Medway Longboat 1742 by Freebird - FINISHED - Syren Ship Model Company - 1/2” Scale

[Freebird]

Repair completed….

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Freebird]

First time stropping deadeyes and making hooks. Took about a dozen tries before I got 4 strops where the solder joint didn’t break as I was shaping them around the deadeye. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Chuck]

nice save

[Freebird]

With the exception of the bowsprit and its rigging and rope coils, the rigging is complete. Again, first time attempting rigging. Lots of lessons learned, I even made thimbles and served the lines as appropriate. All skills that I will need for Cheerful. Hardest part for me was seizing, I have a long way to go. With that said, any and all comments are welcome!

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Chuck]

It looks very good.  

[Freebird]

Thank you Chuck!

 

And thank you All for all the likes!

 

Today is install the bowsprit day. The brass has been cut to size and the pins filed to shape. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Freebird]

Bowsprit is now in place. Time to make the shackle and hook for the traveler ring. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

[BobG]

Hello Rick, I just read through your build log and you're doing a fantastic job on this wonderful model!

 

Your log has brought back a lot of memories of my build. I had my share of mistakes and frustrations along the way but, all in all, the whole building process brought me a ton focused enjoyment and satisfaction. It's such a well designed and beautiful model and it is now prominently displayed in our home as I'm sure yours will be too when you are finished. Good luck as you continue along!

[Freebird]

Hi Bob! Thank you for the compliments! Yup, lots of mistakes have been made along the way, some were fixed, others, well, you know. I have referred to your build log many times for the rigging, it has been very helpful! Your Medway is a fantastic build and has been an inspiration! Medway has been an extremely fun build and I have learned a lot of new skills. For my first build, I’m pretty pleased on how she’s coming out. My hat is off to Chuck for his awesome design and endless help. I’ve been building models as far back as I can remember, and I’ve never come across a mentor and designer like Chuck who so freely shares his knowledge. Because of him and the many talented builders on MSW, like yourself, I’ve been able to pursue something I’ve wanted to do for many years. Thanks again Bob!

 

And a big thank you to All for stopping by and all the likes!

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[BobG]

 

Thanks for your complement, Rick, you're much too kind. I'm glad that the rigging part of my build is of some help.  

 

The Medway was my second build and I had never done any rigging at all before. I was sure I was going to make a big mess of it but it actually turned  out to be my favorite part of the build. The boat really comes alive once you begin adding the rigging. I think you'll find it very enjoyable. 

[Freebird]

Bob, this is my first attempt at rigging also. I find this part somewhat frustrating, but when completed very satisfying. I still have a lot to learn, but that’s what makes this hobby so much fun. I appreciate all of the informative and amazing skills and builds being very helpful and inspiring! 
 

The journey continues - traveler ring, shackle and hook made and blackened. Once the bowsprit is rigged, it’ll be time for the flag halliard and research how to make rope coils. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Freebird]

Spent time rigging the bowsprit today, came out pretty good. Just need to rig the flag halliards. Quick question, where do they tie off? I’ve looked at finished build logs and really don’t see anything. Do they tie off on the mast thwart? Any help would be appreciated! Also on deck is the display base, the pedestals are already finished. Thanks for stopping by.

Anybody care to guess what is on deck next?

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[BobG]

19 minutes ago, Freebird said:

Just need to rig the flag halliards. Quick question, where do they tie off? I’ve looked at finished build logs and really don’t see anything. Do they tie off on the mast thwart?

I have them tied off with a coil on the two starboard shrouds just above the deadeyes. You can see some good photos of them in post number 83 and again in post #135 of my build log.

 

22 minutes ago, Freebird said:

Anybody care to guess what is on deck next?

It looks like you've got a nice to on the Cheerful. Good luck, Rick, it's certainly a gorgeous model! 

[Freebird]

 Hey Bob! Thank you for the compliment! Great info for the halliard, did you use the forward or aft shrouds? Also, the truck has the means for using either the port or starboard side. Being you went with the starboard side, is the port side rigged the same? Sorry for all the questions and thank you for the help!

 

 Best Regards …. Rick

[BobG]

4 minutes ago, Freebird said:

Great info for the halliard, did you use the forward or aft shrouds? Also, the truck has the means for using either the port or starboard side. Being you went with the starboard side, is the port side rigged the same?

Forward shrouds. Nothing is tied off on the port side. I'm sure you could use either side. Your choice. 

[Freebird]

Ok, just got back from dinner with the Admiral and looked at your pictures, and how it’s done popped! Thank you Bob!

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Freebird]

Display base underway waiting for a couple coats of WOP.

 

Best Regards …. Rick

Edited February 26, 2023 by Freebird

[BobG]

Gorgeous base, Rick! I love all the figuring in veneer. It's a really beautiful piece of veneer. 

[Tossedman]

Great work Rick! I'm enjoying following along.

[Freebird]

Bob: I agree. This piece of veneer is very narley (industry term), and is a very nice contrast to the smooth AYC.

 

Tossedman: Thank you for the compliment. She’s been a fun project that has taught me a lot. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

 

 

[Blue Ensign]

A fine job you are doing Rick, I'd be more than happy to display your model in my home.

 

I think you will enjoy Cheerful even more, Chuck provides such a great range of projects.

 

B.E.

[Freebird]

Ahoy! Haven’t had much time to spend in the shipyard, but I’ve managed to continue on Medway. With exception of the flag halliard and making the oars, Medway is  completed! Coiling the ropes drove me nuts, but a first effort, I’ll take it. I’ll have a summary on the build in a few days. 
 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Tossedman]

Looks great Rick! Looks like your next project is under way as well. Thanks for sharing.

 

Cheers,

 

Todd

[Ryland Craze]

Congratulations Rick on completing your Medway Longboat.  I have enjoyed following your build log.  You have a beautiful model that you will be proud to display.  I look forward to following your Cheerful build.

[BobG]

You've built a beautiful longboat, Rick. Congratulations!

[JpR62]

Superb model. You can be proud of the result. It is really a very nice longboat !

[ccoyle]

Beautiful result, Rick!

[Freebird]

Thank you guys for all of the compliments! They really mean a lot to me!

 

Here’s some thoughts about my experiences. First off, as someone who has built many r/c planes over 4 decades and having an aerospace background, I can say without hesitation that Chuck’s designs and methodology are superior. While I consider myself an accomplished builder, building Medway was a new challenge that I really enjoyed. Building ship models has a desire I’ve had for many years, and through Chuck and the many awesome builds here on MSW, I’m starting to realize that dream. 
 

As you guys know, Medway was my first attempt at this wonderful and sometimes frustrating hobby. After researching what to build first, Medway won out for many reasons. I found the build to be well thought out and in a logical sequence (not that I know what logical ship building is). One of the big lessons learned was patience! As Chuck and others preach, slow and steady is the path to success. The materials (AYC) supplied were great and produced beautiful results. The build pushed my skill base to learn more and develop skills that I didn’t know I had. This build was one of many firsts, and as expected, I made many mistakes, but that’s how we learn. Learning how to fair the hull, lining off the hull, shaping and bending planks with no more than heat was a real eye opening experience. Shaping square wood stock into parts that looked the part was very satisfying and rewarding. A new way of painting to produce brush stroke free results, making hooks and eyes and then blackening them was again, very satisfying. Making the mast, boom and other round parts was a process that I didn’t know about. While I made the mast too small in diameter and had to take a few steps backwards, in the end it worked out well. Making scrapers to shape moldings was fun and easy. But the most difficult part is the details needed for rigging. One of the reasons for choosing Medway was the limited rigging. There was just enough to learn some more skills and show me that I have a long way to go in this area. I’m glad that I choose the Medway for my first build and I’m impressed that I finished it. 
 

I’d like to thank Chuck for his efforts to help guys like me and for his input when needed. Rusty, Bobg, Ryland and a few others (whose names escape me), also provided help when needed, your build logs are very helpful (as all build logs are), amazing and inspiring!

 

If you couldn’t tell, I’m hooked on this aspect of modeling and in particular, Chuck’s offerings. To that end, Cheerful is now in the shipyard

and will be a slow build as I tend not to spend much time in the workshop during warm weather. I’ve started a build log for those interested, and as always, all comments and suggestions are very welcomed. Now to study those spectacular Cheerful logs!

 

Best Regards …. Rick

[Chuck]

Wonderful model and I think you will enjoy Cheerful.  In many respects it is an easier build.  But just more stuff to do. I cant wait to followalong with your cheerful project.

 

 

[Knocklouder]

Very nicely done!!  I will be jumping over to your Cheerful log , see you there , again nicely done.