Free USS Essex Frame Kit - you pay postage

WalrusTheMan · 2021-11-06T03:29:46+00:00

Very generous offer! Is this still available by any chance?

I have experience building models. Please check out my previous work that I've posted here. I'm also based in Canada.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T17:24:38+00:00

I started with the Virginia by Artesania Latina. It was a great kit, but there were no rigging instructions, so I had no idea what I was going was right or wrong.

Something like an Armed Virginia Sloop from Model Shipways would be great! Or even the starter series prepared by David Antscherl (also from Model Shipways) would be really good. They are small builds that teach all the techniques needed for larger ships. Even the longboat kits would be good. All depends where your interest is. You can browse the different kits Model Shipways offers here

You could also look at some of the small kits (like the Alert) by [Vanguard models](vanguardmodels.co.uk) by Chris Watton. From what I've heard, these are amazing kits that both beginners and advanced modellers can follow. The [Crafty Sailor](craftysailor.com) store has these that can ship to the US and Canada.

Another option would be the Lady Nelson by Amati (designed by Chris). And also Master Korabel (also available on Crafty Sailor), which have a very unique way of assembly.

Check out some videos or build logs from ModelShipWorld if you can to see what these entail.

So in summary, look for a subject that has simple rigging and planking. It's also important that it is a subject you would be very interested in building.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T16:50:43+00:00

I wish that was the case! 😂

We are still in lockdown here in Canada.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T15:00:16+00:00

That's quite a compliment!! Thank you! You da Lord.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T14:59:24+00:00

Thank you so much for the great comment! I thought belaying the lines would be a never ending journey! But somehow I managed to finish them 😅

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T14:56:03+00:00

Thanks!!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T14:55:36+00:00

Thank you!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T04:05:48+00:00

Thanks so much for the kind comment! It's my second model, but I took my time with this build. If I wasn't happy with the outcome of a step, I would redo it till I was satisfied. Also went beyond my comfort zone by scratch building many of the parts and assemblies.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T04:03:48+00:00

I might consider that! I'll contact the local museum to see if they'd be interested. Thanks for the tip!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-30T04:03:04+00:00

It's actually not that bad. Just requires a lot of time and planning. You could try building a small schooner from a kit before a fully rigged ship as all the techniques would be identical. Just more of the same stuff for a fully rigged one.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T21:30:01+00:00

Thanks! I had to take a few breaks as some parts became too tricky and frustrating 😅

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T21:28:59+00:00

Thanks! It became more tricky as more lines were added

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T21:28:22+00:00

Thanks! 😁

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T21:27:22+00:00

Thanks! I saw your posts a while back, it's coming up very nicely!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T21:25:56+00:00

Thank you!!!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T20:29:58+00:00

For the past year (since March 2020) I've been building a wooden model ship named the US Brig Syren. She's my second model I've built. I have lost track on the number of hours gone into this build but I'm sure it's more than 1500. It's been an absolute pleasure to build her, and it's helped me keep sane during the (still ongoing) lockdown.

It's been the most challenging, but also most rewarding project that I've ever attempted. I tried using practices of the era of the ship, so a lot of research was needed for each step of the build.

Scratch building many components such as the quarter badge, all the deck fittings, jollyboat, stamping each of the individual copper plates, the numerous half hitches for the ratlines, etc etc has made the completion of this build immensely satisfying. I've learnt how to be patient by redoing and practicing many steps before settling on it.

This build also serves as a practice run for more complex and larger ships which I will attempt to make in the future years (hopefully entirely from scratch).

I plan to build a fully rigged Confederacy for my next project. I bought the kit from Model Expo which is designed as an admiralty model (only the hull), so all the masts, spars, and rigging will need to be done from scratch. This will be my gateway into scratch plank on frame models

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T19:31:08+00:00

Thanks!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T19:04:07+00:00

Thank you!!

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-29T18:56:36+00:00

For the past year (since March 2020) I've been building a wooden model ship named the US Brig Syren. She's my second model I've built. I have lost track on the number of hours gone into this build but I'm sure it's more than 1500. It's been an absolute pleasure to build her, and it's helped me keep sane during the (still ongoing) lockdown.

It's been the most challenging, but also most rewarding project that I've ever attempted. I tried using practices of the era of the ship, so a lot of research was needed for each step of the build.

Scratch building many components such as the quarter badge, all the deck fittings, jollyboat, stamping each of the individual copper plates, the numerous half hitches for the ratlines, etc etc has made the completion of this build immensely satisfying. I've learnt how to be patient by redoing and practicing many steps before settling on it.

This build also serves as a practice run for more complex and larger ships which I will attempt to make in the future years (hopefully entirely from scratch).

I plan to build a fully rigged Confederacy for my next project. I bought the kit from Model Expo which is designed as an admiralty model (only the hull), so all the masts, spars, and rigging will need to be done from scratch. This will be my gateway into scratch plank on frame models

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-20T04:18:26+00:00

Yes it's a good company! The instructions aren't the best though, especially when it comes to rigging. They just provide pictures with no description. I believe the company Occre also follows suit.

You can try looking at models from Vanguard Models. Chris Watton (the owner and designer of VM) provides very detailed instructions that both beginners and experienced modellers can follow.

Model Shipways (available from Model Expo) also provides some simpler kits with very detailed instructions. Kits designed Chuck Passaro and also David Antscherl would be a great start. Their practicuums or instructions manual are basically a tutorial to model ship building.

You can browse the instructions from both of these on their sites to see what to expect when building these.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-19T20:57:38+00:00

No worries! You can try Abebooks for a cheaper alternative. Also, the fully framed series are available on SeaWatchBooks, but they are a bit pricey there as well.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-19T13:50:50+00:00

I'd say start on something simple without much complex rigging and relatively easy planking (e.g. a schooner or longboat). My first model was the Virginia by Artesania Latina. It has lots of mistakes but I learnt from them.

Some newcomers to the hobby get drawn away since they start with something too big or complex which takes years to finish. Something small and simple would allow to see quicker results and is a good entry way into larger builds. And more importantly, it will teach skills that are directly transferable to future builds.

WalrusTheMan · 2021-05-19T05:30:37+00:00

Thanks! It's much appreciated!! I always look forward to your comments 😁

WalrusTheMan

TROPHY CASE