palmerit Posted December 16, 2024 #1 Posted December 16, 2024 (edited) To make progress on my Pram and Sherbourne, I needed a small miter box (to cut copper tube for the Pram, to cut masts for the Sherbourne). It came in but it turned out the narrow saw I had would not work with the miter box, so I had to order another saw. While I ordered the saw on Amazon and have Amazon Prime, it'll be another week or so before the saw arrives. While waiting, I decided to start on the Lobster Smack, the third kit in the Model Shipwright Series. Some notes and heads up on this one: - I chose to keep the centerboard glued into place. A challenge of doing so is that the centerboard then becomes an easy thing to crack or break (it’s terribly thin basswood) and it gets in the way of banding and clamping pieces after gluing. I think there’s may a 50% chance it survives the build. It might end up being in what appears to be its raised position by its absence. - This model has lots of thin basswood. That makes it easier to shape pieces (and some pieces have to be shaped quite a bit). But it also means it's pretty easy to sand through the planks when finishing the hull (I did not do that because I learned from my half hull build when I did it). - Like other Shipwright Series models, do not assume any “to scale” drawings are actually to scale (I don’t know if other Model Shipways models have the same problem). I had to zoom to around 103% to get something close, at least when I had a point of reference. It’s frustrating for the price they charge these models that they don’t have better quality control. Drawings to scale should be to scale. - For future builders: This kit does offer opportunities for kit bashing since some of the details are pretty basic (e.g., doors and hatches that are just square pieces of basswood with no detail at all). I thought for a second about trying to mimic some builds, but I bought the Shipwright Series just for some extra practice and I have other models in the queue I want to get to. Here’s one build that’s really nice with lots of added details someone might try to emulate: https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37380-muscongus-bay-lobster-smack-by-desertanimal-finished-model-shipways-124-moderately-bashed Edited Monday at 02:12 AM by palmerit JacquesCousteau and robert952 2 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
GGibson Posted December 16, 2024 #2 Posted December 16, 2024 You will enjoy this build! robert952 and palmerit 2 Gregg Current Projects: Completed Projects: Waiting for Shipyard Clearance: Santa Maria Caravelle 1:48 - Ships of Pavel Nikitin Norwegian Sailing Pram 1:12 - Model Shipways USS Constitution 1:76 - Model Shipways Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack 1:24 - Model Shipways Yacht America Schooner 1851 1:64 - Model Shipways H.M. Schooner Ballahoo 1:64 - Caldercraft RMS Titanic 1:300 - OcCre (May now never get to it) Bluenose 1921 1:64 - Model Shipways
palmerit Posted December 16, 2024 Author #3 Posted December 16, 2024 The central spine of the boat is composed of several pieces that need to be glued and clamped together. There is an option to have the centerboard moveable (up and down) but I chose to keep it stationary (glued in place). Waitoa, JacquesCousteau and robert952 3 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 17, 2024 Author #4 Posted December 17, 2024 (edited) After clipping the spine overnight, it had a pronounced bend. I wetted down both sides (just bushed with water) and then placed a heavy book (wrapped in plastic wrap) on it. Tonight, when I removed the book, it was fairly flat and straight. Edited December 17, 2024 by palmerit JacquesCousteau and robert952 2 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 17, 2024 Author #5 Posted December 17, 2024 Adding reinforcing pieces. Never enough variety or number of clamps and clips. druxey and JacquesCousteau 2 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 17, 2024 Author #6 Posted December 17, 2024 Thankfully I saw this in the @Bryan Woods build. I was very confused. robert952, GGibson, Waitoa and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 18, 2024 Author #7 Posted December 18, 2024 (edited) Added the bulkhead frames and built the transom. Edited December 19, 2024 by palmerit robert952 and SiriusVoyager 2 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 19, 2024 Author #8 Posted December 19, 2024 I added the seats. The floor was tilted a bit because one of the bulkhead frames was tilted. I had to sand down the seat support piece on the one side so the seat pieces would lay flush. There ended up being a tiny gap between the seat pieces so I ended up putting some filler that I’ll sand in a bit. JacquesCousteau, robert952 and SiriusVoyager 3 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 27, 2024 Author #9 Posted December 27, 2024 (edited) I added the deck, faired the hull, and started to add the keel. I’m not entirely sure how much to fair the part near the stern. I’ll need to check the fit of the planks. I had to sand down some of the bulkheads quite a bit in a few places because they extended too far beyond the deck. Edited December 27, 2024 by palmerit robert952, Waitoa, SiriusVoyager and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 28, 2024 Author #10 Posted December 28, 2024 Starting to plank the Smack. One nice thing about working on multiple models at once is that I don’t need to rush anything. The garboard is glued on after having been shaped. Now the first strake is being shaped after soaking for a bit in hot water. robert952, SiriusVoyager, Ryland Craze and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted December 30, 2024 Author #11 Posted December 30, 2024 (edited) Had some gaps with the third strake. It was either reshape the strake or install the strake and have gaps. Since I’ll be using filler, sanding, and painting, I decided to fill the gaps. We’ll see how it looks when I’m done filling, sanding, and painting. (One gap had to remain for the rudder.) Edited December 30, 2024 by palmerit SiriusVoyager, druxey, robert952 and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
druxey Posted December 30, 2024 #12 Posted December 30, 2024 It's not the easiest shape to plank! This is also where sufficient fairing of the framework pays off. robert952 and palmerit 2 Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv
palmerit Posted January 1 Author #13 Posted January 1 Finished planking my Smack and now I’m doing some filing and sanding. Heeding the caution in the instructions - and my experience with the half hull - that 1/32 basswood is pretty thin and it’s easy to sand through. JacquesCousteau, druxey, SiriusVoyager and 3 others 6 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
JacquesCousteau Posted January 2 #14 Posted January 2 The hull looks great! robert952 and palmerit 2 Current Builds: Lancha Chilota Coasting Sloop (1:32) [Scratch] Completed Kit Builds: Model Shipways Dory (1:24); NRG Half-Hull Planking Kit (1:48); Midwest Maine Peapod (1:14) Completed Scratch Builds: Xochimilco Trajinera (1:32); Juana y José Cross Section (1:32); Lake Chapala Canoa de Rancho (1:32)
palmerit Posted January 3 Author #15 Posted January 3 (edited) Adding the toe rails around the top edge of the deck was a real challenge because there was nothing to clamp it to and because it was a thicker piece and was harder to shape. I had soaked it in hot water, shaped it, and let it set for a day, and it still wasn’t quite right; in retrospect, I probably should have soaked again, and let it shape for another day. I used rubber bands and some clips in the open sections and used a couple quick grips. I did use the titebond speed set so it would set up a bit more quickly. I still need to shape the ends of the toe rail. Edited January 3 by palmerit JacquesCousteau, Waitoa, vossiewulf and 4 others 7 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted January 11 Author #16 Posted January 11 (edited) Shaping the coaming (around the seats) and shaping the cabin sides (they’re wet, not glued in yet). Needed to soak both in nearly-boiling water quite a while to get them to bend (and not fear that they’d snap) - the bend is pretty extreme. I’ll leave them to dry overnight. Getting the cabin sides to fit required a bit of carving to make sure there was a slot for the piece to fit in and it took a little bit of trimming (as in maybe 1/2mm in places) to get the slots to fit fully. There’s a little bit of the ends of the cabin sides that extend back to the coaming that I needed to trim (maybe a mm on each side). Better that it’s a tiny bit too long than too short obviously. Edited January 11 by palmerit JacquesCousteau, robert952, Scott Crouse and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted January 11 Author #17 Posted January 11 Gluing down the coaming and cabin sides. I’ll need to use a bit of filler in places. druxey, robert952, Scott Crouse and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted Monday at 02:16 AM Author #18 Posted Monday at 02:16 AM Knowing that drawings “to scale” in the instructions are not, I printed the instructions for the traveler bar to 102% and 103%. Both were still too small. Thankfully, for this part I know how wide it needs to be because the holes are predrilled. JacquesCousteau and robert952 2 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted Monday at 02:17 AM Author #19 Posted Monday at 02:17 AM Cabin installed. JacquesCousteau, robert952 and Scott Crouse 3 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted Monday at 02:29 AM Author #20 Posted Monday at 02:29 AM (edited) Drawing the waterline. When I searched for “where to mark your waterline” a lot of posts said “check the plans”. Well this model has no plans (and if it did, they wouldn’t be to scale). I tried to eyeball from the photos. Edited Monday at 02:36 AM by palmerit JacquesCousteau, SiriusVoyager, robert952 and 1 other 4 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
palmerit Posted Monday at 02:54 AM Author #21 Posted Monday at 02:54 AM (edited) Taped off for painting. Edited Monday at 04:00 AM by palmerit SiriusVoyager, Scott Crouse and robert952 3 Current Builds: Sherbourne 1763 (Vanguard Models), Norwegian Pram (Model Shipways), Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack (Model Shipways), Endurance (Lego) In the Queue: Ranger 1864 (Vanguard Models), Endurance (Occre), Syren US Brig 1803 (Model Shipways), Duchess of Kingston (Vanguard Models) Completed Builds: Lowell Grand Banks Dory (Model Shipways), 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit (NRG)
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