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My first post,shouldn't be asking for help,but it is.

R

RDBair

Joined
Jul 8, 2025
Messages
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Points
1
I'm completely new to ship building, so I ordered a 3 kit learning package from Modelexpo. I actually completed the dory and it's okay. I'm trying to start the sailing pram and I'm really hoping someone on here has done it before because I've got two items that I can't figure out. The first is that the transom knee looks so much bigger than the picture and it has a hole in it. I've read the full instructions twice all the way through and it matches the paper layout. There's also 2 of them.

The second spot is the instructions say to saw 2 diagonal spots on the transom,but no angle or depth of cut given.

If anyone has anything that would help, I would really appreciate it, because as it sits I'm not comfortable going any further.
Modelexpo has not returned my emails or phone calls at this point.
Thank you
Dave

20250818_101304.jpg
 
Wow,both the video and the surch have really helped, and the quick responses was awesome. Thank you all.
 
Welcome aboard from Connecticut. I think you did the right thing by starting out with the 3 kits. If you send model expo a picture of you with your Dory they will credit you the price of it for your next order. There are many build logs of the 3 kits. Her is one I made of the sailing pram, but definitely look at others.

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
 
Join the club lol! I’m currently building the Bluenose from Model Shipways. The narrative instructions leave a lot to be desired, often delving into minutiae that really won’t make much of a difference but being pretty vague about more important stuff. The plans contain a lot of information and schematics about the hoisting and winching parts but after scratching my head I read a small printed statement on the plans about how the systems would be hidden on the model so the parts are not included! Geez! I read a lot about “historical accuracy” but I have the most fun trying to figure out and solve the various issues that arise with confusing instructions and the I try to maintain accuracy but I think some of my “inventions” are pretty cool. To me it’s all part of the fun. I try not to get frustrated and instead try to have fun solving the problems.
 
That is how you handle it. Seems MS and other mfg's write instructions assuming you've built these types of models before.These beautiful and pricey kits look fantastic on the kit box cover and you try to emulate that end but even smaller "simpler" kits lack proper, detailed, understandable instructions especially on planking....
I'm building the MS 21' English Pinnace. A beautiful little boat. Even the Great Chuck Passaro, the kits designer, glosses over the planking stage. I understand procedures, and if much more detail was provided, much more success will result.
Good luck on your project - I have one I'd like to build soon also...
 
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