Fair American by KenW - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:48 Scale

[russ]

Ken:

I have been following along lately. Well done. Congratulations.

 

Russ

[KenW]

Thanks Gary, Brian and Russ and the 'likes'.   My build benefited from your input.

And as Russ says, "T'aint a hobby if you hurry."

Enjoy and Cheers.

[rafine]

Congrats Ken on a super build. You should be very proud of what you've done on her.

 

Bob

[Jimz66]

Very nice Ken. Would you post some more finished shots please. Very well done. Great job. Love the way this one turned out. Whats next? 

[SawdustDave]

Beautiful ship, well done Ken. Congratulations on an extremely fine piece of art.

Dave

[KenW]

Thanks Dave, Jim and Bob and the 'likes'. 

Bob:  I relied on your build log a lot.  So thanks to you.

I will try to take some more photos, but feel they might be repetitive. 

I also have my eyes on another project.

Cheers.

[augie]

She's a real gem, Ken.  And the lantern really fills out that stern.  WELL DONE, mate!!

 

We'll wait for you to reveal what's next.

[dgbot]

Magnificent workmanship and photography.  Kudos on a job well done.  I would have bet even money that the photos were of the real thing.

David B

[KenW]

Jimz66 requested more photos, so I tried to take some close ups that are different from the pictures already on this log.  I also should point out that the stern lantern designed by the Syren Ship Modeling Co. was outstanding.  It added to the look of the model; so thanks to Chuck Passarro.

 

The photos were taken at sundown.

 

Cheers

Edited January 18, 2015 by KenW

[EdatWycliffe]

Ken, I've been away from the shipyard (and the net) for a bit. What a wonderful treat to see your build complete. It is magnificent. I clearly remember the start 19 month ago--what a great finish. I hope that you will let us know what you next project will be so I can continue to enjoy your work.

 

Kind regards, Ed.

[KenW]

Thanks Ed.  I see from my photo of the stern lantern that I have some touch-up to do with some black paint.

I will continue to watch your build.

Cheers.

[Jimz66]

Thanks Ken. I am going to be using these for reference for mine. I am in the premlinmary stages of the AVS and the FA at this time. I plan to build them side by side. 

[wq3296]

Greetings Ken,

 

Nice job on the FA. Where did you get the letters used on the stern? They appear to be about 3/16" high or less. I have been looking for lettering to use on my FA.

 

wq3296

[KenW]

Thanks Jim and wq3296. 

As to the letters on the stern - I cheated.  I created a PaintShop Pro file with the lettering curved and with, what I thought was, the appropriate font.  I then made a 'negative image' and sized it.  Then it was just a matter of printing and gluing it in place.

I did the same with the painted scroll work (which was a scanned image from the plans).  The red curtain was painted, however.

Cheers.

[wq3296]

10-4 Ken, thanks.

[GuntherMT]

Thanks Jim and wq3296. 

As to the letters on the stern - I cheated.  I created a PaintShop Pro file with the lettering curved and with, what I thought was, the appropriate font.  I then made a 'negative image' and sized it.  Then it was just a matter of printing and gluing it in place.

I did the same with the painted scroll work (which was a scanned image from the plans).  The red curtain was painted, however.

Cheers.

 

That's not cheating, that's being smart and using all your available tools!

[dgbot]

Thanks Jim and wq3296. 

As to the letters on the stern - I cheated.  I created a PaintShop Pro file with the lettering curved and with, what I thought was, the appropriate font.  I then made a 'negative image' and sized it.  Then it was just a matter of printing and gluing it in place.

I did the same with the painted scroll work (which was a scanned image from the plans).  The red curtain was painted, however.

Cheers.

Ken what kind of paper did you use and who was the supplier?

David B

[KenW]

I just used standard paper from staples - nothing special.

I used Elmer's school glue since it is paper.

[Ol' Pine Tar]

Ken,

Your excellent model shows the result of a lot of talent, skill, and perseverance, enhanced by your photography. Thanks for taking time  from your build to photograph and post your work.

[captain.jerry]

Ken

 

Thanks for your quick reply to my question.  I am new to this forum and it has taken me some time to get my bearings and to navigate all the topics.  I have located your build thread and several more that I will read front to back for help.  I have just placed my order for this kit.  If you are not aware of it, Model Expo is currently (through April 19)  offering 50% off on anything in the catalog.  You might want to stock up for future pojects.

[jurgisnemickas]

Just found this log. I am investigating which to build "Fair American" or "Syren". To help me decide, I would appreciate all input. Just one question for now about the Fair American.

1. Is there a model built showing all the sails since the reason for the original model was built to study the amount of sail.

Thanx

[Jimz66]

I have to make a similar decision. Although they say that the Syren is NOT a good first time kit.... All the comments seam to indicate its too hard a build for a newcomer like you and me. I have the Fair American and Armed Virginia Sloop as well. 

[augie]

I don't mean to hijack Ken's log but I need to comment on the statement 'they say the Syren is not a good first time kit'.  With Chuck Passaro's great instructions, even a first timer can do a very creditable job with Syren.  She was my first POB and you can check it in the Gallery and there's a partial log under my signature.  She will teach you a LOT if you provide the desire and patience.

 

This is not meant to detract from Fair American in the least.  Ken has shown how excellent she can be.  She is also a slightly larger scale than Syren (1:48 vs. 1:64)  which makes it easier for some to handle.  Either vessel is a fine choice with plenty of help and examples here on MSW.

[dgbot]

The Fair American is built to a larger scale so it would be a little easier to work on things.  I have seen several impressive models of her.  The Syren is also  beauty but a little more intricate and more difficult.  With Chuck's Practicum you would be able to do it.  The choice is yours to make.

David B

[SawdustDave]

Given. Choice, I would always go with any of Chuck's models. His instructions are so well done, he is a masterful teacher who will take your modeling skills to another level.

[Jimz66]

That gives me a lot of things to think about because I wanted to start with the Syren because of the instructions. I just finished reading through the book and it didn't seam that difficult. I just need to get some serious tools first. 

[Jimz66]

My other thought was to work on all three at once and just do the same steps on each of them at the same time. Break it down to smaller sections. 

[EdatWycliffe]

I'm now in the midst of the standing rigging on Fair American. Because the rigging plan, instructions and belaying plan leave a lot to be desired, I've done a lot of reading, particularly Lee's and Petersson. Those sources, together with the Syren instruction manual, Ken' log and Rafine's log, have taught me much and made me a much better ship builder. I've chosen Syren as my next build (although Rattlesnake sits in its box under my workbench). I think that with Chuck's instructions and my Fair American learning experience I'll be able to build a first-class ship. If you believe in jumping into the pool and thrashing about as a good way to learn to swim, I'd build Fair American before Syren. Good luck. Either choice will be a great experience.

 

EdatWycliffe

[jurgisnemickas]

To All,

Thank you for your comments they are very helpfull and I'm leaning towards the Fair American.  I need to do some further research.  I still have not found much information on FM under full sail which is the way i really would like to build it.

Again Thanx

Jurgis

[KenW]

Well - I'm on my last day of a vacation in London, UK and have just checked my email and the MSW site. It seems a lot has happened while I was away.

 

In answer to 'jurjisnemickas' original question, I'm not aware of a model with full sails set except for the original model in the Annapolis museum. My model has the sails furled and there are no stay sails.

 

As to choosing the best model for a first time builder, the key issues are:

For the Fair American - the scale is 1/4 and therefore a bit easier to work with. However, the rigging plans are very poor and a lot of research will be needed in order to get an acceptable model.

For the Syren - the scale is 1/64 and therefore slightly harder to work with. But, as mentioned, the plans and instructions by Chuch Passaro are of the highest quality.

 

As Augie says, if you have the dexterity and the "desire and patience", the Syren should be fine. But you have to make the choice. And I, personally, can't imagine working on three models at once.

 

Good luck.

Cheers from over the pond.