Niagara by lb0190 - Model Shipways - 1/64

[patrickmil]

Larry, I think you have a good command of the planking. I'll echo Rich with the monotony comment, but reaching the end of it is always a a big deal and I'm sure you will do it justice.

[mainstay]

Hi Larry,

 

I didn't use a chart.  Should have. My planks do not evenly divide the spaces and are different on each side.  I did manage to come out to the temp battens each time, however.

 

I reasoned that since I did not have proportional dividers I would just estimate the width of the end planks.

 

I also missed the fact that planks get wider as they go down and did band B with planks that were too narrow.

 

I found I got better as I went down, which made me wish I had started at the bottom, which won't show as much.  Took me a long time to get the think process of stealers.

 

ALso, the first time I put the temp battens in place I mislocated them by 1/2" in some places.  Really glad I noticed that in time. Problem was what reference point to use with the dividers at the bow and stern. Since you look at the plan from fore and aft, the keel depth can vary quite a lot.  Also, the curve at the bow makes the keel there a bad reference. Second time I used the planksheer and got it right.

 

I think yours may go a lot better.

 

Joe

[jastrząb]

While planking, take a lot of pics. I can see that your building log is like tutorial for others.. 

[Rich_engr]

Ouch!  Please take care and get better soon Larry!!!  Don't know anything about shingles, but doesn't sound like fun.  

 

Getting paid to model, huh???  Hrmmm...  that wouldn't be too bad of an option for me, but 1:  I doubt anyone would buy my beginner's work; 2: prob wouldn't pay all that well, and 3:  that'd turn my loving hobby into a job, so after work was over, then what would I do??????  lol~~~

 

Speaking of cannon balls, where would they be stored on deck anyway????  Would some racks need to be made, like what's seen in some pics of some Syren builds?  Would be interesting, because maybe that could be an addition to the deck features.  

[Rich_engr]

Larry, I'm probably going to use some thin clear plastic for the glass panes, like the type from some packaging (was thinking of some leftover clear/brown polycarb, but it's too thick).  I'm debating on whether I want to put the bars in the windows or not...  I didn't go in the shop yesterday, so maybe tonight I will finish the companionway (I'm watching the neighbor's dogs so I gotta check on them this week).

 

That's a rather impressive operation you had going (3+ TONS of lead?!?!?  wow!).  It sounds like you should have patented your plating process, but who knows- maybe it's not patented and you can still claim it?  Still, it's amazing to hear and learn of everyone's backgrounds on here- very interesting facets of this hobby and forum!  

 

Hope the meds kick in and you get better soon!  

[texxn5]

Larry, here's a couple of pictures showing the cannonball racks.  Some of the models at the museum showed them around some of the hatches also.  I'll post what I can while I have internet with the balance to follow.  Lot's of reloaders here.....me too, since I was 16.  I had (prior to divorce), most every caliber from .17HMR to 50 BMG. 

[texxn5]

Some of the model

[texxn5]

a couple of more in the museum of the MS builds going on for spectators to watch....no one there when I was there.

[texxn5]

A couple of more MS, and for any train buffs out there....last picture is of a long, high tressel over Upper Middle Falls, Letchworth State Park in New York. Went there today....gorgeous area. More later, hope this helps with the confusion on the cannon balls.

[texxn5]

Hi Larry, the sails should look real nice. I'll see if I can find more pictures with sails. Internet has been real "iffy" most of the time lately, and it takes about 6-8 minutes to upload 3 pictures which is all I can send at a time provided it doesn't kick me off and I have to start over. Some of the models at the museum had sails, and I'm sure I have some pictures.

[texxn5]

Hi Larry, I'm going to try to post some more pictures for you and your followers.

[texxn5]

These will be in series of 3 pictures since that is all I can send at a time.

[texxn5]

This is a model that is in the museum.  Has some interesting deck details.

[texxn5]

I'll switch to a different model next

[texxn5]

I think the scale on this model is either 5/16 or 3/8 to the foot...can't remember..

[texxn5]

a couple of more

[texxn5]

Here is a couple of the life size mast with sails in the museum. I think this is from the top gallant up

[texxn5]

some more of the same

[texxn5]

Just a few more for details if needed

[texxn5]

A couple of more cannon pictures

[texxn5]

A couple of shots of another model

[texxn5]

probably last set for now. It looks like I might have had a distant relative on board for the actual battle. I'm going to have to do some research on him.

[texxn5]

I found another one that might be of interest also.  As I am looking at these closer the large model is a group project that is 1/2" to the foot.  I like the wood base....it is actually parts from the original ship Niagra that they used to make the base for the model.  I'm going to start looking for drift wood or something to try the same thing on mine.

[texxn5]

You're quite welcome Larry.  Glad to hear your getting better, keep up the progress.  If you decide to go to the museum, be sure to try and coordinate your time with when the ship will be in Erie.  It sails quite regularly and the will post a schedule.  You can go to the Niagra website to keep up with her.  Hope these pictures will help in your build.

[Rich_engr]

John- awesome pictures!  Especially those of the life size mast sections- that'll definitely help with figuring out the details!  Great job!!!!

 

Larry- awesome that you're lowering the pain meds!  You'll be back at it in no time!  

[texxn5]

Thanks Rich and Larry.  I hope these help eveeryone.  After viewing the models in the museum, I have come to the conclusion that the MSW builders are far superior in building skills  than the museum builders or donors.  The models on MSW could go with great pride to any Maritime Museum hands down.  Great job to everyone who participates...

[texxn5]

Hi Larry, after all my review of the subject, I am wondering if anyone has seen a model of the HMS Queen Charlotte, the ship that Perry defeated in the Battle of Lake Erie? It culd be interesting to show the two together, or even a diorama????? Open to suggestions from the forum???? sorry to hijack your log if that is what happens. Unfortunately, I have been know to do that...lol.

[texxn5]

Hi Larry, I hope Chuck does make some carronades that can go with the Niagra. I for one would definitely buy them for mine when I get started, as well as the carriages.

[lb0190]

Hi John,

 

Chuck's web site says carronades will be a future addition, but I did not see anything regarding timeframe. At the pace I'm moving I will not need them for months. I'm still pretty much anchored to a recliner all day. The daytime pain level has decreased to where I do not need any of the heavy pain killers, but during the evening it comes back like clockwork, making sleep difficult. Tomorrow I'm going to push myself to try and clean up the workbench and maybe lay a plank or two. I'll sent an e- mail to Chuck to see if he has an idea when the carronades will be available and at what scale.

[texxn5]

Sorry to hear that you're still suffering from this. It gets hard to shake off. Yes, the Queen would be interesting. I, of course are in the same time length also on the carronades that you are, only even further out. I haven't finished the Morgan yet, and wouldn't be starting the Niagra until that is finished. Just planning ahead, and would start accumulating options as they are available so that I would be prepared once I begin. Chuck seems to just be in the planning stages at this point, and with his time constraints, this could be a while coming. I guess, this could be an excuse for a Sherline lathe and mill.....lol. Unfortunately, I used to have both, but lost them in a divorce. Check out Chuck's build log on the Winchelsea, he sent me a drawing of his proposed carronade, it is 15/16" long. I don't have a Niagra carronade handy to compare it to. He designed it for the Syrene, but I think it is the same scale. Get well Dude! No time for being down and sick.