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Sparky21

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Everything posted by Sparky21

  1. The Cabin: The final assembly of the small cabin posed its own set of challenges. Getting the structure square and ensuring a tight fit to the deck was critical. The fiddliest part was the detailing: Curtains: Getting the tiny curtain material to hang with the correct, natural-looking folds inside the windows took several attempts and the precise application of small amounts of glue. Roof Top: Attaching the final roof top required careful clamping to maintain its gentle curve and ensure a flush, clean joint with the cabin walls,
  2. The Wood Problem: The Sapele strips were quite thick for the small scale of the hull. This made them stiff and difficult to bend, especially around the tight curves of the bow and the stern. Bending: I had to steam and soak every plank aggressively before applying it. Even then, great force was needed to nail and glue them securely to the bulkheads. Fairing: After the first layer cured, the hull was quite "steppy" and uneven, reflecting the difficulty of bending the stiff wood perfectly. Before moving on, I spent several dedicated hours sanding and fairing the entire hull. Frame Removal: The unique requirement to cut out and remove five of the internal bulkheads came next. This was unnerving, as I was essentially cutting out the temporary support structure, but the planking was rigid enough to hold the shape. The Second Layer of Planking I glued the veneer strips directly onto the sanded first layer, ensuring the edges were tightly butted together. Using rubber bands and clamps to hold the veneer tight to the shape. Once the second layer was sanded lightly and sealed, the hull finally took on the smooth, form of the Victorian steam launch. This transformation made all the previous struggle worthwhile. Deck: Planking the deck piece with the supplied contrasting strips was a delicate job, requiring precision to ensure the lines were straight.
  3. Missing Components: After completing the hull planking, I discovered that some key components were missing. This was unfortunate, as I hadn't checked the inventory first. Another member of this group believed he had the same kit and kindly offered to share parts. However, after further investigation, he found that his kit was actually the Louise, which was a renamed version of the Elidir by Constructo. Fortunately, he sent me the entire kit. It also contained better instructions, a sheet plan, and photos of each step to complete the build. But some of the dimensions of this kit are slightly different for the Elidir kit. So now the kit is going to be a combination of the two kits.
  4. This is my 11th build I purchased the Elidir by Constructo kit online. After receiving it, I noticed that the box had already been opened. Unfortunately, I did not take an inventory of the parts before starting the build. I proceeded with the hull planking, This phase did not go smoothly, I have never worked with planks that are 2X5mm that are made out of Sapelly. I had to do extinctive sanding to get the hull looking decent. After sanding I found some cracks that need to be filled. I couldn’t find the correct color. So now there are color variations in the hull. I don’t want to paint the hull. They do give extra thin planking to do a second planking. I’m not sure at this point if I will be doing a second planking.
  5. I recently purchased the Elidir kit by Constructo online, the box had already been opened. I’ve completed the hull planking, but unfortunately, I didn’t take an inventory of the parts beforehand. Now, I’ve discovered that some key components are missing. Does anyone know if the company is still in business or where I can find replacement parts? Thank you
  6. Started this build January 2023, progressed through the winter and spring. I lost interest in the hobby after getting Covid and other family issues. But I’m back to working on the build.
  7. I am making the same model, I am up to attaching the rudder. The directions for this model aren't the best. I can't figure out what to use for the pintles for rudder Gudgeons. What did you use for the rudder pintles? Thank you David
  8. Have not worked on the HMS Victory for most all of the summer. Almost finished with the first layer of planking. I have a lot of prep work ahead for the second planking. I and wondering about the second planking methods. When adding the second planking how do you fasten the planks while the glue dries?
  9. Started the first layer planking. It was a learning curve for me on how to use the soldering iron as to when enough heat was applied as to not burn the planks. As you can see in the second photo I scorched the planks. Also the written directions said to wax the frames so the frames can easily be removed after the planking is done. But in the sheet plans it show tiny nails into the frames. I'm not sure if I'm doing the planking correctly or not, time will tell
  10. This is my seventh build. I do believe it's above my skill level but for better or worse I'm going to give it a try. I've never done a second planking so this will be interesting. Also, the sheet plans are all in Italian. I've been using the Google translator which works really good. I started using a soldering iron with a jig that I made for the bending of the planks. I've found that water soaking the planks before I heat them to bend work quite well. More photos to follow as I progress.
  11. Could that piece be reversed? Looks like the longer flat side might be placed towards the bow. I'm probably way off on suggesting this.
  12. The plans for the rigging are difficult to follow. I did my best to follow it, but I guessed where they should go from past builds and sailing experience. I just do the best I can and learn from my mistakes.
  13. Your model looks great!! Not sure of the type of wood that came with yours, I'm thinking mine came with walnut. I purchased it on eBay and I think it was laying around for a log time a all of the wood was very fragile and kept breaking when I used an exacta knife. I ended up sanding most all of the planks into shape
  14. I finished I have found out that it's not a race to the finish line to complete the model, it's about finding out that I need to be more patient with myself while model making and not to rush any of the stages so I can better understand and slowly master techniques for future models.
  15. Finished the deck planking, at first it was extremely time consuming.
  16. I have to admit that I am not good at keeping up with my build log. Finished with the planking, will be clear coating the planks for the finish coat.
  17. Coming to the end of the planking process. . The kit had been in a small hobby shop that went out of business during the pandemic; he was ready to retiree. Not sure of what type of wood the kit came with (I think its walnut). I found that most of the wood is very brittle. Learning curve has been frustrating at times. I'm mostly happy with my results. I'm planning on clear coating the planks with either shellac of varnish. There are a few gaps in the planking, not sure if I should leave them or fill with wood fill or sawdust fill. Any input would appreciated Thanks, David
  18. I have them, wondering how I can get a copy to you.
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