Introduction

[johnpeg1977]

Hello Everyone! Paul, thanks for the invite to come back. Like I
said earlier, I've just been hanging around in the background,
learning all I can. A person can easily learn a lot here.
Anyway, my name is John Richards, and I'm from SW Virginia, a
little town called Fries, right on the banks of the New River. I've
been building models for close to 40 years now. I'm 48 years old,
married to a great girl, no kids. I've built a little of everything
through the years, cars, aircraft, plastic ships, railroading
equipment and buildings (lots of scratch-built). It seems that most
of the stuff somewhere along the line lost the challenge, thus my
switch to wooden ships. I suddenly found out where the challenge
went!! I'm currently building AL's cutaway Bounty, heavily
modifiying the kit, adding what is missing below decks. Also, I'm
involved in making tools to use on wooden ships (miniature chisels,
etc.). I'm already thinking down the road for future projects, I
know I want to do a paddler, probably something from the Civil War.
Also, there used to be a paddle ferry (Blair's Ferry) here in town,
lasted till probably the 30's. I have one photo of it, and will try
sometime to build it.
I'm trying to convert my model shop to a model shipyard, have
most of what I want, except for a decent small circular saw. I'm
looking at both the Micro-Mark 12-volt, and the Jarmac. Anyone who's
used either please voice your opinions. If I can sell my Sherline,
I'll take a look at the Preac.(Drool!)
If anyone is interested in seeing my approach to making mini
chisels (the largest is 1/4th inch.), let me know and I'll try to
post some photos and instructions
Shipping out before I put anyone to sleep!
Thanks,
John Richards
johnpeg@valink.com

[Paulrjordan]

Hi again, John...thank you for your info. Once again the Ship
modelers Forum on Yahoo, with more than 800 members worldwide, is a
very well run group with a heavy emphasis on static wooden ship
models.
You can find them at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShipModelers-Forum/

> I'm already thinking down the road for future projects, I
> know I want to do a paddler, probably something from the Civil
> War.

Well, as soon as you're ready to get into choosing your subject, we
have some knowledgable ACW experts here and I'm sure they'd be
enthusiastic about you building one of the classic ironclads or
gunboats..but from where you live I'd hasten to think you might be
more interested in the stealthy blockade runners!!

There is also a good little ACW ships group which which can be found
at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/civilwarnavy

> Also, there used to be a paddle ferry (Blair's Ferry) here in town,
> lasted till probably the 30's. I have one photo of it, and will
> try sometime to build it.

Yes, this makes a lot of sense to build a ship which has a local
interest.

Keep us up to date on your endeavours and also how you're faring with
the mini table saw

> If anyone is interested in seeing my approach to making mini
> chisels (the largest is 1/4th inch.), let me know and I'll try to
> post some photos and instructions

Actually I have to attempt some VERY small and fine carving for a
paddlebox decoration at some point, so, yes I'd love to hear about
your mini chisels, John.

Look forward to hearing more from you.

PJ