The Niagara is a Terror

[Dan42]

Ahoy
I have been ship building for a few years. I built the three Model Shipways tutorial boats and OcCre Terror with success. I had my sights set on the brig Niagara (my hometown is Erie Pa). However, I am struggling with construction of the Niagara and fear I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. So, I’m looking for recommendations for another “tutorial” ship that might hone my skills enough that I can complete the Niagara.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Dan

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

is the Niagara your building from a kit?

 

[Pepite 1/60]

I could imagine getting overwhelmed by the sheer size of that (beautiful!) model. If that's the problem, just build another medium-sized model ( +/- = the "Terror") you like first.

 

[Dan42]

is the Niagara your building from a kit?

Yes, it is the one from Model Shipways

 

[Corsair]

Ahoy
I have been ship building for a few years. I built the three Model Shipways tutorial boats and OcCre Terror with success. I had my sights set on the brig Niagara (my hometown is Erie Pa). However, I am struggling with construction of the Niagara and fear I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. So, I’m looking for recommendations for another “tutorial” ship that might hone my skills enough that I can complete the Niagara.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Dan

Hey Dan, First, can you give us an idea what you are struggling with?

 

[Dan42]

is the Niagara your building from a kit?

Yes. From Model Shipways.

 

[Dan42]

Hey Dan, First, can you give us an idea what you are struggling with?

Planking the transom and ceiling are my nemesis du jour. but it started with figuring out the stern blocks (I’m 3D challenged). The ceiling planks aren’t going to be square without some serious sanding. I’ll have to take down half of the bulkhead down for the planks to fit properly.

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

Planking the transom and ceiling are my nemesis du jour. but it started with figuring out the stern blocks (I’m 3D challenged). The ceiling planks aren’t going to be square without some serious sanding. I’ll have to take down half of the bulkhead down for the planks to fit properly.


to begin there are no ceiling planks on a bulkhead hull these are ceiling planks from the deck clamp to the keelson

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

what your showing is the inside of the bulwarks



taking a look at the Niagara the green arrow is the waterway the black arrow is the gun port sill and the blue is the lower bulwark molding



on your model everything looks good and all you have to add is the inside of the bulwark planking



with the carronade in place you can see each piece

 

[Roger Pellett]

From your photo (once you turn it 90 degrees to the right) are you referring to the planking on the inside of the bulwarks? I’m not a sailing warship expert but I believe that this is called Spirketing (sp?).

Anyhow, the insides of the extensions of the bulwarks need to be faired just like the parts of them that support planking on the outside of the hull. You may have to add some slivers of wood to help them line up.

Roger

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

by the way i have seen so many ship models with the inside of the bulwarks painted red. Way back i knew Jim Roberts we worked together in kit designing back in the day. One of his grips was the inside of bulwarks were painted green not red. But that might depend on time period, country of where the ship was built. So don't take it as a fact.

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

From your photo (once you turn it 90 degrees to the right) are you referring to the planking on the inside of the bulwarks? I’m not a sailing warship expert but I believe that this is called Spirketing (sp?).

Understanding “Spirketting” in Ship Planking​

Spirketting is a historical nautical term for a type of planking found on wooden ships, specifically the heavy timbers laid above the waterways and below the gun ports or ceiling strake

 

[Dan42]

From your photo (once you turn it 90 degrees to the right) are you referring to the planking on the inside of the bulwarks? I’m not a sailing warship expert but I believe that this is called Spirketing (sp?).

Understanding “Spirketting” in Ship Planking​

Spirketting is a historical nautical term for a type of planking found on wooden ships, specifically the heavy timbers laid above the waterways and below the gun ports or ceiling strake

New vocabulary unlocked. Yes those planks.

 

[John Mitchell]

If you are looking for a simpler model you might try the Model Shipways Dapper Tom. That was my first ship.

But don't give up on the Niagara. Eating an elephant is done just one bite at a time.

 

[Jeff T]

Ahoy
I have been ship building for a few years. I built the three Model Shipways tutorial boats and OcCre Terror with success. I had my sights set on the brig Niagara (my hometown is Erie Pa). However, I am struggling with construction of the Niagara and fear I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. So, I’m looking for recommendations for another “tutorial” ship that might hone my skills enough that I can complete the Niagara.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Dan

As you work up the Model Shipways hierarchy of difficulty, you might look at the Bluenose schooner. I built it before I tackled the Constitution. There are some challenging parts to the BN that would translate to a ship rigged boat. I have been thinking of doing the Niagara when when I complete my Conny (likely another 2 years or so). Model Shipways don't supply a lot of laser cut items relative to OcCre. Here's a link to a build of the Fair America brig. I might be similar enough to be useful to you.

 

[MartinJel]

My first wooden model was the kit, "Ranger" from Corel. It's a two-masted tri-sail schooner featured planking, only minimal rigging, and pretty goo d instructions.
It was a challenge, but nothing overwhelming. I recommend Ranger.

 

[danielsje]

Take a look at what Bob Hunt suggests on his forum at Lauckstreetshipyard.com. He lists both beginner projects as well as advanced builds along with excellent practicums for walking you through the techniques of model ship building at every level. Highly recommend…