Model Shipways Rattlesnake

[Paul Helfrich]

This is the Model Shipways plank-on-bulkhead kit of the 1780 Massachusetts privateer "Rattlesnake." I built this for a friend who already had the kit, but didn't want to build it himself. And I can't say I blame him! I don't recommend these plank-on-bulkhead kits to anyone except masochists. Put another way, once you have the pre-cut bulkheads and frame together, the rest is largely an exercise in scratchbuilding. The instructions are only moderately helpful; basically it's you against a big box of miniature wooden planks.

Nevertheless, I persevered, and here is the result.

I greatly simplified the running rigging; I found the rigging diagrams largely impossible to decipher, so I based what I did on the main bits from the photo of a completed kit on the box. After this experience, I'll be very glad to get started on a nice modern ship in good old styrene!

[Bill Code]

mini frigate! looks like a lot of work!
nice job!

[Paul Helfrich]

Thanks Bill! Coming from you, that means a lot - I admire your work very much.

[Bissyboat]

Nice frigate. the rigging is superb!