Terra Australis

Captain's Log: This is my second wooden ship kit build, and while it is daunting (the first was a simple sloop - almost too easy) it is mostly going OK, apart from quite a few missing pieces (note to self, check that everything is in the box immediately after receiving and opening it - not 6 months later after the returns policy for the retailer has well and truly expired...). The hull is essentially complete - the outer planking is a little "unique" towards the bow, as I did not quite understand the importance of sanding down the ribs to get a clean rounded plank-line from bow to stern - won't make that mistake again. A further challenge was working out the chamfer on each plank - the plan just casually tells you to chamfer "to fit" - well, sure, I guess... After fitting the side rails, the next step will be to find some decent images of a typical deck configuration - I'm going to have to custom carve some of the missing pieces, such as the posts for the stern guard rail, but the manufacturer's plan doesn't have enough detail to work out the dimensions, alas - just a few rough sketches. I'm spending a fair bit of time on Google translate, too - the original plans and instructions are in Italian, and the English translation they have provided is pretty woeful, to be honest. Another lesson learned (unlike my Italian lessons at school...). Still, all in all, it's coming along OK - hoping that if (or when...) I hit a reef there will be someone on this group who has been there before and can send a few navigational pointers through!

Hi Flip - I'm new to this site too - and I'm also working on a Halifax (mine is a kit made by an Italian company called Mamoli - it's a 1:54, so a little smaller than yours). I've just finished the planking, so not too far ahead of where you are. Happy to help out with advice as you go along!