Erik W

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

I made a companion for the opening in front of the mizzen mast.  The walls were made in a laminated fashion using two layers of castello and mica for the glazing.  In order to provide some contrast, the roof is pau marfin.  The dark line in the aft portion of the hatch is figuring in the wood.  Nothing will be glued in place until after the deck has been installed.
 

 

 

 
I have partially planked the quarter deck in the same fashion as the forecastle deck (a center plank flanked by two rows of decking).  These planks taper from fore to aft.
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

I came across some photos of a contemporary model that had the oars mounted on racks on the port and starboard sides of the hull.  This appealed to me, so I thought I'd give it a try.  Made out of brass flat stock and wire, the assemblies were soldered together with Stay-Brite Solder.  My version is not as ornate, but I really didn't want them to be.
 



 
Here are a few photos showing four oars temporarily in position.  These will probably be the last pieces I mount permanently.
 
BobF
 

Steve:
 
Here are a few photos of where I currently am with the model.  Nothing, at this point, is permanently tied down.  I decided to leave the backstay pendents until last since they would interfere with belaying other lines.  Quite a mess, huh?
 

 
It looks like the deadeye claw method is working out well.  The deadeyes appear to be pretty even.
 

 
Per your request, here is a closeup of the upper part of the mast.  I hope you find it useful.
 
BobF
 

OK, time to emerge from the closet. My name is Martin and I'm an Ed-oholic.
 
A little background. Back in the late fifties when we were nippers, my dad took my brother and me to the Science Museum in London, a truly wonderful place for youngsters with a vivid imagination. What made the greatest impression on me was the fabulous collection of ship models. I was entranced, and thus began a lifelong fascination for all things nautical, preferably with sails. Years later I was running my own company based in the West End, and one of the few real pleasures of being in the heart of The Smoke was being able to take an afternoon off and wander down to the Science Museum to see the ships, this time with a mildly more discerning eye. Seeing Nepean Longridge's Victory after reading his book on its building was a particular pleasure. Sadly, they've all now been removed from display and are unlikely to emerge again any time soon.
 
I came across this build log just before Christmas and spent a joyous week working my way through. I have to say, Ed's craftsmanship is the equal of the builders of those navy board models from the eighteenth century.  But what is even better is his willingness to share with us exactly how it's done. Inevitably - you can see how my downfall progressed by easy stages - I acquired a copy of The American-Built Clipper Ship and devoured it, followed by a re-read of the build log accompanied by even greater amazement at Ed's felicity to the way the original was built. A copy of Volume 1 of Ed's trilogy from SeaWatch Books soon followed, which brought home Ed's commitment to process and basic building blocks which allow the complexity of the build to be broken down into manageable pieces, and turned me into a total devotee. Ed, I just love your work, your commitment, your style and your passion.
 
So there it is. I'm and Ed-oholic. Both volumes of Ed's Naiad build are heading across the Atlantic as I write this. Discovering your work has been a rare pleasure, to be savoured at great length.
 
Martin

Thank you, all, for the recent comments and likes, and thank you, Bob, for the very nice note.  Very generous to say the least.  Thank you for your best wishes.  I do hope you will find the YA book interesting and useful.
 
With regard to your order, I will contact Bob Friedman at SeaWatch and ask him to check.  He may have already seen your posting, but I will followup for you. 
 
I have not been posting at the usual rate, because model work has been deferred for the past few weeks as I wrestle to get Young America II to the publishers.  This has taken a lot of time and I hope the result will be worth it to readers.  I should be back in the shop soon.
 
Thanks again.
 
Ed

Hi!. Ed.
   I have been lurking here for quite a while. I have read many of the build logs and am absolutely blown away By the quality of the topics i have read. I dont read fast these days. in fact i dont do anything fast any more.
   This morning the posty called with a book. The book Vol 1, Young America, I have had a quick fumble through it and as you say it is out of this world.
   It will be a while before i dare read it, I have to say you are a very clever person to do the research, Design. Make the tools. Battle with the CAD. CAD dont come easy either. After all that your workmanship is second the none. Also you write a book for us all to soak up and try to do what you have done.
   You are SIR Are a master of all the things it takes to provide us with material second to none. I take my hat of ti you and wish you all the best for the future. The future in your life whatever you do. I shall be adding some of the other titles at a later date.
   Please dont give up now. You must have many more Wonderful models and ideas to cheer us all up. I look forward to reading about some of them if I stay around on this planet.
   I attempted to get in touch with Sea Watch Books. I had a problem in the checkout. I didnt know if the order had gone through, or i had paid the postage etc..Will you please inform them My order has arrived safe and sound, and in pretty quick time. Kudoooos to them as well.
   I am your very sincerely, and happy.
   Bob Hamilton from the UK.

Thanks for the kind words!  Many of you set the bar high.  Gives the rest of us something to aim for!  Planking is an interesting process.  While repetitive, there is enough of it to actually see an improvement in technique and results as progress is made.  I guess this is why no matter how much we understand the concepts of how certain processes are done beforehand, improving our results only comes from getting our hands dirty by actually doing.  I'm soooo glad I built the longboat as a first project rather than jumping into something like this as a first build.  I'm definitely refining what I had first learned on the longboat.
 
Toni, I'm so slow, I only have time for one or two planks a day!  Druxey, I can see how it will be possible to do this a little more quickly . . . down the road.
 
Glad to hear that others have a "Show side" vs. "Wall side" too.
 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

Thanks for the kind words!  Many of you set the bar high.  Gives the rest of us something to aim for!  Planking is an interesting process.  While repetitive, there is enough of it to actually see an improvement in technique and results as progress is made.  I guess this is why no matter how much we understand the concepts of how certain processes are done beforehand, improving our results only comes from getting our hands dirty by actually doing.  I'm soooo glad I built the longboat as a first project rather than jumping into something like this as a first build.  I'm definitely refining what I had first learned on the longboat.
 
Toni, I'm so slow, I only have time for one or two planks a day!  Druxey, I can see how it will be possible to do this a little more quickly . . . down the road.
 
Glad to hear that others have a "Show side" vs. "Wall side" too.
 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

Thanks for the kind words!  Many of you set the bar high.  Gives the rest of us something to aim for!  Planking is an interesting process.  While repetitive, there is enough of it to actually see an improvement in technique and results as progress is made.  I guess this is why no matter how much we understand the concepts of how certain processes are done beforehand, improving our results only comes from getting our hands dirty by actually doing.  I'm soooo glad I built the longboat as a first project rather than jumping into something like this as a first build.  I'm definitely refining what I had first learned on the longboat.
 
Toni, I'm so slow, I only have time for one or two planks a day!  Druxey, I can see how it will be possible to do this a little more quickly . . . down the road.
 
Glad to hear that others have a "Show side" vs. "Wall side" too.
 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

It was at this point in the build that I was going to switch to the Pinnace and come back to this later, but I have changed directions. I will display them separately. I made a small modification to the rudder (can you tell what it is?). Here are photos of where it stands.
 
Masting and rigging is next!
Steve

Spent the week working on the oars. I did this in a few stages. First I drew a line down the center so I could taper the blades. I used a sanding block to round off the corners then switched to a folded piece of sandpaper to finish rounding the edges.
 
I thinned everything down as close to the plans as possible so the proportions would look correct. I tried a different color scheme than I've seen in other logs. The photo shows several coats of paint and WOP applied. I could not capture a great photo.
Steve

Hi Erik, very nice planking.

Um, 'quickly' is a relative thing, Erik! I don't think any of us can do more than a strake - or maybe two - a day, if we are to do it at a decent standard.

Thanks for the kind words!  Many of you set the bar high.  Gives the rest of us something to aim for!  Planking is an interesting process.  While repetitive, there is enough of it to actually see an improvement in technique and results as progress is made.  I guess this is why no matter how much we understand the concepts of how certain processes are done beforehand, improving our results only comes from getting our hands dirty by actually doing.  I'm soooo glad I built the longboat as a first project rather than jumping into something like this as a first build.  I'm definitely refining what I had first learned on the longboat.
 
Toni, I'm so slow, I only have time for one or two planks a day!  Druxey, I can see how it will be possible to do this a little more quickly . . . down the road.
 
Glad to hear that others have a "Show side" vs. "Wall side" too.
 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

Thanks for the kind words!  Many of you set the bar high.  Gives the rest of us something to aim for!  Planking is an interesting process.  While repetitive, there is enough of it to actually see an improvement in technique and results as progress is made.  I guess this is why no matter how much we understand the concepts of how certain processes are done beforehand, improving our results only comes from getting our hands dirty by actually doing.  I'm soooo glad I built the longboat as a first project rather than jumping into something like this as a first build.  I'm definitely refining what I had first learned on the longboat.
 
Toni, I'm so slow, I only have time for one or two planks a day!  Druxey, I can see how it will be possible to do this a little more quickly . . . down the road.
 
Glad to hear that others have a "Show side" vs. "Wall side" too.
 
Erik

I finished the planking of the upper belt of strakes on the starboard side.  I'm not sure if any of you other folks do this, but I decide early on a build which side of the model will be displayed . . . and then, since I do every process twice, one on each side, do the process first on the side that will be facing the wall.  That way I have practice before I do the process on the side facing the viewer when the finished model is displayed.     The planking is turning out well for the most part, with a minimum of gaps.  I can honestly say I've given it my 100%.  There's definitely a learning curve though.  I'm learning what works for me, and how to do it.  I seem to have settled into a rhythm of getting 1 plank done a day on weekdays and 2 a day on weekends.  Slow progress, but it'll get me there.  These photos were taken after the first rough sanding.
 

 

 

 

 

 
Erik

With the need for some wider planks (see my post above), I decided to order some 7/32" strip.  Since I had ordered all my wood from Jason at Crown Timberyard for the build so far, I decided to place my order with him, which I did . . . I then decided that this would be a good opportunity to sample Wood Project Source, so I wound up placing an identical order, for 10 strips, with Roman.  I contacted them both last Monday, and received a reply from both quickly.  Crown's strips cost a little more, but the shipping was cheaper. So, the price was pretty close.  I placed my order, and both packages arrived today.  I must say the quality of the wood is identical, and has nearly the exact same color/shade range.  Both supplier's strips measured out at exactly the correct dimensions.  The photo below shows Wood Project Source 7/32" wood at the top, some of my original 3/16" wide strips from Crown Timberyard in the middle, and at the bottom 7/32" strip from Crown.  I'm happy to say that when mixed together, I couldn't tell the difference between the two. Crown gave me 1 extra strip and a 3/64" sheet.  Wood Project Source threw in 2 extra strips, and a few off size 3/64" thick strips.  Jason has been great to work with over the last year and a half, and I'm happy that Roman has stepped in to be a supplier.  Hopefully there is enough business out there for both!
 
My lamp was centered over the front of the photo, so the back may look slightly darker than it is in reality.

 
Erik

I spent the long weekend doing some planking.  The good news is I'm happy with the way the planking looks.  These photos area after a rough sanding, which I mostly did to see how the seams looked.
 
One issue I'm having (as seen in the last photo), is though I've measured everything out, and the planking strips I'm using are a full 3/16" wide, with each row I'm putting down they seem to be falling farther short of my tick marks by a small amount on the middle frames.  When I measure the space between what I've done and the keel, sure enough, I'm going to wind up with a bit of a gap (even with a wider garboard plank).  My solution is to order more of the wider 7/32" strip from Jason at Crown Timberyard (or Wood Project Source, anyone have experience with them?), and use what will probably be a couple of those in the rows where the two belts meet (where wider planks on the middle frames won't be noticed).  Otherwise, I'd have to add a 21st row of strakes, which would screw up the bow and stern.  It's weird, everything measured out when I did the tick strips and marked the hull, and measuring the plank width of what I've done so far shows the amidship planks at a full 3/16" wide.  The only thing I can think of it has something to do with how I was beveling one edge of each plank . . . but like I said, the mounted planks measure 3/16" wide.  Any thoughts?
 

 

 

 

 
Erik