Hallo @Ahoy All and also AhoyCaptain's Log ~~~ March 08, 2021
Today is an exciting day. The day is cool, seas still calm but skies are clouding due to an approaching winter storm. There will be no red skies tonight, only the burning of midnight oil because the booty from the far distant land of ZHL has arrived. The estimated weight of the haul is 7.5 kg's. The boxed unraveling reveals the treasure, a 1:50 scale wooden ship kit of the Black Pearl in the All-Scenario version. So, its time to sit back for a bit and pour some rum into a fine glass. Best to first layout the goods on the Captain's pool table. In this way, the Admiral will be able to see how I could justify the expense. Quickly now, before she returns from the market.
The Admiral may doubt my true will and desire to complete this voyage. Her idea of money better spent might be visiting a not-too-distant port in Las Vegas. A little R & R, have a nice dinner after gaming some slots, followed by a show, and retiring for the evening to a luxury suite. Then, to awaken the next morning to gorge oneself with champagne, a full buffet brunch and parting amenities before sailing off to our home port. Alas, such a diversion allows the locals to just laugh themselves silly from picking my pockets as they present me with a final Bill of Departure. Just another fool who leaves a bit poorer for taking a 24-hour tour.
Shiver me timbers! Now these words from a loyal swashbuckler, "Captain, I believe the Admiral is discussing plans with her aide-de-camp (my mother-in-law) to chart reservations for you to sail them both to the Isle of Vegas, and anchor at a port called Treasure Island in the not-too-distant future." (The charts reveal this as dangerous territory, with an enemy ship floating in a fountain of Emerald water.) I can see she will not be denied her share of the contract agreement between us, which guarantees her equal doubloons and subsidies for any unnecessary squander taken by me, the Captain of the ship.
"This to: I saw her laughing and heard her talking to the gulls sitting on the rail, saying that he's not likely to keep the Pearl afloat for too long, a doubting Thomas." Experience tells her that you'll lose interest over time and this task may be above your pay grade. As a retired Captain, the Admiral predicts that I'll be off to other new endeavors long before the planking of the second skin.
Truth be told, the only restrictions I have been forewarned about by the Admiral is TO NOT BUILD ANYWHERE NEAR THE GALLEY OR THE DINING ROOM TABLE. So it is, the Captain's Quarter's will be my abode. (The garage workbench with my trusty hounds at my side and at my feet.) ", for now we are safe from any mutiny, and being forced to 'dancing with the hempen jig' is not part of the Admiral's current plans for me. So, I will put this parched message in a bottle and have you cast it overboard for posterity. You can bear witness that you saw me set my hand and seal to this pledge as follows:
For the words I write about the build, and despite all progress on this ship,
entries are for hopes that will give us a plank to offer constructive lip.
I know this challenge will last more than a year, rather than mere months you see,
yet, hopefully entertaining for all those aboard taking this voyage with me.
You see this thread will not be about being a pro and making it all work and no play,
but rather for learning and hearing from mates who may have something to say.
I send to each of you bucko's upon me starting this two-box kit,
cheers and wishes for good health, all glued together with time in a bottle as I see fit.
.....and so it begins, my thread on the build of the Black Pearl. Ahoy mates!
Disclaimer: (I am 66 years young. I decided to do something I've never done before, that is to build a wooden ship model. Since I enjoyed the "Pirates" movies, I looked in many places for a "wooden" Black Pearl " kit. Eventually, I found a Chinese manufacturer, ZHL on the internet after a few searches, so I ordered the Pearl. I've been doing a lot of reading, research and YouTube vids on model ship building over the past few months. Ordering new tools and making some. Now, I have discovered the SHIPS OF SCALE forum. After joining, I see there may exist two sides of the spectrum in regard to who and what is credible or not as a legitimate model and/or supplier of these type kits. I personally don't have a dog in this fight since I possess little knowledge and skill in regard to this hobby or craft. I'm just a simple mate who'll enjoy some rum when documenting my build. In simple terms, I added building a $500+ wooden ship to my retirement bucket list to relax, not to raise my blood pressure...LOL!)
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
