Kingfisher 1770 1:48 POF
- Thread starter dockattner
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Escaping the Illinois winter for a short time. Enjoy
Hello Friends!
It's been nearly a month since I've updated this build log with actual progress on the ship. Since that time my wife and I took an extended trip along the western coast of the US, celebrated the life of her father and mourned his passing, and connected with relatives we rarely see from her side of the family.
Along the way I also completed the fabrication of the building jig for my Kingfisher. This was quite a project as there are nearly 100 individual pieces that all have to fit just so. The jig is made from particle board (fiberboard). Particle board is recognized for its stability over time and notwithstanding the age of this kit I found the panels to be relatively flat.
The building jig is designed to build the ship upright and allows for individual segments of the jig to be removed (presumably for access to the outboard surfaces of the frames). I'll learn more about the design features of the jig as the build continues - but for now I can only say I haven't seen a building jig quite like this one.
There are tabs that connect each of the sidewalls to the base. And while these connections are surprisingly snug, I chose to 'stiffen' the jig by adding my own corner blocks along with bolts and wingnuts holding the sidewalls firmly in place. I also added the strip along the top of the sidewalls to assure everything stayed in alignment.
The base was also strengthened:
My appreciation to Ted (@tedboat) for sending me some pictures of his build jig modifications.
And here is the 'spine' of the ship sitting in the jig:
It's no accident that it fits perfectly!
I have not cleaned up the notches for the frames (the particle board does not mill up as nicely as boxwood - indeed, it's quite rough and I can only imagine the mess it made in Bob's shop during fabrication). Oh, and the smell must have been...
I have enjoyed following all of your work during my little break. There are lots of really exciting and innovative builds on the forum right now and it was fun to be a voyeur. That said, I'm happy the Kattner shipyard is open for business again.
Next up: the challenging transom...
It's been nearly a month since I've updated this build log with actual progress on the ship. Since that time my wife and I took an extended trip along the western coast of the US, celebrated the life of her father and mourned his passing, and connected with relatives we rarely see from her side of the family.
Along the way I also completed the fabrication of the building jig for my Kingfisher. This was quite a project as there are nearly 100 individual pieces that all have to fit just so. The jig is made from particle board (fiberboard). Particle board is recognized for its stability over time and notwithstanding the age of this kit I found the panels to be relatively flat.
The building jig is designed to build the ship upright and allows for individual segments of the jig to be removed (presumably for access to the outboard surfaces of the frames). I'll learn more about the design features of the jig as the build continues - but for now I can only say I haven't seen a building jig quite like this one.
There are tabs that connect each of the sidewalls to the base. And while these connections are surprisingly snug, I chose to 'stiffen' the jig by adding my own corner blocks along with bolts and wingnuts holding the sidewalls firmly in place. I also added the strip along the top of the sidewalls to assure everything stayed in alignment.
The base was also strengthened:
My appreciation to Ted (@tedboat) for sending me some pictures of his build jig modifications.
And here is the 'spine' of the ship sitting in the jig:
It's no accident that it fits perfectly!
I have not cleaned up the notches for the frames (the particle board does not mill up as nicely as boxwood - indeed, it's quite rough and I can only imagine the mess it made in Bob's shop during fabrication). Oh, and the smell must have been...
I have enjoyed following all of your work during my little break. There are lots of really exciting and innovative builds on the forum right now and it was fun to be a voyeur. That said, I'm happy the Kattner shipyard is open for business again.
Next up: the challenging transom...
First, I’m truly sorry for your loss Paul and condolences to you and your wife.
Glad to see you back at the shipyard and things, building wise, are looking good. Wouldn’t expect anything less from you.
Ron
Glad to see you back at the shipyard and things, building wise, are looking good. Wouldn’t expect anything less from you.
Ron
My condolences to you and your family.
Nice jig Paul! That should help ensure a true frame!
Cleaning up slots in jigs is scary business…lol. When I built the BN I made sure to always adjust the width on the same side of each slot ( ie towards the bow) so I didn’t change the frame spacing at the top. As you know, it’s a function of trigonometry, so the taller the frame, the more the angle of the frame is changed by moving the top location point. Sorry to be rhetorical, but just making a point. Only take as little as possible off the frame or slot to ensure a snug fit, and always the same side.
Looking forward to your progress posts! Welcome back!
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Hi Paul. Also my condolences.
Glad to see you are back ‘in business’. It’s a impressive jig. So, the base is good, what can go wrong?
Regards, Peter
Glad to see you are back ‘in business’. It’s a impressive jig. So, the base is good, what can go wrong?
Regards, Peter
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Ciao Paul. Anche le mie condoglianze.
Hi Paul. My condoleances.
The jig looks very nice and sturdy.
The jig looks very nice and sturdy.
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I'm sorry to hear that. Please accept my deepest condolences my friend.
As for other things. It's good to see your work on the model
I like the way you celebrate the life of a person in the family. Looking for that blessed hope and coming of the Lord!
Hi Paul, Sincere condolences on the loss of your father-in-law.
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Dear Paul. Also my condolences.
Glad to see you are back ‘in business with impressive jig
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My Condolences for your lost.
Thanks for the fotos of the jig. This will help me, to design the jig for my current project.
Thanks for the fotos of the jig. This will help me, to design the jig for my current project.
Classic Paul comment. Good morning Paul. That is one of a kind jig. You certainly got it all spot on. Good thinking re your reinforcements. Would be an overkill for Grant but then my spine should not fit perfectly
.Condolences on the passing of your father in law. I always find it thought provoking how we seem to connect with old friends and family rarely seen at weddings and funerals.
Awesome work as always.
Cheers Grant
Sorry to read the sad news Paul, condolences to you, your wife and family.
That modified jig looks interesting and your clear photographs are really helpful. Looking forward to your continued progress.
That modified jig looks interesting and your clear photographs are really helpful. Looking forward to your continued progress.