Model Ship Builder

This build log is a proto-type build for a kit developed here at MSB. Original plans were drawn by MSB member Jeff Staudt back in 2010. There was no initial intent on making this available as a kit, but due to the number of requests we've had over the years a decision was finally made to do just that.

 

This is the collaborative effort of several members here at the site along with outside companies. I will try to list them all eventually throughout the build.

 

Because this is a proto-type, you the viewer may see many changes that occur in a build throughout the proto-typing process. Perhaps it will give you a better understanding and appreciation of why some models cost as much as they do. Its important to note that just because a kit has been developed and available commercially, does not mean that sales of the kit will always pay for itself. Any kit development is a very costly process and in reality a shot in the dark as you have no way of knowing what kit will catch on and what won't.

 

Many hours have gone into this project up to now. First was Mr. Staudts many hours researching and time spent in front of a computer screen to develop the initial drawing. Next was the time spent building a proto-type to confirm his drawings.

 

The following image shows the concept drawing for the original model. 

 

 

Once the decistion was made to develop a kit the ball got rolling. First the original plans had to be imported into a CAD drawing and laser cutting files developed. This presented its own issues as it was found that not all drawings were up to the quality for being used in laser cutting. They were fine for the scratch builder as they could allow more matieral for their build. Laser cutting isn't as friendly. They were then sent off to the laser cutter.

 

Also in the process while all this was happening (and still happening behind the scenes today) a set of 3D digital drawings are on the drawing board. These will provide to be very unique for those of us in the modeling world. Especailly any old school modelers as theoretically will eliminate the need for print instructions. I will leave discussion on this for others who are more knowledgeable of what the end result will look like. I've seen a preview and have to say I'm quite impressed so far.

 

Recently complted are the guns for the kit. This being a 3/8" = 1' scale model, guns were not readily available. So they have to be developed from scratch. We've had a couple of different versions made. Again, I will leave their description to those involved in that process. (I would like to point out though that although designed for this kit, they will most likely be made available for anyone wishing to develop a 3/8" scale model and need guns at that scale).

 

My part in this process is to put together the model from the laser cut kit to prove the laser cutting. To that end the following kit parts arrived in the mail recently from dlumberyard.com

 

 

I'll try to keep you updated on my progress in a timely manner. Work and upcoming holidays wil throw a bit of a delay in the mix but after that it should be clear sailing.

 

 

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This will not hinder the build process as this is only a proto-type. So the next step was to glue the parts together then fit and glue in the chocks.

 

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The last image is the completed frame. It just needs some final sanding

 

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In total there are 17 frames in this model. 12 are single frames as shown above. the other five are double frames. I will tackle one of those in the next post.

 

At the end of the frame construction I'll post a deviation report for each frame where necessary.

This is the laser cutting scheme. I'm putting it here for quick reference.

 

Double frame assembly. Consists of a fore and aft frame. Aft frame was constructed as the single frame above using the template and the fore frame was assembled using the aft frame as the template.