if I remember right) and I keep that uncompleted first attempt as a reminder to slow down and not rush through steps. It actually doesn't look terrible but it's a far cry from what you and others have done with your kits. I bought a second kit and am hoping to have another go at it sometime in the not too distant future.

For now I'm cutting my wooden ship modeling teeth on a couple of the smaller Midwest kits and to be honest, I'm having trouble even getting one of those tiny projects across the finish line.

Anyway, you have the right attitude and seem to have the skills and resources to do a great job on the Phantom. Looking forward to your next updates.

Edited January 17, 2020 by DonInAZ

Duanelaker · January 29, 2020

On ‎1‎/‎17‎/‎2020 at 11:15 AM, DonInAZ said:

I started this kit many, many years ago (sometime in the mid 1980s if I remember right) and I keep that uncompleted first attempt as a reminder to slow down and not rush through steps. It actually doesn't look terrible but it's a far cry from what you and others have done with your kits. I bought a second kit and am hoping to have another go at it sometime in the not too distant future.

For now I'm cutting my wooden ship modeling teeth on a couple of the smaller Midwest kits and to be honest, I'm having trouble even getting one of those tiny projects across the finish line.

Anyway, you have the right attitude and seem to have the skills and resources to do a great job on the Phantom. Looking forward to your next updates.

After recently finishing my Carronade I took the Phantom out of the box and took a look at it....I then decided to place it back in the box. I might do another Midwest kit in the meantime. I think working on multiple projects caused a Log Jam. I would like to finish what I have started, I am about 80% done with the Taurus, I have a few planks on the planking exercise and I also have the Phantom going....