This is my first wood kit model. I have built 3 large-scale plastic models. I rigged two of them full sail using my own sails made from muslin. I built my first in the early 1980s while stationed at USCG Station Castle Hill in Newport, RI. It is also where I fell in love with the tall ships and sailing ships in general. The first was the Revell Monogram 1:96 Scale USS Constitution Model Kit. Even though it was plastic, I rigged it full sails, including stun'sls. (studding sails). Next was the USS United States in the 1990s, and again I rigged it full sail. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures. Then, in about 2016, I once again completed the USS Constitution but never got a chance to rig the sails before it got destroyed in the move to my current location. Here is a link to the pics: 2016 USS Constitution. I am nearing completion of the OcCre HMS Beagle and have enjoyed the voyage.
06APR2-25: Just returned from vacation, but managed to get a few foresails & Jibs up. I am finding that some of the instructions could be better concerning the placement of the lines. But overall, I am happy enough with the kit to order the new project. So the OcCre Amerigo Vespucci kit is on the way. Looking forward to starting it soon!
10MAR2025: Now that I have committed to this hobby, I have started setting up the hobby room, aka shipyard.
So far, the admiral isn't complaining too much. I guess it keeps me out of her hair.
I made my own rigging rig, and it's working well so far. The picture on the end shows me inspecting shrouds and ratlines on the S/V Western Union.
In my younger years, I was a Boatswain Mate in the US Coast Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Bosun. Later, I became a ship inspector and Class Surveyor.
So my love of boats runs deep, especially the rigging and sails.
Although I have painted many boats and ships in my day, model painting still challenges me. But, like anything, I guess I will improve with practice and time.
Planking the small boats was a real eye-opener. But I love working on the details.
The planking was new to me. I have inspected several large wooden boats, which helped. I certainly made my mistakes, but I look at this first one as a learning experience.
My Kids purchased the Kit as a father's day gift, but I was not able to start the project until Sep 2025. This is my learning project, and I am really enjoying it.
06APR2-25: Just returned from vacation, but managed to get a few foresails & Jibs up. I am finding that some of the instructions could be better concerning the placement of the lines. But overall, I am happy enough with the kit to order the new project. So the OcCre Amerigo Vespucci kit is on the way. Looking forward to starting it soon!
10MAR2025: Now that I have committed to this hobby, I have started setting up the hobby room, aka shipyard.
So far, the admiral isn't complaining too much. I guess it keeps me out of her hair.
I made my own rigging rig, and it's working well so far. The picture on the end shows me inspecting shrouds and ratlines on the S/V Western Union.
In my younger years, I was a Boatswain Mate in the US Coast Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Bosun. Later, I became a ship inspector and Class Surveyor.
So my love of boats runs deep, especially the rigging and sails.
Although I have painted many boats and ships in my day, model painting still challenges me. But, like anything, I guess I will improve with practice and time.
Planking the small boats was a real eye-opener. But I love working on the details.
The planking was new to me. I have inspected several large wooden boats, which helped. I certainly made my mistakes, but I look at this first one as a learning experience.
My Kids purchased the Kit as a father's day gift, but I was not able to start the project until Sep 2025. This is my learning project, and I am really enjoying it.
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