Hey there all. Been lurking for a bit, after finding out about The Maiden through the latest Pathfinder Adventure Path. That naturally took me to Paizo's site, then saw who the manufacturer was and then ended up over here. I've really been enjoying looking at all the products and what you guys have done with them, simply astounding. Looking forward to becoming part of the community.

So here I am on my first build, The Maiden. Dunno if it was smart to have this as my first, but if I can do this, I'm pretty sure I can do all the rest

So here's what my table started out as of a few days ago. I had already cut pretty much everything out, except the sails and the optional pieces, with the help of my girlfriend (she loves this stuff). A number of the pieces have already been glued and transparencies installed.



I went out to the garage and grabbed some scrap MDF and some clamps after reading through someone else's posts. It's not exactly what they did, but something they said sparked the idea. Since using them, I can say that these have been AWESOME. Two sets of MDF and 6 clamps. I may have to head out to the workshop just to cut some MDF squares to do the 6" inch tiles in other sets later.



Took this picture last night (07/25). I used two pieces of scrap foamcore to sandwich that part of the bow to the hull. The clamp held it for me overnight. If I can do ANYTHING to have something else hold pieces together for me while glue dries, I will.



Not shown...the rest of the decking is all on foamcore and edged. I think 75% of the walls are prepped to get glued together. The ratline ledges are only about 25% done.

For you guys that already have a Maiden built, is cutting out the cannon portholes worth it?

Thanks Zen! To touch on your first hint, I took the stack of uncut printouts with me when I flew to Memphis to visit the g/f. My only plan for out there was to get pieces prepped to do the work when I got back home. I didn't want to start the actual building since then I'd have to bring back a bunch of awkward, built pieces. So she helped me do the cutting and prep work while I was there...hence the huge amount of cut pieces with no real work showing.

I did end up cutting out the portholes, thanks for your thoughts on that

So, on with the update! Got some more work done over the past two nights. The walls of the lower hull are all attached. A number of the other decks are complete, and the steering box (I don't know the nautical term) is attached. Lots of other random pieces have been built and just waiting their turns to be attached.

A pic of the completed outer walls for the lower hull. The clamps are holding the last piece on while the glue dries. The white braces are to help keep the walls from bowing in or out. I used them during all the phases of attaching the lower walls.





The pieces that are hanging out waiting their turn



I have all the lower hull supports completed, they'll be going in next. I'll be letting this rear piece set for a good 18 hours or so.

This is looking great. I cannot wait to see the finished product. I also have a half-completed Maiden...seems to be a theme around here.

I don't know what it is about the maiden that keeps me coming back to it.
I did my first one for a Savage Tide game, then built 3 more mods of it (smaller), and then a minor mod (and HEHehe, this is finally getting finished as I now have a use for it in my game, I am borrowing it back from the player i gave it to for the current game) and a Major mod...

This ship just likes to get built.




Looks very nice, and man you are going to a lot of effort to keep the walls tight etc.

So the build continues. Taken a number of new pics, though they aren't downloaded yet. I'm working on the rear of the lower hull right now, trying my best to fix the huge gap that is left between the sterncastle and that area of the lower hull walls. I've got a plan and it's working so far, just need to make a few more cuts and resecure that area. I'll post a complete set of update pics once that's complete this weekend.

As far as progress, the lower hull is completed with mast supports, wall supports and the ratline ledges. The sterncastle is mostly complete. The stairs and walls are attached. Just need to do the inner supports and I'll be moving on to the next step.