Paul Le Wol

Thank you Keith. Its funny you say that because whenever I look at it I think the same thing

Hey Everyone, Hope you are all well. Thank you very much for your Comments and Likes. The main deck house is close to completion. The house sits on top of the side stringer which sits on top of the main stringer so these stringers are being faked by using built-up planks. the main stringer is 3/32" thick and the side stringer is 1/16" thick. The siding is 1/32" thick. The window frames were made and put in place when the siding reached the bottom of the rough openings. Once the siding reached the top of the windows the section of wall that extends out to the pillars had to be added. A length of 1/8 x 1/8" was clamped in place to get the proper sheer for this extension. Some sanding was done to get the window frames flush with the siding. The sliding doors and some of the siding was was applied to the forward end of the house because it is easier to do it now. Then everything is dry fitted The stanchions that support the boat deck were made from 3/32" x 3/32" cherry. They needed to have 1/32" removed from the lower end where they overlap the side stringer. A 1/8" thick clear plastic 6 inch ruler was used to help file the wood to the proper thickness. You can file on these rulers all day and they just keep hanging in there. These stanchions will be pinned in place and then removed before the house is permanently mounted. This is her now. Next I think the main deck house will be glued together, sanded, painted and mounted so that the stringers can be installed.

Glen, I agree that they are both beautiful, but I like the way that the black (?) of the Zen garden goes with the blue water..

Yves, she is looking great! I like that you decide what looks best to you and go with that. Nice

Phil, congratulations on completing your Albatros. Beautifully done!

Glen, congratulations on bringing this Constitution back to 100%. You and Hollye have done an outstanding job.

“ 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