Model Shipways Massachusetts Privateer Rattlesnake

[PGN]

I started the build on 26 December, I'm really enjoying it.

I didn't do an inventory of the parts in the box, I figure if something is missing, I'll order it.

I did get the Model Shipways jig, which helped prep me for beginning the build. As simple as the jig is...you have to fill in the blanks with the directions. It also gave me an opportunity to remember how easily the wood break. So far, I'm happy with the jig, the only pain is that when locking the jig, you need a pair of needle nose plyers to hold the bolt as you're tightening the butterfly nut.

 

[PGN]

I waited 24 hours after the center keel was glued, I had is sandwiched between wax paper with weights on top. I ended up using clothing pins to hold the keel,
stem, and sternpost in place while it was drying.

 

[PGN]

Lesson learned with the jig. I will draw gridlines on it for my next ship. It held the 90 degree angles perfectly but I just couldn't get out of 2 dimensional thinking. After the last bulkhead was dry, I held it up and notice the the tops of the bulkheads were not even. Not too bad but enough to start shimming and sanding more then I should have. Also bulkhead 'K' didn't really fit right, I needed to sand a lot to get it inline with bulkheads J & L.

 

[PGN]

Pretty much self explanatory. No issues carving the filler blocks, bulkheads, & cutting the rabbet.

 

[PGN]

I monkeyed around with this craving a lot. I first tried to cut through it but too risky for me. Then I took the dremel to it. I figured I would grind through the back part and leave the cravings in tack. I was making progress but then I noticed that the metal was ever so slightly, starting to bend. I called it quits, painted it gold and then used a small brush to apply the black.

 

[PGN]

I ended up painting the window pains occre, I was too lazy to go get some blue paint so I talked myself into using the same color that was going to be used later on. I put aluminum foil to represent the windows.

 

[PGN]

I ended up soaking the tops of the bulkheads in hot water for 30 minutes to get them aligned properly.

Edit: DO NOT DO THIS!

While it did manage to even out tops of the bulkheads.....the bulkheads below soaked up the water an lost alignment.

 

[PGN]

Next step was building the Forecastle rails. Something interesting from my perspective is the the knightheads come through the bottom of the rail. The original placement of the knightheads was too far back and too thick to go through the rail bottom. So I have 4 knightheads...... I brushed on primer and after it dried I broke out the paint gun and painted it black. Tonight I wanted a feel for drilling the rail for the belay pins. No major issues, no split wood.

 

[PGN]

I started the gun & oar ports yesterday. I initially used the 1/16" square framing that the directions call for. My opinion, it is too thin and it would be difficult to get the bulkheads aligned with the ports. Would either have to make the bulkheads 1/16" thick, leave gaps between the planks and the ports, or bend the planks to attach to the ports. I ended up using the 3/23" x 1/8" x 24" strip. The kit only came with one so I have more ordered, should be here by the end of the week.

 

[PGN]

I ended up soaking the tops of the bulkheads in hot water for 30 minutes to get them aligned properly.

View attachment 206758View attachment 206759

Lesson learned: Do not do this.

 

[Uwek]

I started the build on 26 December, I'm really enjoying it.

I didn't do an inventory of the parts in the box, I figure if something is missing, I'll order it.

I did get the Model Shipways jig, which helped prep me for beginning the build. As simple as the jig is...you have to fill in the blanks with the directions. It also gave me an opportunity to remember how easily the wood break. So far, I'm happy with the jig, the only pain is that when locking the jig, you need a pair of needle nose plyers to hold the bolt as you're tightening the butterfly nut.

View attachment 206746View attachment 206747

Hallo Paul, alias @PGN
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

[PGN]

Hallo Paul, alias @PGN
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Thank you.

 

[PGN]

I get the feeling that the Rattlesnake has been played out...

 

[PGN]

Working on the first 3 strakes below the wale.

 

[PGN]

Had to realign the starboard strakes. I'm really enjoying screwing up with this and finding a solution. The 4th strake came out good. I'm increasing the width of the planks on the bow, had I kept using the fan....there would have been an over abundance of stealers. Looks like I will only need then in the stern.

 

[PGN]

Finished planking the hull. I'll clean it up tomorrow, put the rails on and prime it.

Has anyone used an airbrush to apply primer?

 

[PGN]

Tonight I installed the molding strip, it runs the length of the ship. I rounded the squire strip of wood.. The outboard covering strip towards stern of the ship, pretty easy as were applying the rail caps. On the stern I made the rail using my trusty curling iron. I also installed the rail caps. Next step is priming the hull.

 

[PGN]

First experiment with painting.

 

[PGN]

The directions recommend topside rails be painted ochre. I like how that turned out.

 

[PGN]

Did a quick test run for the weather decks. Top is untreated, bottom I penciled the sides and used a punch to simulate tree nails and then stained.