Hello from Colorado

[eurekapaul]

Hi, it's far past time I introduced myself, since I've been following this site for over a year. My name is Paul Tepley and I live in Boulder, Colorado. My interest in this hobby stems from a print my stepfather had of the Sea Witch clipper ship under full sail. It has stuck with me for over half a century. 

 

Recently, I finished building OcCre's Albatros. After breaking both bulwarks and some other planking, it became obvious that I needed more instruction so I built the Model Shipway Sailing Pram and Lobster Smack kits. (A big thanks to David Antscherl!)

 

I have resisted creating build logs because I was a technical writer for over 36 years and I needed a break. A few days ago, I started the Half-Hull Project. It will have build log; I've already taken the pictures of my first steps. After (hopefully) learning to properly plank, I'll start on the Syren by Model Shipways, which I bought a few months ago. After that, maybe I'll tackle a clipper ship.

 

Going back to the Albatros, I did a bit of kit bashing. I wanted to try out better wood, so I bought some boxwood from Modeler's Sawmill and used it for the planking above the wales. Also, the cloth sails provided by OcCre was way too heavy so I made my own from Silkspan using Tom Lauria's method.

 

Lastly I have to say that the support, knowledge, talent, and skill by members of this site amazes me. Thanks to everyone who contributes. You've made my foray into model ship building a lot more enjoyable than thought it ever would be.

 

--Paul

 

Here is a screenshot of my Albatros:

[Knocklouder]

[Jim Lad]

Hello Paul, and a warm welcome to the forum from 'Down Under'.

 

John

[JeffT]

[ccoyle]

Welcome! Your Albatros looks quite nice! So, what is the "Eureka" connection -- something to do with the city in Northern California (or the one in Idaho . . . or Missouri . . . or Illinois . . .)?

[Keith Black]

 Paul, welcome to MSW. Nice looking Albatros. Glad to have you aboard. 

[mtaylor]

Welcome to MSW from a former Tech Writer.  Good looking Albatros.  Do feel free to open build logs as not only is a good way to meet others, but also to get help.

[eurekapaul]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.

 

Hi Chris, the Eureka connection is indeed a connection to the city in northern California. Way back in the 90's, my wife and I lived in there. Shortly after moving to Eureka, I signed up with AOL. During the phone call signup, when the agent asked me for a username and not having thought about it before, eurekapaul popped into my head. Even though Niwot's Curse brought us back to Boulder a few years later, the email address stuck. 

 

--Paul

[ccoyle]

I lived in HumCo for twenty years -- graduated from FUHS in '81 and HSU in '92, so I consider myself a Humboldt County boy in spite of my current Dixie address.

[bruce d]

Hello Paul and welcome to MSW from the UK.

[Glen McGuire]

Your Albatross is a beautiful ship, Paul!  I hope you will reconsider doing build logs for your future efforts.  I'm sure some of us could learn some things from you! 

[Baker]