"Smalschip" 17th-century Dutch inland cargo ship from plans by Ab Hoving - Build Log

[Ab Hoving]

What I especially like in this build is the creativity that shows up if a builder frees himself from prefabricated steps, characteristic for kit models. Scratch building is an adventure and there is room for everyone. On top of that paper and card are wonderful materials to test and the builder can do his work on the kitchen table without causing a mess and a matrimonial confrontation.
All you need is guts.

 

[Ignatius27]

What I especially like in this build is the creativity that shows up if a builder frees himself from prefabricated steps, characteristic for kit models. Scratch building is an adventure and there is room for everyone. On top of that paper and card are wonderful materials to test and the builder can do his work on the kitchen table without causing a mess and a matrimonial confrontation.
All you need is guts.

Ab - Thanks for giving me the guts and inspiring my creativity to embark on this adventure...and for saving my marriage! My wife is a patient and kind woman, but she hates the sawdust that has permeated our entire third floor where my workshop is for the past year or so. And my constant vacuuming at all hours! With paper and cardstock modeling, now all she needs to put up with is the occasional smell of acetone, which I steal out of her nail polishing kit. And I can work at the kitchen table while we have our morning coffee. Happy wife, happy life...

I'll be posting my wood build log of the "Onrust" in the next week or so (progress pictures attached). As you know, Adriaen Block built the Onrust jaght in 1614 in what is now New York after his ship, the "Tyger," burned down to the waterline. Then on to the Staten Jaght and, a bit down the road, Witsen's pinas as an Admiralty-style model. With the experience I garner, I plan to build my ultimate prize, the Kalmar Nyckel in 2027, in paper and cardstock of course!

Thanks again for introducing me to the Dutch people as well. There are many traits in the Dutch national character that I wish for myself: resourcefulness, creativity, determination, grit, straight talking / no nonsense, strategic thinking, and frugality. Great qualities to have in model ship building AND in life!

Ignatius