MEDDO

Whoa, this fairing thing is taking a while.  At least it's getting there.
 

I taped off the keel and it seemed to go pretty well.
 

 
 
Until...
 

 
 
I have to be pretty careful going across the frames.  It is very easy to fix.  No wood damaged just a weak glue joint.  A bit of sanding and viola good as new.

Got the stern half frames in.
 

 

 
I also was able to start the fairing process.  I started at the bow.
 

 
Oops I got the keel.  The instructions do state that this will happen and will easily be able to be cleaned up by fine sanding and reapplying the wipe-on poly. I think I am going to mask the keel though.
 

 
Here is a front view showing the un-faired side and the side I have started.
 

 
Here is a full side view for kicks.
 

 

Next up the stern frames.
 
dry fitting

 
making templates: I simply traced these as I did not want to cut out the plans

 
template cut out with #11 blade

 
template on the keel

 
template traced out

 
 

Starting the bow frames.  I first roughed them in then dry fitted the lot before setting them in.  There is still a bunch of sanding to do.  I will let these dry before finishing that step.
 

Ok, first major mistake!  I was looking forward to placing the half frames on the stern area and I kept coming back to the area just posterior to the last full frame.  Something didn't add up.  After going back to the plans and going over some photos in the practicum I finally noticed what I had done.  Apparently when build up the stern post I had switched the 'deadwood' (term used in the practicum) around.  Having switched this "around" I had inadvertently left a gap between the deadwood and the rest of the keel.  You can see this in my previous photos as well as here.
 

 
So I used some 91% isopropyl alcohol to soak into the glue joints and was able to debond them.
 

 
Unfortunately I did break a very small piece of the sternpost off.
 

 
It was then a simple matter of letting them dry, sanding and fitting the pieces back together.  
 

 
Welp, you live and learn.  I think it looks pretty good for a redo.  It makes more sense as well.

Actually the poly is more for the sides of the frames as once they are installed there is a really small area to work with (only 1/2 cm or so between the frames) if I was to do that later.  Also now when I am sanding/fairing the inside and outside of the hull I can see exactly where I have sanded as the poly does sand off nicely.  It can be reapplied after fairing and is no problem blending into areas which were previously poly'd.
 
I did just a few passes with the sanding stick on the second frame here and i think you can see in the picture where the poly was sanded off versus the area where it was still present.
 

 
Oh My!  The close up pictures really shows up the gaps and scratches....

So taking a break for the rest of the night but I will be reading ahead to see about the cant frames.
 

First couple of frames placed!  Starting to look like a ship!
 

 
I should be able to get the rest up tonight.  Then start the work on the cant frames which are going to be a bit harder I think.

The finish darkens the wood a bit.  It does look pretty nice.  
 

 
 

I have made the keel which is pictured below.  It is made by layering up a few pieces which did fit together really well. Because the kit is CNC cut the wood billets need to be shaped quite a bit to get rid of the mill marks but the end result is pretty accurate.  



 

 

starting the frames with an example of the pieces.



 

Completed all the full frames. I did leave these fairly rough as I expect to be able to fair the frames down in a later step.



 

Next step is the half frames!

 

I am finally back home where I can start up this build log.  So lets give this thing a whirl!  I am definitely still a beginner although I have built a few models in the past.  These include the Swift (Artesania Latina), Indian girl canoe (Midwest), and various other small boats.
 
 
 
 
This will be my first plank on frame attempt. Can’t wait!
 
 
 
 
 
This is a now discontinued kit from Lauck Street Shipyard and Mr. Bob Hunt.  Mr. Hunt is better known for his “College of Model Ship Building” which is a collection of progressive practicums that start with beginner kits and progress all the way to scratch building.  At one time a few years ago he developed a series of kits which included this Halifax, The Fair American, Kingfisher and Fubbs (I think). 
 
 
 
 
 
The Halifax sloop of war in 1/4 scale plank on frame kit based on plans by Harold Hahn.  The parts are CNC milled and not laser cut which is nice and the wood quality seems a step above.  
 
 
 
 
 
I guess we always start with a close up picture of the Box:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The contents are very neatly packaged and all present:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
The instruction in full color:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
I am not too familiar with the site yet and If anyone has any tips just let me know.
 

Looking sharp Michael.

Mini-update
 
Just got the side gun ports in and opened up the rear.
 

 

Great work, great build, nicest of kits. Luck on u! Admired on the quality of it so far. ^^

Hi Michael.
Excellent build
I do like these fully framed models. They give a whole new look to the process of models ship building.
 
Regards Antony.

Mini-update
 
Just got the side gun ports in and opened up the rear.
 

 

Thanks Richard.  Everyday a little bit more learning a little bit more experience.

For me it looks neat and clean. Keep on the good work.

Mini-update
 
Just got the side gun ports in and opened up the rear.
 

 

So sanded a bit and it looks better
 

Mini-update
 
Just got the side gun ports in and opened up the rear.
 

 

So begins the Wipe-Fest!
 

 
I only had a few "domino events"  haha

So sanded a bit and it looks better
 

So sanded a bit and it looks better