Model Shipways Kit No. MS1417 Dory, Pram and Smack

BruceIves

BruceIves

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Nov 9, 2021
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Brantford, Ontario
I started building ship models with no real knowledge of the craft. I built the Billing Boats St. Roch, and to my surprise it turned out rather well - it challenged both my mental and physical skills and the end result surprised me. Virtually no instructions are provided with this kit so I had to make up everything as I went along and I used the build logs from SOS extensively. When I looked to see what was available to build next, the Model Shipways kit with the Dory, Pram and Smack was suggested by an SOS member. It was also suggested that I post a build log for this.

It took a long time to get hold of this kit. I bought it from Great Hobbies in Toronto where in mid November it was on back order. I received it on January 6, 2023.

Looking at this kit I realize I made the right choice. There are good instructions which will teach me techniques that I should have known about when I started the St. Roch. Three instruction booklets are provided, one for each model, and each contains step by step instructions and colour illustrations. The dory is a kit for beginners which is where I should have started in the first place!! The kit also provides some of the tools that are required.

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As I was new to shipbuilding, this series was the first three ships I completed. I finished the lobster smack this past December.

I found the kits to be extremely helpful , and they gave me a pretty fair understanding of shipbuilding.

I’m about to undertake my fourth ship , which is Japanese junk, and I look to apply the building techniques that I learned from this series.

Enjoy

BMT
 
Thank you for your encouraging words. I think these kits will require less brute force and more finesse than the St Roch and the pieces and the construction methods will be much more like reality. I am going to need to be more careful!
 
The full line from beginners to top level kits from Model Shipways are good kits. I have found great instructions and parts, and good customer service.

I believe some of the delays may have been due to the company moving to new facility late last year.

Please do a build log, and we will all watch as you go, and remember if you have a question or problem, just post it in the build log and someone will normally be able to provide help to you.
 
I have finally been able to start the Dory. I have three first impressions:

This model is smaller and more delicate than anything that I have worked on before. I am going to need to be very careful.

The manual for this model is much better than the manuals that have accompanied any other model I have worked on before. The step by step instructions are clear and well illustrated and also contain information on technique and tools.

This is a model of a very simple craft. There are no knobs and dials.
 
As that was my first ever wooden model. I found it most enjoyable, and the instructions are beneficial.

I am just about to start HMS Bounty Launch - Model Shipways - Scale 1:16, and unfortunately, the building instructions are not as thorough as in the Shipways Series.

Enjoy your Dory.

BMT
 
I just started this build and it's my first time!!
I'm building the dory now.
And yes it is very delicate.
Directions are great for a newbie!!
 
I am exactly where you are sanding is very difficult and I hope everything lines up when I'm done I think I'm a little off on some measurements but I probably can tweak it a little.
 
BMT said:
As that was my first ever wooden model. I found it most enjoyable, and the instructions are beneficial.

I am just about to start HMS Bounty Launch - Model Shipways - Scale 1:16, and unfortunately, the building instructions are not as thorough as in the Shipways Series.

Enjoy your Dory.

BMT
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Please use the search function in SoS to see if others have posted a build log, it may provide info and assistance you need, for info not covered in instructions.

Kurt
 
Thanks, Kurt. I do have usedtosail and Sunsanvil build logs that I will be reviewing.

Thanks again for the tip. BMT
 
I have glued the bottom to the frame - I hope successfully. However I am going to unglue the transom from the bottom and move it in a bit as it is sticking out from the bottom too far. The bottom plank will not fit at the transom properly. I will let you know how this goes ....
 
I recently finished the Pram and your right definitely a different fish for sure,
I’m on the lobster smack now, halfway through the hull planking!
 
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Ok. I am still fighting with planking on the dory. When you say the Pram is a different kettle of fish do you mean the Pram is easier or harder than the dory? Just trying to manage my expectations!! ….
 
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