Virginia Swift Pilot Boat 1805

Joined
Nov 23, 2019
Messages
28
Points
48

Ok, so I’m going to start this build log but it will be slow going because I’m still getting my new shop setup. I pretty much have the ship building area clear and almost ready but waiting on a few things. I’m excited to get started. I’ll post some pics of the shop and the kit. Thanks and stay tuned

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with all those fancy tools you have, you should be about set. I am currently working on my 7th build, Santa Ana 1784.... now have plenty of tools, no disc sander or drill press. Been working on Santa Ana for a year now. As your skills develop, hopefully, you will enjoy this hobby as much as I have. Also, this site can prove invaluable. Swift is fairly self explanatory. As you graduate into more complex models, you'll find that the instructions being more complex, sometimes leave you scratching your head. I've had to play Sherlock Holmes trying to figure many things out. Good luck and have fun. Ken
 
with all those fancy tools you have, you should be about set. I am currently working on my 7th build, Santa Ana 1784.... now have plenty of tools, no disc sander or drill press. Been working on Santa Ana for a year now. As your skills develop, hopefully, you will enjoy this hobby as much as I have. Also, this site can prove invaluable. Swift is fairly self explanatory. As you graduate into more complex models, you'll find that the instructions being more complex, sometimes leave you scratching your head. I've had to play Sherlock Holmes trying to figure many things out. Good luck and have fun. Ken

Thanks for the input! Most of the tools I already had from my other hobbies. I can already tell this site will be invaluable.
 
Hi guys, just started this same build.

Quick question -- following along some PDF instructions online & how do I determine which planks are which?
I've attached pictures below of the different planks included, but they are not marked or numbered.

any help would be appreciated.
thanks!
-Matt


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Hi Matt, It is not easy from the provided pictures to identify the wood. The light wood could be basswood, there may be some Taganica wood (popular among kit manufactures), the dark wood looks dark walnut. Do you have the Items specifications list? Maybe the wood can be identified by its dimensions: e.g strip of wood 1 x 3 x 40mm - walnut (just as an example) ;)
 
Yes, usually the dimensions are given in a parts list and also shown in the drawings.
With this you can identify the correct strips. Measure the dimensions with a caliper if you have....
 
Ok so this is what I have so far. This kit has proven to be tougher than the Artesania Latina Whale boat so far. The wood quality doesn’t seem to be as good. Instead of the pieces being laser cut, they are more pressed, so I’ve had to use my mini jig saw at times. The keel was badly warped and quit a few of the ribs were too. I soaked them warm water and ironed them flat. I soaked the deck too before temporarily pinning it in place. I almost didn’t start this but I figured what the hey, if I really mess up it was given to me and it’s all a learning process anyway!
 
Ok so this is what I have so far. This kit has proven to be tougher than the Artesania Latina Whale boat so far. The wood quality doesn’t seem to be as good, but it is from the 80’s. Instead of the pieces being laser cut, they are more pressed, so I’ve had to use my mini jig saw at times. The keel was badly warped and quit a few of the ribs were too. I soaked them in warm water and ironed them flat. I soaked the deck too before temporarily pinning it in place. I almost didn’t start this but I figured what the hey, if I really mess up, it was given to me and it’s all a learning process anyway! Thanks3C560208-140D-4148-9867-63B3BA713315.jpeg
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As others have said the front pages usually give description of wood colors and what wood they are.

To get the right size it is best to get a nice digital caliper. I got one for around $20 from Harbor Freight.

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Technically I have two Swift kits in dry dock, one 95% complete, waiting on decision on sails or no sails, standing rigging mostly done.

Then I have the same boat my daughter started, glued bulkheads on keel and quit! I have threatened to take kit to her house and get my two grandsons to help build it for display on her mantle.
 
Hello Devildoc, I take it you were a Corpsman? Interested in following your build log. Still working it? I will soon start my Swift
 
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