Lowell Grand Banks Dory by RMillet - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:24

[RMillet]

After a little over a week of waiting, my first model is finally here. After some consideration (and recommendations from this community), I settled on doing the Lowell Grand Banks Dory. I also do some light research on these boats prior to making my purchase, because I am big into history.

 

Once I opened the kit (like a kid on christmas might I add), I was immediately filled with excitement, and some nervousness. But, wanting to get into it, I got my work station set up how I wanted it, and began reading the instructions. Now, in the introduction, it mentions reading ahead, which I have been doing, though I haven't read through the entire instructions booklet just yet, as I much prefer to be able to mix in being able to see progress, along with the reading. My hope is I won't end up messing up by not reading all the instructions, but I think if I read a few steps ahead, I will be okay.

 

One minor mistake I have already made was I pressed a little too hard with a little too much of my thumbnail on the wood, and it left a small dent. I am not too worried though, as it is just me learning. I am still nervous, but I am having a grand time, even though I have only barely started. I hope to get some more work done tomorrow, but for now I will let the glue dry, and I will take the rest of the evening to relax.

[DanB]

You may be able to fix the dent by using some water to wet the wood. It will make it swell a bit and fix the dent. You can sand it a bit once it dries, If not ,you will be able to use wood filler if you paint the dory. Good luck with your build 

 

Dan

[RMillet]

Progress has been made today.

 

Firstly I would like to thank Dan for the idea on how to fix the dent. The water trick worked like a charm.

 

I was able to get the framing done today, before my chronic pain started acting up and put a halt to any further progress for now.

 

This was my first time beveling, which was interesting to say the least. I followed the instructions to a T, yet am still worried I have messed up somehow.
 

Frame number 4 seems to be slightly taller than the rest? I am unsure of how this happened, or if it is intentional. I followed the instructions when it said to only pop out what you need, and that’s exactly what I did, so I am not sure if I somehow mixed up some pieces, or if this is how it’s supposed to be. My hope is for the latter, but I have a suspicion it is not.

 

Overall though, I am proud of the progress I have made, and feel like I am learning at a nice pace.

Edited May 5, 2022 by RMillet

[mtaylor]

I moved this from the scratch area to the kit since it's a kit.

[RMillet]

6 minutes ago, mtaylor said:

I moved this from the scratch area to the kit since it's a kit.

Apologies, I thought I put it into kits.

[mtaylor]

6 minutes ago, RMillet said:

Apologies, I thought I put it into kits.

No worries.  We have you covered.

[druxey]

Try to put elastics-etc, over the frames, or the planks will be distorted! Easily fixable by dampening, though.

[RMillet]

24 minutes ago, druxey said:

Try to put elastics-etc, over the frames, or the planks will be distorted! Easily fixable by dampening, though.

I was able to get up to take the elastic off. No noticeable distortion. Thank you for letting me know. Everything seems dried as well.

[RMillet]

Woke up this morning to the model on the floor, and in pieces. Cats knocked it over. Going to try and repair it, but currently just feeling extremely upset, and defeated.

 

if anyone has any tips for attempting repairs, or if I would be better off just ordering a new model, please let me know. Any help is appreciated. I will be posting photos of the damage later, but need to step away from it for the time being. I need more sleep as well.

Edited May 6, 2022 by RMillet

[ccoyle]

Oh, no! Don't worry -- most of us have experienced some kind of disaster during our modeling adventures. Repair or replace may come down to the degree of damage -- based on your last photos, I assume that some of the damage is to the mould pieces?

[RMillet]

8 hours ago, ccoyle said:

Oh, no! Don't worry -- most of us have experienced some kind of disaster during our modeling adventures. Repair or replace may come down to the degree of damage -- based on your last photos, I assume that some of the damage is to the mould pieces?

After getting more rest, I’m able to give a proper look over of the damage. I don’t think it looks good. All of the damage is to the frame pieces.

 

the number 3 and number 5 frames completely broke off the bottom board, but it was just the glue that failed there.

 

the real problem I am seeing is on frames 1, 2, and 3. They each seem to be missing very small pieces. I do have some spare basswood of the same size, so I could attempt to make things to fit those small pieces that are missing.

 

I am unsure if it would be worth trying to make these tiny pieces to repair, or if I should just toss it and wait the month or so for a new one to arrive, as this kit is on back order according to the website.

[mtaylor]

Argggghhh!!!!!!!   A ship hitting the floor is never good news.   I'd suggest you try repairs and making some new parts as a learning effort for possible future scratch builds.   If it doesn't work out, then order a new kit.  

[RMillet]

30 minutes ago, mtaylor said:

Argggghhh!!!!!!!   A ship hitting the floor is never good news.   I'd suggest you try repairs and making some new parts as a learning effort for possible future scratch builds.   If it doesn't work out, then order a new kit.  

Okay. I will do some research on how to go about repairs. I do plan to do builds from scratch sometime in the future (when I’m no longer in an apartment, and have the space for the tools needed), so hopefully this will be a good learning experience.

[wool132]

Option 1: order replacement kit

Option 2: fabricate replacement parts (use the cut outs on the plywood sheet as a guide)

Option 3: order the Pram (not on backorder, at least not now) and put in a request for Dory replacement parts using their online system. Work on the Pram until the parts arrive. By then, you’ll have broken some parts on the Pram and you can work on the Dory until the Pram parts arrive. Rinse, repeat. 🙂

 

If you’ve got the spare $60 or so, I’d go with #3, otherwise #2 would be worth a try.

 

Jonathan

[druxey]

Unfortunately felines are notorious for damaging ship models. Never leave them - felines or models - unattended. But you know that already. I'm sorry for your disaster. Replacement parts are probably far easier to manage than trying to fabricate your own at this stage of your model-making career. If it's any consolation, all of us have suffered a disaster (feline induced or self-inflicted) at some point. Don't be discouraged.

Edited May 7, 2022 by druxey

[RMillet]

After taking a day off, and some work, I am only 1 step behind where I was prior to the accident. It’s not a perfect repair by any means, but I am proud to be able to say that I’ll be able to finish the model at the very least.

 

from what I can tell, all the frames are level, and not crooked in any way. They also seem solid enough to be able to finish the beveling of the frames. They feel almost the same as they did before breaking. Which isn’t saying much, as they are very flimsy. Once the bottom board is on and in place, we will be back on track!

[RMillet]

Not only am I back on track, I am onto planking. Just bending the garboard planks now (1 at a time). As far as I can tell, I did everything correctly, but I suppose time will tell.

 

I’ve definitely been stressed throughout this process, as I fear messing something up, and it looking poorly. But I think I’m expecting too much out of myself.

 

My repairs are still holding up, which I am very happy to see.

 

Overall, I am just happy to see progress being made. I think once I am finished, I will be happy with the outcome.

[druxey]

Well, first congratulations for the recovery of those frames. We all have disasters and learn how to dig ourselves out! It's part of the process. Don't stress yourself about making mistakes - see previous sentence. And it looks as if you are well on your way now.

[Ryland Craze]

Nice recovery and your model looks great.

[mtaylor]

I'm glad that all worked out.   

[RMillet]

Before I make my update, I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their kind words, and for helping me.

 

Day 2 of planking. Feeling more confident with it now, sense I have an idea of what I’m doing. Broad planks have been prepared, and glued on today.
 

Having to take the couple hours for the planks to dry properly is slowing progress, but thankfully I’m not in a model building race.

 

Really enjoying how this is coming together, and the process of building in general.

 

I did have some trouble understanding bevel and rolling bevel, and the only woodworking experience I have is building lamps from logs. I still don’t feel I understand this process fully. I believe I have a good enough understanding for now, and will take time to do some research so I understand as much as I can. I’m sure YouTube will help with this.

 

My hope is tomorrow to finish planking, and be able to get the boat off of the building board. Possibly add the false stem, depending on how I am feeling tomorrow.

 

I have also come up with a solution for the cats, so I won’t have to worry about another accident. I have a small cabinet attached to my work station, and it fits the model comfortably. I also have to put the glue bottle in there, as it seems to end up on the floor quite often. I don’t think this solution will work for larger models, but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.

[RMillet]

She’s freed from the building board! 
 

That was a fairly stressful, but everything came off without issue.

 

The stern needed to be trimmed as some of the planks where a bit too long. Trimming the frames was also stressful.

 

I did do the optional step (12a), as it said it would make one of the future steps just a little bit easier. This step was just a little extra sanding done to the frames after the trimming of them.

 

I did want to do some more work on her today, but the amount of sawdust really started bothering my asthma, so I will be stopping for today.

 

I am incredibly proud of myself for being able to make it this far. I feel like I say that with every post I make, but each step is something very new to me. The only woodworking experience I have is making lamps out of logs, so this is very new to me.

 

So, for now, I will go rest. That sawdust has me feeling pretty dizzy. I would also like to thank everyone again. I don’t think I would’ve gotten this far without the support of this community.

[Ryland Craze]

For your first model, you are doing a really nice job.

[druxey]

Yes, coming along nicely, RM. Do wear a dust mask; basswood particles in the air are very fine.

[RMillet]

4 hours ago, druxey said:

Yes, coming along nicely, RM. Do wear a dust mask; basswood particles in the air are very fine.

Yeah, I didn’t think it would be an issue. But now that I know, I will be picking up a dust mask asap.

[RMillet]

So, I’m not working on the mode today due to some issues with a sore and inflamed throat, and some breathing troubles.

 

However, I have been reading a bit of the instruction manual, and doing some dry fittings of small parts, just to give myself a visual when I do come to that step.

 

Reading step #17, it’s talking about attaching the gunwales. It mentions that 1/16” basswood is used here, but there is only 1 piece that is 12” long that is that thickness. This would make it so only 1 side could have a gunwale, as there is not enough basswood provided to complete both sides, especially with the trimming needed for a proper fitting. This is very confusing to me, as I thought gunwales where fitted to both sides, yet I don’t have enough material for both sides.

 

Am I wrong in thinking that gunwales go onto both sides? The instructions here are unclear, and the photos provided don’t help as it is such a thin piece of wood.

[wool132]

The parts list on page three of the manual lists 2 12" lengths of 1⁄16" square basswood, so there should be another piece kicking around somewhere -or- time to get in touch with ModelExpo.

 

Jonathan

[RMillet]

3 hours ago, wool132 said:

The parts list on page three of the manual lists 2 12" lengths of 1⁄16" square basswood, so there should be another piece kicking around somewhere -or- time to get in touch with ModelExpo.

 

Jonathan

Had to re-read my parts list as I thought I read that it only came with 1, but I must’ve looked down a row when I read through it.

 

I’ll have a look around for that piece when I wake up, it most likely just got displaced.

[DanB]

Your Dory is looking good!. If you are missing the wood for the gunwale, there is a form on the  Model expo site to contact them for replacement parts. The other thing I found was that the rope they supplied was way too big. It was 2mm line and would not fit thorough the holes at the stern and bow. Even if you enlarge them, I think it still looks too big. I wound up buying some 1 mm line but even that may have been too big as I still had to enlarge the holes. 

 

Get an N95 dust mask at a hardware store (it can be the kind with a valve in it). I have had to make myself remember  put it on when I start sanding, but it is important. I try to keep it somewhere in sight on my bench. The sanding will stir up dust you can not see and it will wind up in your lungs. It is even more important if you have asthma. 

 

Dan

[RMillet]

I ended up catching a pretty bad cold, so I haven’t been able to work on my model.

 

Thankfully I’m feeling much better today, so I’ve decided to do some work. I have gotten the bands, gunwales, and the breast hook all attached. My gunwale placement was fairly poor. I believe this has to do with my dry fitting method? I didn’t bend the gunwales into place prior to cutting. I did some filling in with glue, and I honestly am okay with this. As far as I can tell from the photos provided, this will be mostly, if not entirely, covered up by the cap rail. But, this is a good learning experience.

 

I also skipped an optional step (step 17a for anyone looking at this while working on their own Dory). This step is to make frame head irons out of card stock. I don’t have any card stock, and I don’t have a way to get any. As this is just an optional step, I’ve decided to just skip it.

 

I also completed the oars. I’ve also decided to not leather my oars. The reason I’ve decided not to do it, is because of a personal row boat my wife and I use, and I kind of like having the oars more plain.

 

Im going to allow everything to set overnight, and tomorrow I will be working on painting.