La Renommee Longboat by hmcarlin - CAFModel - 1:48

[hmcarlin]

Starting my first build log: the 1:48 Longboat by CAFModel, designed to go along with their French frigate LaRenommee.  I've been wanting to get going on a POF model for some time, but am not ready to go scratch -- neither in terms of skills nor in terms of tools.  I'm hoping that this small kit will allow me to build my skills to the point that I might attempt a larger POF project.  As a brief aside, there do not seem to be many options for POF kits from approved producers; I've found CAF to be basically it, except for Chuck's exceptional models which are not currently available.  Perhaps Chris Watton at Vanguard will have the Speedwell available by the time I'm ready to move on!

 

James H has a wonderful kit review up for this model (https://modelshipworld.com/topic/36837-148-longboat-cafmodel/), so I won't spend time repeating what he already has done.  I WILL say, though, that Tom at CAF is very responsive to questions and got my kit to me from China in under10 days -- and without my paying any TrumpTariffs!

 

The box is compact and carefully packed:

We begin by building the framing jig from well-fitting plywood parts:

 

Next is the assembly of the keel to the stem, along with the construction of the hawser roller at the peak of the stem.

[hmcarlin]

Stern framing/planking is a bevy of tiny parts.  I laid the planking pieces out on double-sided tape and then glued the framing parts to that.  Then that whole assembly is glued to the sternpost.

[yvesvidal]

It is nice to see someone else assembling CAF Model kits, on this forum.

[bruce d]

It's interesting to see the difference between this build and my CAF longboat, purchased about five years ago.  

The kit has evolved. One of the changes is the more detailed stern. I had already decided to replace the plain stern in my kit: now I see Tom has had the same thought. 

 

hmcarlin, you're off to a good start, I will pull up a chair.