Paul Le Wol

“ So, I tried to replicate this with .45mm rope.” Jacques, by adding all of these details, you have indeed turned this model into a replica.

Roel, thank you for your generous words. They make the effort all the more worthwhile.

Hi John, thank you very much!

Ross, congratulations on completing the Merchantman! Beautiful planking and presentation

Keith and Yves, thank you for your encouragement. I appreciate it very much!

Hi Everyone, thank you All for your Comments and Likes! The dust settled about a week ago. The stem was the first thing to be sanded and as you can see in the first photo the angle is not a continuation of the planking. I didn't attempt to attain this change in angle because I didn't think the result would be satisfactory. The bulwark planks were sanded level with the top of the longitudinal planks using a sanding sled that extends over to the opposite side to keep it level. It also has a bit of a curve in the base that the sandpaper is glued to. The planks were sanded until the masking tape on the longitudinal planks became scuffed. A jig was made to to chamfer an angle in the lower portion of the guards and the guard was attached around the stern after it had been bent to shape overnight. It was pinned into place and then pulled away from the hull on the pins. It was then glued with white PVA and slid back into position and clamped. That was attempt number 1. The forward ends of the guard sat a bit low so off it came. Attempt number 2 came out better and then the clamp that runs under the main rail was attached The guards that run forward were attached. There is a plank that was made of iron bark that sits on top of the guard but I'm not sure when that will be installed Next the portlights need to be laid out and work on the main deck house has resumed. Hope to see you soon.

Very good looking thimbles Jacques!

Congratulations Keith, what a great finish!

Keith, I have enjoyed your wonderful build of Lula a great deal. Thank you so much!

Hi rhephner, in the second and third photos it looks like you tapered the second strake that you installed on each side. Whatever you did with those planks continue doing that. Don’t move on to the next plank until you are happy with the one you are working on. Like everyone has stated, check out all the info and don’t give up. Good luck!

Hi Gary, thank you very much. I have a bunch of the Cleco type sheet holders. Have to see how they work on wood. Probably need to use a couple of washers for softer wood and probably easier just to use a clamp. But you never know 😀

Jacques, your hardware fabbing is looking great!

Good going Keith, I would never have thought of that.👍

If you don’t have another tool for squaring the end you can cut the number of pieces that you need a little longer, adjust the stop, flip them around and trim them to the size that you need.

Hi alspoll, welcome to MSW. That is correct. You have to keep squaring the end of the piece you are cutting from before making another cut.

Keith, that is a great looking crew!

Thank you very much Nils. Its good to hear from you.

Keith, thank you very much for your support!

Gentlemen, thank you very much for your kind comments! Although the planking was fun I’m glad that I didn’t have to do below the waterline

Hi Everyone, hope you are all doing well. Thank you very much for the Comments and Likes! The hull planking is finished. As the planks ran off the bulkheads and below the waterline, 1/8" blocks of basswood were added to define the waterline and add to the structural integrity of the hull. They were glued into place after the planking was installed to make it easier for clamping. Once the blocks had been installed the planks were planed down so that they were 1/16" proud of the blocks. The process started at the stern and moved forward. I had some Cleco type side grip clamps that had been used for metal work. They have a strong grip but didn't mark the AYC. They were good for the straight lengths. I got them from Aircraft Spruce. They are about 6.00 CAD each plus you need the pliers to put them on and take them off. I started making the tabs that are glued to the back of the planks longer so that they extended from both sides. This made them interlock with the previous plank's tabs. After the planking was completed they were sanded back to the waterline and the hull was mounted back onto the build board. I went over it with 120 grit paper but it still needs more sanding. Once the sanding is finished the rub rails can be attached. Hope to see you when the dust settles.

Peter, I am looking forward to seeing you create this beautiful schooner. Good luck with her!

Ross, congratulations on completing Diana! She is beautiful. Good luck with your Essex build

Looking good Glen! Glad you could fly the original flag.

Thank you Gary, I was a tad surprised when I saw that photo. Usually my builds aren’t all that symmetrical.

Jim, best of luck with the fix of your Constitution!