INFO Watch out: 2 Muscongus bay lobster smack kits

[Zarthabal]

Hi everyone,
Not sure if that was obvious, but there are 2 different kits named “Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack by Model Shipways”. One is by Chuck Passaro (MS951), the other by David Antscherl (MS 1472). One of the main differences is that David Antscherl’s teaches you actual hull planking when Chuck Passaro’s uses two wide boards for the hull and carving of the nose. There are a few other differences (functional vs fake centerboard for example).
If, like myself, you are attempting this build as part of the learning series, make sure you choose the one that matches your objectives. Luckily, Model expo’s website provides the pdf of the instruction manual so you can really judge for yourself which one you want to get.
I hope this post prevents a few disappointments, or at least helps people understand why their kit doesn’t match some of the build logs.

 

[Jimsky]

Thank you for sharing this information.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I think that the MS951 is a new version of the old Midwest kit, a line that Model Expo acquired a few years back.

The wood nose block is the way many of the old Midwest kits were designed with.

 

[OldeManToad]

Been there, done that. After completing Dory, I placed order for the sailing pram and lobster smack. Next day I realized I ordered the Midway version. Too late, it shipped, so I could reorder and pay more shipping costs or stick with it which I did.

 

[Roger Pellett]

These Maine built sloops were characterized by beautiful hull lines. They inspired several classic yachts, among others the L. Francis Herreshoff designed Prudence sloop. They were most assuredly NOT hard chined boats. The David Antscherl gives a builder the means to duplicate these hull lines.

Roger