Muscongus Bay lobster smack Midwest Models 1:24 scale

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Aug 23, 2017
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Location
central Florida
Well I decided to start on the Lobster Smack to see how much better a job I can do compared to my previous build. Shortly after starting I discovered that sheet 2 of 2 of the plans is missing. A few critical dimensions and the rigging plan is on that sheet. Fortunately the instruction booklet is detailed enough that I think I can finish the model without that sheet. I will have to guess at the length of the boom and gaff and the rigging is very simple. Apparently quite a few modelers have completed this kit as there are several completed builds when I go to google images. I have completed the framework and will start on planking the hull next. This is an easy job as there are only two planks per side. Since I recently acquired a large supply of lumber for planking I think I will add a little flavor to the model by planking the deck and cabin roof.

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A good start Bob. I found the 2 Bow blocks that are Balsa wood were the same shape, fitted ok one side but not the other side. I think this is where my problems with the Hull started. Good luck with it,
Cheers Andy
 
My filler blocks are mirror images, ie. a left and right handed pair and installed correctly. A lot to cut away but the fit was tight.
 
Well I got a fresh supply of superglue yesterday, a friend picked up a bottle of the gel type which in this case seemed to have worked better than the thin type. What I accomplished in this session was the installation of the bow filler blocks and the two planks on the left side. I first installed the upper plank and as recommended by the instructions faired it into the strake. This was preceded by soaking the plank in warm water mixed with 91% alcohol for about 10 minutes. After it dried out I did the cutting and sanding as shown. I cut and sanded the bow filler block and then after again soaking the lower plank I managed to twist it into place with the use of the gel superglue it stuck firm. I let the water evaporate and then cut and sanded it all smooth. It's going to need a little wood filler but not as much as I thought it would. Even though I plan to plank the deck and cabin roof I think I am going to forgo the urge to over plank the hull.

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Interesting little boat boat Bob,curious what you bring out of it,you have a good start.
 
I have finished constructing the hull and have added the stem. Due to some over sanding in the bow area I had to add some filler putty where the stem and hull meet. I used Tamiya white putty intended for use on plastic models as it has a much smoother texture than the wood filler I have. Next I will be adding several coats of sanding ealer prior to painting the hull.

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I have painted the hull using floquil bulwarks white. Nothing like a coat of paint and a digital camera to bring out the flaws. So it looks like I'll be doing a little more filling before applying the next coat of paint. A little hint, when working on one of the midwest boat models or any other kit that uses balsa it is a good idea to hold it up to a bright light which will identify areas where the sanding has gotten the wood too thin for any further sanding. There are a couple of places where the hull is paper thin. I hope that four coats of sanding sealer and a coat of paint has firmed things up. Maybe I'll add some reinforcement from the inside where the hull can be reached.

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Coming along nicely. Got the smack in the stash, so your log is of great interest.
I really like these little "working boats". I've built mostly plastic floaty things, but have done several little wood boats now. I like the study of the histories of these as well.

EJ
 
I decided to do a little additional work on the boat, as in planking the deck. I was given a big stack of thin mahogany strips and decided to use some of them. It would have been smarter to do the planking before installing the cabin walls.

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