Shipwright's Journal

Gunboat Philadelphia - Development Update Number 4!

2012-03-20T09:46:00.000-04:00

Bob Crane sent us another picture of where he's at with the development of the Gunboat Philadelphia for Model Shipways! This picture is of
the complete set of Guns for the Philadelphia - gotta love the armament!

Gunboat Philadelphia - Development Update Number 3!

2012-03-16T08:16:00.000-04:00

I was beginning the rough outline of our Summer Sizzler catalog and wanted to know how Bob Crane was coming along with the Gunboat Philadelphia by Model Shipways. Bob is almost finished with all the bits, pieces, details, and views for the final drawings. Soon, he plans on sending laser cuts to our Manufacturing team and brass photoetch to our external resource. Things are moving along quite well - maybe a summer time release! Enjoy the latest pictures!

Chuck Passaro's Pinnace - a New Model Shipways Kit?

2012-03-13T10:17:00.000-04:00

If you're in the New London, CT area on Saturday, April 28th, you should stop on by the Ship Model Conference & Show; if you're not in the area, maybe you should make plans to attend. At the show (details below),
Chuck Passaro will be using the Pinnace as a part of a hands-on demonstration of basic ship modeling technique workshop. Of course, all laser cuts for this ship model were provided by Model Expo.

This particular ship is 5.75" long as it stands. In chatting with Chuck, he would increase the size to around 8.5" long (3/8" scale) - and we believe it would make another fine addition to our Model Shipways line - a complimentary kit to our 18th Century Longboat, the beginnings of a "small boat" line?

Show Details:

Ship Model Conference & Show Registration Form
Ship Model Conference & Show Flyer

Mystic Seaport Museum Approved Model Ship Kits!

2012-03-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Model Expo has the "seal of approval" from the Mystic Seaport Museum on a few of our model ship kits?
Our Model Shipways Charles W. Morgan and Emma C. Berry ship kits are apart of the Mystic Seaport Watercraft Series line of sailing craft. If you haven't visited there site, I would encourage you to do so - there is a ton of great information about these and other great ships from Mystic!

MS107 Reeving & Spacing Tool - Temporarily On Hold

2012-03-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

Attention Ship Modelers:

Unfortunately, we are on-hold with respect to our MS107 Reeving & Spacing Tool.
The manufacturer of the key components of this tool has retired and is not making them anymore. As such, we are investigating what opportunities we have in bringing this tool back to the market.

USN Picket Boat #1 being built by Manny Hernandez

2012-03-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

Check out the in-progress pictures from Manny of Whttier, CA of his Model Shipways USN Picket Boat #1 - great job so far Manny!

What's really interesting is that these comments came inthrough our new Disqus comment box at the bottom of the USN Picket Boat #1 product page. You can now comment on EVERY product on our site!

Manny's comments: This is a very exciting model. It is my first wooden ship project. Perfect for first timers. Not to say it is not challenging, but the plans are great, the, "how to" booklet is very helpful. I am not finished yet, but will be soon. I am crrently building the motor components. Manny Hernandez, Whttier, CA

USS Constitution Video

2012-03-02T08:47:00.000-05:00

We thought you would enjoy this video of a USS Constitution built by-hand!

Up for the challenge of building one yourself? With Model Shipways USS Constitution kit, you get a complete and highly detailed kit (over 12 pounds of goodies!) that is based on the 1927 Navy drawings, photographs and documentation used during the 1993-97 restoration. Check it out today!

Model Shipways Phantom built for FREE by David Rosenblatt

2012-02-28T09:19:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures from David Rosenblatt - he built his Model Shipways Phantom for FREE!
How did David build his Model Shipways Phantom for Free? With our "no risk" offer, complete your Phantom within 6 months and send us proof of purchase plus four photos of your finished model. We will give you a merchandise credit on your Model Expo account for the purchase amount (what you paid less tax and shipping) good towards any other kit or item we sell!

Even if you’ve never built a model before, you can build the Phantom, an authentic 1868 pilot boat. We designed our kit especially for the first time modeler. The solid basswood hull is pre-carved. All you need to do is some minor shaping and sanding. You’ll get laser cut wooden parts for the cabin and companionways, ready-to-use wooden blocks and deadeyes, solid brass and finely cast metal fittings, three sizes of rigging line, plus copper strips to cover the hull. Full scale plans and clear, easy-to-follow instructions guide you through every phase of assembly. And, there are FREE on-line practicums available - guiding you through each and every step! Order today and start building your own Phantom. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!

David's comments: I just wanted to thank everyone at Model Expo for helping me successfully begin this new hobby. As a kid I enjoyed making models but never anything as complex as a ship. The tips and help offered by the staff were invaluable. Thanks to the folks here I have successfully completed my first model and have started a second one. Looks like I have a new hobby.

David S. Rosenblatt

Model Shipways Ben Latham - Built by Gary Cox

2012-02-23T09:46:00.000-05:00

Here's another example of Gary Cox's exemplary work - this is his Ben Latham by Model Shipways.

The Benjamin W. Latham is an outstanding example of a turn-of-the-century Grand Banks fisherman. Built in the Tarr & James yard at Essex, MA in 1902, she sailed out of Noank, CT as a mackerel steiner. From 1906 to the end of her career, she operated as a dory trawler out of New York's Fulton Fish Market. She was lost off the coast of San Juan in 1943.

The Model Shipways Benjamin W. Latham model is a joy to build, and the large, 1/4 scale allows for lots of detail. All wooden parts, including the false keel and 14-piece bulkhead set, are laser cut. The Ben Latham kit contains basswood planking for the hull and deck, and plenty of strip stock for timberheads, monkey boards, riding bitts and deck pads. Basswood is also supplied for deck cabins, hatches and chain boxes. Wooden blocks and deadeyes number over 100, and rigging comes in three diameters. You'll find brass eyebolts, chainplates and strop rings. The Britannia metal fitting set is one of the most comprehensive we've ever compiled, including windlass parts, anchors, bilge pumps, props, exhaust pipes, fiferails and smokeheads.

One of the most remarkable features of our Model Shipways Benjamin W. Latham is an authentic plank-on-bulkhead seine boat. You'll build it upside down on a set of formers, just like the real thing! Sail cloth for a full complement of sail completes the kit. Smithsonian Institute supplement original plans by Erik A. R. Ronnberg, Jr., for a total of six sheets. Updated 48 page instruction book leaves no construction detail unexplained.

Model Shipways Kate Cory - Built by Gary Cox

2012-02-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures Gary Cox sent us of his Model Shipways Kate Cory - great job Gary!
The 132 ton whaling brig Kate Cory was built at Westport Point, MA in 1856. Seventy-five and a half feet long with a 22-foot beam, she was one of the last whalers built specifically for the trade.
Originally rigged as a schooner, Kate Cory was converted to a brig in 1858. This rig made for smoother motion in heavy seas, and steadied the ship while the crew was cutting in whales. In 1863, after only five voyages, she was captured by the CSS Alabama and burned off the coast of Brazil.

Model Shipways’ Kate Cory kit features machine carved basswood hull, which needs only light shaping. For an authentic plank-on-frame look, we're including over 50 feet of basswood strips for deck planking. Genuine copper covers the hull below the waterline. Plank-scored wooden sheets are supplied for the companionways, cabins and hatches. Deadeyes and blocks are pre-finished wood; all other fittings are brass and Britannia metal. Four laser-cut wooden whaleboats plus deck furnishings, including the try-pots (large iron pots for boiling down the whale oil), add life-like detail.

Three sheets of plans and 24-page instruction book by marine historian Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr., updated by Ben Lankford, see you through construction. (Display base and brass pedestals are not included.)

Bicentennial of The War of 1812

2012-02-14T13:32:00.002-05:00

Ron Neilson gave us a heads up that pictures of his Syren (previously posted here) will be displayed in an online initiative for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812!

Ron's comments: Interestingly, the U.S. Navy contacted me through NRG and American Society of Marine Artists and will be displaying some of my photos of the Syren in an online initiative for the 1812b Bicentennial. It's an interactive educational/event promotion with an historical timeline of the country's naval actions of the era.

Here is a reference: www.ourflagwasstillthere.org. My photos aren't up yet as they are "extending" the timeline backwards from 1812 to cover events leading up to the Declaration on War on England; this is the era of the Syren and other early U.S. Navy ships. The site will be promoted for the next 4 years at various venues like Mystic Seaport, U.S. Constitution Museum in Boston, model shows (I'm working on trying to display a Navy 1812 poster promotion at the upcoming NE Model Ship Builders Conference in New London, CT).

Also, attached is a promo ad from the U.S. Navy for the site. This is also a 6' high roll-up poster that (hopefully) I'll get permission to display at the NE Model Conference - and I'll take to Mystic Seaport Museum (or Constitution Museum possibly), post-show. And, here is a link to a PDF of a Newsletter/Journal from the ASMA (American Society of Marine Artists). You might find this of general interest and on page 18 of this PDF is an article on the 1812 promo.

Regards, Ron Neilson

Chaperon, Sternwheel Steam Packet 1884 - Built by Kurt Van Dahm

2012-02-09T12:40:00.000-05:00

Kurt Van Dahm (Director-Nautical Research Guild and Contributing Editor-Ships in Scale) submitted photos of his Chaperon, Sternwheel Steam Pakcet 1884 by Model Shipways masterpiece!

It is worth noting that Kurt's Chaperon was featured in Ships in Scale magazine (6 issues Sept. 2009 to August 2010) and received a Gold medal at the WI Maritime Museum's 2010 Midwest Midwestern Model Ships & Boats Contest and Display! Yes, even seriously experienced modelers build Model Shipways kits and WIN with them! Great job Kurt!

USS Constitution - built by Eric Phillips

2012-02-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

Eric Phillips of Sacremento, CA emailed us pictures of his completed USS Constitution by Model Shipways several years ago - fantastic job Eric!

If any of you know Eric, give him a quick "congrats" on making the Shipwright's Journal blog and ask him to submit more pictures of any current work!

Sultana Colonial Schooner built by Mike Sanderson

2012-02-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

Mike Sanderson submitted pictures of his Sultana Colonial Schooner by Model Shipways - solid job Mike! And, congratulations on your retirement - keep yourself busy with ship modeling!

Mike's comments: Over the years I have built several kit wooden ship models and two from scratch; however my most recent was over fifteen years ago. Recently retired, I took an old Model Shipways kit (Sultana- 1 sheet of instructions) that had been purchased in 1980 and decided to "get back into the hobby" with it. I did not use the metal fittings but built the anchors, pumps, cannon, etc from scratch. All in all, it was a good refresher for me.

The kit had been purchased for my father-in-law who never had the opportunity to work on it. It was passed to my son who had little interest and back to me in the mid-90's where it lay dormant until this spring.

Mike Sanderson

Topsail Schooner Eagle built by Peter Jaquith

2012-01-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

Check out the scratch built Topsail Schooner Eagle built by Peter Jaquith! Peter built this to a scale of 3/16” to the foot (1:64) using old Model Shipways plans by William Zakambell.

Peter's Comments: Additional research was conducted at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, ME where a large scale model of the “Arrowsic” is on display. The model is plank on solid construction, with built up bulwarks, planked decks and topsides, coppered bottom, and scratch built deck furniture/fittings. Limited commercial fittings were utilized where appropriate, and the rigging is proportional linen line with Warner Woods’ blocks. The Topsail Schooner “Eagle” is my 3rd wooden ship model and my 1st scratch build.

The Topsail Schooner “Eagle” had a length of 81’ 7”, beam of 22’ 8”, depth of 7’ 10”, and tonnage of 140 tons. Both the “Eagle” and her sistership “Arrowsic” were built in Arrowsic Island on the Kennebec River (near the present shipbuilding city of Bath, ME) in 1847 for the lumber and ice trade by builder Samuel Pattee. During the mid-19th century small schooners of this sort were widely employed in the East Coast trade; their schooner rigs an easy adaption to the prevailing westerly winds and economy in crew size.

Peter Jaquith - Hancock, NH

Maine Topsail Schooner “Eagle”, 1847

Model Shipways Phantom built for FREE by A. Komarowski

2012-01-27T10:28:00.000-05:00

Check out the great job A. Komarowski did on building his Build for Free Phantom by Model Shipways! Now, the obvious question you have is - what do you mean he built it for free?

It's Model Expo's no-risk way of trying to bring new / potential ship modelers into the hobby. Basically, when complete your Phantom within 6 months and send us proof of purchase plus four photos of your finished model, Model Expo gives you a merchandise credit on your Model Expo account for the purchase amount (what you paid less tax and shipping) good towards any other kit or item we sell! It's that simple. And, there are boatloads (pun absolutely intended) of information on how to build the Phantom - even videos!

Share YOUR ship modeling passion with someone today!

USS Constitution (1812 Version) - built by Ken Thomsen

2012-01-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures Ken Thomsen of Unadila, NY sent us of his USS Constitution by Model Shipways - simply amazing work Ken!

Ken's Comments: My USS Constitution was built to resemble the ship in 1812, with lower bulkwarks and different transom decorations. Note the detailing used to present a weathered appearance.

Ship Models built by Jay Utley III

2012-01-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

Jay has been modeling over 15 years and decided to print out pictures of his completed Model Shipways kits for our viewing pleasure - great job Jay!

Jay's Comments: I thought you might enjoy hearing from a very satisfied customer who has built nine ships from Model Expo over the past 15 years - a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction! I am about to turn 85 years of age and this hobby has helped to keep me out of a lot of bars - not all of them mind you, but a lot!

Charles Morgan by Model Shipways

Willie Bennett by Model Shipways

Bluenose by Model Shipways

Chaperon by Model Shipways

USS Frigate Confederacy 1778 by Model Shipways - Shipping this week!

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-05:00

We have finally released the USS Frigate Confederacy 1778 by Model Shipways - shipping the first 25 units this week! Click here to read the press release!

Customer Service

2012-01-13T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Modelers, my name is Tom, one of your Customer Service Representatives. Please check this blog site for future updated information from our CSR department.
Happy Modeling
Model Expo

Benjamin Latham built by Jim LeFever

2012-01-13T09:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures of Jim LeFever's Benjamin Latham by Model Shipways - great job on this and your other kits Jim!

Jim's Comments: Late last year, I completed work on my version of your Benjamin Latham fishing schooner. I've now had a chance to build a case for her and to photograph the results. Several of the images are attached to this message which I hope indicate how she came out.

Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the kit. I learned quite a lot about schooners, materials and modeling working on the Latham and had a lot of fun building her. The quality of the instructions and especially the plans are exceptional and you are to be congratulated for producing a fine kit.

Regards, Jim LeFever

USS Enterprise built by Dr. James P. Melott, Jr.

2012-01-10T14:07:00.001-05:00

Check out the pics of the USS Enterprise built by Dr. James P. Melott, Jr.! And if you have questions for him, I'm sure he'd be happy to hear from you!

Dr. Melott's comments:

Mr. Garcia per your instructions I present the following information and request for your review and consideration. In 1998 or 1999, I purchased the Model kit #2040 of the USS Constitution. I ordered it

and put it away as I was working on the USS Enterprise and my second ship would be the USS Constellation (my Dad’s first ship.) Upon competition of the first two ships, I had planned to start on the Constitution. I finished the Enterprise in 2002 and stopped work on the Constellation in 2004, due to personal family issues; I am now starting to work on the Constellation.

I have attached four pictures of the Enterprise it is my hope you enjoy them, and thank you for allowing me to present them to you. It took me 3,284 hours from Sept. 1997 to July 2002 to complete her. I cut all my own Black American Walnut hull planks on the ship and lifeboats. I cut all the planks on the gun deck from Flame Maple. The quarterdeck is planked with Live Oak harvested from the USS Constitution and sold in the Museum. I had to use eight packs to get enough for that little quarterdeck. All of the railings and wood trim on the ship and lifeboats are French Flame Maple from New England. I used a very high gloss finish to bring out and make the grain in the different woods glow. The transom Eagle, ships bell, the door and windows to the Captains quarters and bow bracing are all Gold Leafed.

Most respectfully

Dr. James P. Melott, Jr.

U. S. Navy Seabee Retired

Sultana Colonial Schooner built by Donnie Driskell

2012-01-06T08:43:00.001-05:00

Check out the great job Donnie Driskell did on the Sultana Colonial Schooner by Model Shipways! If you have questions about Donnie's work, you can contact him directly via email at donnie@shipsofscale.com.

Donnie's comments: This was my first wooden ship to build in a long time. The Model Shipways manual & plans were written so that just about anyone, with a little effort and creativity, can
complete a model to be proud of. I have been a customer of Model Shipways for a long time. They are good to stand behind all their products. I look forward to purchasing another Ship from them soon. Anyone interested in seeing this ship as it was being built, they can visit my Ships of Scale Web Blog.

Gunboat Philadelphia - Development Update Number 2!

2012-01-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

After the long holiday, I was checking on the progress of our in-development kits and look what Bob Crane sent me in email - pictures of the brass prototypes of the 9-pounder guns the Gunboat Philadelphia by Model Shipways! Enjoy the pics!

USS Constitution - built by William Bergmark

2011-12-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures William Bergmark submitted of his USS Constitution by Model Shipways - great job William! If you have questions about William's work, you can check out his build video on YouTube or contact him via email.

William's comments: I recently finished building the USS Constitution over the course of 11 months and have included a build log video on YouTube.

Noank Historical Society's Emma C. Berry Model Kit Build

2011-12-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

Larry Jacobsen and Roger Hambidge, shown with the EMMA C. BERRY ship model kit from Model Expo, licensed by Mystic Seaport, the current owner of the vessel. Roger will build the model for the 2016 exhibition at Noank Historical Society, on the 150^th anniversary of the launching of the EMMA C. BERRY, which was built at the Palmer Shipyard, in Noank. The model kit was donated to the Noank Historical Society for this purpose by the family of Victor Burdick, to honor his memory. Roger will provide photos of the work as it progresses.

Chaperon, Sternwheel Steam Packet 1884 - Built by Dennis Eversole

2011-12-19T10:11:00.000-05:00

Check out the pictures Dennis Eversole submitted of his Chaperon, Sternwheel Steam Packet 1884 by Model Shipways - great job Dennis! If you have questions about Dennis's work, you can contact him via email.

Dennis's comments: I recently finished building Model Shipways Chaperon and I want to compliment your staff for a fine kit. The plans, instructions, and laser cut parts list are excellent. The fit of the the laser cut items was "right on" - especially the brass railings!

Gunboat Philadelphia - Development Update!

2011-12-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Bob Crane is well underway in developing our Gunboat Philadelphia for Model Shipways and we wanted to give you all a sneak peak as to where he is at! Check out the schematics below of the hull framing, swivel gun 3/4 pounder, 9-pounder, and 12 pounder! Estimated launch date is Summer 2012!

Hull Framing - Gunboat Philadelphia

Swivel Gun, 3/4 Pounder - Gunboat Philadelphia

9-Pounder - Gunboat Philadelphia

12-Pounder - Gunboat Philadelphia

SINGLE PLANKED vs DOUBLE PLANKED HULL

2011-12-13T13:07:00.003-05:00

I've heard a lot of comments about the merits and drawbacks of single planking or double planking a hull. Which method do you prefer and why is one better than the other?

Syren, US Brig 1803 - Built by Ron Neilson

2011-12-12T11:08:00.001-05:00

Take a look at the pictures Ron Neilson submitted of his Syren, US Brig 1803 by Model Shipways - great job Ron! If you have questions about Ron's work, you can contact him via email and / or you should look to the Model Ship World Forum as there is a large repository of information on building this model kit!

Ron's comments: I enjoyed building your Syren immensely and thank you for offering this kit with superior build instructions and mostly very good contents out-of-the-box. I've also told Chuck Passaro how much I appreciated his superb work. I'm hoping to purchase your Model Shipways Confederacy next: a stunning model that will bring Model Shipways "game" up to the level - or beyond - your European competitors!

CLUB NEWS WANTED!

2011-12-08T16:46:00.000-05:00

We would like to know what is happening in ship modeling clubs everywhere. Please spread the word by posting your news, events, comments and questions.

North Shore Deadeyes Newsletter for November 2011

2011-12-07T15:10:00.000-05:00

We wanted to say thanks to Kurt Van Dahm for his write up of Model Shipways newly released (Confederacy and Longboat) and in-development model ship kits! Click on the link below to read the articles and more about what's happening in their club!

North Shore Deadeyes Newsletter for November 2011

From raw metal to finished product

2011-12-06T11:04:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Model Expo actually is the manufacturer for the Model Shipways line of ship model kits? In addition to laser cutting all of our own wood, we cast many of the metal fittings found in your kit - right here in Hollywood, Florida! The following pictures give you a glimpse of what it takes to go from raw metal to a finished steering wheel.

Metal goes into the melting pot

Metal is poured into the molds that are then spun

Finished cast metal steering wheels

Welcome to the Shipwright's Journal

2011-12-01T10:08:00.000-05:00

Model Expo would like to welcome everyone to the Shipwright's Journal! The intent of this blog is to have a place for our customers to showcase in-progress or completed ship model kits and to share tips and tricks for ship modeling. In addition, Model Expo will provide updates on future Model Shipways kits such as the Revenue Cutter Roger B. Taney, The Gunboat Philadelphia, and more!

If you have something you want published to the blog, please send text / pictures via email to Model Expo Web Marketing!

Thank you and happy modeling!

Model Expo