CommodoreErie

Fitted and shaped the false stem. I wasn't sure what to use for it, since there didn't seem to be a dedicated piece in the kit. I considered using the remainder of the piece I cut the bottom cleats from, but opted instead to use a side cleat, since they gave me 8, but only require four. I think I overshaped the part of the stem that sits above the planking, sanding it to match the hull rather than keeping it square, but I like to think it's a mark of individuality for the model. Besides, I'm sure at least one dory in history has done it. Also fitted the side cleats. They're way more flexible than I was expecting, which helps with fitting them on the planks, but I was constantly worried about breaking one. Now to let things dry.

And we are free from the building board. No unpleasant surprises as it came off, no ominous sounding cracks.

Sorry about the delay. I fought with this last strake for longer than I care to admit, but I got it on. The holes for the bow becket are ever so slightly misaligned, but it's really only obvious if you're looking for it, and I've decided that perfect will not be the enemy of good in this case. I sanded down the strakes near the bow and stern with 220 grit sandpaper to make them more flush with each other. I'll sand the entire hull eventually, but not to the same extent. Next step is getting it off the building board.

Replacement part came in yesterday (thanks, ModelExpo), so now it's back to work. Last strake needed to finish the hull, then I'm doing some cleanup on the inside and out, then we start the fun stuff.

And I put the rolling bevel on the wrong side of the last strake. Shame, because that was a good one too. Well, at least the manufacturer gives replacement parts.

Thanks! I took a look at your build log, and the stern in progress on yours looks similar to mine, so I feel better about my progress.

Brief housekeeping, I may have put this in the wrong section of the forums. Feels like it should be in 1801-1850 or 1851-1900. My bad.

Trying something in a similar vein, since the last model I attempted ended in failure and sadness. I liked the appeal of this one being a "beginner" model, and figured I could try my hand here to get some skills. Things started off pretty straightforward. I opted to use the bottom planking that you assemble rather than the one they provide with the kit, since the goal is to build as much as I can. That and the bottom cleats went rather well, as did the stem and transom, though clamping was an exercise in creativity. Putting the curvature in the bottom was rather simple as well. The hardest thing about building the ribs was the waiting. Patience isn't my strong suit, and I took up this hobby in part to try and develop some. But once the building board was complete, I attached the bottom planks, which took a couple tries to get to where I wanted it. Not perfect by any means, but I can't let perfect be the enemy of good. After that, it was time to bevel the bottom planks, stem, and transom, and prepare and bend the garboard. This is another thing that took me a couple tries. Had to get a little creative with the clamping, and I may have been a little overzealous because the planks curved in a way that felt off. I applied warm water to the inside of the planks multiple times in the hope they would flex out. Worst case, I figured later planks could cover it. Broad strakes went on okay, though there's one small section where I'm slightly off from the guide lines. Currently I've attached the port sheer strake, and am trying to decide if I messed up or not, since the stern cleat sticks slightly above the sheer strake. It doesn't in the instructions, but other build logs thus far resemble mine, so I'd like to think I'm doing okay. I'm currently debating if the gunwale and caprail will cover this if it is indeed a mistake. And that's where I'm at right now. Next up is to bevel, bend, sand, and attached the starboard sheer strake, then remove the hull from the building board.

Been a minute, have another question. I finished planking the port side of the model, and think I did the rolling bevels at the stern all right, but the planks don't look like they go far enough up the transom (a little bit of the stern cleat pokes out above the sheer strake), and I'm not sure if that's how it's supposed to be, or if this is an error in building. And if it is an error, can I cover it with the gunwale and cap rail later?

Hmmm...I'll try wetting the area. Worst case, the other planks can hide the flaws, I guess. I'd like to avoid regluing, if possible, since I did sand things down.

I still need to sand the second garboard down at the stem, and finish planking the hull, but I'm worried about the slight inboard bend forward. Reasonably sure it bent that way when I was bending the planks to fit, and I'm concerned if it will make the hull look off for a dory. Basically, question I have is: Is this fine, and if not, how can I fix it? Or will it be hidden as the build goes on? ~CE

Thanks for the welcome and the advice! I actually did find a build log of the exact kit I'm going to be working on, so I'll be referencing that as I go along. ~CE

Hello! First time poster, and relatively new to modeling. I've tried my hand at a few kits before. Mamoli's HMS Bounty was my first attempt, but that got lost when I moved, and I found myself a fair bit over my head in any event. So, I'm scaling back and trying something a bit simpler. In the next week or so, I hope to start a build log for the Model Shipways 18th Century Longboat. I'm hoping I can develop skills there for use on larger models. Wish me luck, and glad to be here! ~CE