Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack by LJC - Model Shipways 1:24

[LJC]

I’m new to model ship building and have been inspired by my brother‘s work. I’m a retired nuclear engineer, but have done woodworking as a hobby all my life. Since retiring, I am working part time building new houses as well as renovations. I have chosen the Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack as my first model build and to track in Model Ship World.  I have spent about 14 hours on the build so far, but I’m just getting around to starting the log.  

Edited Wednesday at 05:42 PM by LJC
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[palmerit]

Did you see that Olha Batchvarov did a build of this on her YouTube channel? It's recordings of a live build (she does on Sat and Sun mornings). I think she finished this one back in April or May, it started last January. It's step by step, with each recording for about two hours, and she tries to go beyond to make a really nice version of the model. I've learned a lot watching (also listening) to her video series:

 

 

[palmerit]

On your first post, you can edit it and add "tags" such as "muscongus bay lobster smack" and "midwest products" since they help people in the future working on this model find your build log. I use that feature all the time when working on a model to quickly pull up other logs when I hit a snag. There is also a "model shipways" version of the smack (I built that one). It's similar - and the end result looks similar - but it is a different model. If you poke around on other build logs just make not if you're looking at the midwest for model shipways versions.

Someone else might also suggest (or even just edit) your post to add "- First Build" on the end of your title. I think some people are sometimes more likely to pop in when they see a "- First Build" in the title of a log to see if they can chime in, even if they have not built that particular model themselves.

[LJC]

Palmerit, thanks for the posts. I did see her YouTube build and plan on referring to it especially when I’m out of ideas.  As for tags, I’m still learning how to use all the features of the log.

[LJC]

Growing up in Tidewater Va, I wanted to build something similar to what I saw on the waters of Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay.  After reviewing numerous build logs, I chose the lobster smack because of the many logs with photos and helpful hints on this build. To keep this build separate from any other woodworking projects, I set up space in a spare room. After reviewing the build instructions multiple times, I opened the kit and trimmed & sanded pieces for the initial build. 

[LJC]

The assembly of the cross frames to the keel was straightforward, except…   The notches on frame, F1, F2, and F3 are cut at an angle to install the batten from bow to stern. If any of the frames are installed backward, the angle is not right for installing the batten and new notches will have to be cut. Not a big deal but next time I’ll mark certain parts as front and back.

[LJC]

Based on comments from other build logs, I spent a couple of hours adjusting the edges of the deck and frames so that the hull planking would lay smoothly over the framework. I chose to soak the side planks in water and then using the curves in my oval sink basin, I shaped the planks. By running the planks over the long and short curves in the basin, I was able to shape the planks so that they closely fit the frame and the keel. I then clamped the wet planks to the frame and Keel to dry. 

[robert952]

Sitting on the dock of the bay, watching this build on the way.

 

I like watching the smaller builds.