gjdale

Great explanation with the diagrams Rob. That makes complete sense and seems a little simpler than the planking fan.

Hi Alan, While EdT's setup may be OTT for this build, I just noticed your comment about the cost of importing the Rockler T-Track system. I know next to nothing about this topic, but did notice that Carbatec here in Australia stocks the Rockler system. They also have a Veritas system that might be similar. Could be worth checking out for the future.

Nice to see the baby emerge from the crib Michael. I hope your gunport issue gets resolved to your satisfaction.

Very nice Augie. Enjoy the fishing and beware the Moose!

Nice to see some more progress Rob, and an interesting variation on the planking fan/grid.

Have to agree with the others Nigel, that deck looks REALLY nice. Your tissue paper technique is interesting and appears to work very well indeed.

Wonderful work Ed, and amazing photos. Alan is right - you're costing me a small fortune!

Richard, I hate to say it because I would rather support local businesses here in Australia, but in my experience you will pay a significant premium buying through an Australian distributor. My advice would be to check out overseas suppliers. Even with the cost of postage, you will likely come out in front. Cornwall Model Boats in the UK are very good to deal with and reasonably priced (in my opinion). They carry all the major kit brands. I did a comparison just the other day, and I could buy an identical kit (same manufacturer) from Cornwall Model Boats, delivered to my front door, for 2/3 the cost for the same kit from an Australian distributor. And that difference was over $200! Be aware though, that if the value (including postage) exceeds AUD $1,000 then you will be hit for GST on arrival in Australia. It will still be cheaper! But please make sure you do your homework first. Good luck.

Nice work Mike. Love the use of Lego for making jigs!

Thank you Lawrence, Ben, Mark and Jesse, and also to all of the "likes". Minor update this weekend - not a lot of time in the shipyard after another week away. Did manage to find time to host a visit from fellow Canberra modeller Leanne (Moo) - always nice to make personal contact with other members of this great community! Ship's Boats continued: I applied some filler to the Pinnace hull, using a product recommended in my Warrior practicum - Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty (that's a 4 pound (1.8 kg) can in the photo: It comes in powered form which you then mix with water to a consistency of softened butter or 'soft cooked cereal'. It is then applied using a small stiff flat brush, left to harden for a couple of hours and then sanded off. It claims to never shrink. Clean up was easy (using only water). Sanding was also pretty easy, and the putty sands off in a dust form, similar in consistency to talcum powder. This product is not readily available in Australia, so as usual I let my fingers do the walking and found some on-line. The postage cost more than the product, but all in all not expensive. Having used it, I can say that I like it - and I now have a "lifetime supply". It is much easier to use than regular wood filler, especially on the extremely fragile boat. I suspect similar results could be obtained with Spakfilla (for the Aussies reading this). I then released the boat from the build board. I was a little too enthusiastic with this and damaged a few frames in the process. Managed to repair them all without too much fuss. Still a bit of cleaning up do do, but here is how she looks now: And just as a reminder of the scale of this little one: I've also finished the first part of cutting out the frames for the two Cutters, so should have them in the build boards next weekend, as well as progressing with the Pinnace.

Looking sharp Michael.

Hi Mike, I have nothing against Proxxon tools - I believe they are good quality. However, I have the Jim Byrnes disc sander (along with most of his other products), and I can tell you without hesitation that you won't find a better, or quieter, machine anywhere. It is beautifully constructed and near silent in operation. Like all his tools, it is an absolute joy to use.

Nice to see you back in the shipyard Mobbsie. Now that you've finished correcting the mistakes of the so-called "tradesmen" in the kitchen, you can return to the important things in life!

Now that looks tricky! Nicely done Danny.

Nice start Danny. So glad to hear your health has improved and with a good prognosis.

Outstanding job Danny. I guess that having been paid now means that you can list your occupation as "Professional Model Builder".

Hey Bill, Haven't seen an update in a while. Hope everything is okay with you and that we'll see you in the shipyard again soon.

Fabulous Augie. You raise the bar with every post!

Nice work with all the fixes Sjors.

Immaculate, as always Bob. Very, very nice.

Right, I'm in for this one too. Who's got the popcorn and beer?

Hmmmm......... Let's see now. You dropped everything to go and help your son out. Very commendable. And your son is where in the pictures above, you know, helping you out in return? What's wrong with this picture Alan? Gotta love kids...............

Whew, that was quite a rush to get over here from your Pinnace log Mike! Okay, made it in time for a front row seat. Mark, be a good fellow and pass me a coldie and some popcorn please.

Did somebody say popcorn and beer? Wait for me fellas.....................