Hi Stephen, yes, I can see the first messages and photos now.
There are some repeated texts in the first messages (that I hadn't repeated) and some small anomalies that I'm checking for.
But you've done such an exceptional job, so great, I don't even know where to begin.

Hi Alessandro, can you check now? The posts won't have been lost, nor the photos, don't worry there. I think this was more a pagination issue, with this thread being particularly long. Thanks. Stephen

In this topic, due to the site's revamp, 79 posts describing the initial stages have been lost.
I hope they can be recovered because they are the most important phases of the project; afterward, it's difficult to understand its evolution and genesis.

I hope Stephen can restore them.

Hi Chris, I wanted to try it too; you've piqued my curiosity.
Look at the results.
EdW is right, even though it's scary, this AI has incredible potential.
That's precisely why it's scary.
If someone had told me this just twenty years ago, I wouldn't have believed it.

Thank you so much, Duncan, for your kind words.
I understand. I've abandoned work several times because I've run out of inspiration. It happens.
I'm glad I got you going again.
If it can inspire you even more, consider that you're making a beautiful model and a difficult job. If you can make it sail, it will be a wonderful feat. Making accurate scale models move and turn with the power of the wind alone is very difficult.
I'll obviously follow your progress with interest.

Well done Alessandro your ship looks superb! Your attention to detail is a real credit to you. It is also great to see it on the water. I've still got to design and put some sails onto my Bruma. The impetus has been lost because I've lost the extension I made for the rudder as the one for when she is under motor power I believe will be too small. You have given me inspiration to go and do another search for the missing part!😅

Alessandro:

The Half Moon was actually the first wooden model ship I ever built, and unfortunately I don’t have a build log for it. At the time, I never thought I would be able to finish it—let alone have it turn out the way it did.

Back then, I didn’t even know forums like this existed, so it was a very challenging build with no prior experience and no guidance from anyone.

This forum is truly a great place for both newcomers and experienced builders to share advice and opinions.

It helps all of us improve—not only in making our models look better, but also in achieving better performance.

I’m very glad to follow so many fellow modelers and continue learning more about this wonderful hobby.

I do have a sequence of pictures showing how I hand-build and paint my flags, which I will post.
Sometimes our kits don’t include accurately scaled flags, or we may want to add others that simply aren’t available on the market.
😎

Thanks so much, Stephen.
I'm glad to read your positive comments, but I also appreciate your participation in the forum.
I look forward to seeing your fishing boat.

Very interesting, Chugalone; in fact, I hadn't seen any hinges that could hide an opening wall. Well done!
The dimensions of your display case are significant and challenging; those of mine are listed in the link I've already attached.
However, my display case doesn't have an opening wall or door. Don't be fooled by the four hinges you saw at the bottom (there are four more on the opposite side).
In reality, the entire display case lifts up. It's like a huge lid resting (but very firmly, making it suitable for transport) on the base. The base without the cover can be seen in the photos.
For details, please refer to the link I attached in the previous message.

The Half Moon deserves a separate topic; I hope you open it if you haven't already.

Stephen
That is a great question for all of us.
😎

Hi Alessandro,

Congratulations on compleating your wonderful model.

Thank you for taking the time to document your work ans share it with us.

I will be interested in seeing what you are going to build next.

Cheers,
Stephen.

Alessandro,
Thank you for your kind words—you are too generous.

My case measures 36" W x 36" H x 16" D. It’s made from good mahogany, stained in Dark Walnut and sealed with lacquer.

The ship is an Imai wooden kit, 1/40 scale—long out of production, although Hobby Japan is reproducing it again.

Initially, I considered making a front door like yours, but I eventually decided on a side-opening panel instead. It doesn’t use hinges—the panel is fitted snugly enough to stay in place, yet it’s easy to remove when needed.

I’m sharing a few photos here for reference.
And once again, your model is far more radiant than mine—your work truly stands out.

Best regards,
Julian
😎

Hi Ron, thank you so much and congratulations on your Italian.

It's an RC model, capable of both motor and sail.
For more details, I'll post a summary in the Harbour section.

Chugalone, the phrase "a beautiful display for a beautiful model" is more for you than for me, without a doubt.
Your display case (which houses a valuable model) is much more refined and refined than mine.
What are its dimensions and how does it open?
Does it have doors or, like mine, does the lid lift?

Alessandro, si tratta di un modello statico o radiocomandato?

In entrambi i casi, complimenti per l'eccellente modello. Vera maestria artigianale e attenzione ai dettagli in ogni particolare.

Cordiali saluti,

Ronald

Alessandro, is this a static or RC too?

Either way, congratulations on an excellent model. True craftsmanship and an eye to detailing all along the way.

Best regards,

Ronald

Alessandro:
Your case complements the model perfectly—it really elevates the whole presentation. It’s clear that the same level of craftsmanship and care went into the case as into the model itself, which is not something you see every day.

I also scratch-built one of my cases, and it took me about a month and a half to complete, so I can truly appreciate the dedication and patience required. I’m sure yours took quite some time as well, and it definitely shows in the final result.

A beautiful display for a beautiful model.
😎

Thanks so much Jumpugly, I hope to get her back in the water and go sailing.

Thanks so much, Chugalone. Yes, the display case is there. I built it recently. Let me know what you think (I'll link it at the end if you're interested). Unfortunately, I don't have room to store it; it's locked away in a closet for now.

https://model-boats.com/forum/158251

Thanks so much, Chum. I have to say (but this has certainly happened to many) that while I was finishing this model, I was already thinking about other projects.
Since it took so long, I reached a point where I couldn't wait to finish.

Thanks so much for the enjoyment of letting us follow this build Alessandro! Tis' a Beautiful Ship and obviously a labor of love! And we look forward to your next build!!! CHEERS!!!!!!!!!

Excellent! Looking forward to seeing your next project. Thank you for explaining the difference between posting in the Forum v posting in Blogs.

Alessandro;

Congratulations on this final entry.
I’m sure you feel very satisfied with such an excellent outcome.

Your expertise shines through in every section of the model.
I hope you keep it protected in a proper plexiglass or glass case, and display it where family and friends can truly enjoy this gem.

Julian😎

Good morning everyone,
After completing the boom restraints, I can say that the model is finished.
After years and various interruptions, it's finished.

I'm sorry that many stages of the work aren't easily accessible; in fact, they're truly difficult to track.
Unfortunately, I've noticed that, beyond a certain number of posts (and there are already 561 in this topic), scrolling further back in time takes a very long time.
It makes no difference if I had created this topic in the "build blog" section instead of the "forum" section; what matters is the large number of posts. In fact, the advantage of the "forum" section is that the posts are arranged in chronological order and all numbered.

I will now post the model in the "Harbour" section with some photos and a summary sheet.

Thanks to everyone who has followed the work with very positive comments, advice, and helpful information.

Now I'm thinking about future projects.

Thank you very much Wolle.

Top👍👍👍😍

Thank you very much my Belgian friend, you are always kind.

Alessandro amigo italiano,
madre madonna, sancta Maria que belllllloooooooooooo👍

Good morning, naval modelers.

Just a quick update because I'm very close to completion after centuries of work and various interruptions.

I did a tidying job of the lines (double tackles and restraining lines) of the guns, exhausting and unpleasant but it had to be done.
To complete it, I had to create some small hooks out of tinned copper, painted black. This was necessary because the cannons must be removed to open the covers.
Luckily, to insert the batteries, only one cover needs to be removed (the others are for maintenance and repairs) and four cannons.

Then I installed some running rigging, which in Italy are called "Ostini" or "Senali."
I'd like to know the English term.
They're the ones in the photo.
They're used to maneuver the mainsail gaffs, so there are two on each side. Since the blocks have a single fixed sheave, they don't reduce the effort.
Could "gaff vang" be the correct term?

All I need now is the boom restraints.
After that, I'll post a summary spec sheet and a few photos in the Harbour Section to wrap things up.

Finally, I'll be able to focus on new projects.

Thanks Chugalone too kind, excellent Italian.
Ti considero un vero artista oltre che modellista.

Alessandro, il tuo modello è un pezzo da museo e dimostra la tua maestria e abilità artigianale.
😎

Hi Chum44, thank you very much, I understand the meaning.

As we say in New England, some fine Alessandro. Your model is molto bene! 👍👍
Due to lack of use vocabulario mia italiano e male!

Thank you so much, Jumpugly, for the compliment in the form of an aphorism; you're kind and original.

Alessandro!
"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." John Keats, 1818

😊

Good morning, ship modelers.

Here's the compass update.
For details, please see the link below:

https://model-boats.com/forum/161267

Jumpugly, I'm glad to hear you have Italian roots (as does Ed). How wonderful!
Have you ever visited Naples or Monreale (and therefore Palermo?)
They're beautiful cities full of art.
Naples and Palermo need no introduction, but Monreale will amaze you if you've never been there; its cathedral is of great historical and artistic importance.

Thanks for the reply Ed, I was really curious. Knowing that you and Jumpugly have part Italian origins makes me very happy. I can't explain it, but it's true.

Alessandro, Unfortunately I have only been to Turino.
My grandmother was a Vianello and her cousins were Deluci.

Alessandro, il successore di Ed, mio ​​nonno Gaetano era di Monreale, in Sicilia. Mia nonna Teresa era di Napoli.
👍😊😉

Really, Edw? Fantastic.
Bari is a beautiful city, the capital of the Puglia region, one of the most beautiful and characteristic regions in southern Italy.
I don't speak English well, but fortunately my son speaks and understands it.
He reads books in English and watches films in English without any problems.

Have you ever visited Puglia or Italy?

Sorry for the perhaps inappropriate question, but I'm curious (if you prefer not to answer me), what is your grandmother's last name?

Alessandro
La famiglia di mia nonna viene da Bari ma io non so parlare italiano
Ciao
Ed

Thank you so much, Chum, and congratulations on your Italian. You used a very, very complimentary term.

Magnifico!

Thank you so much, Duncan, to you too. I appreciate your kind words.
Sorry to repeat myself, but it's true. Appreciation is always nice.

Hi Bob, thank you so much for the compliments and your kind words.

I actually admire your knowledge and modeling skills.
You'll have to excuse me if I don't participate regularly (but only occasionally) in your topics, but it's not out of disinterest, it's just because I feel a bit out of place.
I prefer the lines and shapes of slow-moving boats and ships (even sailboats or just ships, but quite slowly).
I'm not familiar with motorboats and other fast craft, so I can't be much help and would have little to say in your discussions.
I mostly prefer reading to writing in these cases.

You and Chris have written extensively in this field.
I admire your expertise in the field and the meticulousness with which you carry out your tests.
I understand the difficulties of making a motorboat plane while keeping the model in the correct and stable trim.
Furthermore, it's certainly not easy to make smooth turns at high speeds.
All the issues you've raised and resolved are very interesting and fascinating to me.
Thank you for all the information I've learned in this field.
Basically, I look to you, Chris, Jumpugly, Duncan, and a few others as a reference for speedboats and fast boats. If I plan to build one in the future, I hope I can count on your help.

P.S. Only once did I want to chime in and offer my opinion, a perhaps slightly bizarre idea. I probably would have said something stupid.
However, I preferred to abstain because lately I've noticed a slightly too inquisitive atmosphere for my tastes, a lot of intrusiveness, and inappropriate judgments.

Superb craftsmanship to create a model with such intricate detail. Well done gold stars all around!!😊😊

Your attention to detail is impressive Alessandro and something to be very proud of.

Detail work like yours needs a lot of time and commitment as well as a steady hand and good eyesight.

Unfortunately, I have none of these qualities and I can only admire those such as yourself that do.

Very nice work - well done 👍

Bob.

Thanks so much, Chris.
I'm very slow, actually.
Extremely slow, but I don't have much time for ship modeling.
However, if I were any faster, I wouldn't know where to put other models.
For now, they're in my head, and there's still plenty of room there.

Alessandro, I much admire your attention to detail and meticulous work.

That's why I stick with relatively simple craft like Fairey Marine, though my Fisherman is more complex having a motor and sails.

If I built models similar to yours I'd never get one finished! 😁

Chris

Good evening everyone.
Here are some updates.
I finally finished the davits for the side lifeboats.
To do this, I took inspiration from photos and drawings of contemporary ships, including the Amerigo Vespucci.
I added details that, in addition to their aesthetic appeal, have a practical purpose.
In fact, the boats won't sway when the ship rolls; they will be held in place by the combined action of the roller and the canvas straps.
To save time, I bought the tiny cleats from a model shop.