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Model Shipways FAIR AMERICAN 14 GUN Privateer 1:48 SCALE

Joined
Jan 9, 2022
Messages
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Location
Winter Haven, Florida
I have 3 kits on the shelf to build.
Hayling Hoy 1760 1:48 Pearwood version. Waiting for missing parts from manufacturer Hayling Hoy
Model Shipways Fair American 14 Gun Privater 1:48 Fair American
Pavel's San Bartolome 1:48 San Bartolome

Just completed Pavel's Santa Maria. Great kit. Santa Maria

Thought I would build something a little less complicated from the Santa Maria. Decided on the Fair American.

There are several good builds on SOS build log site to review as I am building. SOS build logs

Fair american.jpegFair american2.jpeg
 
Thank you Jeff. Came close to putting everything out on the street, but guess I'm glad I didn't. Hope I learn a few things building the Santa Maria that will help improve the Fair Ameican build.
 
Thank you Jeff. Came close to putting everything out on the street, but guess I'm glad I didn't. Hope I learn a few things building the Santa Maria that will help improve the Fair Ameican build.
well, I think your abilities are beyond mine, but if there is anything I can do to help, I'm glad to. Even willing to make the drive again. :)
 
I fitted all the bulkheads. Like I see in other builds, the bulkheads don't reach the bearding line. I was going to redraw the bearding line to meet the bulkheads, but after looking at other builds I didn't see where anyone did this. So... I'll trim the bearding line as drawn by Model Shipways. I'll think about adding shims to the bottom of the bulkheads so they reach the bearding line, then sand the shims to blend in with the contour of the bulkhead.
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A gentleman with the screen name GenericDave (not sure if he is on Ships of Scale) created some build log blogs on several ships, including the Fair American and the Bluenose. I found his blog work to be indispensable when I built my Bluenose.

Here is the link to his Fair American blog - https://suburbanshipmodeler.com/category/fair-american/

Although it doesn't look like he ever finished his blog here, I hope some of it is helpful.
 
Thank you GGibson. Appreciate the post. Yes, I have those in my folder. I've read all his work on the FA.

I found 15 build logs. Some here on SOS and some on other sites. Plently of info to look at. I also have Bob Hunts Practicum on the FA and plan on putting in the cabin and opening in the hull showing fake bulkheads like one would see on a Plank on Frame.
 
I sanded the rabbet. Was easier than I thought it would be. The keel is 3/16" thick. One must remove 1/16" from each side up to the bearding line. I cut a very shallow groove in the keel in each side leaving 1/16" uncut in the center as this needs to remain unchanged. The dark part in the center is 1/16". The groove is about 1/16" deep.
1.jpg

Next I sanded each side down from the bearding line down to just touching the 1/16" dark area in the center. 2.jpg
3.jpg

The next step is to cut down the top part of the keel at the stern to make the floor of the cabin. And to trim the deck curve on some of the bulkheads to the level of the new keel dimensions, making a level floor for the cabin.
 
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