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Hi Chap, How are you getting on? Your build is looking really good!! Cheers....HOF.

Hi Peter, Looking forward to your build. I did have this kit but gave away to a good friend who wanted to attempt this with his son as I had already completed the Sergal version. Still have the "New" A/L version tucked away but who knows when I'll get to that.... Cheers....HOF.

Hi Mark, O.K. a few pictures, seems like a lifetime ago.... Photos are in no particular order, sorry. Included, Brass bulwarks, Spider Band, Stanchion detail, and I do not have any photos of the Mast Caps, before anmd after, only in place on the Fore, Main and Mizzen. The aft hole of these needs modification only, the Fore and Main Mast diameter is 10mm and the Mizzen is 8mm from memory. All the rest, Top Masts and Top Gallant are fine as these are tapered. Bowsprit/Jib Boom Cap is good to go also. The Deckhouses are only placed on in the early photos until all bulwark fittings were complete, otherwise I'd be painting myself into a corner, so to speak. Hope this helps. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Peter, Nice to see yet another "Cutty Nut." Looking forward to your progress. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Boyd, A truly Awesome job there Chap!! Like the use of Teak Oil. Reckon I'll be using the 2B pencil in the future. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Mark, I found that Billings do a good two hole stanchion. The "Flat" offerings that the kit provides are a waste of space. I also did not think that the Bulwark Stanchions were much chop either.... I replaced these with Brass Rod with a 2mm ring soldered on to each, don't recall how many, but a fair few were required. These also gave quite a bit of extra strength to the Channels. I also found that the all 3 Main Mast caps required modification, the plans indicate that these are tapered. If you refer to Longridge, they are not. I deferred to a friendly Manufacturing Jeweller to modify these and also to create some Spider Bands, not included in my kit. If you go down this road, the Main Tops will require a little modification also to accommodate the Main Mast diameter. Enjoy!! (I certainly did) Cheers....HOF.

Hi Chap, Not as far progressed as yourself.... (A bit slack....) Once you are happy with filling/sanding the 1st planking, A/L adv. to fit the Stem/Stern Post Keel. This seems to be standard practice with A/L. (Have done a couple of these, Bluenose/Mare Nostrum) For the fittings/Hatches and all other stuff, wait until your second planking is completed. My advice only....

Hi Chap, Really good progress thus far. How did you find the fit? Bulkheads, Etc Good? I really liked the first planking also, really easy to work with. (Hard Balsa perhaps?) Anyway, regarding the second planking, ensure that your Brass Bulwarks are fitted first as your second planking butts up nicely against this. (The Brass etchings also give a nice line/grounding for Rubbing Strakes.) I also ensured that all cut-outs were done prior to this, (As you probably are well aware), as once fitted, the Freeing Ports are a breeze to cut in you initial Bulwark planking. Regarding the second planking, I steamed this stuff on after applying a reasonable amount of Aliphatic Resin. Worked for me anyway. Also, watch out for the only error that I found out the Hard Way.... There is a Block seized to the Main Mast After most Shroud, just below the Gaff. Plans describe this as Single but it is most definitely Double!! (Used for Mizzen Braces.) (I am assuming that the "Campbell" plans you describe are the same as I procured from Greenwich, Cutty Sark Society.) I got mine enlarged as I sometimes feel like I'm an old Fella. Pin Rails/Channels: I filled all but the first five holes (Shroud Holes), as there are quite a few Backstays not catered for, I made a jig to drill for these extras. They are also "Inboard" and present an interesting challenge? Have fun and always pleased to offer advice if requested/required. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Mark, Looking good!! Certainly brings back memories. I'll be following you build with interest if that's o.k. Cheers....HOF.

Looking good!! I find the A/L version has a little more "Guesstimation" in the height of the top of the Keel above the Deck. I guess if the parts of the Keel fit nicely, all will be o.k. (It is what it is and I can always adjust if necessary.) Cheers....HOF.

Thanks Dashcat, Thinking of doing this also before the Keel is fitted. No work on mine for a couple of weeks, Christmas and all that stuff. Got a few days before I head back to work so am looking towards some progress tomorrow. If I am lucky, (And have the patience), I am hoping to complete the first layer of planking in 2 - 3 days. Cheers....HOF.

Thanks Paul, My first "Bluff" bow.... My other ship models have all had "Pointy" bows. Not too difficult. Cheers....HOF.

I don't know how they ever made "Headway" with a Bow Like that!! Anyway, 1st Planking, Taper, Soak and Steam.... Seems to work o.k. No problems thus far. Bit of "Red Devil" Bog and sanding but a good foundation for the 0.5mm Walnut.

Progress Stuff....

Hi again Chap, From what I recall, you are doing a Single POB? Kauri? Don't worry too much about the accessories until you Hull is fully planked, (Filled, if necessary, mine is.), then worry about "Embellishment Stuff." I have the same sort of Hatches, Etc, in my kit. Would I use them? Most probably. Chain Whales, (Channels), Hatch positioning, Etc, Don't worry, these will come later. Finish your Hull first, all that comes after will "Flow." if you get my drift. Most important, take your time!! (These things, (Model Ships), take ages!! (Or can do.) Cheers....HOF.

Hi Chap, I hope to post some photos tomorrow. Wish I could offer some advice. Am doing the Double Plank stuff, 2/3 the way through 1st planking. Sorry, doesn't help you at this stage.... Cheers....HOF.

Hi All, I think of the Gunwales as a little "Sacrificial" at best as there is a 1.5mm X 8.0mm Walnut "Finishing" that goes over the first layer of planking and the Gunwales/Bulwarks, so, the Gunwale material might get a little thin but will be covered up. In saying so, the "Bevel/Tape"r is important and the Bulwarks get level when they are tapered. (File across the Deck.) If you chamfer to the Bulkheads, I reckon you can't go too wrong, it seems to "Flow" a bit. Anyway, I'll post some photos of my efforts soonish. (Have had to re-do the Fore Deck Planking as cut through the 0.5mm material, might be a blessing in disguise.)

Hi Chap, If I am correct these are bits of 5.0mm X 5.0mm along the edge of the Decks? From what I get from the instructions is that these are sanded to fair in with the upper Bulkheads. After the first layer of planking, they get tapered lengthways. I Laminated mine from 2.0mm X 2.0mm Walnut as this I thought would be easier to form around the edges of the Decks. Any help? Cheers....HOF.

Hi Marc, I have everything to worry about!! New Zealand is and are Shaky Isles!! You can hear things in the Cutty Cabinet, Glass panels vibrating before you feel it.... Yee-Ha!! My other models/construction/cabinets/Etc, I always keep in mind the potential "Threat." (Earthquake Putty, Etc.) Construction Benches secure Models and Plinths with "Dogs." Good Fun. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Boyd, Ditto other comments, the "Bar" is definitely raised reasonably high!! Awesome craftsmanship!! Cheers....HOF.

Hi Marc, Nice work on the mounting!! I used a couple of Brass Pedestals with the Keel End shaped to contour to the Hull. Screws through the plinth, pedestals and about 25mm through the Keel. Haven't read about models rolling off their bases!! God forbid that this happens to mine!! It's been through a few earthquakes a couple of 6+ ones and a 5.8 last night so I must have done something right. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Chap, I guess welcome to he Endeavour build fraternity. As Paul has alluded to, there are a few Endeavour Builds!! You are doing the A/L version, as am I. The Instructions are not good, (To say the least), and am more than happy to do this build in Concert with you if hat's what you would like. Unsure of the issues until I get there.... Aware of the "Potential" issues that others have had. I guess I will have my own and I'll happily share with you. Enjoy, I guess.... It's a hobby at the end of the day!! (It's an art form and more than happy, as others to help you Chap.) Not worrying about the Transom stuff at this juncture, I really don't care, I do, but after the fact, if you know what I mean. I am thinking that the "Transom" is going to be about the right dimensions after the planking is complete. I guess I will see soon enough. Cheers....HOF.(Harry)

Hi Andrew, Just replying in addition to Paul's post also, probably good to strip the offending Decking as the 0.5mm Deck Planks have a different look/feel to them. Maybe sand, (Block Sand), off with 40-60 Grit? If you go this way, protect your Fore and Aft Step positions with some Masking Tape so that the orientation of these is not affected if you go this way.... Sanding could be a viable alternative as you can easily see when the Ply gets to the surface. Cheers....HOF.

O.k. a bit of progress. Deck Steps, Laminated same with Bulwarks and tapered. Easier than trying to bend 5.00mm X 5.00mm Walnut. Still early days.... Unsure if I'll Paint, I do like the color of the different Wood, Plenty of time to decide....

Hi Chap, I persevered with the two Lifeboats but discarded the small Gig, not to scale anyway. From memory, I didn't have too many problems with planking these, used Aliphatic Resin and small Bulldog Clips and used Ramin/Mukal 0.5mm strips for planking. A careful sand, added Thawts and Gunwales after painting. I installed the Lifeboats on the Aft Deck house. The other two, Captains Gig and Longboat I made from a Balsa plug, Planked and Painted. These are upside down on the Fore and Aft Deck houses so didn't matter that they are solid Balsa, more or less.... Have a look at my Build Log/Gallery. Cheers....HOF.