Model Shipways USS Niagara 1/64

[Robert Sandefur]

This is my second build. The first was the Polaris. Hopefully this build will go smoothly. As I look into the blueprint, and the directions, I do believe it's going to be quite the learning experience.

 

[Tobias]

I Like the bottle in the background Captain Morgen

 

[Robert Sandefur]

I Like the bottle in the background Captain Morgen

I wondered if anyone would notice. Too funny.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

Well I opted to but brass rod supports for the keel. Then carved out the bearding line. I really considered skipping this step, and go straight to the bulkheads. Figured I might want to follow the directions this early on.

 

[Jeff T]

Pulling up a chair to follow. This is a kit that I am interested in as I have stopped by the Niagara a couple of times when passing by Erie. PA.

 

[RogerD]

I have this kit on my shelf for a later date so I will keenly follow your build Robert. I don't remember getting a bottle of Captain Morgan from Model Expo with my kit, maybe they forgot to include it
.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

Pulling up a chair to follow. This is a kit that I am interested in as I have stopped by the Niagara a couple of times when passing by Erie. PA.

Just keep in mind that I'm still a rookie. This is my second build. And it's much different from the Polaris.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

I have this kit on my shelf for a later date so I will keenly follow your build Robert. I don't remember getting a bottle of Captain Morgan from Model Expo with my kit, maybe they forgot to include it
.

Me and the Captain might be having a conversation about the progress tonight. After me works done of course.

 

[beach]

I’m on my 3rd build shipways Rattlesnake I have found model shipbuilding to be a drinking sport that aside in my novice opinion the bearding line will make your planking look sharper I also considered skipping the process but was pleasantly surprised wile planking the hull Tito’s also helps

 

[Toolman]

Following along Robert. I also have interest in the Niagara as a future build.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

So here I am squaring up the bulkheads, trying to make use of this fancy "fair-a-frame" jig. I swear on a bottle of the captions favorite rum that it looked square.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

What kinda flipping mess I have gotten my of a flipping mess have I gotten myself into?
After going back to Ballance the bulkheads, making sure that they are symmetrical, not one is squared. And to top it off, as you will notice, one of my bulkheads wasn't seated properly.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

I think I have a plan. Scott Larkins put some nice supports in his boat. Time to find some lumber.
The bulkhead is just gonna take a lot of fabrication, and filing down, but I think I can make it work..

 

[Robert Sandefur]

Not many people put their screw-ups out there for the professional modelers to see. I'm not doing that. I'm just inserting a fix to my problem. Just keep working the problems is going to be my motto.

So she's true from stern to the bow. Within.5 millimeters. I fixed the crooked bulkhead. Now I'm ready to start fairing it in, and perhaps get the filler blocks in and shaped up.
Calling it a night.
Smooth sailing to you friends.

 

[Uwek]

Very good start of your build and also of your building log - it is looking like a very interesting project.
I will follow your log with big interest

 

[Tobias]

Hello Robert, great progress and as I can see Capitan Morgan has already been tapped.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

The filler blocks on the bow are looking good. Thank God for Dremel tools.
Stern filler blocks are glued, ready for shaping.
I was going to install the mast support blocks. My main masts are 38", and the keel slots are only 5/16". Why such a difference?
I guess I'll open the keel slots up. Wish I would have done that without the bulkheads glued in place. Ugh...
Perhaps a discussion with the captain is due.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

Let's call today "more than one way to skin a chicken".
Exactly! If there's a chance of me doing something wrong, I'm gonna do it. Fortunately I seem to find a way to dig myself out.
So I got the Knighthead and stiffener on the bow. I just made a simple jig off of the bulkheads, and got a nice level timberhead.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

So far everyone that builds the Niagara complains about the Stern timbers breaking. So far I have only broke one, while filing off the burs.
But with as much studying the filler blocks, I have failed to do it right.
I think with scrap wood and lots of glue, and some time with a Dremel, I will soon be back on track.

 

[Robert Sandefur]

Hey everyone,
Wrong way Rob here again.
I though I did a nice job on the Stern. Turns out that it was tilted up, and was supposed to be straight. No worries. Some extra wood, an a good file will get me through another blunder.