Week 13  This week the third batch of planks

The bits we received

And what we did with them

I've jumped ahead here, to show how I'm fitting the first bow plank.  I see from the forum messages that it's causing some people a problem.

Firstly, I put the plank in place, holding it with two clamps.  Masking tape or pins would do just as well.  Note that the front of the plank is flush with the top of the forward frame.  The rear of the plank lines up with the existing plank.  The plank simply follows its natural line, but make sure you select a nice straight plank.

Hindsight note : I lined the front of the plank up so it was flush with the top of the forward most frame.  You should actually line it up where the 2nd frame back meets the flat deck, as indicated by the red arrow.

Next I marked the position of the plank on each frame, and then removed the plank.  I also marked the length of the plank and trimmed it so there is only about 1mm overhand at the bow.  I drilled holes for the planking clamps just below where the plank sits, although you wouldn't need to do this if you're using pins.

Now the plank is simply glued and clamped or pinned in place.

It didn't need a strong twist, so I didn't bother steaming it.  It does need clamping/pinning at every frame though.  The observant will notice that I've used a pin on one frame as I ran out of clamps.  The longer plank at the bottom of the clamps is simply packing to hold the clamps flat.  It's removed when the clamps are.

Here is the completed bow section planking.  Next on to the stern which is being done in exactly the same way.

Here is the competed stern section.

And finally for this week, as shot of the overall model.  You may note that I have stopped the stern planking just before I cover the prop shaft cut-out.  I'm planning on leaving the planking over the stern tube areas until after I have received the stern tubes themselves.  This should make it easier to fit them.  Of course, it does mean that I won't be able to finish the hull for ages, but I'm not worried about that.

Things left to do

Deck framework
Stern planking

Hot tip of the week

Here are the tools that I use.

From left to right

• My sanding block.  It has some 80 grit emery cloth superglued to it and makes the perfect tool for tapering and chamfering planks.  Use it gently as it take wood off remarkably quickly.
  

• Pencil.  
  
• Paint brush for applying glue.
  
• Pin vice with 1mm drill, for drilling pilot holes for the planking clamps.
  
• 2 different scalpels.  A pointed blade which is good for cutting planks, and a chisel shaped blade with is good for removing excess glue that has squeezed out of joints.  Be careful with these.  They are designed for cutting flesh, and are remarkable good at it !!
  
• Planking clamps, and finally, Evo-stik wether proof wood glue.
  
• All sat on a cutting board, which is actually a cheap kitchen cutting board.

How many hours does it take to build the model ??

This week :

10 hrs

Running total :

39 hrs

Take me back to week 12

Take me to week 14