rad

Rad, I know you sent this to me as a private message, but I wanted to post it to the build log so everyone can benefit.

 

Hello Harry

Hi, I am slowly following your steps. Harry, I have checked my kit 5 times. I do not have part#57, the stern floor. Please tell me, did you find part#57 in your kit, or I have to cut one plank piece or something different? I am afraid that piece #57 was in a bag and entire bag is missing in my kit. I checked paper instructions in every small bag in the kit and I found out that there is no part#57. Do you remember anything about that piece when you were gluing things together? Next question. What is the best wood to fill the front of the hull? In kit attached instruction booklet, they are showing how planks are nailed to the ribs and front, parts #14. I can figure out from your description that it is really good idea to fill up the space between parts#14 and first rib. I was even thinking about filling up all the spaces between ribs. And the last thing, what it is second plank layer? I do not see anything in the booklet about 2 layers of planks. Please respond if you have a moment. As you can recognize easily from my questions, I am absolute beginner but I do not give up. Thanks and have a wonderful Valentines Day.  Rad 

 

Part 57 is created from a piece of lumber stock.  If you look on the List of Parts, you'll see that 57 is cut from 51.  51 is a bokapi strip that is 2x9x600.  There are many many strips of timber if your kit, I would suggest you identify and label all of them as I showed in an earlier post.  If not you're likely to cut parts from the wrong wood.

 

For the frame fillers I used balsa wood block purchased from a local Michaels.  That stuff is easy to shape.  If you search the forums and tutorials you'll see plenty of references to this practice.

 

The 2nd plank layer is optional and is composed of the paper thin strips.  My kit had a single sheet of paper stating that they were included should you decide to do a second layer.

Thanks Harry. Thanks for explanation. Yes, I am reading from time to time some tutorials. There is plenty of info in every subject. You are right it is worthy to study. I will try to find all parts and identify them. Thanks again.

In order to get the proper flow or shape of the hull, you have to 'fair the hull.'  That is if you just leave the ribs flat, it won't allow the planks to properly flow.  This is best explained and illustrated in Simple Hull Planking Techniques for Beginners, pg. 8.  You can download that from this site at http://modelshipworldforum.com/ship-model-framing-and-planking-articles.php .

 

I believe the 13 you're referring to is shown on N.1, big plans.  That's just a crossbar piece that has no opening.  The bulk head it's attached to is part 2, which should be from a laser cut sheet and should have the opening already there.  Later in the plans you then drill the hole at a specific angle further into the supports. 

 

I hope I've answered your questions.  I'm quite the beginner myself so I hope not to lead you astray!

Thank you very much. Let me get familiar with this technique of shaping the hull. Thanks again

I will attempt to rebuild my log from the beginning.  The Mayflower by Constructo is my first big wooden kit.  My previous experience is an Atesania Latina Viking. I've built numerous RC trucks/cars, a few wooden airplanes and many plastic models.  This has been my biggest challenge so far in my modeling endeavors.

 

I've struggled quite a bit on the planking of the Mayflower but I'm really enjoying the experience.  So far I've been at work for about 18 months.  This has been an off and on project as I find time.  To make sure I don't neglect the project it stays out on my work table in my home office.  I won't fall prey to "out of sight out of mind."

 

I'm currently in the planking process still.  My technique is getting better as I go, but I'll definitely be taking advantage of the second planking material provided in the kit.

 

Please feel free to offer advice, laugh, or sympathize with my progress.  I look forward to re-engaging everyone on the forum.

Dear Harrypsk. I am about to start assembling my first model in my life and it is this Mayflower from Constructo. I was so happy to see your build log. I have immediately a question as the instructions are not very clear to me. I do not understand where they want me to maintain 1 mm. In the grey booklet it is under section:"Shaping on the ribs 1.2" and this 1mm is marked also on top of the diagram on big paper sheet, close to mark N2. If you can explain I will be grateful. Next question. There is evidently missing opening for the part #13, the piece to support the deck. I can see on your pictures that later on you had to make this opening. Is it frequent thing in modeling wooden ships that some openings or other shapes are not done on purpose? Thanks for your great job showing steps how to build Mayflower, I really appreciate, great job. Thanks Rad

Dear Harrypsk. I just bought Mayflower - Constructo and as complete beginner I had some questions but your photos perfectly answered them. Great job, it is great help for beginners in modeling. I will allow myself to send you an email if question arise. For now, just thanks for your great documenting job. Good luck. Thanks Rad

Mark, thanks. I am still in process of understanding how this website is organized. I did not know that there is something like build log. Thanks for info. Sounds like very good suggestion, thanks. Let me figure out how does it work and I will try. Thanks again Mark.

Dear Friends. I was so happy when I found this site that I donated before even reading. I am a beginner and I found instructions for Mayflower very not consistent, exactly like many of you are pointing this out. Still , I bought it and I want to finish it. I am sure from time to time I will have questions. One I have right now. I think the keel does not have cut opening for part#13, do  you agree ? I would like to be able to ask questions so specific like that one. Or the next one, where exactly should I keep 1 mm of sticking out wood ? This instruction is at the very beginning. You can see this 1 mm on the diagram. Who can help from time to time? I was trying to ask Hobby Linc (I sent them money) but they are helpless, I send questions to manufacturer and they do not respond too, by the way, contacts written in booklet for Mayflower are not actual and evidently nobody cares. Is anyone from you so familiar with Mayflower that I can asked detailed questions?? Please let me know. Thanks for nice review of that model. Thanks, waiting for responds. Rad