US Frigate Confederacy by mrmadalena - Model Shipways - scale 1:64

[mrmadalena]

Hi all. It has been a long time since I created a build log, but I thought the Confederacy would be a good project for a log. This ship is my most ambitious ship. My last three builds in order was the Unicorn, Brig Eagle and small Bluenose. I posted some pics of these ships to show my past work.

 

Ok, as for the Confederacy. I have assembled the bulkhead former, pre-bent the rabbet, cut out the frames and the stem. I have included pics of the progress.

 

Thats it so far. Next up, install the rabbet, tapper the bulkhead former to the rabbet, sand and put the stem together.

 

Any comments or questions are very welcome!

[augie]

I'll wish you a good journey on this one.  She's a fun project.

[Kevin]

i will be following, as she will be my next build, as i have dismissed any intentions to scratch build as my skills are not good enough

[mrmadalena]

Thanks guys for well wishes.

 

Augie, I have been reading you Confederacy build log with great interest and I hope my build is half as good as your Confederacy.

 

Kevin, I hope this build will give me the confidence to try a scratch build next. At least that is my intention!

 

Mark

[augie]

Looking at your builds, yours can easily surpass mine.  I'll be following along.

 

If you haven't already, see the logs by Ben (Trussben) and RustyJ.  They've been a real help to me.

[mrmadalena]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, I have checked out Bens and RustyJs logs and they are very helpful.

 

Mark

[mrmadalena]

Quick update. I sanded the laser cut edges and darkend the edges before gluing in place. I will shape and do final sanding before I stain the piece.

Edited October 16, 2014 by mrmadalena

[Trussben]

Hi Mark,

 

Good start and I shall watch with interest.

 

Ben

[mrmadalena]

Ben, thank you and I have really enjoyed reading your Confederacy log. You have done a wonderful ship.

 

An update to this build. I shaped and stained the stem and parts to the keel. Later today I am going to install the keel.

Edited October 18, 2014 by mrmadalena

[Trussben]

Hey Mark,

 

What stain did you use? Looks pretty dark from the photo. I had issues using darker tinted shades of stain on the kit basswood with very blotchy results, so I used lighter shades cut 70/30 with a natural stain and did not have any blotchy issues.

 

Ben

[augie]

I don't know Ben.  It may be a bit dark but it all depends on Mark's preference.  I do agree, however, that blotchiness can be a problem with darker stains and the kit basswood.  That's why I always use pre-stain on basswood and it really helps unify the color.

[mrmadalena]

Hi guys. I used golden oak. It came out a bit darker than than I thought it would. I tried the stain on a stip from the kit and it looked fine. That being said, I think the darker shade on the stem and keel will work with lighter planking.

 

I'm going go with Augie' suggestion with pre-stain. If still a problem, cut down the stain as Ben suggest.

[Trussben]

Sorry, didn't mean to say I dislike the color you chose at all, I just wanted to bring up the blotchy issue that i came across with the basswood.

I also remember that somebody had an even worse effect with using dark stain on the end grain of basswood parts for the frame reveal parts.

 

Ben

[mrmadalena]

Ben, no need to apologize. I appreciate the comments and understood you were warning me about the blochy issue with the basswood. I appreciate all comments and help. Since this is the first time I have worked with basswood your comment was very helpful.

 

As you can see, I have the stem and keel in place. I have also dry fit the frames. The are in snug and I can get a idea of which frames need a bit more sanding to fit correctly. Next up, remove the burn from the frames and glue them in place.

[Landlubber Mike]

Nice work, looking forward to following your build.

 

Very nice Unicorn - a number of us on here are building the same kit at the moment.  

[mrmadalena]

Mike, thank you for the complement. The Unicorn was a fun build. I did notice lots of Unicorn builds and I like your idea on building the Lyme based on the Unicorn.

[mrmadalena]

More progress made... (get lots done when on vacation!). The frames have been glued in place. Everything is square. I do have one frame that is a tad high and one that is a tad low. I will fix before installing the gun deck. I also installed the fillers between the frames, the bow filler, which lines up correctly with the rabbet. I also installed the half bulkheads.

 

Next up, installing the sub gun deck platforms.

[mrmadalena]

I installed the sub gun deck platforms today. I sanded them lightly and stained them with minwax natural (applied pre stain first). I also created braces for the frames, which do seem fragile at this point. I think I'm going to brace the frames a bit more before fairing the hull. (I just know im going to smack one of the frames will sanding)

[Trussben]

Nice.

 

Ben

[mrmadalena]

Ben, thank you.

[mrmadalena]

I have spent the last couple days fairing the hull on the Confederacy. As suggested, by the excellent instructions that come with the kit, I checked the process using a 1/16 x 1/8 strip and corrected any bumps. I then assembled the shadow box and installed the frame for the cut-away. I sanded the frames down and they follow the line of the hull. Next, I will stain the frames with golden oak.

 

Framing the stern comes next.

[augie]

Looking good.  Be a bit cautious on the stain for the exposed frames.  The run of the grain makes them take up the stain a little differently than you might expect.  As always, test a small sample before you commit.

[mrmadalena]

Thanks Augie. I will be pre-staining first and run a test, as you suggest.

[Trussben]

Hey mike,

 

A couple of the double frames appear to have a gap in them?? Or is it just the photo? If it's really there you should try and fix that before doing anything else.

And as Augie noted, be careful staining the end grain of those parts, it will normally come out darker than you think.

 

Ben

Edited October 27, 2014 by Trussben

[mrmadalena]

Ben, Thanks. I sanded the frames down and cleand up the gap. Attached is the frames with stain applied. Still see a bit of a seam, but im happy with the look. A bit more sanding will be done to clean up a bit before applying poly finish.

 

I also started framing the stern. Slow going.... Work getting in the way of building!

[Trussben]

You certainly sorted out the exposed frames, they look great now!

 

Now a big warning!!! On that stern framing take it really slow, look at every build log you can find, and reread the instructions twenty times! I had MAJOR issues here! Angle of the stern for one that didn't show up until I tried to install the Quarter Galleries etc....

Honestly take your time here just like fairing the bulkheads for hull planking, if something is off in this framing then the stern won't come together just as it should.

PM me, Augie, Chuck, Rusty or any other Confed builder for help and I'm sure we will all try and help you get this perfect.

 

Ben

[mrmadalena]

Hi Ben and thanks! I did notice some issues with the stern in some of the build logs. I have been doing as you suggested and taking this part very slow. I already caught a mistake I made with the position of the HH frame position. I was able to fix before glue set. Also, the L4 lintel is a bit off, but I think this be corrected when I fair the sections.

 

I do appreciate the advice and will certainly pm with any questions!

 

Mark

[augie]

Ben gave me the same advice when I got to this point and Chuck chimed in as well.  I was sure glad they did  --- alignment is critical here.  So take every bit of time you need.  It's worth it in the end.

[mtdoramike]

Very nice work on your previous ship models. I'm looking forward to your progressive build of the Con also.

[mrmadalena]

Augie, thank you for the advice. Im sure I will be looking at your build and Ben's build as I proceed. Re-reading the instructions again tonight on the stern section.

 

Mike, thank you for the complement.

 

Mark