Well, Pack 8 of my Samurai build is on it way but I thought this would be a good time to share another build before it gets here.

This kit was built about 8 years ago on a challenge from a fellow modeler. We saw this "Simple" inexpensive Midwest Products 1/8 scale Canadian Canoe kit in our local hobby shop. We decided to see who could do better in a 30 day timeframe. Well, here is my effort. It appeared the kit was a bit more difficult than the box described.

The kit is a plank on removable bulkhead frame. You get a laser cut set of bulkheads and a centerboard to be assembled,squared up and glued. The Bulkheads were notched for the keel and stem/stern ( this is a canoe, right?) pieces. After that you have a set of plans and a bundle of planks of two colors of wood and bits of flats, etc. You build inverted and I started with my first planking at the turn of the bilge and went on from there. The colored strakes were added as called for. A bit of sanding and fitting required. I am not belittling the process at all - it could just as easily be the Victory.

NOW, here is the killer - there is only one layer of planks on this model. Shaping is done one strake at a time. Adhesive is applied on the outside only! You have to remove the bulkhead mold once the planking is finished. Simple, Yes?? I used medium CA in one hand with accelerant in the other. I rubbed the glue between the strakes as applied and then jiggled the interior bulkheads inside to be sure they were not sticking. After all was done my finger tips were cleaned with a belt sander. Then you carefully sand the exterior to smooth things out and be careful not to sand though the whole thing. Not as bad as I am describing.

I used a spray can of satin polyurethane for the finish and used it at each stage. When the hull was finished, remove the mold and very carefully sand the interior. Spray. Bent and add the ribs to the interior with CA. Spray. Shape the back rests and attach. Spray. Add combings and caps and spray. Material for the two paddles was provided. Make them and spray. Build and install the flooring pieces and spray.

I scratched the fly rod, bait box, ditty bag, kneeling pad and net. They were attached and, wait for it, SPRAYED!

A nice simple base was made and it is now under glass on my son's desk.

Enjoy.

That does look very nice indeed.

You did a fantastic job with it, but was it you that did the better job?

Ha! I made this exact kit about 8 or 10 years ago. It was my first foray into 'ship-building', and I didn't do nearly as good a job as you did. Still, it was a fun, quick build. I'm thinking of working on the San Felipe after I finish something I have going currently (a small, about 1 foot long, ship called 'Albatross' from Constructo.) I like all the additional gear you made; mine just has the oars, as the kit supplied them...

Thanks for all the kind comments. It looks so simplebut.....

My architect son has it on his desk under glass and that makes me happy.

Tom