The Lazy Saint

Hi all,

It seems to be going smoothly so far. I am endeavouring to keep things as symmetrical as possible and hopefully any errors l make on the 1st planking l can put right on the second. I am planking both sides simultaneously and am eight planks in, four each side.

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

So, finally today,  the fitting of the gun port bulwarks. I was very pleased with the fitting and sat back to congratulate myself. Prematurely I'm afraid, after my celebratory coffee l discovered that l had been a little over zealous wit my sanding (don't tell anyone else) and had given myself another problem. It is now resolved with a little bit of "packing wood" on bulkheads 1, 2 and 3. 

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

Filler blocks are in and beveled. They aren't as tidy as l would have liked but l believe they will do the job and, at the end of the day, they won't be seen.

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint 

Hi Heinrich, 

Thank you for your advice, l had planned to use balsa wood for the filler blocks. The reason l have chosen this wood is for its soft/light nature and its ease of use. I know it is a very soft wood but it is only a filler and not load bearing.

As for literature, the model comes with good instruction and diagrams. l have studied other build logs on this site to draw inspiration and have read a very good tutorial 

Simple Hull Planking for Beginners
Dirk De Bakker & Greg Brooker

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint 

PS. I only intend to use filler blocks at the bow and stern bulkheads. 

Again, l never managed to get the wood for the filler blocks, however, l did manage to soak and molded the gun port bulwarks. The actual task of soaking and bending was quit straight forward l am glad to say but it did show up a need for more sanding to improve the beveled edges of the bulkheads. 

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

Didn't get a great deal done today as l never managed to get the wood for the filler blocks, l did however manage to fine tune the beveled edges and put together the stand.

Best wishes  as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Ah, filler blocks, they make sense, l have just seen the use of filler blocks on another build log. Much better, and make more sense than the plank termination patterns supplied with my kit. I shall sort that tomorrow. 

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

Today l managed to complete my first construction day, l am reasonably happy with the outcome but it wasn't without its problems.

I completed the following tasks:

1. Edges of bulkheads beveled + top of bulkhead 11

2. Glued and clamped bulkheads, false ply deck, four stern counter frames, stern counter and, finally, the stern fascia. (Phew)

I cut the bearding line, although not in the instructions, because the general consensus is that it should be to enable correct planking. I didn't seem to have a problem achieving that task but could not manage the rabbet, there just doesn't seem to be room. Maybe l am missing a point, l will have another look/think tomorrow. 

The second problem l faced were parts 13 and 14, plank terminations. I couldn't get how they could be correct, they look more likely to hinder than help in plank termination. Ha ha, that is another thing for me to look/think about tomorrow. Things will look clearer tomorrow when the glue is fully dry and the clamps off.

(I hope)

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

I was going to make a start tomorrow, but couldn't resist. I have started to cut out, clean up and dry fit and, although l have no previous personal experience, the wood seems to be fine. 

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Hi all,

I recieved my first wooden ship today, dispatched by Cornwall model boats. I have had a quick look and all looks fine. I chose this particular model as it has been billed as a great starter model and there are many fine examples on this site for me to draw inspiration from. I also ordered the glue required and the paint set, but resisted the temptation to add the other "recommended" purchases like the planking and rigging sets.

I am certainly looking forward to starting it.

Best wishes as always, 

The Lazy Saint.

Hi mtaylor,

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated, and l shall take it on board.

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint. 

Thanks for the welcome Chris, l read with interest "For beginners, a cautionary tale" and must admit l had visions of a 1/80 scale Victory, but have subsequently modified my aspirations. 

I think l will start with a cross section model as this will help me adapt from plastic to wood and help to foster some woodworking skills. (Without having the worry of planking)

Any thoughts on this?

Best wishes as always. 

The Lazy Saint.

Hello to all,
This is something l have wanted to tackle for a long time now, l started building Airfix models as a child (most weekends and holiday's) but by the age of 15 life overtook and no other models were produced from my bedroom workshop.
I dabbled again when my son developed an interest and indeed when it was my Grandson turn. Sadly neither were hooked as l was. Now, in retirement, l find myself with time on hand and a desire to get glue under my nails for a final time. I have never attempted a wooden ship so l hope l will be able to learn from you experienced builders.
Best wishes to all.
The Lazy Saint.