yvesvidal

01/09/21 -  02/10/21 Continued deck planking
06/10/21  Glued deck in place
07/10/21  Faired the hull
08/10/21  Glued bow and stern blocks in place
09/10/21  Continued sanding and shaping bow and stern blocks. Shaped transom and transom strengthener and glued together.
10/10/21  Glued transom in place, sanded deck and applied first coat of varnish
11/10/21  -  13/10/21  More sanding and varnishing
16/10/21  Fitted top temporary planks on P & S and glued 3 planks below temp plank on both sides.
17/10/21  Fitted 3 spacers midship and another temp plank below spacers to define planking section on P & S
21/10/21  Sanded back deck and applied faux nails in deck planking and gave a fresh coat of varnish
22/10/21  Another light sanding of deck and another coat of varnish.
23/10/21  Final varnish
 
HTD:  30
 

Deck planking continues
 

Planking complete and glued in place
 

Fairing the hull
 

Bow blocks faired
 

First temporary planks in place
 

First plank glued in place with the help of planking clamps
 

First three planks glued in place along with three temporary spacers and a temporary plank to define that planking section.
 
Some exciting progress on this build for me. For some reason I really enjoy and relish the challenge of planking.
 
So as mentioned earlier this kit was supplied with planks etched into the deck, I don't know why they couldn't have etched in butt joints and nail points. To be honest, even if they did I would have still preferred to plank it as I would any other deck. Anyway, the planking went without hitch and the only mistake I made was not gluing the deck onto the hull before commencing the planking. You see I wasn't able to get the deck to hold firm with clamps and weights alone and I had to use pins which of course leave pin holes. Mixed some sanding dust with PVA and filled same. With lots of sanding and several coats of varnish I think I might just have gotten away with it.
 
With the deck finished I started to fair thje hull. Now these bulkheads came with laser etched fairing lines and it was suggested in the manual to fair these prior to installation but I chose to install first and fair later. I found it very easy to fair and I still found the fairing lines helpful as a guide. Overall the procedure was relatively easy  for me.
 
On to the planking and the first temporary plank was a doddle to install as one might expect. The next plank down I decided to try out the new planking clamps I got from Modelers Shipyard. Well the concept is great I think but in their current iteration, useless. Too fiddley and because the thumbscrew is nylon coated it shreds your fingers to bits, absolutely not worth the pain. If the thumb screw was bigger and had a more finger friendly surface then they might be the ducks nuts.  
 
So the spacers and temp plank are installed to define the next planking section which will see me take three planks down to two in that space. Only used wedges and fillers on the Perseverance so looking forward to this new challenge which I should be starting in the coming week/s

Big improvement today:-) The refrigeration man showed up to cut and vacuumed out the line set for the mini split. Forecast calls for cooler temperatures tomorrow:-)
 

 

Hi all
 
Back from our lovely holiday and straight back onto Le Rochefort
 
I'm now working on the crews quarters below the quarter deck and have started with the bulkhead which has a double entry door.  This is quite a feature on this ship so I want to get it as good as possible.  I started by making the shiplap planks that form the walls which I then glued together to make the actual walls.


Next was to look at the doors themselves - I usually just get a solid piece of wood and then mill out the features to make them look like doors.  In this instance I thought that I would try a new exercise for me and make them from individual parts and include all of the relevant joints as they possibly would have been made originally.    Each frame is made of 5 pieces which then require 4 inserts in each door.

Milling out the rebates to fit the 0.7mm inserts

Sorry I should have taken more pictures but here are how the doors turned out.  Assembling the parts actually proved to be one of the hardest parts.

Next I needed to make the door frame uprights which have 2 rebates cut into them and also the base rebate that the walls slot into.


It all took a little bit of fettling to get all of the parts to fit correctly but I'm just about there now.



I did have one issue and that was with the door frame uprights which stopped the whole assembly from sitting flush with the beam.  This maybe because I miss read the drawings but to get around this issue I cut some rebates into the beam which actually makes the whole thing stronger and more stable
 

It's all still a work in progress but I'm getting there with this particular part of the build.
 
Mark

Dear all
 
Thank you all for your comments and likes!
I ve been working on the boat, walking a thin line between the Admiral's wrath and getting a few things actually done, so time for another update.
 
Rob Ross used to say that there are no mistakes, only happy accidents. There sure have been many happy accidents so far with this boat! Usually my CAD drafts are pretty accurate but as I move on, I am scratching my head as 1+1 does not always make 2, I cannot figure out what I was actually drafting. But so far I managed to more or less fix things.
 
So planking is finished! You will see that the sheer strake, or rather half of it, is missing. The reason is that Hercules has a tall bulwark and it would be difficult to securely fix it in place so I thought it made sense to merge the sheer strake with the bulwark. Now Hercules is 150 feet long and made of steel so the planks are completely unrealistic but they do make a nice hull!



The card templates (there were even more than these) show how much work actually planking involves with spilling and everything - still I had only 2 half planks that I had to re do as they came out very wrong.

One of the many happy accidents is in the following photos. I did not really want to buy new wood so I had just enough pear for the planking. I managed to snap the very last length I had left, with just a half plank left to do! I managed to fix this by making it in two parts, narrow escape!

Then lots of Osmo filler and lots of sanding. Of course I did not read the instructions that state to thin the filler with 15% water and I struggled wasting a lot of the expensive filler. Prior to that, all the hundreds of screws were replaced by tree nails.



Much more filling and sanding will be needed but a big chunk of the hull preparation has been done.
 
Then I made the bulwarks but only after I managed to snap the little stem extension not once but twice. I had a sheet of maple and three sheets of mahogany left so I used maple - what a nice wood it is! It will all be primed and painted black.


 



But something felt wrong. I went back to my CAD drafts and the plans and indeed, the bulwark/planks were a couple of centimeters short. The happy accidents are piling up!
Now, Hercules has this little feature at the stern where there is a small flat vertical segment, this has to be made by laminating thin strips which gives the opportunity to correct the mistake above.
So I used some thin beech strips I had. I dislike beech due to its huge movement in service but it is so nice to bend, just with water it can be tied in a knot.


I just used PVA to laminate the strips, if I had used epoxy it would have been very messy.

Then rough cut to shape and screwed in place.



I know it looks rough, I had trouble with the stern drafting in CAD and did not really spend time on it, I hope I ll fix it with a bit of filler, bit of sanding, paint on top.
 
I am enjoying this boat, it is very different from anything I have built so fat.
 
On another note, the postman dropped a cardboard tube with some plans which are currently being processed. There will be a new log starting, this time for a far more complex boat that will take a long time to build, a boat that from the first time I saw it I new I just have to make! 
 
Take care all
 
Vaddoc

Deck13 reprinted - this time with the correct balcony height, retractable roof tiles showing and domes now printing well.

Will probably leave the rest of the decks for now as most of the faults are invisible to my naked eye - and only really show up on close ups.

Pretty much every part needed tweaking to overcome minor issues - so complete reprint will be required.
 
Am going on the real ship in a few weeks - so might wait until after the trip before doing the reprint - in case any further corrections identified.

Most significant correction is deck13 balconies - which didn't have enough height in the first print - so will reprint deck 13 at lease now.

Also created a transport / magnetic display adaptor for QM2 to make it easier to take onto real ship.

Completed the install of the 4 planks at the bottom of the hull.  The double bends in the planks, both fwd and aft were a little difficult but soaking them for a couple of hours helped.  The other challenging thing was getting the right amount of taper and where a mid-ship to start the taper.  You can see that when I was done, the port and starboard sides were not symmetrical.  I can make up the difference as I finish planking.

I finished the first five roles of planks under the wale plank.  Some gaps, weird bends and cracks at the counter bend, nothing that filler and sanding won’t take care of.  I’m ok with the product, more importantly I learned a lot.
Also, redid the port finish arch piece to make it a little longer to better match the starboard one.

I wasn’t paying attention to the how well the plank was adhering to the curve of the counter filler, did not pay attention to the two bends of the plank at the bend: the bend up to the transom but also a twist curve at the bend.  Once I noticed it, I glued it down better at the curve.

 

NOTE: I would consider sanding a little more taper in the counter piece, (green line vs the red line) to allow less bend in the planks that bend up the counter. 
 
If I would have read the practicum and CiscoH’s post on the aft end bend of the planks, I would have known about sanding the counter filler more to lessen the sharpness of the bend.  Also, one of the comments that @mikiek made to CiscoH's post was to lessen the sharpness of the bend.
Not only would this reduce the cracking at the bend but make the center side of the plank easier to glue down to the filler.
 

Hello
Next, I cut a hole in the deckhouse for the skylight. Holes had to be cut out there too.
Then I attached the RC components such as the battery, smoke generator, controller and receiver with Velcro tape.
 

 

 

Hello everyone,
Welcome to my new build log for the Nordkap 476 by Billing Boats. I chose this model as my first venture into remote-controlled ships; something I’ve wanted to try for a while. My only previous R/C experience is with an electric plane I built for my brother a few years ago, so this will be my first foray into R/C boating.
I’ve been fortunate to connect with 'robdurant', who has a detailed Nordkap build log here on MSW. He’s been incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process and pointing out the key components needed to fully motorize the vessel.
 
A few particulars:  Built In 1970 in England, Tonnage 185 gross register tonnage, Length overall 40.0 m, Beam 9.30 m, Motor 1000 HP diesel, Engine speed 12-14 knots, Crew 7-8 men, Fishing tackle Drag net (trawl), Fishing area Around Iceland and Greenland, Haul Herrings, cod and trash fish.
 
Length of model 81.5 cm (32"), Beam of model 19.5 cm (7.68"), Height of model 43.0 cm (17")

I guess I was fortunate, because unbeknownst to me when I ordered the kit, it came with a cap and some free extras—a fishing net and even some fish!!


Looking forward to sharing this journey with you all!
 

Making some slow progress.  I will finish everything but the small boats.  More on that later

More work on the helicopter. The rear section and pontoons and rotor blades are all Billing. The highly detailed Cockpit and engine are from an OH-13 Sioux (same scale)  by Italeri. 
Quite happy with the look so far. Will only get better with more paint and decals.  So not 100% accurate but darn close :0)

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

i love this build, something different, and well built

Here are the first few Starboard side frames installed, we will begin to get a proper feel for what the model is going to look like now.
The designer has left lots of “meat on the bones” for later fairing of the hull when framing is complete.
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Moving on with the installation of the beams supporting the quarter deck.
 

 

 
The guide holding and aligning the mizzen mast has been installed. I also added a couple of poles underneath to make it sturdier.
 

 

 
Now, I have to finish the door, glue it to the cabin wall and complete the assembly of the beams, at least up to the wall of the cabin: 
 

 
Below, you can see the extra support. Once the deck is in place, it will be quite solid, but you never know....
 

 
Yves

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves
 
 

Installation of the door and the remaining deck beams to the cabin wall. The other beams cannot be installed yet, because of the guns.
 

 
I started building the planking of the rear bulkhead, after using some spacers to account for the quarter deck planking.
 

 
I am approaching the construction by mixing elements of the instructions: 
 

 
 I am also modifying very slightly the rear wings (1K-5) to better accommodate that platform on the stern (3K-1 on the picture). I am adding a small strips to support the platform, on both sides: 
 

 
I am also adding a 2 mm strip to increase the height of the "wings" and compensate for the thickness of the platform: 
 

 
Before gluing the platform, I am trying to finalize all the gold painting of the freezes, that will be hard to reach, once glued: 
 

 
Finally, the platform is glued, making the stern a lot more solid and sturdier: 
 

 

 
There is still a lot of sanding and painting that has to take place, to make it presentable.
 
Yves