hornet

Thanks Chris. I appreciate your explanation.  Love the detail in this kit!

I’m currently building the Vanguard Adder and am scratching my head as to why the ropes from the ships wheel are not linked to the tiller as I have seen in other builds. The ropes from the wheel  go below deck and are,I assume, linked to the rudder by ropes and blocks/pulleys. Is the tiller there as a fail safe or am I missing something 

Try to start tapering your planks from the bulkhead that starts to reduce in size( length measured with a tape measure - if that makes sense) you really should be tapering planks to around 50% of their width by the time they reach the bow. Also try not to twist or bend planks unnatural or against the grain. Best of luck, don’t give up. 

Hi Chris. Yes, I got your message. However, I was interested to know if other modellers were having the same problems or if it was just me being a klutz.

Has anyone else had trouble with the MDF frame and bulkheads in Vanguard Models? I have found they are very brittle and easily broken. I wish they were ply like many of the others I have built. 

I built the Caldercraft version. I’ll be interested to see how yours compares. 

I use a two part epoxy designed for covering the thread binding runners to fishing rods. It can be tinted if you like

I built this kit many years ago. There is a great deal left to do and I don’t think you would come out the other end with a satisfied feeling. In my opinion you should put the rest of the kit into your store of spares and write off the hull. My Corel  Victory pictured below. 

I recently completed the Endurance. I found a number of problems. The funnel was the incorrect shape. Belaying pins supplied were too big. Supplied rope was not always to scale, only two sizes of deadeyes when more sizes would have allowed for more accurate representation. Anchor chain also out of scale(links too small)  Portholes on side of cabin were out of scale (too small) Propeller had 3 blades and should have only had two. Supplied flag incorrect. Should have been a blue ensign not a white ensign. I wouldn’t recommend this kit to you if you were keen on historical accuracy. 

Having built the Corel version, I would say the dimensions don’t look quite right. 

Might I suggest you invest in some planking screws. They make a fiddly job much easier. 
 

https://www.modelerscentral.com/modeling-tools/hand-tools/holding/planking-screws-p12/

Mine is made of a piece of poly pipe with 2 end caps. It has a four bladed sandpaper impeller. Fitted with a motor that is hooked up to a variable speed switch box. 

This may help. Hull of the Endeavour Replica under construction. 

I built the Corel Victory approximately 25 years ago so I can’t really remember what I did in your situation. I’ve included a couple of shots of the rear deck which may help. Stick with it as she is a beautiful model when completed. 

Perhaps you could experiment with Model Aircraft Dope which is used to seal and tighten the ‘skin’ on model aircraft. I’ve not tried it but it may be worth a try. 

I’m currently building the Caldercraft version and it is on the brass etch sheet. It may be that yours is the same. I replaced mine with ones I made from timber. 

Tweezers held in the jaws of a fly tying vice works for me. 

This is mine. May give you some ideas. 

YouTube  videos from Modellers Central will give you a basic guide to planking a hull. 

1 hour ago, PRS said:

Sweet!

 

A few years back I tried to do a sopwith from model airways but the cast pieces were really a turn off and it is all sitting in a box in the closet.

Cast pieces on the Artesania Latina kits are quite well done. My biggest issue was that gluing was done with cyanoacrylate glue which I am allergic to. I used 5 minute epoxy which was awkward at times. 

I decided to make a companion for my Sopwith Camel (posted here a while back)  The Fokker DR 1 seemed most appropriate choice. If I had to chose the most enjoyable build, I’d say it was the Camel. In saying that, I’m happy with the way the DR1 turned out. 
cheers

Steve. 
 

13 hours ago, Danstream said:

I love this. I hope the A.L. kit lives up to expectations.

 

Was quite an enjoyable kit to build. Instructions on CD not printed but you could print them off if so desired. Great detail in kit. Gave me a chance to practise my airbrushing skills too😀

Short break - something different - before beginning the HMB Endeavour.  Am also going to build the Fokker  Triplanes by the same manufacturer. 

I find that holding very small items like blocks in an inexpensive fly tying vice is very helpful. There are many cheap vices for sale on eBay. I have found that my fly tying vice is one of my most useful tools in model making. 

I’ve built two  Caldercraft models and am on my third. They are quite good quality for the money and have a good range of models for different skill levels.