rafine Posted August 28, 2013 Share #1 Posted August 28, 2013 Now that my Triton cross-section has been completed, I finally opened the Essex box, which I have had for a few weeks, for a serious look, after a couple of quick peeks. Since it is my intention to alter the kit in various ways, as I did with Fair American and Syren, I won't get involved with a detailed review or critique of the various kit parts. I understand that MS is changing some of the kit items already. I don't know whether those changes will be given to those, like me, who already have the kit. My overall impression is that the kit contains good plans, detailed instructions and a lot of laser cut wood and photo etched parts, as well as metal castings whose utility is unknown to me at this point. I've made some preliminary decisions as to how I will proceed, but a lot remains to be decided as I spend more time with the project. I have the AOTS book on Essex by Portia Takakjian, which I expect to use in conjunction with the kit plans, but I have no idea yet as to how or how much. The one thing that I know for certain is that I will replace the kit basswood with boxwood for the hull planking not covered by copper and with holly for the deck planking. I also expect to carry out the quarterdeck and forecastle deck framing to a more detailed level and to do that with boxwood. It is likely that I will also replace much, if not all, of the kit deck furniture with scratch built boxwood parts. Finally, it is my intention to fully mast and rig the model, whether or not MS issues a second kit for that purpose. I've been looking forward to this build for over a year now and I'm really eager to get started. I hope my old friends on MSW, and new ones as well, will want to look in as I go forward. Bob Rustyj, trippwj, bhermann and 9 others 12 Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntonyUK Posted August 28, 2013 Share #2 Posted August 28, 2013 Hello Bob. I followed your Triton build which was very interesting and will put a extra cushion on the chair for this build. Looking forward to your build.. Regards Antony. Quote Best advice ever given to me."If you don't know ..Just ask. Completed Mayflower Completed Fun build Tail boat Tailboat Completed Build Chinese Junk Chinese Pirate Junk Completed scratch built Korean Turtle ship 1/32 Turtle ship Completed Santa Lucia Sicilian Cargo Boat 1/30 scale Santa Lucia On hold. Bounty Occre 1/45 Completed HMS Victory by DeAgostini modelspace. DeAgostini Victory Cross Section Completed H.M.S. Victory X section by Coral. HMS Victory cross section Completed The Black Pearl fun build Black Queen Completed A large scale Victory cross section 1/36 Victory Cross Section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trippwj Posted August 28, 2013 Share #3 Posted August 28, 2013 Count me in - sounds like a great build in the offing! Quote WayneNeither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.Epictetus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samueljr Posted August 28, 2013 Share #4 Posted August 28, 2013 Bob, Looking forward to seeing ESSEX in the hands of a top-notch builder. Please reach out with any questions. And I am working on the rig right now. Take a look at some of my posts for that thread. Although there are no construction shots (yet) still doing all the preliminary stuff. You'll get an idea of what I intending on doing with the second part. There's a lot more than just rigging. Sam Quote ABSOLUTELY NOTHING UNDER DEVELOPMENT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted August 28, 2013 Thanks Antony, Wayne and Sam for the interest and confidence. It should be a lot of fun. Bob Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trussben Posted August 28, 2013 Share #6 Posted August 28, 2013 Hey Bob, will be watching with great interest to your build of the "new" Essex kit and all your mods. Ben Quote Current builds: HMS Pegasus TFFM. HMS Winchelsea. Completed builds: ECHO cross section.18th C Longboat.QA Barge. Medway Longboat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augie Posted August 28, 2013 Share #7 Posted August 28, 2013 Sign me up for a front row seat! Quote Augie Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64 Previous Builds : US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988 Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976 Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sport29652 Posted August 29, 2013 Share #8 Posted August 29, 2013 Can't wait to see this. I want this kit and will just have to live vicariously through you for now. Quote Eric Current build(s) ; AL San Francisco II http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/862-san-francisco-2-by-eric-al-190-sport29652/ MS Rattlesnake http://modelshipworld.com/index.php?/topic/868-rattlesnake-by-eric-model-shipways-164-sport29652/page-2 Sitting on the shelf : MS Constitution, MS Sultana, Wish List : MS Essex, Confederacy, and Syren, and a Victory kit by someone ? "80% of the time it works every time." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted August 29, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted August 29, 2013 Welcome aboard, guys. I'm ready to give it a go. Bob Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st george Posted August 29, 2013 Share #10 Posted August 29, 2013 (edited) Hi Bob, Can't wait to see you start on this build. If it's anything like your Triton, then we're in for a good show of craftsmanship. Edited August 29, 2013 by st george Quote David Current Build : HMAV Bounty - Amati Next Build : 18th Century Longboat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliluke Posted August 29, 2013 Share #11 Posted August 29, 2013 Hi Bob Based on all your previous work this is going to be stunning. I really look forward to your log from here on. Cheers Alistair Quote Cheers Alistair Current Build - HMS Fly by aliluke - Victory Models - 1/64 https://modelshipworld.com/topic/34180-hms-fly-by-aliluke-victory-models-164/ Previous Build - Armed Virginia Sloop by Model Shipways Previous Build - Dutch Whaler by Sergal (hull only, no log) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gahm Posted August 29, 2013 Share #12 Posted August 29, 2013 I am really looking forward to your new build, Bob! Essex is one of the frigates I am considering for my next build as well, although there is still some time until I need to make that decision :) . Thomas Quote Current Built: Model Shipways Syren (US Brig 1803) Last Built: Anfora (kit bashed) Ictineo II (1st steam powered submarine 1864) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samueljr Posted August 29, 2013 Share #13 Posted August 29, 2013 Bob, I was thinking about your opening post. I'm a fan of Portia but I did my best to stay away from the AOS book. Copyright issues aside, I lifted my lines from the original Hackett draught not AOS or Baker which is where Portia got most of her info. There is also an interesting article from (I believe in the NRJ) from a long time ago comparing the old Shipways solid hull, Portia's AOS and her P-O-F book. They were all different. The point of the article was that all based their work on Baker yet they all ended up different. There were even variations in Portia's work from AOS to P-O-F. My point being - be careful. Also you mentioned that you may include more detailed deck beams. I've attached a PDF of the deck beam layout I did for the model. It's pretty comprehensive. The concept wasn't included with the kit. Take a look. When the time comes I may be able to save you some time drafting your own. Dirk, Make sure you bring enough pop corn for everybody and make mine kettle corn please. Thank you. Sam ESSEX MS KIT DECK BEAM PLAN 082913.pdf Cjames and Jaxboat 2 Quote ABSOLUTELY NOTHING UNDER DEVELOPMENT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pontiachedmark Posted August 29, 2013 Share #14 Posted August 29, 2013 G'day Bob, Being new to this hobby, I will come along for the ride. Hopefully I can learn from your build. Regards, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted August 29, 2013 Author Share #15 Posted August 29, 2013 Thanks to all for your fantastic show of support. Much appreciated. Sam: It's a way down the road, but that's what I have mind and we'll have to have some conversation when the time comes. Bob Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookster Posted August 31, 2013 Share #16 Posted August 31, 2013 Bob, I'll be following along. I too am interested in this kit. Good luck on your build! Quote Wes Cook Current Build: USF Constitution (Model Shipways) USF Essex (Scratch build) MS Syren (build log lost, need to rebuild) Future Builds: MS Confederacy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j21896 Posted August 31, 2013 Share #17 Posted August 31, 2013 Hi Bob, Can't wait to see what you do with her! Cheers, Robert Quote Current Build: HMS Mars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted August 31, 2013 Author Share #18 Posted August 31, 2013 It's amazing to see the amount of interest in a build of this new kit -- without even a single photo yet. Thanks. Bob augie 1 Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Ensign Posted August 31, 2013 Share #19 Posted August 31, 2013 Boxwood planking, Holly decks, sounds marvellous, time to get on with it Bob. In anticipation B.E. Quote Current Build: Medway-longboat-1742-by-blue-ensign-½”-scale Completed builds: HMS Indefatigable-1794-by-blue-ensign-vanguard-models-1:64-scale HMS Sphinx 1775 by Blue Ensign. 1:64 scale - Vanguard Models Queen-Anne-Royal-Barge-circa-1700-by-Blue-Ensign Fifie fishing boat Lady Eleanor Muirneag-1903-–-a-scottish-zulu-fishing-boat-164-scale-based-on-the-vanguard-models-zulu-kit/ HM Cutter Alert 1777 HM Cutter Cheerful 1806 18th-century-English-longboat-by-Blue-Ensign-ms-148-scale/ 18thc English Pinnace by Blue Ensign-Model-Shipways-1:24 scale/ HMS-Pegasus-by-Blue-Ensign-finished-Victory-Models-1:64-scale/ Heller Seventy-four 1:150 scale - modified Le Superbe/Le Glorieux kit after Boudriot, waterline setting with sails. The schooner Pickle, Jotika pob kit 1:64 scale, my interpretation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sjors Posted August 31, 2013 Share #20 Posted August 31, 2013 Hi Bob, I see that there is a seat available at the second row. I will sit there and watch your build when you are ready to start ! And at your last post you are talking about pictures???? Where, where, where……. Quote Currend builds: USS Constitution by Sjors - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76 HMS Victory by Sjors - Jotika - Scale 1:72 On hold: VOC Reconnaisance yacht Duyfken by Sjors - Kolderstok - Scale 1:50 Finished builds: HMS Snake (1797) by Sjors - Caldercraft - Scale 1:64 Nuestra Señora del Pilar by Sjors & Anja - OcCre - Scale 1:64 H.M. Brig-Sloop Flirt 1782 by Sjors - Vanguard Models - Scale 1:64 HMS Agamemnon by Sjors - Caldercraft / Jotika - 1:64 San Ildefonso - OcCre Le Mirage - Corel Smit Rotterdam (sea tug) - Billing Boats - 1:75 Sovereign of the seas - De Agostini Spirit of Mississippi - OcCre Santissima Trinidad - OcCre Corsair - OcCre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amateur Posted August 31, 2013 Share #21 Posted August 31, 2013 The P-word mentioned, we could wait for Sjors Jan Sjors 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjdale Posted September 1, 2013 Share #22 Posted September 1, 2013 Hi Bob, I just followed Sjors in, out of idle curiosity just to see what he'd do next. I'll grab some popcorn and pull up a seat next to Sjors, just to make sure he behaves himself. This should be a very interesting build to follow. Sjors 1 Quote Grant ____________________________________________________ Current builds: African Queen - Radio Control / Live Steam Previous builds: The Shipyard at Foss' Landing (Diorama), Hannah - Ship in a Bottle, NRG Capstan Project, 1869 Allerton Steam Pumper, Medway Longboat , Alfa Romeo Spider Gran Touring (Pocher) , Da Vinci Flying Machine, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout - Dumas - Radio, Bomb Vessel Granado, 1742 - Cross Section - Scratchbuild, HMS Victory (Mamoli 1:90), Cutty Sark, Armed Pinnace, Bounty, Santa Maria At another place: Stephenson's Rocket (OcCre 1:24) (click the title to follow the link) In the Gallery: Lancia Armata 1803, Bomb Vessel Granada, 1742 Cross Section, 1949 Chris Craft 19' Racing Runabout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share #23 Posted September 1, 2013 A real post (with some pictures) coming up soon. Sjors, I've made some room for you in front --no second row for you. Bob Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sjors Posted September 2, 2013 Share #24 Posted September 2, 2013 Thanks Bob ! I think I'm wearing honey because Grant is following me I shall wait for pictures ! Quote Currend builds: USS Constitution by Sjors - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76 HMS Victory by Sjors - Jotika - Scale 1:72 On hold: VOC Reconnaisance yacht Duyfken by Sjors - Kolderstok - Scale 1:50 Finished builds: HMS Snake (1797) by Sjors - Caldercraft - Scale 1:64 Nuestra Señora del Pilar by Sjors & Anja - OcCre - Scale 1:64 H.M. Brig-Sloop Flirt 1782 by Sjors - Vanguard Models - Scale 1:64 HMS Agamemnon by Sjors - Caldercraft / Jotika - 1:64 San Ildefonso - OcCre Le Mirage - Corel Smit Rotterdam (sea tug) - Billing Boats - 1:75 Sovereign of the seas - De Agostini Spirit of Mississippi - OcCre Santissima Trinidad - OcCre Corsair - OcCre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted September 3, 2013 Author Share #25 Posted September 3, 2013 For those wondering if I was ever going to get started -- I finally have gotten underway. Part of the problem was spending some time over a few days on the computer going over some issues with the kit with Sam Cassano, the kit designer. To make a long story shorter, Sam designed an alternate in the kit to allow opening up the gun deck and building up portions of the deck below. There were problems with the plans and the bulkhead former in doing this. Sam will comment here on how he and Model Expo will address these issues. I have now cut the former to do the deck drop downs, cut the bulkheads from their sheets and done some cleaning up on them, attached the rabbet strip, chiseled and sanded to the bearding line at the stern and attached the stem, keel and stern post. Since I am sort of the guinea pig on this kit, I have some comments for those following. The plywood for the former and bulkheads was difficult to work with: one of the sheets was not cut through by the laser and I have requested a replacement because the parts could not be released; even on the sheets that were fully cut, the tabs holding the parts to the sheets were large and hard to cut through -- I gave up on a knife and ended up using chisels; the slots on the former and bulkheads required considerable filing to open them sufficiently to fit; cutting the deck drop downs and the new slots for the affected bulkheads, after I figured out what to do, was hard work with saws and chisels ( hopefully this will now be resolved for the future). Having said all of this, I'm still eager to go forward. Sam is intent on solving any problems and I believe that he will. Next up will be attaching the bulkheads. Bob EricWilliamMarshall, Gahm, sport29652 and 13 others 16 Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sjors Posted September 3, 2013 Share #26 Posted September 3, 2013 Pictures, pictures ,pictures……Yippie !!!!!!! Good start ! Quote Currend builds: USS Constitution by Sjors - Model Shipways - Scale 1:76 HMS Victory by Sjors - Jotika - Scale 1:72 On hold: VOC Reconnaisance yacht Duyfken by Sjors - Kolderstok - Scale 1:50 Finished builds: HMS Snake (1797) by Sjors - Caldercraft - Scale 1:64 Nuestra Señora del Pilar by Sjors & Anja - OcCre - Scale 1:64 H.M. Brig-Sloop Flirt 1782 by Sjors - Vanguard Models - Scale 1:64 HMS Agamemnon by Sjors - Caldercraft / Jotika - 1:64 San Ildefonso - OcCre Le Mirage - Corel Smit Rotterdam (sea tug) - Billing Boats - 1:75 Sovereign of the seas - De Agostini Spirit of Mississippi - OcCre Santissima Trinidad - OcCre Corsair - OcCre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
augie Posted September 3, 2013 Share #27 Posted September 3, 2013 And ------ you're off! I'm glad it's you Bob. You can handle any small bumps in the road. Quote Augie Current Build: US Frigate Confederacy - MS 1:64 Previous Builds : US Brig Syren (MS) - 2013 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Greek Tug Ulises (OcCre) - 2009 (see Completed Ship Gallery) Victory Cross Section (Corel) - 1988 Essex (MS) 1/8"- 1976 Cutty Sark (Revell 1:96) - 1956 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrickmil Posted September 4, 2013 Share #28 Posted September 4, 2013 I'm looking forward to seeing this kit for sale. Watching your progress will be like watching the summer blockbuster movie teaser. I've admired your other work on this forum and I am sure you will make this into a masterpiece. augie 1 Quote Thanks, Patrick YouTube Channel for fun: Patrick's Scale Studio Finished: Model Shipways US Brig Niagara I Love Kit USS Curtis Wilbur DDG-54 Current: Trumpeter USS Yorktown CV-5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rafine Posted September 4, 2013 Author Share #29 Posted September 4, 2013 Thanks, Sjors, Augie and Patrick. Working my way through mounting the bulkheads. Bob Froggyman 1 Quote Current builds on MSW: HMS Winchelsea 1:48: Medway Longboat 1:24 Prior builds on MSW: Schooner Halifax: Lumberyard 1/48 semi-scratch; Cutter Cheerful 1:48; Granado: Caldercraft 1:64; Frigate Essex: Kitbashed Model Shipways kit; Triton Cross Section 1:48; Kingfisher from Lauckstreet kit; Syren: Model shipways kit ;Kitbashed Fair American: Model Shipways;Prince de Neufchatel: Model shipways 1:64 Civil War Picket Boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustyj Posted September 5, 2013 Share #30 Posted September 5, 2013 Great start Bob. I look forward to your improvements and modifications. Should be fun for us all. Quote Rusty "So Long For Now" Current Builds: Speedwell Completed Build Logs: HMS Winchelsea 1/48 Duchess of Kingston USF Confederacy , US Brig Syren , Triton Cross Section , Bomb Vessel Cross Section, Cutter Cheerful, Queen Anne Barge, Medway Longboat Completed Build Gallery: Brig Syren , 1870 Mississippi Riverboat , 1949 Chris-Craft 19' Runabout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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