USF Confederacy by Augie & Moonbug - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1:64

[augie]

The lower decks arent really lighter.  What I meant was that the decks in general were lighter than the hull planking and some prefer to make them that way.  No distinction in the color between decks.   But,  mainly I wanted to suggest painting the sides of each bulkhead black opposite each other so they are more difficult to see when looking down the hatches.  Otherwise they may be more noticeable. Nice work so far.

 

Chuck 

Thank you Chuck for the black paint idea.  That's the kind of thing I usually think of when I'm rigging the backstays.  You're a Godsend.  It's now 'on the list'.

 

Darn it, folks.......he's GOOD!

[Trussben]

Chuck ain't Admiral of the fleet for nothing!

[themadchemist]

Nice decking, Augie.

Just out of curiosity, was the ligther lower deck due to its lack of exposure to the elements compared to the main deck or something else, I wonder?

 

What brand/type of prestain and WOP do you use. I've never really used either, I've always been a tung oil fan, But seeing your finish makes me wonder if I should branch out some.

Also am I undertanding correctly, the prestain is only used to prevent the WOP from making the basswood splotchy? There wasn't any stain applied? Prestain is something else I've never used. Any advise appreciated, and sorry if I missed (or forgot) this mentioned previously. Now that the Syren's all under glass, I need to go back and re-read through that log again, sadly most of the wooden part dialog of that build disappeared as electrons.

[augie]

Not sure why they may have been lighter below decks Keith.  Either the elements or perhaps by design to lighten things up?

 

I use Minwax stain products.  I use the pre-stain, stain, WOP sequence on everything even though I went to it for basswood which is soft and prone to blotches from the stain itself.  Even used it on the oak case and I'm not disappointed.

 

The WOP comes in a variety of 'glosses' from High to None.  I generally use the low gloss version as, even though it's considered 'heresy', I like just the hint of shine on my natural surfaces.  The gloss disappears with time. 

[lb0190]

I hope you do not mind my jumping in on this discussion for pre-stain. Minwax makes the pre-stain as oil based as wellas water based to match the type stain your using.I used the water based version on my tugboat display case and was very pleased with the results.

[Jim Lad]

Oh!  You mean you're building a ship here as well, Augie!

 

Very nice looking deck, mate.  I'm still really surprised at just how well basswood comes up!

 

John

[popeye the sailor]

minwax also makes one that does both......stain and seal.   it's a poly urethaine,  and can be purchased in a can or spray.   it would be true though that the main deck sees more weather than the lower decks.  it's so nice that you get to have a little planking fun early in the build.

[texxn5]

OK, I'm going to be the one that bites here.....being new to this, what is a WOP?  Sorry to be the naieve one, but you guys have been doing this longer than me, and I can't say I've seen or heard of this one yet.  By the way, the Minwax acrylic stain/varnish is what I used on the deck of my Morgan, and was really pleased with it, and judging from the peanut gallery, most everyone else did too.

[lb0190]

Hi John,

 

WOP is wipe on poly. I apologize for not being more specific.

[texxn5]

Thanks Larry, just had a "duh" moment....happens when you get old!

[trippwj]

John - thanks for asking!  I was fearing that I was the only one who didn't know.  I Googled it and came up with a derogatory slang word for Italians, but knew they wouldn't be wiping some form of Italian sealant on the deck!

[lb0190]

Believe me I understand.

[texxn5]

Glad I'm not the only one.....thanks Augie...

[themadchemist]

Thanks for the info Augie. Did you use stain, as it appears not to have much colour, or does the prestain help mute the stain also. I was also wondering if you used oil or water based? The water based seems the easier to clean out, but something makes me think it wouldn't work as well.

 

Personally I've only ever used the spray poly and not the wipe on, I've always used Tung oil (typically Formbys) for wipe on applications.

 

Also as this log gets lots of traffic maybe someone can help me find or remember this - I remember precrash someone, I seem to remember it was a scratch builder, used beeswax desolved in some kind of white spirits as a finish. Does this sound familiar? IIRC it was brushed on and then buffed with a soft rag.

[augie]

Keith -  On this section I used only the 'natural' stain so no, it doesn't have much color added.  I use oil based stain products exclusively.

 

If you want a tutorial on finishes I'd suggest you check Salty Sea Dog's log on the CW Morgan Whaleboat.  He is a master with wood finishes as I believe he finishes guitars professionally.

[Script]

Augie,

 

This log is becoming quite educational........I am not going to fall in to the joke trap......

 

Cheers,

 

Jim

[riverboat]

Nice start on your build Augie..... this is going to be a real beauty when finished ..... just don't let  the moose trample on her !!   

Frank

Edited September 10, 2013 by riverboat

[mtaylor]

Ah...planking has started and looking good.  Yeah, I know it's a sub-deck but ya' gotta' start someplace.

[augie]

The remaining two lower deck platforms have been installed and finished.  Here's the largest:

 

 

As per Chuck's suggestion, I've also painted the areas on the bulkheads immediately surrounding the platforms black.

I have also installed the safety timbers across the bulkhead uprights (whoops.....almost said 'horns).  These supports are 1/4" birch, which I have a ton of for aircraft use.  It's a snug fit and, hopefully, will support these fragile pieces until I get the hull faired:

 

 

With those supports she almost looks like a candidate for an additional deck.  I could make her a 54!!!!!!!  

 

No, 36 is more than enough.  Next step is fairing the hull so Colorado is now on 'Sawdust Alert'.

 

[trippwj]

Moving along briskly, Augie.  The decking looks really nice, and I like the idea of supports for the antlers.

 

Now, I have heard of a razee, where the number of decks is reduced, but not sure I have seen many (any?) where additional decks were added!  Make her into a 54 gun, eh?

[patrickmil]

Progress is coming right along Augie. I didn't realize you were a speed builder. 

[Rustyj]

Very nice job on the planking Augie. You are doing great and bringing back some fine memories. Thanks  

[DCIronfist]

Looking great.....nice to have you as one of the pros now :)

[Jim Lad]

Before you know it you'll be onto the hull planking, Augie!

 

John

[lb0190]

Top notch work Augie. I'm impressed with the build as well as the ship.

[mtaylor]

Augie,

The "safety timbers" are an excellent idea. So one more sub-deck and then hull planking?

[Trussben]

Oh no mark! Augie has the joy of all the stern framing and gunport sills and lintels as well as sweep port backing, Ah I remember it so well!

 

Ben

[Trussben]

Not to forget fairing that big beastie!

 

Ben

[augie]

Thanks to ALL for looking in.

 

No, no speed building here......just 3 consecutive rainy days.  And Ben certainly set the record straight on hull planking.  Tune back in next season    .

 

I'm glad Rusty and Ben, our Confed 'vets', are having fond memories.  Don't anyone mention to them that their 2 Confed logs are my North Star.

[texxn5]

and you say that I build fast.....you're catching up quickly .... looks good Augie..I toured the Morgan today, and had a ball.  I'll be posting pictures soon as I get some time.  It is really cool to walk on board something you're building a miniature of.....kind of a wierd feeling....told them I was building a scale model of her, and got a lot of "Royal" treatment.  Got to go in their Research and Collections building, see the models, and meet some intersting people including the Head Project Manager.  Even a couple of things that unfortunately I am sworn to secrecy about, so I can't share with anyone, but it is awesome.  An absolutely incredible day.