DanielD

More first layer hull planking finished, both sides from gun ports up. I have a couple of questions: 1) how smooth do I need to sand this first layer of planking? I know I still have sanding to do, but is the goal to get rid of the lines between the planks, i.e. make very smooth? Or are plank lines okay to leave in? 2) Should I fill the gaps between the planks with wood filler? How big of a gap is okay to leave, i.e. the barely visible gap between tightly fitting planks? Or a gap of a 1/32 or more? If so, what is a good brand of wood filler for models? Sorry for all the questions, just things i'm thinking about but have not been able to find similar questions from other members. Thanks in advance for any replies, Daniel

This is my first attempt at hull planking. So far I’m pleased with the outcome. This of course is the first layer with a thin final veneer planking yet to go.

It’s taken a few days, but I have completed the decks. I made individual planks, definitely hard, but I think worth the effort.

I decided to make individual deck planks using small holes from a template to simulate the nails. The kit came with period color paints which I thinned down to a stain. So far I’m happy with the results.

In this update, I finished fitting the bulkheads and dry fit the related decks to make sure the bulkheads fit and are square to the keel. Bulkheads are now glued in place and started sanding the ribs and support structures to form the shape of the bow. I have a couple of questions as i'm getting ready to plank the decks. The plans call for using a pencil to darken the seams and draw plank ends every 60mm. I plan to use a pencil to color the edges of the planks before gluing to the sub-deck as many of you do, and I like the effect that leads to. I guess my question is should I make individual planks so that I can color the ends before gluing them down or is this too much of a hassle? If I make individual planks, what is the likelihood that a plank may come loose or one end curl up in the future or is this really not an issue? I want to be (reasonably) accurate, but is it worth the extra work, or should I stick with the plans, lay a continuous plank the entire length of the deck, then draw in the plank ends? Another question about stains. The plans call for a water based walnut stain to be used on the deck and eventually the hull planking. I've not used stains in wood models before, does it react similar to staining molding for your house? Meaning, the longer you leave the stain on, the darker the wood? Can you even wipe off the stain or does it soak into the soft wood very fast? Is there a good technique to apply the stain? So many questions. I will browse around the other builders logs for ideas... Any guidance appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Hello friends, this will be my first wooden model ship, the Golden Hind by OcCre in 1:85 Scale. I have no real experience with wood models; however, my first impression of this kit has been positive. The laser cut pieces have been easy to identify and cut out of the sheets. Shown below is a dry fit of the basic hull that I assembled last night. A little more fitting and some decking to make sure the rib alignment is correct, and i'll glue things in place. Questions I have should anyone like to comment: What is the best product to use to glue down deck planking? (I'm located in U.S.) What is the best product to use to glue the ribs to the keel? Any help is very much appreciated!