Frigate Essex by Rafine - FINISHED - Model Shipways - Kitbashed

[rafine]

Well, I finally had to bite the bullet and start the work on the head. I made and installed the hair and scroll brackets, the upper and lower cheeks and the bolsters. These were all made from boxwood using a sheet of drawings from Sam as templates. Given my lack of success in the past scribing molding lines on small scale pieces, I chose, as I've done on other models to create the moldings by using laminated parts with rounded edges. The bracket pieces were bent to shape before laminating. 

 

I also drilled the holes for the mainstay collar in the gammoning knee and for the bobstays in the stem.

 

Next up will be the rails and head  timbers. As a note for the future, I tried to fit the kit casting for the figurehead, but decided that it is unacceptably too large ( and not very good). I'm now unsure what I'm going to do about a figurehead. My choices would seem to be a wood carving or using Sculpey, neither of which I've ever done. Sam had once offered to do a resin casting, but I've been unable to reach him by PM or e-mail. Does anyone know if he is alright?

 

Bob

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[augie]

That head on shot takes courage.  In your case, it's perfect.

 

Haven't seen anything from Sam since July.  Hope he's ok.

[HIPEXEC]

Nice job! I know how hard I worked to get the bow correct. Mine's okay but not as good as yours.

[Sjors]

That looks terrific Bob !!!!!

And so level in the last picture.....

Great !

 

Sjors

[Mirabell61]

Very nice work Bob,

 

 

Nils

[NMBROOK]

Nigh on perfect symmetry Bob,fantastic work   I would have a go at woodcarving ,you never know unless you try  You may even find it enjoyable

 

Kind Regards

 

Nigel

Edited September 6, 2014 by NMBROOK

[rafine]

Thanks so much Augie, Rich, Sjors, Nils, Nigel and the "likes".

 

I may just give it a try Nigel.

 

Bob

[gjdale]

Beautiful symmetry there Bob. I haven't tried it myself, but Sculpey might be a good option to try - at least you can put some more on if you take off too much! I know that Brian C used it for his decorations on his Fubbs, and they seem to have turned out very well indeed.

[rafine]

Thanks so much Grant. Wood or sculpey, wood or sculpey? Maybe I'll try both.

 

Bob

[Sjors]

Perfect symmetry.....

That was the word I was looking for !

 

Sjors

[rafine]

Thanks so much Sjors, and thanks also to the "likes" for your continuing interest.

 

Bob

[Blue Ensign]

Belated Birthday wishes to you Bob, nice job on the head so far.

 

B.E.

[rafine]

Thanks so much B.E.

 

Bob

[Gahm]

You are off to a very goo start with your head! And where the figurehead is concerned I would give both methods a try. The advantage with sculpey is that you can repeat, add and change parts of the figure several times without bad consequences, which is more difficult with wood. However I ended up liking wood much better because it holds the shape (sculpey does not quite as well until you baked it) and you don't have to simulate wood color afterwards    Well, in any case, good luck with it! 

 

Thomas 

[rafine]

Thanks so much Thomas. At some point I've got to stop thinking and worrying about the figurehead and just try doing it, probably both ways, clay and wood.

 

Bob

[uss frolick]

I suggest researching Samuel McIntire, the real Essex's carver. His works were unique for their day. He was known for his eagles (wet chickens) and richly vined scroll work, not so much for figures. His style was more Grandma Moses and less William Rush. The Essex's carvings were much admired for their clean, uniquely American simplicity, and they were said to have inspired the later, post Federalist navy's style: eagles, stars and scrolls. There are several books in print on McIntire's works. He was primarily a furniture and mantlepiece maker. The Essex's Indian looks a lot like the Indian in the then Seal of the State of Massachusetts, IMHO.

[rafine]

Thanks for the info Frolick. I went on line to do some research on McIntire and I see what you mean about his figures (at least the few photos I found of figureheads). The simplicity of facial features should suit my lack of carving talent well.

 

Bob

[cookster]

Bob I've just gotten caught up on your build.  You've come a long way in a year, she's looking wonderful!  All your addtions and scratched items look great.

[rafine]

Thanks so much Wes. Are you going to be doing anything with your Essex any time soon?

 

Bob

[cookster]

Yes I am.  I'm actually drawing on it again right now.  Hope to get in the shop this weekend a cut some test frames.

[rafine]

Another couple of steps forward on the head ( not without a number of steps backward and sideways in the process). The main rail with its timber head and the head timbers and their cross pieces have been made and installed. The rails are laminated boxwood strip, bent and sanded to shape, following the templates provided by Sam Cassano. The head timbers are the laser cut kit pieces, modified to fit.

 

Next will be the lower rail, eking and cathead supports. These should provide even more redos than the work just completed.

 

Bob

[Guest Tim I.]

Beautiful! 

 

- Tim

[Mirabell61]

Super Bob,

 

your Essex is built so nice accurate and clean, it could be an demonstrator object for the next kits box-cover,

Very well done !

 

Nils

[Sjors]

This is a true masterpiece !

 

Well done Bob !!!!

[NMBROOK]

Well worth the effort Bob,that looks stunning!

 

Kind Regards

 

Nigel

[augie]

Your extra effort is paying off in spades!

[rafine]

Thanks so much Dirk, Tim, Nils, Sjors, Nigel, Augie and the "likes". You guys are great.

 

Bob

[gjdale]

Lovely Bob, just lovely.

[mtaylor]

Very nice work on the head.   I take it you're filling the scrap box quickly which seems to be a common thread around here.

[aliluke]

Superb work. Will be looking back at your head works when my turn to make them comes = very soon .