James H

I've been sent a few more photos of the progress on the Nef. This looks so beautiful.

Not an 'introduction'. Moved to correct forum area.

If you are thinking go getting this kit, I just added the product to the Vanguard Models website for when the product is near. I'm sure Chris could tell you a little more about ETA.

I do have to also add that the planks above deck level are properly cleaned up both inside and out, to remove any char and scorching that would impair the finish. All the others, as you can see deeper in the hull, are left as they are.

Planking is done!.....almost. You need to be real careful when planking. It's not a hard model to plank, and it's inevitable that you'll likely need to adjust the bevels a little. The planks are also supplied in a number of pieces each. What matters is first of all accurately fitting the temporary prow side facings. These will be key to making sure that each plank sits accurately on top of the other at the prow, and stack up to the correct height when it comes to the 10th row. That is, the last plank will sit neatly into the remaining gaps at the top of the temporary prow facings. Does that make sense? Ok, here we go. You can see here that the variation in the colour of those alder keel parts now doesn't matter. They are all covered up. You get an idea of how the sections are fitted, here. When it comes to working my way around the prow, I do multiple test fits and trims before I commit to glue. At that point, I only glue the prow too, then clamp. When set, I work my way around the bulkhead and use lots of clamps until fully set. This process isn't at all difficult, but it takes time to do methodically so that you get the best outcome. I'm not saying I did things perfect, but despite me being supercritical of my own work I'd give a generous 9/10. That is generally due to Pavel's excellent design being closely followed, especially on the tutorial videos on YouTube. Here is the hull, planked up to the 10th plank. At this point, I ran all the way around the exposed deck beams/ears and softened the edges. I should've done that before building the hull frame, but it wasn't difficult to do. You will notice one mistake I made.....the furthest bulkhead with ears....the infill part has the part number facing inwards, meaning it'd be seen when the model is complete. I'll come up with something to hide that. I put them in that way to neutralise the kerf between the bulkhead and infill, so my mistake! Here's the obligatory underside shot. You can clearly see where planks have been kerf-jointed so the grain runs true to the plank flow. I did have one joint 'pop' when planking, but that was only because I snagged it and strained the joint. There are just two more planking runs to fit, but these won't be fitted until I start to add stain to the interior. The reason is that it won't be easy to add the various stages to the stain if those planks are running between the bulkhead ears. In the meantime, I might make up the floor sections and do some test fitting before planking is finalised. Until next time...

Just a quick note. Fritzlindsay is another account that Allanyed set up after his banishment from here last year. He's now been restricted from posting.

I always found that if I was getting bogged down on something, I'd work on something else and then I can return to the previous project with a fresh mind. Maybe aim to finish Bounty, then do Vic? Or maybe just do Victory if you feel you have the skills to do that.

I hope you'll do a build log for us!

I wouldn't say this is a beginner kit. If you're careful and a stickler for measuring 10 times and gluing once, then you should be good. Just dry fit and adjust any bulkhead bevel as you see fit....move slowly, and you should be ok. It's only the planking that tells me you need a little experience. The rest is quite straightforward.

This is a difficult one that has hit us a couple of times over the years, and just seems to clear up. Please check this topic:

Not just a makeover, totally built from the ground upwards. You won't believe the work involved in keeping the old site online, and then the constant battles with flaky software etc. It wasn't viable, so good riddance to it!! A million % improvement!!

This is how I do it.

In that case, you'll always be waiting to see what improvements are made, while never allowing yourself to actually buy it, in case more improvements are made Thanks for the comments. It's a lovely model to build. I'm currently assembling plank runs in between learning guitar.Two full strakes are on each side now and I've just made planks 3 and 4 for both sides, and waiting for glue to dry.

As far as I'm aware, it's only the oars which will change as these were originally being designed for the Nef kit.

Damn, I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope all goes well for her and you both. Family is more important than anything else.