Hay buddy;

I worked on Tuna Boats for over 15 years as a pilot/mechanic, and fish spotter. I started out flying old bell 47's and ended up flying Hughs 500's. The Dumas kit was my first boat kit, and it took a bit of, "that looks about right" engineering. I did have a 297 ft. super seiner to pull information from, a 2400 toner. I made some changes to the kit, to reflect the ship I was on, but it took over nine months of daily work to build the hull...no simple feat in itself, considering the kit seriously needs updating. I've been building model airplanes from kits since the 1960's, ever since I was a kid. But this kit took all I had in me...and then some to finish. To tell you the truth...the last Capt. we had on that boat turned out to be a real "rectal cavity" (and I'm trying to be nice here...being a public forumand all) and was the main drive to build the boat. The only peace I had was my work, and building this boat kit. After I finished the hull...the Capt. wanted the model...but he never had a chance, and I brought it home with me. Going through customs was a trip...but they loved the model. So do I...and so will you.

I built an Italian kit of the Cuttyshark scooner. A world of difference in kits, with the latter cad drawn, cad cut precision parts and all the goodies, and was over 39" long, with a planked hull. The kit also cost over $400.00 in Saudi Arabia. I built the kit...but I was in Saudi during the 9/11 attack...and I had to leave the model there to get out of that sh-- hole (please excuse my language...but these fine friends of ours over there...ain't our friends, no matter what the folks say in Washington). I was there for an 18 month contract flying for the ministry of Ag...and took a break from my tuna work...(May the flies of 1000 camels infest their private parts). It took our State Department and letters from my Congressman here in Hawaii to get me home. I've no fond memories of that place...and some where over there...my model still sits. Grrrr!

Safe port to all,
Bobby of Maui

p.s. Give me a couple of day's...and I will post my pictures for you.