Finally had a chance to upload the build log for the Amerigo Vespucci. Started in April, but had to travel a bit, so that slowed things down. This is second wood kit, and I an really enjoying it.
Also attached my personnel build log.
15 APR 2025 - Unpacked - Total hours: 1.0
I received the Amigo Vespucci kit from OcCre and couldn't wait to unpack it. The kit seemed complete and in good order, as usual.
21 APR 2025 - Labeled Parts - Total Hours: 2.5
Today, I labeled and organized the parts and reset the shipyard for the new production. I'm getting itchy to start, but I must finish the HMS Beagle first.
2 APR 2025 - Keel Laid - Total hours: 3.5
Big day! The keel was laid, and the frames cut out. Only had a little time before I had to get back to finishing the HMS Beagle.
10 MAY 2025 – Deck planking - Total Hours to Date: 15.0
Worked several hours on cutting and fitting the deck planks. Then, I started on the Deckhouse construction. Watertight doors and portholes were installed.
21JUN2025 - Rough planks - Total hours to date: 28.0
I wasn't able to work on this project for several weeks. I had to travel to Europe to conduct 3 surveys on the Clipper Cruise vessels. Ironically, one of them was the world's largest 5-masted square-rigged passenger sailing vessel. I took a lot of pictures and learned a lot. But now I am ready to get back to work on the Vespucci! I have completed the first course of planking. I also spent some time fairing the hull, even though it was just rough planking. Because the hull is steel, the planking will be covered with plaster and painted. So, I want the finished planks to be as smooth as possible. Plus, it is good practice for future projects.
27JUN2025 - 2nd Course of Planking - Total Hours: 36: hours
The 2nd course of planking is complete and ready for fairing with putty. The keel, aft deck, and framing rudder.
01 July 2025 - hull completed - Total hours: 45.0
The fairing and sanding are completed with one coat of primer. This took more time than expected, but the result should be good once fully painted. I will probably fill in a few more defects before starting the color coats.
14 July 2025 - hull painted and Portholes completed - Total hours: 65.0
Taping off the hull and getting the paint perfect was tough enough, but once completed, I had to drill holes for the portholes! That was nerve-racking. There are 96 portholes on each side, plus the side scuttles, which are next. It is starting to come together and look like a ship!
