Barry Pyeatt Posted January 17, 2004 Posted January 17, 2004 Jake, I hope you don't decide to bring the finish to the same level as Fire Escape. You won't get it done before it is time to go sailing. Lot less sanding dust though. I once built an Italian kit of the Thermopolye. I thought I would go batty with all the little blocks and lines. I had a huge magnifying glass on a stand and long tweezers and dental tools to work on it. Never did get it completely rigged, but anyone looking at it would never know. That was worse than building a full size boat. After steam bending planks for reconstructing a 36' sloop in high school I decided that the pros can do it from that point on. Lots of models since. Lot of half hulls of yachts and tank models for studies. A few fun projects to sit around on the desk or bookshelves. Several of them given to people that loved them and take care of them. Several of the Midwest models including the Endevor for a client. I love the idea of Blue Jacket models. Their kits are supposed to be the creme de la creme. My son and I have built several fiberglass boats for fishing the Sound and running the rivers from hulls we manufactured in the past. Fast, very stable, rugged as all get out and comfortable. Tried out a lot of concepts before we got out of the business. Most of them with 1/4 scale RC scale models first. Those were all built up from scratch off of drawings. Most all of them were not put into production, but some of the ideas were utilized and worked well. So it is in my blood as well. Funny isn't it. It all started with a model when I was in grade school. And then a 12' sailing surfboard. And here we are. Big is a lot easier than little. :wink: Quote
Bill Posted January 17, 2004 Posted January 17, 2004 Well, I think the friendship is a nice boat to look at. No doubt there are many people hooked on them..I think it's the romance/history aspect that catches a lot of them. We do see them for sale around here..I would bet most of the ones for sale are replica though. I'm certainly no expert. The prices are not usually too bad. Iv'e seen them as low as 5000.00 and they "look" like they don't need that much work, but then again, without a survey all bets are off. Most of the newer ones are smaller in size than the originals too. My understanding is the originals were 25 - 50 ft. in length, and the newer ones all seem to be under 30 feet (and more towards the 25 foot mark). Boats like that could be real fun to sail in, but I have been inside a few and they are really small and cramped and overnites would be a real pain. Up here they would have to be hauled out after each season and storage costs are high. Not being a trailerable boat means mooring fees too. All those costs are expected to anyone who owns a sizable wooden boat, but if I'm laying out that much cash, I want to vacation on it. From the ones I have seen, vacations are out. Thats not to say people don't do it, I just want more conveniences I guess. As you know these boats were intended as fishing and lobster boats, and not boats to cruise in (although a very sea worthy vessel). This means that if you truly follow the old plans and intend to Lobster or Fish you would be very happy, but Vacation and cruising? I dunno, I think the way they are built, it would still be hard to retrofit one for comfortable cruising. Now maybe if you get into the 40-50 footers the story is different (along with any costs associated) maybe there is enough room to make it functionable. Like I said though, my "real" knowledge is limited. I do live in an area though where research would be fairly easy and fun. I'll keep an eye on the FSS society's calender of events and maybe I'll get a better insight after a real look and see weekend at one of the events this summer. I do like them, but for now I'll be looking for them with my camera, and not my wallet... Please keep us all up to speed on your endeavor into the planning and building if it comes to that. I personally would find it very interesting. Being here in Maine (and traveling the "DownEast" areas frequently), please do not hesitate to have me seek out any information you may require, if I can be of any assistance. You have donated countless hours (and valuable knowledge) to this forum (and others) and it would be nice to throw a few answers your way. What goes around...comes around! Thanks and best of luck! Bill Quote
Bill Posted January 19, 2004 Posted January 19, 2004 Barry, Sent your Catalogue out Saturday Morning (Priority) from our Post Office here. You should get it Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Decided to start on the Weekender model at 1/6 scale. If I'm correct in my math that would give me a model about a yard long. A bit big, but for a scratch model, it should be easier! It also seems to "fit", "Barbie, Ken, Kate and Ashley and a few others quite well. All of these folks, have cars, wardrobes, houses..a pool etc! According to my 7 year old, it's time I built them a boat... I have no problem with that mission, I will enforce a strict painting scheme, that "will not" include "pink", as per other projects... Bill Quote
Barry Pyeatt Posted January 19, 2004 Posted January 19, 2004 Thanks Bill! The Ala Moana Shopping Mall had a Barbie Lookalike contest Last year. It was funnier than all get out. The winner was a Hawaiian girl that probably couldn't be further away from the "Barbie" image but she had the best costume and act to accompany it. The winner was chosen by popular Applause. IT was a hoot! Now that is a good excuse to build a model of the Weekender. Barbie and Ken. :roll: Quote
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