hof00

I purchased the Sergal version of the Cutty about 2005 and put it away for a year or so. In the intervening months I managed to get my hands on the extras that I thought that I would require, PE sheet that didn't come with the later version of this Kit, Bulwarks/Deckhouse Sides/Etc. I also ordered some laser cut Deckhouse Sides/Nameboard for Bow/Stern/Etc from "Double O Laser Products" in the US who make these specifically for this model. (And others.) I also immersed myself in research and study regarding the Cutty, Log of the Cutty Sark and the supposed "Bible" for anyone attempting this model, Cutty Sark by Mr. Longridge. Accurate Plans were also essential and the source here was the Cutty Sark Society in Grenwich. (Plans that came with the kit were not hat "Crash Hot" especially with regard to Mast/Yards/Rigging) I had also purchased the A/L version of this kit but my Cats put paid to this chasing a Bush Rat around the house and managed to destroy most of the wooden components after it fell off a reasonably high Shelf!! So, I ended up with yet another source of information, A/L Plans and other bits and pieces. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I now had a great source of extra bits including Rigging Thread, Chain, Eyebolts, Etc, Etc. So, a deep breath and in to it. Structural components for the hull were beautifully Laser Cut, clean and most importantly nice and straight!! False Keel got the bearding line marked on it, bulkheads numbered and glued in position. (The fit of these components was superb) The Decks were the next o be fitted, no issues here either, really nicely engineered. Bulkheads did not require to much chamfering, mainly just Stem/Stern. The first layer of planking supplied is what I'd term as a Hard Balsa and long enough to happily go from Stem to Stern with just the right amount of flex to get around some of the compound curves of the hull. I started the first planking at the top of the Main Deck and worked my way up to the top ofr the Bulwarks taking care not to affix planking to the bulkhead protrusions above the level of the Deck, these protrusions would be removed at a later stage.

A project more about my childhood and the memory of my farther Feel free to add constructive criticism. See you all soon.

Hi Bob, Thank you for your kind words regarding the Cutty.... It only took 6 Years of weekends. :-) I had a thought regarding your lighting, maybe you could run some wiring through the hull and down through the Pedestal or whatever you are going to mount your ship on. Is this a sensible Idea or is this something too late in the build process? Cheers....HOF.

One other question, before you attached the Keel, did you cut in a Bearding for your planking to slot into? I have done the A/L Bluenose and Mare Nostrum, I fitted the Keel after Planking. I quite like the idea of fitting the Keel first. Cheers....HOF.

Hi Bob, Looking really good!! this is one kit that I purchased some time ago, languishing in my cupboard. (I guess I'll get to it one day.) Your Planking is coming along very nicely indeed. Like the Super-Detailing!! Cheers....HOF.

A couple of pictures.....

Dear All, Does anyone have experience with Spray Filer/Primer? Am currently working on AL Carmen II and would like a rally smooth hull prior to paint. I think that my issues are due to the badly re-engineered kits from this company but maybe that's my lack of skill. Anyway, the idea was that this would be light relief after the Cutty Build. Cheers....HOF.

Thanks Nick, I sort of get what you mean but the thread must still go around each shroud? I'll give it a go. Cheers and Regards, Harry. (HOF00)

Hi All, I am in the final stages of finishing my Sergal/Mantua Cutty Sark. I have the "Main" on Fore, Main and Mizzen Ratlines to tie. I had a go at this yesterday but after several attempts at tying these, I decided to "Walk Away" and have a think. The problem is that I have left these to almost last and have all oter Standing Running Rigging in place, so, rightly or wrongly, this is what I have done. I use a paper template/guide clipped to the shrouds and have use a needle and thread for Top-Mast and Topgallant Ratlines, no problem. The trouble with the "Main" Ratlines is that I cannot get the needle and thread to do my bidding.... Tension on The Shrouds is one issue as I cannot get a straight needle around!! I tried a curved Bodkin but while this went round each Shroud o.k. it was almost impossible to tie knots. So, is there anyone there that has experience "Sewing" Ratlines through Shrouds? Instruction/photos would be very much appreciated. Cheers....HOF.