Rach10199

It is definitely balsa according to the kit’s item list. At any rate, I’ll test it on some scrap pieces. 👍

Thanks for the suggested reading of the Oxford Companion..I found a used copy for $5 👍📖

Hi John, this looks fantastic! I don't see any tapered planks here, did you have to taper any at all?

Impressive! Especially for a first model. Well done👍

On my first build (a schooner) sanding the correct shape was the most difficult part for me. This looks great in my novice opinion 👍 I look forward to watching your rigging process.

Thanks MM!

I began the hull planking process. This is going to be interesting lol. My first build didn't require individual planks so I researched the heck outta this process. I found Chuck's videos on plank bending extremely informative. I've actually begun making my own bending station similar to his. Admittedly I'm pretty excited about it! I also mentioned in my first log that I was going to make a better keel clamp. I found one on eBay similar, if not identical, to DocBlake's homemade clamp (which is brilliant btw) so that should arrive soon. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this clamp I purchased is from one of you guys 😄 A couple pics of the hull thus far:

Bob Ross👍 I'm thinking I'll just leave it as-is. Thanks Moltinmark 😄

Brilliant👍

Hi Chuck! I found these videos to be extremely useful, thank you for taking the time to make them. The kit I have came with balsa wood hull planks and I'm wondering if the hot iron technique will work for these? I'm concerned the delicate balsa would scorch. What are your thoughts?

Such a great job! I'll be happy if mine turns out half as fine as this👍

Thank you Ryland! I've had so many warm welcomes here 😊 This website is a bit overwhelming- so much info!

It's finally posted 😊

Yeah? I wouldn't know the best way to repair it anyway so maybe I'll just leave it. Thanks for the feedback 👍😄

Update: I thought the box my kit came in was destroyed but I actually found it 😂

This is my first build log (please forgive me if it lacks pertinent info) for this ship kit, however, not my first build. I finished a little schooner years ago but cannot remember the brand nor year I purchased it (sorry). I can post some pics of it if anyone is interested. I started the Albatros about 6 years ago but then life happened and it had to be put into storage. I no longer have the box it came in but luckily I haven’t lost any of the parts. I don’t know much about this type of ship other than it was built around 1840 at the Baltimore shipyards. It was designed to defend the Atlantic coast with its speed and easy maneuverability. The kit came with a false deck where the bulkhead frames of the hull do not come above the deck. The instructions had me plank the deck with individual planks before planking the hull. This is as far as I progressed. I didn’t place any caulking material between the planks and now I wish I had. I made tiny pinhole marks on the timber to resemble nail heads. At the time, I decided I wanted to distress the deck planking but now I’m rather regretting it. I’m guessing a wood stain would help conceal the damage? I haven’t applied any sealer to it yet thank goodness. I would like to construct a better keel clamp before I move forward as the one I have now is quite awkward and unreliable. I’ve seen many tutorials for this so hopefully next time I post I will have something to show you. That’s all I have for you now, and please, any suggestions/advice will be appreciated by this amateur builder😄 ~ Rachel

Thanks! 😊

This looks amazing!

Thank you! 😄

Oooh! This is great info, thank you so much Ccoyle 😄

Thank you, John. Looking forward to my experience here. 😄

Great!

Thank you! Yes I'll start one, definitely 👍

Thank you, yes I will start one! I'll figure it out.. lol

Yes that is my understanding, I've got to figure out how to do that first ha