Hello all, great to be here and thank you all so much for the wealth of info you've provided. I've spent hours reading and researching and preparing myself for the build to come. I've also purchased Bob Hunt's Bluenose Practicum and have read the first few chapters half a dozen times.
I used to build model cars and tanks and planes and such as a kid but was never very good. That was 30 years ago. Since, the only building I've done is RC planes from sticks and reloaded ammo
Anywho, I figured I'd get my log started here and now, even though my kit is still, apparently, on back order. I ordered from HobbyL Inc 6/20, the arrival date came and went, I contacted them and was informed the one remaining kit they had in stock was damaged, and now I'm in the backorder queue. Supposed to arrive and ship to me "in a couple weeks". That was a week ago. Fingers crossed...
In the mean time and as I've said I'm reading, rereading, researching and learning. Even though I've yet to cut my first piece from its plank, I'm enjoying the experience.
I don't expect this log to measure up with any of the excellent logs already here, but I would like to chronicle my experience as I go and in my way, so I appreciate the forum and opportunity to do just that.
Something I'm still not clear on: I realize the Bluenose is an easy boat to plank but in reading I'm convinced soaking the planks beforehand is still a good habit to get into. I'm not sure if taper sanding is supposed to happen before, or after soaking (aka the boards are wet while sanding)?
I've also read that the newer Bluenose kits use plywood for the bulkheads, which means fairing them can be challenging. My plan is to just take my time and sand using a block working until the planks will lay flat against each. Sound reasonable?
Another concern I have is regarding the stern's filler block. I don't have a scroll or jewelers saw, so I'm not exactly sure how to cut the block down to size properly, and how best to contour it and cut the flat up-sweep. Need to figure that out. Very open to suggestions or links to others's suggestions.
Lastly, I'm not exactly clear on how best to transfer the rabbet and bearding lines from the plans to the keel. I'm thinking on making a copy of the plans, cutting that copy to the rabbet line, pasting to the keel then following that cut with a pencil. Now, cut again to the beard line and again follow the new line with a pencil. Does that sound reasonable or am I missing something?
Again, thanks to you all. I'm looking forward to delving into the world of model ship building!
