Ian B

I too had my very first flight in a Chipmunk, The Air Experience flight at Filton Bristol back in 1975-- definitely going to get this kit--not sure it will be a good as build as your excellent one..

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

I too had my very first flight in a Chipmunk, The Air Experience flight at Filton Bristol back in 1975-- definitely going to get this kit--not sure it will be a good as build as your excellent one..

I too had my very first flight in a Chipmunk, The Air Experience flight at Filton Bristol back in 1975-- definitely going to get this kit--not sure it will be a good as build as your excellent one..

I too had my very first flight in a Chipmunk, The Air Experience flight at Filton Bristol back in 1975-- definitely going to get this kit--not sure it will be a good as build as your excellent one..

I too had my very first flight in a Chipmunk, The Air Experience flight at Filton Bristol back in 1975-- definitely going to get this kit--not sure it will be a good as build as your excellent one..

This is the best all round book on ships and battles of the period I have found and I have read many!-- it is a who's who of most of the ship names we see on here and what they did in a simple readable form
 

Has it really been almost 2 months since my last update?
 
I suppose I have done a lot of work, and on two vessels. This update will be in 2 or 3 posts due to all photos.
 
Work on Nisha continued with hull fairing. This probably took no more than about 30 minutes due to her size. Always remember to run a lime plank along the lines to make sure there's no nasty surprises later on.
 

 
The multipart pear keel is now added. All fits perfectly.

 
The stern is tackled in a different way to normal with a single counter piece that deals with what would've been the hardest element of Nisha. This is the part for the first layer of planks, glued and clamped. This was also soaked to help it conform to the curves.

 
 
On with the inner bulwarks. These are a doddle to fit, with no ambiguity. Just make sure the ply deck hits the lower engraved line on the bulwark. Clamps and pins hold things while the glue dries.


 
On the first layer, we have the option to plank this is sections, so this is what I did with the lengths of lime that butt up against the counter. Not many planks are needed for this one and it planks real quick.



 
 
The stern board is now fitted. This is engraved with the timbers position so it's not ambiguous. 

 
 
If you've built a VM kit before, you'll know the format of the keel with the outer facing parts that form the rabbet. All sections are now fitted and clamped.

 
 
The outer stern counter is now glued. You can never have too many clamps...

 
 
Both outer bulwarks are now fitted. This also has a lower engraved line near the bottom. That is the indicator for where to fit the lower rail. That rail covers the joint between bulwark and regular planking. The hull is then planked in pear and the stern board frame added.



 
 
Always check your hull to make sure it's sanded nice and smooth. Touch is definitely as useful as the eye when it comes to this. In fact, I rarely look at the lower hulls for smoothness and instead feel for unevenness. 

 
 
MDF bulkhead ears are now removed and the area sanded flush to deck.

 
 
Talking of decks, the engraved deck is now fitted. This was a precise fit that only needed the char edge removing. 

 
All timberheads are fitted. These are identified from 'A' at the bow, working backwards. Only a little bevelling is needed at the bottom in some areas. Some timberheads that have a rail fitted, are installed as a single piece to aid proper spacing. The spacing rail is then snipped off afterwards.

I'd not really seen anyone on here making the hammocks for the netting-- had a go-- and apart from tidying some twisted up ones very pleased..so I will finish doing them for the final model . I could not find a definitive on how they were stacked so I went for a simple ascetically  pleasing..
 
 

Thanks .a great bit of info

Good tip--- I am pondering about which material to use.

This is how I make the blocks.

Being in the enlisted ranks, we would have just called him "sir".  LOL.

This is the best all round book on ships and battles of the period I have found and I have read many!-- it is a who's who of most of the ship names we see on here and what they did in a simple readable form
 

Very impressive Ian. I'm jealous you're into the rigging. Seeing yours does serve as a good kick in the rear to get focused again. Thanks!
 
T

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

love it--- something a bit different. Tempted to do one myself ,

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

love it--- something a bit different. Tempted to do one myself ,

Looking good, its worth the effort  -- that's the trouble with 72 cannon ships-- lots of repetition LOL... welcome to the club...im just ahead of you in my Vanguard build

thanks everyone, a few avenues to check out
 
i did look on eBay but nothing other than US-- which makes it very expensive to input.. next stop the Art supply shops

thanks everyone, a few avenues to check out
 
i did look on eBay but nothing other than US-- which makes it very expensive to input.. next stop the Art supply shops

I have been told silkspan is no longer made?, If so any suggestions for a UK alternative or a UK stockist with some left?
 
Thanks--- the product looks so good from what I have seen on here..