Baker

Nice work 👍

Congratulations with your finished model. 

And a happy 2024.

I'm glad the operation went well and you're feeling better again.
A wrecked ship. This will be an interesting project.

44 minutes ago, 72Nova said:

interesting detail I've never seen before, looks kind of odd, were your gaps between those planks purposely created in that area of the hull for the battens and why?

Just love your work Patrick.

 

Michael D. 

Thanks.

No. I had no gaps in my little planks.

But remember,  on the original ship  these planks were 10cm thick, 40 or 50 cm wide and meters long.

Not easy to handle and to adjust once placed on the ships hull.

So, if there is a gap between 2 planks under the waterline.

Nail a batten over the gap, once the ship is launched. Gap, batten....? Where???😇.

(My opinion 😉)

1 hour ago, Alvb said:

Are battens placed over all seams?

Only on the red lines 

The side skirts, all other parts and some extras are in place, so the model ready for painting

Next, 3 armoured cars.  The idea is to build them in a series

Unlike previous models, sharply cast parts

Last update of 2023 

The scarfs in the keel parts have treenails and the battens have been applied.
I'm not going to add any iron bolts or nails. All iron fasteners were caulced or shielded with wood (bolts in the keel) and are therefore invisible.

If the seams between the planks are too wide and caulcing will not stay in place. What are you doing then.. knock a batten over it, and case closed.
Personal view, I think it's a horrible sight.

Battens

And on the model

The hull has only been sanded with 120 grit, so it still needs some better sanding.
The next step is to install a deck and plank the stern.

A happy 2024 to everyone

I built my Heller SR 40 years ago.
good luck

Finished with the treenailing of the hull

Estimated quantity approximately 8500 pieces 

Planking at the bow is tapered. Forget YouTube for a moment and read some PDFs first.

Remember,  planking is not a race. 

First

read the pdf'S,

then think how you gowing to do the planking,

then try if the plank fits

and only then gleu the plank on the model.

Because applying the wheels and tracks is a delicate job, this is being done now.
Step by step and partially painted.

Ready to continue painting and mounting the skirts

For a first time planking, very good.

But

Take your time for the second planking, this will largely determine the appearance of your model later.
Also take a look at your cannon ports, they don't all seem the same size on the picture

So much better 😉

Congratulations
Nice work Rock

19 minutes ago, Louie da fly said:

Encourages me to go a little further

Looks good.

I would give it a try with the Scotchbrite sponge. this is smoother and softer than sandpaper.

Best is to "practice" on a waste piece first

And a Hetzer, finished and tagged.

Thanks for following, likes and comments during this build