ModelShipways Norwegian Sailing Pram In Progress

[Kurt Konrath]

Have you tried doing a search using PRAM to see what other builders did or said about installing the oar lock brass?

I am sure you not the first to post a build log, but I have no experience on this kit, so I am of no help here.

 

[Rob444]

Hello from Denver! - I am currently building this same Pram. This is my second build, first being the Dory. I have enjoyed both - so far. I have most of the woodwork finished on the Pram and am just starting to undertake the etched metal components. After installing the "Stay Plates", "backstay straps" and front "Eyebolt" I am ready to move on to the "Oarlock plates" - This is where the project is no longer fun and may stall. So Im reaching out to this board for some opinion. The following photo illustrates my issue. The instruction says to fit the oarlock plates onto the "Rowlock pads" using CA. OK, fine, easy enough. Then, using a #71 drill bit drill through the plates to open up the holes for the "Bolt shafts" BOLT SHAFTS? - Are the talking about the 16 small brass nails that were included in the kit? I can find NO reference to these 16 nails in the instruction sheet. If they are, the appear to be way out of scale for this intended purpose. These nails are too big for the plates. I used one for the Backstay plates on the mast but took lots of finesse by drilling out the plates to fit that "bolt" - That was not fun, but I got it. - Still looks out of scale to me. I even tried cutting some of the smallest brass rod to fashion the bolts, but that did not work well for me when I was assembling the tiller - as I kept bending the brass attempting to mushroom the head. I finally got it after my third attempt. Frustrating got sure - this hobby is supposed to be fun - right?
View attachment 535986

View attachment 535987

View attachment 535988

View attachment 535989

View attachment 535990

The nails supplied are way too big. I did not even try using them. I believe I just used CA to attach the metal to the wood and called it a day. IF you wish I am sure you can find some thin brass rod, cut off small pieces and then use them to represent the nails. There are many build logs concerning construction of the pram.

Here is mine, but you can find many others to help you

Norwegian Sailing Pram from Model Shipways Building Log

This is my first building log. This is the second wooden ship I have built. I have done plastic models for many years. I found the Ship of Scales site and decided to dip my toe in after reading for a few months. My first build was the Grand Banks Dory, which I found to be a lot of fun. My...

shipsofscale.com

Rob

 

[Cabin Boy]

Have you tried doing a search using PRAM to see what other builders did or said about installing the oar lock brass?

Of course I did - None really touched on those nails that are too big or what the work around was - but I may have missed it.

 

[Cabin Boy]

Thank you for the compliment. You think the warlocks were no fun, wait till you work on the gudgeons and pintles. For the oarlocks I simply placed them on a piece of scrap wood and drilled the holes to make them bigger. Also be aware the sail pattern is too small. You might want to scan it and then increase the size until it looks right.

Your Pram looks great so far.

Well maybe this is a good opportunity to get that tiny power drill - Dremel? I have a small pin vise but getting through the brass is fairly time consuming and it really does not fit into my hand very well. - Thanks for the tip on the sail too.

 

[Rob444]

Well maybe this is a good opportunity to get that tiny power drill - Dremel? I have a small pin vise but getting through the brass is fairly time consuming and it really does not fit into my hand very well. - Thanks for the tip on the sail too.

I have a Dremel, which I find fairly large and bulky. I have recently purchased a "nail drill" used by nail parlors. They are really inexpensive and work great for sanding tasks. They are considerably smaller and easier to handle. I have also (thanks to a tip by Jimsky) used some wonderful drills that fit the nail drill (Dremel tool shafts are too big). The best thing is they are both inexpensive. The torque is not as high as a Dremel but it works well for me. If you haven't you may want to anneal the brass by heating it until it turns red and letting it cool. It will make it much more malleable.

Loading…

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBKQVJHB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Rob