Blue Ensign

I gently rub the base on sandpaper until it is very thin, and then snip around the feet with sharp cutters, I suspect using a dremel would be overkill.
 
B.E.

Cheers Guys, I will do a set of completion photos before I encase her, but the wooden framed glass case is  very heavy compared to my previous  acrylic covers, not very convenient for multiple  off and ons, and all the associated risks involved.
 
@ Bug - A lot of the deck fittings are removeable including the rope coils, so these are taken off when cleaning.
I simply start at the top;  firstly cleaning the rigging lines, then the masts and yards, using a soft paintbrush.
For the dust on the decks I pick it up with a soft brush and suck the dust with a hand held vacuum (Dyson) I finish off the outside of the hull.
 
Considering she has been uncased for many years she comes up pretty well, takes around 3hours + to do it.

2007a
Here she is stripped down for cleaning, built at a time before the availability and quality of fittings we have today she still remains one of my favourites.
 
Regards,
 
B.E.
 

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

I too had to cannibalize one cutter for the other

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

I've not seem a specific reference to Foreign Service  locations, but I suspect it generally meant any location beyond home waters , particularly the tropics where  repair facilities may be restricted. Clinker built boats were more difficult to repair and WE May (The boats of men of war) cites that in 1800 it was decided that the only cutters to be sent abroad should be Jolly boats. Navy board orders to Dockyards PRO  adm 106/2512 no's 430 440/441.
 
For the purposes of this build the cutter will be issued as carvel built.

9898(2)

9899(2)
 
I do however, have a clinker built 18' cutter (Jolly Boat) ready to serve.
 
Cheers,
 
B.E.
 
 

Post One Hundred and Sixty-Eight
Feeling somewhat miffed about the failure with the Launch I am moving onto one of the 24’ Cutters, if for no other reason than ‘getting back on the horse’ 
I have made 18’ Cutters previously, along with Yawls, and a 24’ Cutter should at least on paper be less fiddly.

4245
Before I had barely got started the tab broke off the transom piece, and once again the stern post broke part way up. This is before I even get to the delicate stem with its planking slot.
 
I am beginning to think that use of 0.8mm Pear is just too thin for the structurally important keel part.
 
It is pertinent that the grain on these parts is horizontal whereas any pressure tends to be lateral. It seems that any pressure, however light,  gives a high risk of breaking these parts.

4243
At least with the 24’ cutter there are two sets provided, and in my case one was cannibalised to get to the keel and frames assembled.

4248
With the fairing completed this is the same point at which things went wrong with the Launch. 
I added further support to the stem before I began planking, and this time I resolved to use pva on the plank edges in addition to ca on the frames.

4252
The first four planks fit into the stem rabbet, or slot, happily without mishap this time. At this point the structure is much stronger, and damage risk to the stem much reduced.

4254
The garboard planks are fitted using 3mm strips.

4256
There is too little room to follow any sort of tick marking for plank shaping, so its basically done by eye. The aim is to get any less than realistic planking strakes below the round of the hull, out of sight.

4258
I achieve this by spiling the last plank.
 
Unlike the Pinnace, removal of the central bulkheads did not result in disassembly of the planking, no doubt due to adding pva along the strake joints.

4259
There is no access to clean inside glue stains during construction so there is inevitably marring present once the bulkheads are removed.

4260
A gentle approach is necessary, I clean the insides initially by damping the excess glue with a small paint brush and gently scraping with a micro chisel.
 
Water is used for the pva and acetone for the ca. very small amounts are used to avoid affecting the main construction.

A little more fettlin’ and I can move onto the next stage.
 
 
B.E.
11/04/2024

Update:
 
I finished all the gunport linings. I took me a bit longer then I expected, but to get it nice and clean...there needed to be used some filler here and there
But i'm happy  how it turned out. I painted them right away...I did use some masking tape around the edges to get a clean edge. First I used some clear varnish to seal of any gaps where the red could leak into. That worked quite well.
 
Next step was to install the pre-lasered planks below the gunport patterns, that did go well, not really something I can say more about it. I also added two more planks that should be the base of the lasered wale patterns. I measured them (about 14mm wide) so I covered that area. Now below these planks I can begin with the real test  
I want to leave the hull in the natural wood color, without the white color. So the planking journey begins from here. First step would be lining off the hull, mark the lines where the joints are going to be etc.
 
In the original planking pattern (you can find it in Blue Ensign's log of his Sphinx) there was a dropplank right under the wales. That would be a cool thing to replicate and makes the rest of the planking also easier. So I'm going to see if I can make that. That's why I found it important to allready plank the area underneath the wale patterns, so the drop plank would rest to the underside of it. Well...in theory  
 

 
 
 

Little update here:
 
I didn't had a lot of time to work on the Sphinx because I was renovating my garden these last few weeks, season is beginning and needed to do quite some work.
But these last few days I could do here and there some work on the ship  .
I have glued the large pear sidepanels onto the hull. Not super difficult, but some concentration is needed to get a good fit. Especcially the lower front pieces I found the most challenging. I do have a small gap here and there between the upper and lower parts, but overall i'm happy with the fit. Those seams are going to be covered anyway so it's not really a problem. The most important thing for me was that I got all the right curves of the hull and the pieces were glued firm against the underlying patterns.
 
I advise to have a sound clamping plan before you begin  it takes away a bit of the stress when you apply the diluted pva and the pattern begins to curl a bit.
So dry-fitting first helps with this.
 


 

 
 
 
After that I sanded all the gunports flush with the inner MDF frames and began a test fit with the gunport linings. Used 0.5 pear for this and are quite happy with the first results. They are not too much in your face but distinctive enough to notice. Also the 3 ports with the lids need some extra work, because the underlying pattern didn't lay flush with the MDF inner frames. So I need to fill up or sand down here and there. It's a bit different for each gunport, a little bit of extra work...but that's part of the fun  
2 done....18 more to go!