Imai Catalan

OOOH you lucky....I am SOOO jealous.

I have recently been itching to do this one again but I have never been able to find one for sale that wasn't asking my weight in Myrrh.  

I built this kit many years ago when it was still new, its a terrific built straight out of the box. Its curently in storage but I have been wanting to redo this again but as a more realistic model with a fore and aft mast with more Flemmish lines. I dont want to have to rework my existing kit.

I stained the hull today. I know it looks real messy. I use Zar stains mostly. I stated before I have newer and older cans of Teak Natural. They seem to change shades as they age.The bottom was painted with MM Acryl aircraft interior black.I like that paint because to me it looks more like tar.Now the stain will be on for at least 48 hours than I'll spray and Acryl flat over it. Than I'll paint the heavy beams with and oil paint. I left the center section with out stain. I'll paint that green. I just wanted a little color on this model. Notice again I high lighted The caulk lines and nail heads with pencil.Everything from here on will be hand painted because once the stains down you can"t tape over it. The Stain tends to lift. One draw back from using stain. Rod

WHAT A TUB!

Beautiful Rod.  I was thinking the last couple of days about colors and whether to paint the  lower part some tar color or not.  I really like the look with the stains as it is so subtle.  I think I will also copy the way you bring out the chalking lines and nail heads.  Thanks for posting again Rod.

Steve

TUB?

Totally

Uber

Boat?

I'm gonna go w/ that one. :)

The "TUBS" hull is just about done. I need to do some touch-up and a little weathering.

I have the bow sprite on and finished. I think it looks pretty fair.

more of the bow sprite if you can call it that.

I also have the stern in place.It needs touching up also.

starboard side almost finished too.

You continue to impress, Rod!

Love it.

I really like the effect of the greenish-blue coloring...never would have considered that shade for a ship, but it's terrific!

I always say it, but I need to experiment more with stains, your texture and depth of color for the wood grain is very well done.  Maybe on my Imai Mayflower I'll pick up a can of stain and give it a whirl.

Please keep the updates coming!

" TUB "

    Well, I guess it's kinda shaped that way  .But , and pay attention , this model  ,the way it is looking  is no " Tub " More like my neighbor " Tubby " ! Nice job so far my friend .     Tanker-Builder

I think : There fore I gotta be Mr. Correcter here .That's sprit !

You are correct sir.Actually I don't think it's a sprit either.Coming out of the for'e castle is a sprit. But it dosen't have any sails,just a used for the stays to be tied to it. You'll see here in a couple of days when I get to that point.

Rod

Rod,

I have said it before but she looks beautiful.  I really like how you did the stern carving of the dragon as well as the bracing, subtle and elegant.

Steve

I'm all done with the hull and mast and crows nest all the railings and ladders are in and secured.The parts fit very well. Imai kits for me have always went together very well. Rod

The railings and laders in place. Very bulky aren't they.

Now I think I can say the bow sprit is in place.I secured it underneath with epoxy for added strength when I start rigging.

The rudder is place. I used MM Burnt Iron on the hinges.Most of the time when I use MM metal paints I don't mix the bottle up. I take a flat stick and get the metal paint out of the bottom of the jar. The colors better and covers better.

The kit has you securing the lower deadeyes through holes in the hull. I don't like the way that looks. I can't find if chainplate were used yet. I decide to put eyebolt with rings into the side of the hull to secure the deadeyes to. i dipped them in Blacken-it to color them. Steve you were right the smaller rings look better.

Looks like your having a lot of fun with the finish.  Coming along great.

I've got the ship attached to its permanent base.Plus its sitting on its cover 80% of my models have covers. I'm working on the other 20%.Once you have a football go through your main mast you start to get covers. Rod

Back stays are in place.The nice thing about this ki lots oplaces to tie off line.