Matthew Kassebaum

So this is where she sits as of now. Slow but steady. Have not started any on the top yet.

Update for all following. Began cutting gun ports. After getting tired of cutting I did start to frame some in and as I did actually double plank the whole ship and it only calls for one I am backfilling each port with balsa that will bring it back to 1 plank depth. I have not started cutting on the other side. Each port is framed and back filled and then sanded flush with the hull.

Hey....lol...mine were sanded off lol. I DID have them marked. I did find an effective tool though....almost the perfect size...with a little tapping from a small hammer.

So as this is a learning process as well...in all my glory and pride of working soooooo hard on my planking....I forgot one....small...tiny....detail..............😤🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

So I have spent the last hour or two measuring..planning...drawing..and this is where I am. I did get this half lined up correctly which I am proud of considering. On to the front...and of course the other side. Then to clean up above the deck and make some sanding corrections and do some detail work with the wood file. Onward we go!

mtaylor...I actualy really like that idea better! I think that would complete the ship and still show the beauty of the rigging!

Lol you did clearway....you did...but I have found this enjoyable. If I get frustrated...I take a break. I have built models since I was 10 or so. Ive always wanted to build a ship. At 47....it was time!!!

If you look at the last picture I posted you can not see the mistakes...but oh they are many and luckily mine will be covered in copper...but I learned from each one as well.

Said well!!

I had the same issue on my Billings Victory but mine was due to running 8 on one side and pulling it to that side. I pulled 6 and would only do 2 on a side then do 2 on the other and so forth.

mtaylor thank you for that. Not sure if I'm willing to go that far with the sails. I'm interested in doing it. I've survived my first build so far but that is a huge undertaking with zero experience. But a thought as time goes.

Okay question to any and all. Sails. Can they be ordered? Made? I know I know....HUGE bite to chew...but I have been taking my time and as this is my FIRST ever build...I want to do it right...and complete. So....thoughts on sails.....anyone????

mtaylor thank you for your kind words!

I have saved it. I have about 7 hours of sanding in today. I docked her for the day. Victory will test patience for sure!

Yes they do!

Some of the damage caused. I do have the piece that broke. It is only the inner piece so a little work and it can be placed and coverd

Just an update. Second layer of planking in and rough sanded....now detail work and more sanding and some trimming. When she rolled off the table it did shatter some planking that is actually covered by the copper. I filled in part but as I said it is covered by copper.

Beautiful beautiful work Keith. Im still on my second planking and she capsized off the table so Im making her sea worthy as well😬. I enjoy following your build. As always...a pleasure.

Starting on the second layer of plank...😒..the row of pins along the side is how far down the second layer is now. This is a SERIOUS chore...but relaxing as well..IF you have the patience to do one plank..let it dry....and fit it. Anyone keeping track....this far....I have roughly just over 110 hours to this point. Slower than some..faster than others..but a Victory of this size...that is where I am.

Yes Gary that does explain alot. I struggled with the planking as this is my first. Fitting sanding..etc. As I said there are mistakes but I knew starting that I wanted to double it and It has given me a good learning base and the second layer is quite thin. When finished you probably wont even notice that its double planked by looking at it but it allows me learning...and fixing. Thanks for the follow Kevin. As Ive mentioned before you hopped on board feel free to chime in! This is my first so all are welcome!

Thanks for the watch! It will be rough go for a bit!😬

Yes that all made sense and thank you for the input as it is always appreciated. I have made headway in this stormy sea. I am going to do a double plank. My first layer is on.....a little rough..but Im pleased for this being my first. My second layer is about half as thin....more like deck planks but twice as wide so about the same width as the hull planks provided by Billings so very workable. Ive discovered a love/ hate relationship with the old girl......learning as I go. I discovered mistakes as I went with the first planking..but its a strong base for the second layer. I do understand the advice of not making this a first build but I am patient and meticulous and trudging headlong into this stormy sea!!!🚣‍♂️

Welcome aboard mate!

Kind of. I get the wales and the ports. Im talking between the wales it appears each plank overlaps the bottem edge of the one above it. Especially just below the lower wale. It can be seen in this photo between the two lowest ports. At least for a few rows.

Fine work. Im jealous....and nervous.