mnewsholme

I think 3/32 scale equates to 1/128 scale in metric. 

When you start adding frames to the keel check that they seat down fully. I found the keel sat too low in the jig to allow this. I glued a 1mm strip to the jig (NOT to the keel) to raise the keel up slightly to allow frames to seat correctly.

the framing diagram shows you which way round the frames go. The little chisel in a circle symbol means you need to bevel the edges of the frames. on the frames closest to bow and stern you will see a line etched on the wood on one side.

You file each of the steps at an angle from the unmarked edge on one face down to the etched line on the opposite face. This creates the angle for the planks to flow correctly. Effectively your fairing the frames before you assemble them into the jig. The etched lines on the pieces need to face down from frames at one end ( frames 6-3) and face up for frames at other end frmaes 19-22).

From memory a couple of the frames have the L and R labelling transposed., s you need to fit the pieces the opposite way round to get the etched face facing the right way.

had a similar experience. I paid the amount stated in initial email by paypal, then didn't hear anything for a couple of weeks. Then got a shipping notification and can now see package moving on tracking.

Pretty understandable that communications are a bit disjointed considering situation in Ukraine and incredible that their managing to run a business at all under circumstances.

decided to put it on hold. just finishing hull planking on duchess. Once that moves to Rigging phase I'm going to do Cheerful in parallel and really make an effort to learn best methods of lining off and single planking. Just seems a much more manageable size to learn on. Then back to Winnie. I realise Cheerful isnt necessarily easier than Winnie, but due to smaller size I think I'll make progress a bit faster on it and keep interest better.

I tend to always have two models on go at same time. One in hull phase and one in detailing/rigging, then when I get frustrated planking I do some rigging for a bit and vice versa.

Problem is I have lots of hobbies and tend to bounce between them all quite frequently so progress can be very slow 😞

Placed an order with Vahur a couple of weeks ago for wood package for Syren models HMS Cheerful in alaskan yellow cedar. Arrived last week. Very pleased with quality of wood and accuracy of the milling. Vahur also kindly supplied a sample pack of the other woods he can supply which also look to of great quality. 

Can happily recommend Hobbymill EU for anyone needing wood this side of the pond.

making steady progress with 2nd planking. using shorter lengths of planking, which are more to scale than the the full length strips used for first planking which makes it a lot easier to get a good fit.

On 4/23/2022 at 1:34 PM, James H said:

 

I was told by an insider at a main hub where customs are assessed in UK, is that just about everything from the US is held up for customs to get their £ out of you, while from anywhere else (including China and Japan), it's quite arbitrary. 

I've received 3 separate deliveries from Syren in US over last month and not had to pay the dreaded import/VAT fees on any of them.

Guess I just got lucky 😉

I remember there was discussion a couple of years ago about suppliers having to pay UK VAT at source as part of costs and they were responsible for paying it to the UK HMRC but not sure if Chuck has implemented that. I remember having to pay import/VAT  on Syren imports in the past.

37 minutes ago, jfhealey said:

Matt - I know exactly how you feel. I started the Winchelsea a long time ago (the posts are somewhere near the bottom of the pile now) and quickly realised that for a third ever build I was way in over my head in terms of the difference between the outcome I had in my mind's eye on the one hand and the achievable outcome my skill level suggested was achievable. So I started again - the posts are nearer the top as "Fred's W2". W2 is much better than my first effort but my expectations of my limited ability and experience continue to outstrip what I can achieve. So, like you, I'm thinking of taking time out from Winchelsea and having a go at Cheerful. I ordered the parts (including the laser cut frames - like you I scroll sawed the frames for both Winnies) from Chuck a couple of weeks ago and they arrived yesterday. I'm resolutely going to remember the basics - take it slow and steady and treat every part as a mini kit.  My preference would be to double plank Cheerful because I don't have enough confidence in my ability to achieve the sort of outcome I want to achieve from single planking - but the frames are not designed for double planking. I'm wondering whether  the answer is to cut the middle frames again on the scroll saw following the inside of the printed line (thus reducing the size by the required 1mm or so) and to let the fairing take care of the fore and aft frames. Or perhaps just fill the inter frame spaces with balsa and then fare the whole thing with a bit of wood filler as required.

 

Any way, whatever you decide Matt, best of luck and I shall follow your posts with interest.

 

May I ask: what table saw did you use? The Jim Byrnes seems the absolute stand out but does anyone in the UK know what it costs if Customs pick it out for imposition of duty? Or does the Proxxon do a decent job I wonder, I'm thinking of purchasing the Cheerful wood pack from Hobbymill Eu but I wonder how prices compare - milled v milling your own.

 

Best wishes

Fred   

Hi Fred

Its a Byrnes saw. imported it in 2016 when dollar/pound wasnt too bad. From memory customs fee was around £160. this was for an onvoice of around $800 ($150 of which was the shipping). I got a lot of extras to make best use of the shipping. So impressed with quality that I went back and got both the thickness and disc sanders. The planking stock comes off the saw ready to use. No need to put it through thickness sander as its already smoother and more consistent than stock that comes in kits.

1st planking complete and looking ok with a bit of sanding and filler. I'll try and get some photos later. getting ready to add stern counter and outer side patterns.

Very slight bit of progress. got setup and started milling planking stock. Came out pretty well for first go.

Have to admit I'm pretty intimidated by scale of this project. Haven't got up nerve to fair the bulkheads yet. I dont think my planking skills are up to a big single planked hull yet. I'm ok on double planked where I can use filler on top of first planking to get shape correct before second planking. But I think before attempting something as big as Winnie I'd be better doing a smaller more manageable single planked hull first. For that reason Im seriously considering officially putting Winnie on hold and doing Cheerful first as its a lot less to line off and learn on.

3 minutes ago, yvesvidal said:

I do NOT like the new look.

 

Yves

You can change back to previous look easily. scroll down to bottom of page and select 'dimension' from drop down list when you click on theme.

yes gonna try a drop plank or two for sure.

Making slow progress on first planking. Realise I havent tapered planks coming up from keel enough at bow end so I'm going to run out of space, But can make it work as it will be covered by 2nd planking anyway. Just need to remember to taper more on the 2nd planking.

attempt 2. 3 strands mara 30 696. Wound it much tighter this time Was a bit surprised how tension I could put into the thread without it snapping. Think I could have put a bit more in too but think angle on this looks about right, certainly an improvement on first attempt. Need to a macro lens for this type of photo too.

Thanks Chuck

Will give it another go tomorrow and crank up the twisting. Suspected I hadn't gone far enough so good to have the confirmation.

long time since this blog got an update but have made some progress. Stalled for a while as I remodelled workspace a bit changing to a height adjustable desk and improving the storage.

Then added the ply bulkhead formers which went on ok and lined up pretty well. Now slowly working down the first planking. Need more practise at Chucks plank bending techniques which I'm struggling with a bit at the moment.

made a first attempt at making my own rope using rope rocket. I think I need to wind it a lot tighter at both stages? actually looks better in real life than in the closeups. using 3 strands of mara 70 2899 color.

Question for those that have used rope rocket. Theres a pin that you put in the tailstock to prevent it rotating whilst you do first stage using headstock. You then remove this while you lay the rope up using the tailstock. Whilst laying up should the headstock be left free to rotate or immobilised somehow (no hole for a pin). I cant see whats happening at headstock end in videos showing rope being laid up and not sure which option is correct. 

1 hour ago, glennard2523 said:

 

 

Assembly Process

I have finally completed the 2^nd planking stage. I am not very adept at planking but each new model I have planked is better than the previous model. I would love to be able to but a kit that allows me to just practice the fairing and planking process.

 

 

Looking good. You're making quick progress.

Have you seen the NRG half hull planking project. looks like exactly what your looking for to practise fairing and planking. Its in the NRG online shop at top of page although shipping to us in UK may make it expensive.

Managed a little more progress. Port side rough fairing done. 

Bow needs a little more work.

Stern needs a fair bit more work.

Added the stern filler pieces. Found I had a little fillet of glue build-up in the corners so bevelled the corners slightly to get them to fit easily.

Then added the rear deck. Made a satisfying click as it settled into its final position.

Then added the temporary cross bars to protect the bulkhead extensions.

Then added the final stern filler pieces. Added a couple of bits of scrap under the rear deck to fill gap in the corner to the outer stern piece. Something I saw in someone else's log and seemed a good idea.

that pretty much completes the underlying structure. Got to wait for a dry day now to do the fairing outside so next update may take a few days.

Bit more progress to report. Firstly want to mention with regard to the sheet I showed in last post that wasn't fully cut through. Chris contacted me within minutes and offered to replace it. Wasn't necessary in this case but thought it was worth highlighting the outstanding customer service offered by Vanguard Models.

on to to the model. Added the remaining back framing and the cabin floor. Gave it a quick coat of WOP even though it wont really be seen.

Then added the forward deck support pieces.

And added the foredeck which is now glued and weighted down for good measure whilst it dries overnight. Was surprised and a bit nervous how much I had to bend it to get it in, but all went ok and it made a satisfying click as it seated fully.

Little bit of progress made. Bevelled bulkheads as indicated in manual. Have deliberately done a bit less of a bevel than I think will be eventually needed to leave some to take off when I fair the hull.

Then did first assembly of the bulkheads and longitudinal stringers. Only bits glued at moment are the mast steps and the front bulkhead cheeks. Amazing how quickly it comes together and how strong it is. Going to brush glue onto joints and let it set up overnight. Only minor issue I had was with one of 3mm MDF sheets where laser hadn't fully cut through on an area of the board. Easily fixed by running a knife round the outlines from the front side.

Getting ready to make a start on the Duchess. Just finishing off Lady Eleanor hull. Once I start on rigging then will make a start on Duchess. Find it helps to have two models on go at different stages so I can take a break from one and do something different for a bit. Plus I really do need to get going on Winnie again and get fairing done whilst we have some fine weather.

Probably wont be much content added to this log until I make some progress but want to get in habit of keeping a log.

useful post covering basics well. Would make basis of a good article for NRG Journal