USF Essex by woodrat - FINISHED - Scale 1:64 - Fully Framed - from Portia Takakjian plans

[woodrat]

Having lost my build log in the catastrophic crash of 2012, I will try to resurrect an abbreviated version. I used Portia Takakjians plans and referred to both the AOTS book and the POF publication. There were significant differences in the deck framing between the two books. This was my first ship-model and I learnt a lot along the way, especially from MSW members later on. The build took 10 years and was done in american cherry for the structural elements. Hope you like it.

Dick

 

a representative midship frame the bow framing completestern module

hull framing complete

[AndrewNaylor]

Not sure where you live but the actual model is in an art gallery In Kennebunkport Maine USA I call in every summer and look at it with wonderment 

[woodrat]

I live in Perth , Western Australia, Andrew. Bit far to go for a casual visit. But maybe someday.....

 

Here are some more progress pics of the build. Merry Xmas. Dick

 

 

 

berth deck framing installed

 

gun deck framing

 

 

 

 

the anchor stock planking is in black walnut.

Edited April 9, 2014 by woodrat

[woodrat]

I decided not to plank the decks and leave the hull see-through, for good or ill.

 

 

 

 

the steering gear

 

Brodie stove

 

 

Cheers. Dick

 

 

 

 

Edited May 26, 2016 by woodrat

[woodrat]

  deck framing mostly complete. I used the AOTS layout with some modifications such as the underslung cathead.

  the belfry

 

components of main capstan

 

 

the boomkins in place

 

  double ship's wheel and main cabin wirh rudder housing

Edited April 10, 2014 by woodrat

[ScottRC]

I have always admired the lines of the Essex and wanted you to know that your build is very, very good.

[rwiederrich]

Great job woodrat.....great job.

[woodrat]

thanks chaps. There is still a ways to go yet

 

 

after a disastrous first attempt the second version of the lantern was a bit better

 

 

steering gear connected and functioning

the build as at may 2010

 

Dick

Edited April 10, 2014 by woodrat

[Sailor1234567890]

Awesome.

[woodrat]

the quarter gallery lights were wrong, so I redid them. boarding steps.

 

 

[woodrat]

The following shows the steps of the construction of the double wheel. The wood is jarrah.

 

  turning the wheel on the Unimat

 

spokes

 

spokes in place

 

drum being machined

 

 

 

brass facing cut from sheet brass

 

Edited December 28, 2013 by woodrat

[AnobiumPunctatum]

Really wonderful build

[woodrat]

Thank you Christian.

 

Cutting slots with cross-slide

 

 

deadeyes in place.

companionway

pinrails

 

[woodrat]

I initally did the seats of ease as per the AOTS drawing but, after ribald comments from various MSW members about wet bums in any sort of sea, I redid them in a more traditional way.

 

 

 

the old seats for hardy sailors

 

 

that's better (and drier!)

Edited December 30, 2013 by woodrat

[woodrat]

some views of the fearsome mohawk figurehead

 

[phebe]

That is really an incredible job! I love the Essex and always had it in mind to try to build her one day.  It seems like a super ambitious project for a first ship model. Very nice!

[woodrat]

 I love the Essex and always had it in mind to try to build her one day.

Thanks, Phebe and Happy New Year!

 

[woodrat]

The steps in comstruction of longboat over a balsa mold

[Vivian Galad]

The lifeboat alone is a masterpiece!! Following this one too.

[woodrat]

The lifeboat alone is a masterpiece!! Following this one too.

Thanks Vivian. Scratch building is very satisfying. I heartily recommend it.

Dick

[woodrat]

The cutter is similarly constructed

 

 

the boot

[woodrat]

This completes the  abbreviated build log of US Frigate Essex Dick

 

[md1400cs]

Dick,

 

Hello, I just discovered your build from the "full view" section. OMG way to hidden. Awesome build. I did not want to click "Like This" 20+ times so,

just posting a note here. Super excellent work. A pleasure to see. I will follow along.

 

PS Your long boat is superb. It looks very similar to the Vasa's long boat. I will probably use your technique if I decide to add one for my build. Thanks for sharing.

 

Regards,

 

Michael

[woodrat]

Thanks, Michael. Most kind in you. I certainly would recommend doing the longboat for your Wasa. I found the ship's boats a very satisfying part of the build and building it over a mould is easier than you think. Great work on the Wasa too.

Dick