shoule

 I have used contact cement and never had an issue. Perhaps, thin it out with a little mineral spirits, on your brush, and just go plank by plank, fixing them in place after the appropriate drying time. Wait for a dry tack, on both surfaces, before joining the surfaces. You'll have a couple of seconds to get it firmly into place, then rub it to make it smooth.

 I might suggest to avoid applying fresh contact cement over dried. Surface prep is the key to bonding.

 Good luck,

 Steve

 Hello Matt,

 I'm sorry, but I've only just come across your build, but I think it looks fantastic, so far.

 This was my first build, a few years ago. Mine was quite the bash, though.

 I don't know if you've solved these problems, but here are some thoughts to mull over.

 On your stern post, if you haven't planked finish the other side, yet, you might try removing it and installing one that brings out your rudder to the right place. Learning to "unbuild" is a natural byproduct to building, I think. It takes a while to think five steps ahead.

 On the second planking, contact cement is another way to adhere the strips. Keep some lacquer thinner in a shot glass nearby, and keep your brush clean (I use a small cheap paint brush); the thinner also thins out the glue.

 When you apply a little thinned glue to both surfaces, and let it dry a bit, you can fit the planks with a little pressure, before they take hold for good. It cleans up easily and won't interfere with any future staining or finishing. No need for pins or clamps.

 Anyway, I look forward to seeing it finished.

 Steve

 Another great start to an interesting project, Bob. I can't wait to see them turn out.

 Steve

Cmann, the "standing" lines, the ones which would be a darker color on your model, are the two fore mast stays (the jib runs up one), the main mast stay, which connects to the foremast, parallel to the deck, the two braces which end in a block on both gaffs, and the six shrouds ending in dead eyes on each mast. Oh, and the one below your bow spirit.

 I believe the rest of the lines are running lines, lighter colored. It is a good idea to stretch the lines, for a while, before you install them, particularly your standing lines, as they may sag a little, later.

 I see by your drawing that you have figured out about all you need to, but I don't see the braces.

 Anyway, you'll soon be at it and it will become clearer as you go.

 Steve

 Your look is kind of clean and bright, so aging the sails might contrast, a little, but maybe you want that. You could always try some tests on a similar fabric, from the rag bin to see if it suits you.

 Also, once stained, if you don't like them, you can soak them in a, oh, 10% or less bleach to water solution and they will go back to normal without the bleachy color.

 I've been tinkering with this kit for quite some time, but made all but the hull planking, gun, and anchors from scrap. Mine looks more like a used ship than clean model. I colored the sails a couple of times, thought about rigging it furled like everyone just left the boat for shore leave, but went back to the original, color and sail plan.

 I think you are doing a great job and have no doubt that whatever you do, it will shine.

 Steve

 That was a wonderfully interesting and educational build and a striking final product, Thanasis.

 After seeing it in the gallery, as I followed along, the nagging thought in my head was "how did those perfect terracotta jars come about".

 Brilliant work; thank you.

 Steve

 

Chickens ?? Why on Earth would I want to make chickens ??

 I knew it was a long shot, but I expect you'd have made some fine fowl. I laugh thinking about it.

 But seriously, your work looks fantastic; it's a gem.

 Steve

 Great work, Cappy.

 Is there anything in that log about a fishing pole? Or a hen coop? I'd sure love to see you take a hand at making some chickens.

 I'm sorry I'm late. I haven't been paying attention to have missed this project of yours, Bob. What a nice, inspirational build; you make things look so easy. I really like your boats and the way that you tackle them.

 Steve

  "Ye be hardy", I'm sure. I offer my best thoughts, regardless. Get overhauled and and get back, there's not a moment to lose!

 Great job and good health!

 Kindest Regards,

 S

 I'm just checking back in and I'm compelled to to be quite impressed, yet again, by your impressive base! Your creativity seem to know no limits.

 Off the charts, fabulous.

 S

 Beautiful work, as always.

 If I may add, though, in regards to Jesse's comment on bluing, that I've been using bluing on brass (only because I already have it at hand) and had reasonable success. It's an immediate reaction, after being wiped on, and once dipped in a base solution for a few seconds it's been ready to work with, uniform and black.

 I don't want to appear contradictory, perhaps there are variables that I've been fortunate enough to miss, but it's done the job.

 Anyway, the mast hoops are great!

 Steve

It looks like you are coming along well; the deck looks great.

I can't wait to see more progress.

 Steve

 The sails look pittifully hideous, but I mean that in the nicest way.

 The effort continues to shine.

 Steve

I'm just "catchething" up, after a couple weeks abroad, so forgive my tardiness, but those coconuts made made my lunch come out of my nose. They are the best!

 If there, in fact, no award for creative innovations, there should be and it should be a replica of your hairy coconuts (Please, no off color pun intended but I don't know how else to describe them).

 Brilliant, sir.

 S

Very nice work. It's coming along great.

 S

  Wish you a speedy recovery, Cap. Hate to see a good man down.

 Steve

 Absolutly beautiful, Jack.

 I really appreciate your use of oak; not the easist wood in small scale.

 Your work is worthy of your ambition. I've really enjoyed the trip.

 Cheers,

 Steve

It's coming along very nice and clean. Great job.

Aha, those are the best swords...

 It will do your boat justice.

 The chamois idea is very interesting. I can't wait to see it.

 Fine work, Cappie.

 Steve

Aye.

 Don't mean to butter you up, Dave, but I don't spend a lot of time on line and when I do plug in, often the first place I go is your log.

 With it's affable prose, defining pictures and such compelling input from others, it does sometimes feel like sitting around a table with beers.

 It's helped me approach some tasks, which I considered laborious, with a skip in my step. Thanks for letting us in on such a fine build.

S

Beautiful, as always, Steve; glad to see you back at work.

 S