Virginia 1819 model boat

[@b.w.highness102]

I am a man in my seventies. As a young man I built a few similar kits. I enjoyed watching you amd listening to you. You are indeed a gentleman with a comforting demeanour. Thank you, Ken! ...Barry

[@ken_boats]

Thanks - Ken

[@mikeremarcke3118]

I greatly appreciated your video and step by step process of making the Swift. My version from 1982 was a first edition and very different. I am proud to say I finally completed it. Looks great even though I took a few short cuts with blocks and pullies and rigging. No sails on my version. There were no color photos in the directions, sometimes parts did not match up, translation marginal, but most importantly, no internet! No place to turn to for help. I was confused for 40 years and finally after retirement and the pandemic, took the model out and finished it with help from the internet. Great fun, now looking for a new boat to build. To think I dragged that boat around for 3 marriages and seven differnt homes in 40 years...it is a special boat!

[@ken_boats]

Wow! sounds like you have been through a lot. I will pray, and hope that you have smooth sailing from now on! I thought I spent a lot of time on my boats, but your dedication goes well beyond mine. Peace to you - Ken

[@TheTubeTube2]

Oh you did well there, she’s looking beautiful. It takes me back to my days 40 years ago building Billing’s Danish boats. I lived in North East Scotland then and would go to a shipyard at MacDuff where they built real timber fishing boats, I’d watch men running great, hot planks from the steam boxes to bend and nail them to the frame. So I learned from that, bought an old range kettle with a long straight spout and would slide the model’s planks down the spout 5 at a time and steam them, this made all the difference to planking my boats. I used to sail mine with my kids, I fitted a Billing Boats B472 Mary Ann Cutter out with lights, a motor, a working bilge pump - pumping the water up a copper tube set in the keel and straight out over the side using a slow pump. The chimney stack smoked and there was a tiny ‘put put’ sound generator card and speaker deep in the bowls of the model. It was a great success! on that model the planking was so beautiful that I left it teak and varnished it. By then I’d learned the hard way to use seriously waterproof glue and to coat all the interior with it too! Thank you for showing your excellent work

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for your comments about the boat. I enjoyed your history with building a boat and adding all that gear - that was great. I will have to look up the B472 Mary Ann Cutter!

[@dauntlesschicken9756]

Firstly, I want to thank you for documenting your build process very detaildly. Ship modelling is also my hobby and I struggle a lot with the complexity of these model ships. I have built 2 models from artesiana and I can say that their instructions aren't detailed enough for begginers to figure out. You have a lot more patience than I do in researching the knots to use, the techniques to use in assembly and so forth and I admire that.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am currently working on my 3rd boat, the "HMS Victory Sloop". I chose another kit manufacturer for a variety of reasons. The vague instructions were a big part of the change. I selected the manufacturer - Panart of the Mantua model group. I sent to Australia for it. Ha! ... It is an Italian manufacturer, and the instructions are equally vague. When I produce the next video you will see what I mean. However, it is looking like it could be a nicer quality boat. I am going slower, so I can learn planking. While I build these boats, I ask myself why am I doing this (frustration, time consuming, etc). And after I am done, I tell myself that this is the last boat I will build. Then several months later, I start looking for another boat! And if I can patiently build this 3rd boat, I think will be more happy with this boat than the other 2.

[@dauntlesschicken9756]

@@ken_boats Haha! Well good luck! As for me, I plan to rebuild my first model- "hms endeavour's longboat" using the "high tech cut" sheet included in the kit as I did not do too well on the planking. I am quite satisfied with my second, though- the "saint malo".

[@james5x7]

Thanks so much for this video. I've built several, but I relived every minute as u built this one. EXCELLENT photography. I'd show u mine if I could film like that. Now all I have to do is figure out how to edge bend a plank. Nothing I've done yet has worked.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I have learned two ways to edge bend a plank since I built this boat. 1 is good. 2 is much easier and seems to be good but I am still learning it. 1. Spiling the plank. this is where you cut a curve in the wood. I could not easily find a good reference for this, but there are some good ones around. I used this technique on my video of the HMS Bounty Jolly Boat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5OxgoqphdVom8k Spiling starts about minute 19.45 and an update on the technique at min 24. 2 Edge bending. I just learned this 2nd technique which I am using on my current build. It is much easier and faster. But I have not totally mastered it yet. Here is a good video on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6W7ontmfLx_gpo This is part 3. Be sure to look at parts 2 and 4. Enjoy Ken

[@bin_chicken80]

Thanks for your video Ken. The model looks awesome. It's great how you detail all the tools techniques you use. Appreciate you posting this video 👍

[@ken_boats]

Thanks so much. This was my 2nd model boat build. My skills are improving, but I have a long way to go. I've made several boats since the Virginia was assembled. In each of these I try to document the process which include the discoveries of a rookie boat builder. It is a balance between showing the process and making the video too long. Thanks again - Ken

[@bin_chicken80]

@@ken_boats I'm learning a lot when building mine too. Cheers Ken. Great to see you're back with your new model. Enjoying the videos!

[@antlese]

Wonderful job on the model and an enjoyable video to watch. Thanks!

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it! - Ken

[@stephenarmiger8343]

My brother is a model maker. I have noticed from watching several of these videos that the models are not constructed as an actual ship would be. My brother made architectural models which had to replicate the buildings. In watching the movie, Master and Commander my curiosity was picked and I looked on KZbin where I learned that actual ships were built for the movie. Fascinating!

[@ken_boats]

Funny! I love the movie Master and Commander, and it was this movie that started me on my boat building hobby. I think the kit makers have to balance 1) the details of the kit which make the boat as accurate to the original boat against 2) the cost of the kit. I have found the more expensive kits are more representative of the real boat. I am sure professional model makers make the best replicas, like your brother, and are the most expensive to make (time and money). Making a model from scratch is beyond my current skills. One of my goals is to get good enough to make the kit for the HMS Surprise. Ken

[@ronc7743]

​@@ken_boatsThe 21 books of the Master and Commander series are great, have you read them? One thing I learned after reading them is that the writer, Patric O'Brien, had only been on a sail boat once in his life. From reading the books I was astonished to learn this.

[@Holystone48]

Great job Ken! You are my model hero...sticktoitiveness and honesty, if you didn't exactly understand it at first, you just thought about it and figured it out. You are a good man! Very nice model. God Bless....

[@ken_boats]

Wow, thanks! I appreciate your kind response. This hobby is reinforcing all my lessons learned in life; patience, kindness, self control, peace, and Love.

[@welshknight1456]

I have just reached the mast stage, i have used your video many times for reference, so thank you for making it.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am waiting to get better on planking and rope work, before I try the really complicated masts. Someday, I will try a boat with topgallants.

[@stewfly9227]

never built a ship, but at the very least I can watch someone else do it. Nice craftsman ship and I enjoyed watching. looks fun and rewarding.

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@petermerz2704]

Very nice build Ken! In the process of building a 1/70 scale wooden ship, and I picked up quite a few tips from your video. Thanks for sharing! Happy days and model on! 😎

[@ken_boats]

Im glad you enjoyed it. What boat are you building? How's it going?

[@graphegraph8385]

mi aspettavo di più da un lavoro usando un kit. Giunture approssimative, non levigate le superfici e non rifinite con vernice trasparente. Un lavoro da principianti

[@OneLovePsych]

We need a new video bro, I just found your channel and starting binge watching! I’m about to start The Black Pearl and your videos really help out!

[@ken_boats]

Wow! a 3 mast boat. I will attempt one of those someday soon. Good luck!

[@johnlopas5279]

Nice work Ken, and thanks for exposing the very difficulties that plagued my forward progress.

[@ken_boats]

I am not embarrassed to show my mistakes, nor my lack of understanding. The videos and still pictures give me time to think about what needs to be done. Now I have found model ship world build logs. Many different kits have extensive photos and text dialog about their builds. It is free and may be a useful reference for you as it has been for me. - Ken

[@wadew5100]

Excellent job Ken and you have what it takes to be a master model ship builder. The particular name brand of ship model you chose is known for being somewhat vague, so you have to either have previous knowledge or just figure it out. You did great and was a joy to watch. A great hobby and my best for wonderful adventures in new model ships.

[@ken_boats]

Wow, thank you! I am working at it, and I appreciate the encouragement - Ken

[@johndonhowe5050]

Thinking about taking the plunge into this hobby, and appreciate your excellent video! I especially enjoyed watching the gradual change of a cleanly shaved chin to a luxuriant beard as proof that this is not a one-day instant gratification venture. Thanks!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I have found building model wooden boats to be very fun. I recommend you should try building at least one kit. Many of the model boat sites rate the kits as beginner through advanced. So far, I have found even the beginner kits are challenging. But with a little patience, all problems can be solved. -Ken

[@wonka2112]

Beautiful end result buddy. I'm very keen and interested in getting into this hobby. Doing my research, homework and watching folks like you before i purchase anything. So thank you for this video. Truly inspiring.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. Have you started yet?

[@wonka2112]

@@ken_boats Ken, yes, I'm hooked! On ship #2 and taking my time. Learning as I go. Luckily they are inexpensive Chinese models for now. But have purchased the Swift 1805 Virginia Pilot boat. Looks daunting, but will give it ago after I complete these practice models. Thanks again.

[@trinescape]

Just found your build i bought one of those $20 (Australian $) ebay foot long plank models from china and was thinking about this model next ,your video was excellent and i will purchase one now myself ,yours turned out really well and thanks for taking the time to show us all much appreciated cheers !

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. Have you started yet?

[@41tomahawk]

Thanks Ken, I am starting my first sailboat model and your detail and patience are something I hope to put into mine. Yours looks great!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. How is your build going?

[@waynebozza3663]

Good on you Ken. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and for showing some of the challenging sections. These really help the learning process. I love your attitude, so many times you said you had a problem or had never done something, but each time you said you’d go ahead and get it done and you did. I’m just getting back to restarting an Artesania Latina Swift I started maybe 5, possibly 10 years ago. I work in quite a challenging job that demands a lot of hours but I think this hobby will fit with my detail oriented nature and help me learn some patience. I’m going to start a build log on a couple of the model shipyard sites. As you say sharing your journey is part of giving back to this community. Thanks again, your ship looks great. I’m keen to see some of your later work. All the best from Australia. 🇦🇺

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. The Swift is on my list too. How goes your build?

[@clanhill1]

I've been teetering back and forth in taking on this hobby - with patience the final product is one to pass down to the next generation. I enjoyed this video very much and am looking for a first model with which to begin. Thank you.

[@ken_boats]

Im glad you liked it. Have you chosen a boat yet?

[@eh2341]

I appreciate that you show times when things don't quite go as hoped. I am about to buy my first ship kit and am gathering knowledge. It helps to see problems and how you dealt with them.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. Let me know how your boat building goes. As I progress in my knowledge, it seems dealing with mistakes, or unclear instructions is has become a good life lesson for me. Kindness and patience are good skills to practice, and model boats is one good way to get good at it. This skill is most important when raising children (or grandchildren). - Ken

[@jimlewis1104]

Thanks for posting Ken. I enjoy watching and learning new and different ways to tackle problems which develope during a build. In the end it's almost always not quite right, but not quite wrong. Hope to see more.

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it. I find time to build once a year, and the next boat is half way done)

[@nacraphil]

Thanks from Quebec Canada 🇨🇦 I gave myself a gift this morning with this kit and your video will help a lot I’m sure It’s my second wooden ship model but still need advice

[@ken_boats]

Very cool! How goes the build?

[@bernard2735]

This is a very helpful video, thank you. I appreciate the detail, particularly seeing what didn’t work and how you managed to sort things out.

[@ken_boats]

I have been encouraged by other online model boat builders, and my goal was to help others. thanks for your encouragement.

[@Grumptr0nix]

Great work Ken. And nice editing/detailing of the video.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the kind comments. I have come to love both boat building and photography.

[@GMRyan13]

Excellent video, thank you Ken. I now have the confidence to restart this stalled project.

[@ken_boats]

It can be frustrating!! But it feels so good to be done - not perfect, but to the best of my ability. It still looks good on my shelf! - good luck - Ken

[@ianscott-douglas149]

Ian Great job Ken, I'm knew to model ship building, so I learned a lot from watching your video. Like yourself, I have watched numerous amounts of KZbin videos, one of them showed the rigging being pulled through a block of wax prior to putting it on the masts which gave it a "real rope" appearance and likely made it easier to thread through the dead eye's. Looking forward to your next build.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I am about to start my 4th boat. The "Spray". I have gotten better at working with Rope, but I still have a lot to learn. I will try wax, on my next boat.

[@paddyskull]

Hi Ken, I just came across your video. I'm about to start my first build - Amati Lady Nelson - and your video is an excellent instructional tool. Thanks very much for sharing your experience.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks, I am glad it was helpful! the Lady Nelson looks like a beautiful boat!

[@ronstar7027]

Thank you. I have several model boats completed, and this very kit is in my inventory.

[@ken_boats]

It was a fun build, especially after I was completed. What i learned has been used on my subsequent boat builds Ken

[@davidbrancato9724]

Hello Ken! Hope this finds you in good health and good spirits. I decided not to plank the hull in mahogany. I used wood filler and 50% white glue/water to seal and finish the hull, sanded the hell out of it, and gave it a Navy Blue paint job. The Bulwarks gave me a hard time and I learned never again to use plywood on contour parts. (Next time I replace plywood with something else). I was able to bend the bow section using slight saw kerfs every 1/8 inch which worked well. The rubbing strips were trouble too but I prevailed. The transom was a real pain, as was the strips at the deck/Bulwark interface. The Hawse pipes were the biggest headache which I had to shave off 4 times!! Anyway I overcame all those problems and it looks awesome. I had to modify the rudder a little but no one will ever know. I painted the inboard side of the Bulwarks a very dark red, so the ship will have a Patriotic but subtle red, white, and blue look. I intend to deviate from the plans for a more custom build by adding fife rails and by hanging the anchors over the top rail at the bow. I'm not using the blocks from the kit, I mailed away to Blue Jacket for proper blocks in the correct scale (and they are fabulous). The AL kit was a basic start, but depends a great deal on the skill of the builder, and the instructions suck almost as bad as the parts list, which sucks out loud! AL has some serious Q.C. problems. More news as it happens. D

[@ken_boats]

Yes my whole family is blessed to be healthy and in good spirits. It sounds like you have overcome the trials of boat building! Feels good - doesn't it. It seems the instructions from the 4 boats I have built so far have the same vagueness in instructions - e.g. lacking. maybe it is hard to create better instructions with these kind of boats. But there is no excuse for poor Q.C. Some model makers are better than others in this regard. Making your own parts where you have to - is a good solution. I have been working on knowing where to buy precut wood, and how to cut my own wood, or buy better detail parts like deadeyes, etc. I found a place that sells better rigging rope, but I have not had to buy that yet. Ken

[@tornadofairy5376]

I have a similar plank bender, that came with several changeable cutters/heads. The ones I found that work the best are flat on one side, as you have and a plastic one that has a 'V' cross section where you have the metal blade. So far I have never had the wood cut through and it produces a lovely curve. Good to see a step by step video where you are learning as you go along - and no mind-numbing music!

[@ken_boats]

Ha Ha, I often play soft background music when I am working and stop it when I shoot my video, but my wife thinks of it as weird "mind-numbing" music :-) But you are right, it would detract from the video. Thanks for your encouragement, I have gotten better at bending, and I am now learning to steam wood, since the thicker stuff does not seem to respond well to the iron. Steamed wood should be soft and bend easier without breaking. My video I am working on shows the attempt to make a steamer that did work, but it is an example of what not to do. And describes a better process. I plan to build a better wood steaming device before I attempt my 4th boat. and maybe by the end of the 4th boat I will have learned the right way !

[@robertmurray9501]

Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us. I always learn something new watching someone else work through the same questions I've enountered. I have made a couple of wooden ship models myself. Each one is a challenge of learning the ship carpentry and rigging terminology. ;) Hope you do more!

[@ken_boats]

Glad it was helpful! I am starting my 4th boat, and will publish early in 2021. I also have learned so much, and enjoy the challenge.

[@11dmju]

its always exciting opening a new kit for the first time

[@ken_boats]

Exciting, when you open it! and even more exciting when you complete it! Ken

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

In hull planking, learn what stealer planks and drop planks are, and plan cutting your planks accordingly with tapers and drop-out chamfers. Google those terms. Planks never terminate in points, always in shaped with the point chamfered off. That's an important detail in ship construction. Pointed planks can't be nails down to form a strong joint and will leak since the point warps and opens up on a hull. Every model is a step up in learning and applying accurate ship features and new construction techniques. Each model gets much better, and faster than you would think. Huge thinks up on this video!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks Darivs. These are great comments, well thought out, and I will apply them on the boat I am working on. I am almost done with my 3rd boat, but I will study and think about these comments (part 2) and the other comment you provided (part 1). and apply them where I can. I have been using a Satin Polyurethane, and flat black, but I agree there are parts that seem shiny. Thanks again.

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

@@ken_boats Always willing to help a fellow shipmate! I used to sail cargo ships, now I just build models, :) Join the Nautical Research Guild and Ships of Scale forums. Lots of friends there eager to share their vast knowledge of model ship building.

[@TwoPuttGuy]

you can overcome any obstacle ... over,around or thru ... good job Ken ...

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. (>:

[@cloggerdempsey]

Love your work, and appreciate the effort you put into making this video!

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the encouragement.

[@pierrelefebvre6280]

what I dp to bend wood is boil it and work it while hot. Then place it in place while it cools and dryes

[@christineflores3641]

Awesome videoing! My son and I are building this together and your almost step by step video is a life saver for us first timers! Great job and it turned out beautiful. If we can even get close to yours, we'll be very happy!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. Have you completed your boat yet?

[@gavinbooth]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video Ken thanks for taking the time to make it . Regards Gav.

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it. Ken

[@jhoux7747]

What a great job. I am impressed this was your first ship of this kind. I am working up to this with more novice ships. It would be nice to have decent instructions but I guess you get what you get. I really enjoyed your video and I am sure I will refer back to it when I am building my Virginia 1819. Fair Winds, Jeannine

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. I some times jump in before I am ready, but it has been fun. It is teaching me patience. Ken

[@ole9421]

Built my first wooden ship model, The Swift back in 1993. It's very similar to yours. Had no clue what I was getting myself into. No youtube to look up tips or tricks. Only thing that saved me was the plans were one-to-one and my pure stubbornness.

[@ken_boats]

I have KZbin and ModelShipWorld build logs, and it is still hard for me. Stubbornness has its place, especially for difficult tasks like model boat building. Good for you. Is the swift still on your shelf? As time goes by, I am thinking I need to learn about boat cases. - Ken

[@ModelkitStuff]

I really enjoyed your video, interesting to see you work things out and just proves what can be done as a novice. I think you did a great job. I am buildin HMS Fly at the moment, its a lovely kit to build

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I like making videos, so I get enjoyment from two hobbies (building boats and making videos). I'll have to look up the HMS Fly. I'm always on the hunt for my next boats. Thanks.

[@ModelkitStuff]

@@ken_boats I have both a full kit review and a build to date on my channel

[@ivettegarcia6833]

Excellent job. Waiting for the next project.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks so much. Since then I have one more, and I am starting my 4th boat. do you build boats?

[@jimmyc8329]

Ken. Thank you for the video. I was wanting to buy a ship and get into the hobby, your video was an eye opener 👀 to how involved it is to build one. Not to mention the amount of tools that are needed. WOW! Your ship turned out great. 👍👍.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. I started with a few tools, and only bought tools where they were absolutely needed. The real challenge is the mental effort. It takes time. One cannot hurry. And it requires patience, for which I have more now than when I was younger. And lastly the ability to work through unexpected setbacks (things don't fit, or mistakes you make). But it has been worth it for me. Ive grown in many ways. Let me know if you start building.

[@georgebain986]

Love your videos, keep'em coming. ☺

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. I will keep making videos. - Ken

[@leeedsonetwo]

Really nice boat well done.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. It was my 2nd build ever, and this is the boat that "hooked me". Since then, I have taken to studying the build process. Thanks for your encouragement. Ken

[@animaloverload7465]

Not only documenting a great boat build, but also a beard growth.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the complement, and noticing the fact that I got carried away with "no save November"! ha ha

[@StephenBell]

That was a delight, thank you.

[@ken_boats]

you are very kind. thanks. Ken

[@christopherproper9513]

Ken, you did a great job! It has encouraged me to build a double planked boat. I see you opted for the paper flag at the end though. After all of the trials and tribulations that must of put you through, I don’t blame you. You did beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. It still looks nice on my shelf. I hope you are having good luck with your boat builds. Keep at it! Ken

[@nolanplayz4836]

i loved watching this keep it up and how could any one dislike this its amazing

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I enjoy this hobby, and I am glad you do to.

[@Prashie-of9sz]

Great job Ken! Enjoyed watching your video. Thanks.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[@emilirimia1910]

Nice build Ken! I have an observation to make though! The ropes from the rigging look a bit fuzzy. A solution to make them look more "solid" is to run them trough a bit of bees wax. That will make them look a bit more natural and in scale. Regards! Emil

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the tip. I did indeed buy bees wax and have used it. - Ken

[@lwsgrvbro]

As you expand your knowledge, you’ll find all kinds of little tricks to building wooden ships. Next build try running your rigging over a piece of beeswax. It eliminates that pesky fuzz on your thread and greatly improves the appearance of the rigging.

[@ken_boats]

I will buy some ahead of time and try it on my next boat, Thanks - Ken

[@kevinkapp]

Thank you for the video. I want to start building model ships. This looks like something I could handle.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. It was a reach for my skill level at that time, but I learned a lot. This is a good boat for beginners. Good luck!

[@TrevorsWorkbench]

Beautiful work! Built this ship about a year ago (same time you built I think) and had fun building it. Since this is not based on a particular vessel, any digressions from the plans are just fine. After all, you are building it for your enjoyment. Word of advice, don't glue the masts in, they will hold just fine with the hole in the deck, the step on the false keel and the rigging.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the tip!

[@nohabs]

Nice work. I'm building the "Newsboy". What an experience it has been, I love it but am scared of it too. I,m finished planking the deck and now building the deck furniture. I hope my eyesight holds up.

[@ken_boats]

Wow. I looked it up and that is a nice looking model. I use bright lights and a magnifying optivisor. Still my eyes seem dry after working for a long time, but my optician said I am not hurting my eyes. I am currently working on my 4th boat, Joshua Slocum's "Spray". I must say my comfort level is higher this time. I am sure your skill and ability to overcome adversity will improve as you finish. Keep going! Ken

[@sgray1977]

Nice job! I'm starting one and your video helped a lot to know what to expect.

[@MatchboxRevival]

What a great video!I bought this model and will need your help. Thought it was very informative. Thanks Ken

[@ken_boats]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JustShortOf]

Nice job Ken. Try using a little beeswax on your rigging lines to help with the "fuzz". Will really clean things up a bit more. Great job on your rigging!!!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks, I will try that.

[@robertsalanon2909]

Super travail du bois et beau résultat de ce beau bateau !! Félicitations ...

[@ken_boats]

Merci pour le compliment! - Ken

[@czechmarque]

Have you tried a Pin Vice for tiny drills? You can also put the dowels in a hand drill and use sandpaper to taper (wear a leather glove as the sandpaper gets hot)

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the good advice. As my skills progress I am learning to use both of your good suggestions

[@johnbrock1602]

I read a good thing to do is to not glue the mast in if something brakes in the future you can slip the mast out an work on it on the bench. Looking forward to your next build.

[@ken_boats]

Good tip. I will avoid gluing in the future. My next boat is in work. I will finish the planking in the next couple of weeks.

[@paulleigh7792]

Excellent build as you go. For me, a bit more time on the planking technique wouldn’t have gone amiss. I’ve never had practical experience of building one of these wooden ship kits before. Keep up the good work.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I would have spent more time on videoing the planking process, but first I have to figure out what i am doing (ha). My technique is getting better, but I still end up with gaps and funny results. Each time, I get better!

[@kimedmonds1082]

wonderful video Ken, many thanks for posting it.

[@ken_boats]

Glad you enjoyed it. I still like to look at it on my shelf. - Ken

[@MattGreenland1]

Great work! Thanks for sharing.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks, this was my second boat. Since then, I have built several more boats. Each seems to be as challenging, but just as fun. Ken

[@eduardssilins585]

WOW! Nicely done! Love from Latvia!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks Ken

[@sidekickbob7227]

Those pictures seem quite clear to me. The part number 11 seems to be chamfered at both sides, before glued onto part 10. The upper chamfer (bevel?) is on the same plane as the chamfer on part 10. The lower chamfer seems to make a smooth transition from the double thickness of part 10+11 to the single thickness of just part 10.

[@ken_boats]

I think you are right. Deciphering the instructions has been difficult for me, but when I look back, I see they were clear (at least with hindsight). these days I spend a lot more time studying the instructions.

[@MexicanBatman]

i wanted to make one of my favorite boats the wapen von hamburg but i realise there's is alot more to it than i thought thank you for this explanation

[@ken_boats]

Your welcome. I hope my beginner level has not stopped you from working towards your goal!

[@MexicanBatman]

@@ken_boats no , but because of the clear explanation of your video i wont just rush in to the expensive model of the wapen , instead start with something smaller and build my way up to it

[@ken_boats]

Good Idea. I started small with a Life Boat, but I am now recommending even smaller - such as a Dorry kit. - Ken

[@evanzhao3887]

Hi Ken, I really love your ship and enjoyed the video very much! Can you share the brand of the stand that you used to support the hull? A purchase link would be even better. I think it's angle tilting feature is very handy and would like to buy one for myself. (I don't know the exact name of the tool. To be clear, I am talking about the one that you mount the ship on at 27:16 in the video) Thanks!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. It's called the Keel Klamper, by Amati. I added a steel base with rubber feet for stability.

[@guillermomumbruzaforas2206]

Very useful video Ken. I have received the Virginia today. It is my first model with ships sails and it is a challenge. Best regards from Madrid (Spain)

[@ken_boats]

Thanks Guillermo. I enjoyed the challenge much more once I was complete (ha ha)! It was totally worth the effort. It looks very nice on my shelf, and I am sure you will be glad you took this challenge too. - Ken

[@zaccy6589]

Fantastic Video Ken!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[@jamess.7981]

I've heard steaming the wood allows it to bend a little more easily. Great work !

[@ken_boats]

Yes, I agree. I have steamed wood, but I also find soaking the planks in hot water works as well (and is easier) - Ken

[@raymondmills9377]

Enjoyed the video immensely...thanks for sharing ...

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[@athinapapadopoulou6053]

great work! where can I get those magnifying glasses? any brand recommendation?

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I find the magnifier to be a great help. I use the OptiVisor with 1.5 magnification - Ken

[@MR_R.o.b.o.t.o]

GREAT JOB !! Now lets go sailing around the world and have a adventure! !

[@TyroneBeiron]

Thank you for the video. You didn't put any weights within the hull to help stabilise the model (lower centre of gravity) to counter balance the masts?

[@ken_boats]

No, no weights. The stand seems to hold it up well.

[@TyroneBeiron]

@@ken_boats Thank you for clarifying! 🥃🥃

[@davidpetti9951]

Hi Ken Thanks for the video I just got my kit today same boat . Thanks for the tips

[@ken_boats]

How is your boat building going? - Ken

[@davidpetti9951]

@@ken_boats finished looks great

[@markhardison9645]

Hi Ken. Thanks for the video. Im working on this same ship now, and your video has helped me foresee some problem areas and some solutions. Where did you get the clips you use toe help when you do you planking? Thanks much,

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. I had to review the video to find what I used. These were small paper clamps. all you need to do is pry off the handles from one clamp, and force one handle in the clamp of an unmodified clamp. I found this trick on KZbin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqHIgquGorSqqtE - Ken

[@Darryl603]

Have you tried any kits from model shipways, Ken? They're based in Florida

[@ken_boats]

Yes, I just bought Model Shipways’ cross section of the USS Constitution. It will be my next boat after I finish the Scottish Fifie.

[@colehenderson132]

Great work, looks like good fun

[@ken_boats]

It was! Thanks Ken

[@welshknight1456]

I found the same problem as you regarding the gap and the rudder, think its a design fault with the kit. Also my sails don't reach the end of the boom as shown. but still loving this kit, a couple more sails and some rigging and i'm done then onto my next project the Black Pearl.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks. The black pearl looks like a step up in expertise! Good for you. Let me know how it goes. This boat was a challenge for me, but 1) it looks good, now that I am done, and 2) the next boat was easier from all that I learned on this one.

[@Colin399]

Lovely build

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the encouragement. Ken

[@wgoconnor33]

Very nice job 👍

[@ken_boats]

thanks. I enjoy the hobby, and making the videos, so I am glad you liked them.

[@wulfbytez136]

If you seal and add ballast to these sorts of kits, would they float on water?

[@ken_boats]

No. At least I don't think so. There are plenty of model sailboats and motorized boats that are designed for real water. But these kinds of kits are to be displayed on a shelf. No controllable parts, like a rudder, or motors to move the booms, etc

[@thebrothers3971]

I built this a few years ago, Nice model

[@ken_boats]

Thanks - Ken

[@quadmanab]

You are very helpful I’m trying to do the same ship. It’s very hard.

[@allanrichards6448]

I have made a few model ships, initially from kits then some scratch built from plans. Its not easy to make a fully rigged model and you have made a fine job of that model. When planking decks or hulls another technique to emphasise the plank edges is to use strips of black paper between the planks then sand it back level with the planks. Its good at representing the caulking.

[@ken_boats]

Good advice. I was not too enamored with the idea of using a lead pencil. Using paper sounds promising. Thanks. And thanks for the encouragement.

[@davidjohannsen9545]

You're video is wonderful! Not sure, though, that you didn't scare me off of trying a wood ship build. Congratulations on your build.

[@ken_boats]

Thanks for the complement, but I hope you were joking about not building a boat. It is very fun, when your not stressed! I keep looking for a simple boat but so far each one I have bought is a similar puzzle. If you are really interested I found some improved resources. Look at modelshipworld.com/ They have lots of resources I am planning to buy a "half hull" planking kit with instructions to improve my planking skills. thenrgstore.org/collections/plans-and-projects/products/half-hull-planking-project they also have lots of discussion groups. One discussion group is titled General Ship Model Kit Discussions that may be helpful in selecting a kit. Ken

[@davidjohannsen9545]

@@ken_boats Thank you for the encouragement. I've bought several books and done a lot of reading, and the more I think about trying to master planking the more hesitant I get. That being said, I would love to some day build a first-rate ship of the line (or maybe the USS Constitution). I hope to retire in a couple of years, so thinking that I may hold off until then (it's really hard for me to find big chunks of free time right now). I really like the "half hull" planking kit - this seems like a heck of a good way to get started (I am a lot more comfortable trying to acquire basic skills on a $65 kit and one that cost $200-300). Thank you for the help!

[@philippabaker1078]

Superb job!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks a lot!

[@luisxavier8124]

Nice work!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks!

[@ken_boats]

Thanks

[@tomcook5813]

Is it possible the original boats rudder never reached all the way down to avoid damage? I believe that boat was meant for coastal service.

[@ken_boats]

Maybe. At the time I figured it was my short coming. Several people who commented stated they had the same problem. Since this time, I've realized all kits have some "fit" issues, and creative solutions are typically required. I think this is the real problem.

[@tomcook5813]

@@ken_boats there was a time when even plastic models weren’t straight or flat and we had to warm the parts and straighten them. Things have gotten so good that we even have laser cut parts, I have to say my expectations are higher these days. But in your case you persevered and that gives you and even higher sense of pride. Well done sir

[@szymulalukasz]

great job, well done. Looks really nice.

[@ken_boats]

Thank you very much! - Ken

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Now varnish the wood with a SATIN, not glossy varnish to bring all the beauty of that wood color out, and protect the model from moisture. Don't use glossy because it will make the ship look like it was dipped in glass, which is not the proper appearance. Great job on your first model. On the next one, do not be afraid to make custom parts from walnut or beech or lime wood if the ones provided do not fit. Measure your drawings carefully to make sure the proportions are kept accurate. Example: your main sail boom appears to be attached too high on the mainmast. Your railing height problem may be due to the gunwale not being high enough neat the bow, throwing the railing column heights off. The keelpost for the rudder appears to be not long enough at the rear. A shim of white wood added to the keelpost and sanded top blend in could have made the gap between the rudder and keelpost. Because the hull seem to want to wander off proportion when constructing, the gun port positions, deck and gunwale heights may wander off tolerance and affect position of parts later on in the build. When doing small details, use a headset that has a magnifier and light. It is inexpensive and allows you to be a LOT more precise when working the tiny stuff like rigging deadeyes and blocks. I liked the coffee cup and strap wet plank method of curving planks. I used the same technique using a bucket and strap to add camber to the flat decks on my ship model of La Couronne. Prebending parts goes a long way in the struggle to form planks and deck sheets around curves. I use an electric hot iron on wet planks to curve hull planks neat the bow and have great success getting perfectly fit parts. It just take a bit more time, and lots of test fits, but using the iron to steam the planks into complex twisted curves. You press the wet plank against a form made from a concave block of wood and that means no broken planks and stress-free fitting.

[@camdenfisher7467]

I guess Im asking the wrong place but does someone know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the login password. I would love any tips you can offer me.

[@walkerisaias2066]

@Camden Fisher Instablaster =)

[@camdenfisher7467]

@Walker Isaias thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@camdenfisher7467]

@Walker Isaias It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@walkerisaias2066]

@Camden Fisher Glad I could help :D

[@craigdunn3231]

It looks so nice

[@ken_boats]

It is a good looking model on my shelf. Thanks for the complement

[@davidbrancato9724]

Nice work Ken. My Viginia Schooner was delayed perhaps 8 months when I had to plank the hull, and wasnt happy with the sharp angle I had at each bulkhead despite soaking in boiling water. At last I decided to fill the space between the bulkheads with solid balsa blocks cut and sanded to the contour of the hull. Gave me much more gluing surface and no more sharp angles. Now making better progress. Did you find videos by Tom Lauria? He's a wizard. Dave

[@ken_boats]

Good idea about the solid balsa blocks. I looked at all the Tom Lauria videos and his website. He does museum quality work. An Artist!

[@Mark-ft7nw]

I wanted this model to practice some skills before I build our uss constitution I found in our basement. I was wondering would this schooner historically ever have copper plating? I want to practice the copper plating but I also don’t want to make a model that would be too historically inaccurate. Any comments would be amazing thanks.

[@ken_boats]

I don't know about copper plating. But I have found and joined Model Ship World (modelshipworld.com/). There are tons of resources there, and I am sure you can find examples and training about copper plating. Good luck.

[@Mark-ft7nw]

@@ken_boats thank you Ken for getting back. I’m laughing because I can’t believe it’s been a year and I haven’t worked on this model in so long. I finally got the planking done and used some water putty to fill the gaps. Hopefully will be sanding everything and getting done with it soon. Appreciate the tips and such and wanted to comment again (before noticing I already did), I still use you’re video as the go to tutorial so thanks again. Also, I had a tea kettle going on low just keeping the water hot enough. Then I would pour that over a plank into a baking tray like you had setup changing the hot water for each plank. Although inefficient for the water the planks were extremely easy to manipulate. Potential advice for the future

[@luisalbertoorozcovasquez9353]

Ken.... muy lindo trabajo (y video) Felicitaciones.......... Cuanto tiempo te tomo hacerlo ????

[@ken_boats]

muchas gracias, tardó 4 meses Pero trabajo a tiempo parcial. Thanks. It took 4 months, working part time (half days)

[@arthurskim7898]

Very interesting and instructional. Thanks for posting. BRAVO ZULU

[@ken_boats]

Thank You !

[@deciboo189]

How do you trim the wooden planks for the deck?

[@ken_boats]

Its been a while since I reviewed the build of this boat. But I think I installed the planks longer than required, and then cut the length to a closer fit, and finally used a Dremel tool to grind them to the final fit (sandpaper would work as well) Ken