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This kit was developed by the Nautical Research Guild to teach or improve members' hull-planking skills. As a moderately skilled builder, I decided it would be a good project to force myself to learn best practices and possibly correct poor practices I may have developed. Plus, it seems simpler and more relaxing than my last few builds! Here's the NRG's vision of the final project: There are many build logs for this already, but I intend to add my own twist by doing the planking using wood I've harvested and milled myself from my rural property, where I do a lot of timber management. This is the direction I'd like to take my modeling overall, so this will be a good early test of the goal. I have well-cured cherry, walnut, and maple billets on hand and think a mix of those could look really nice on this hull. Right now my idea is to use cherry below the wale, walnut for the wale, and maple above it. We'll see what happens. Hopefully this is of interest to a few people, but regardless of attendance, I've learned that keeping a build log is a good way to keep myself engaged and organized. -
I ordered this kit as soon as it was released but I wanted to finish my Sharpie before diving in. Of course my father found a small boxcar kit that I was hoping to put together first, but since that kit was incomplete I plan on starting this half-hull in the meantime and learning how to plank (hopefully that will set me up well for my next full ship the Alert). So far all I have done is setup my build board: The instructions suggest using 1/4" foam board, I had a sheet of 1/8" so I cut it in half and glued it together (hopefully all my issues are this easily solved 🙂). I trimmed the board down to the plan sheet and applied tape around the edge to stop bits of foam from following me everywhere and to make certain that the plan was firmly secured to the board (I did first glue it with Elmer's craft bond spray adhesive). Currently I'm sanding the edges of the keel, keelson, stem, deadwood and stern pieces to remove the laser char. -
Two years ago, the Guild started selling the half hull kit, a project designed to include modelers who had no access to power tools. The purpose of the kit was to teach modelers how to plank a hull by spiling. The Guild has a new project, actually two projects, designed to expand your modeling skills and develop confidence in the step towards scratch building. As you know, the Guild’s logo is a capstan. Our next project is construction of a capstan, shown on its step, with a hatch and grating. The first project is designed for the builder whose only power tools are a Dremel-type rotary tool and a hobby circular saw. The second is for the builder who has all the “toys”, including a lathe and mill. This is a picture of the completed intermediate-level capstan. Because this is an introduction to scratch building, the project will be sold as a download which will include a monograph and fully dimensioned plans for both the intermediate and advanced projects. No wood is included. The builder will choose the scale of construction and develop their own lumber list. Most of the plans are drawn at a scale of 1:16 (3/4 scale). At this scale, the completed model measures approximately 6” x 6” without the capstan bars and 12” x 12” with them installed. Let’s get started…
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I will be building the half hull planking kit to improve my planking before I start my next model that requires planking. I am currently building a solid hull skipjack in another build log so this log will go slowly as I have free time between building the skipjack. Mounted the plans on a foam board and removed and laid out the keel parts. -
I am the proud owner of Toni's Introduction to Planking Kit #1 and, since I've got a little time off during the holidays, I decided to get started. I started by reading the instructions. (I've heard that enough times from Kurt to know to start there and it's mentioned in Toni's instructions. It's good advice and I found, even reading through them, I made at least one error early on.) I mounted the plans to a piece of foam board, as instructed. Then I laid out the keel, keelson, stem components, deadwood and sternpost on the sheet to understand how they all fit together. Next step is to cut the rabbet. I'll confess I read this section multiple times and Toni's posts here on MSW, which are slightly different from the instruction manual I have. I'm hoping I got this part right. Toni says, "Measure the thickness of your planking. On this model I used 1/32" basswood which actually measured 0.43" thick." I had to think about that for a minute. 1/32" is 0.03125", quite a ways from 0.43". Then I measured the planking material in the kit: I think this is a combination typo and a little dyslexia. The instruction manual should say 0.034" instead of 0.43". Doesn't matter. I figured it out and understand the point. You need that measurement to transfer it to the keel components, which I did. I did a little experimentation to make sure I drew an accurate line on those components. I set my compass, drew a line on some scrap paper and then measured it with the caliper. I had to do that a few times to adjust the compass properly, but it paid off. I drew lines on both the outboard and top edges. (This is something Toni didn't say to do, but it made sense to me. It the angle is supposed to be 45°, then you need to know both sides of the right triangle to get the hypotenuse right ... right? I have just a couple of observations. First, scraping the char off the components is a necessary task, I know, but I would urge people to take their time with it. I could have used power tools to do this or gone after it with some really coarse sandpaper, but I used the back of an old X-Acto blade as a scraper. It worked great and I didn't risk damaging the components. It took a little longer than other methods, but I think it was a good call. For cutting the rabbet, again, I could have used power tools for that. I decided not to and I'm glad I did. (Toni designed this kit to be done by people without access to all that stuff, so it's not necessary.) I used the X-Acto blade again and then some sanding sticks to finish it off. That worked very well and, although it took a while, the results were better than I think I could have gotten with power tools. Small planes would have worked too. I tried to use mine, but found they were a little too aggressive and thought if I used them I might inadvertently take off more wood than I wanted to. And no project would be complete without some errors. Even though the instructions are very clear about how far aft to go with the keel rabbet -- Figure 10 shows how far to carve it -- I still carved it all the way aft. I corrected that right away by gluing in some scrap wood and returning the keel to a square profile. Best thing about a wooden ship model: there's nothing you can't fix. Here's the final product. Now on to the frames. Per the instructions, "the slots on the keelson were laser cut approximately 1/16" too shallow to help prevent breakage of the basswood keelson while making the rabbet." So I need to deepen them that 1/16" which will bring the distance between the bottom of the frame and the rabbet to about 1/16". Off to the next step! Dan- 39 replies
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In dire need of planking & spiling practice before tackling the next project, I was so pleased to come across NRG 18th-Century Merchantman Half-Hull Planking Kit . Actually, this project was started just after last Christmas as a present (to myself) and is now just about finished except for the mounting. I knew I would be dragging this one out because I would be experimenting with different wood, adhesives, wood bending, finishing, etc. and wanted all that to be done on one model rather than one model at a time. That being said, there would be large gaps in posting the log of a relatively small kit. Mike -
Taking a short break from the Harvey build until the wood I ordered arrives. I had planned to build the half hull before I started the second planking layer on the Harvey - I'd really like to do it right! Kit arrived in perfect shape, and I printed out the instruction manual. I've been reading through Toni's build log and think I'm ready to go. I mounted the plan sheet to the recommended foam board using Elmer's spray adhesive. No wrinkles Started sanding the laser char off of the pieces. It looks like I will need to trim the stemson to get it to align with the bulkhead locations. Has anyone else found that? Will keep on sanding... that's all for now. -
While building my first boat kit (Chris-Craft) I had a hard time doing the planking, I discovered that a straight plank did some unexpected things at the bow of the boat. I was frustrated and knew I’d have to figure out planking. I came across the Half Hull Planking kit when searching the forum for planking information. I previewed the instructions and realized I didn’t know the terminology. The instructions identify the names of the laser cut parts but there were a number of terms in the documentation that I didn’t know. I found an illustrated glossary of ship terms (it is helpful): https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199336005.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199336005-e-48 I previewed builds by tlevine, dcicero, modeler masa, and LyleK1 and I’ve been referencing those builds during my build. The kit comes with laser cut pieces to build the frame structure and planking material you cut for each plank. The instructions are a PDF file; the instructions are well written and explain concepts to understand how wooden ships are built. The kit includes an 11x17” print that shows the location of the structural parts along with other significant lines. I mounted the print on a piece of art board but I quickly discovered that I wanted to cut the size down to accommodate the use of clamps during parts of the construction. -
Well, I decided to invest in a side project developed by my ship club mate, Toni Levine (@tlevine). Since my last post on my Syren build log, I've made more progress in some basic techniques of manipulating the planks. Specifically, I received an old plank clamp which was the property of Steve Wheeler (we all miss you, Steve). Hopefully that will take some of the plank trimming frustration away...so far it works great on a few trial planks. In the interim - I've received the NRG tutorial kit. Like others who adopted this side project, I wasn't really sure where to put this build log, so stuck it where others have - hope that's ok. If this turns out, aside from gaining a bit more confidence, I plan to mount it as a wall hanging and make a present out of it...but have to wait and see the final result. Pics to follow... Moving on! -
This will be my first attempt at planking “correctly”. I did complete AL Bounty Jolly which was planked, but in a strange way (I followed the instructions). I have quite a few projects in the shipyard that are POB and POF so I’d rather start with a less expensive kit and fail then ruin the kits I have already purchased in hopes of learning this hobby. I will be taking this build slow as I have other logs going on, as well as a stressful job and a four year old that I chase around on the weekends. My plan will be to finish this half hull with a stained hull...I’m also contemplating coppering the hull as a learning experience as well. -
I'm joining the fun of this "learning exercise". Started: Using a foam core building board. Rabbet cut. (Without much thought I started cutting the rabbet on both sides of the keelson before I remembered that this was a half hull - oops) -
Planking a hull is still something of a mystery to me, as I am sure it may be for some of you. In the past I successfully planked two POB hulls with the help of very detailed practicums writen by outside sources. Despite that I in no way would I say I am proficient or even confident in my abilities. Thats why I am so excited about this build. It is designed specifically as a hands on kit that will teach you step by step how to plank any hull properly not just this kit specifically. It looks like it will be very educational as well as fun. It also makes a very nice looking finished ship model. I plan to mount mine on a nice board to hang on the wall once finished. I am hopeful that once finished I will have done more then learn but will walk away with new confidence that I can take any kit or scratch built hull and do a reasonable and historically accurate job of planking. The kit comes from the Nautical Research Guild (NRG) as shown. The kit is very reasonably priced in my opinion at $65. It includes a very nice PDF building manual from NRG sent to me via email. I printed the manual at home then took it to the print store and had them cut and spiral bind the pages. This cost $3.20 and is well wort it. It keeps the manual organized and it will open and lay flat on my table as I work. It also includes a detailed tools list. Another nice thing with this kit, it doesn't require anything special in way of tools. in fact just some basic tools that anyone coming into the hobby would want to purchase or in my case already own. I have glued the plans which come with the kit to a piece of 3/16 foam board. This will serve as a building board. Thats all for now. I know it isn't a great deal to see at this point but I wanted to at least get this build log started. I am hoping that this and other logs will lead the way and help to generate some excitement for this kit. -
2018 NRG CONFERENCE UPDATE October 25 – 27, 2018 Registration Forms - https://www.thenrg.org/nrg-2018-conference.php The 2018 Conference dates are October 25 – 27, 2018 and the Conference Hotel is the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The hotel is just off the “strip” and has free airport shuttle service on a set schedule and free shuttle service to and from the “strip”. HOTEL INFORMATION Room rates (with $15.86 LV Resort fee) are $65.85 (+ tax) for Tuesday through Thursday nights and $125.85 (+ tax) for Friday and Saturday nights. All rooms are equipped with high speed internet access with a daily newspaper and admission to the exercise facility. Last date to get the special conference room rates is September 25, 2018. Reservation Link = https://palacestation.sclv.com/ You must use this offer code for the discounted room rate when making hotel reservations - PCINRG1 If making reservation by phone you must tell them you are attending the NRG Conference The hotel has five restaurants and a Starbucks. The Feast Buffet is one of the best buffets in LV with breakfast, lunch and dinner – open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM with $9.99 breakfast, $11.99 lunch and $16.99 dinner prices ($3 to $7 less for Boarding Pass members). The Grand Café is open 24 round the clock and has very reasonable prices with breakfast available at any time or how about a cheeseburger for breakfast? Breakfast prices from $6.99 to $13.99, lunch from $6.99 to $10.99 and dinner from $8.99 to $17.99. For the seafood lovers the Oyster Bar is open 24/7 with any seafood you can think of on the menu. Fine dining is available at the Charcoal Room, open from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM Sun –Thur. and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Little Tony's offers a variety of Italian and American pizza styles, including classic Italian, classic American, Sicilian, New York, traditional Chicago, cracker-thin, and gluten-free. Additionally, a selection of pastas, calzones, stromboli, antipasti, and salads are offered, all with a focus on authentic Italian ingredients and organically-grown produce. Open from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM – M-Th, 4:00 PM to 11:00PM F, 11:00 AM to11:00 PM Sat. CONFERENCE EVENTS The Thursday Tour is a trip to the Hoover Dam and a lunch cruise on Lake Mead on a sternwheel boat. The guided tour of the Hoover Dam includes the entire inner workings of the Dam, not just the exterior. The cruise, with lunch and beverage provided, provides a water side close up view of the Dam. There is also a cash bar on the boat for those wishing to have an adult beverage. DESERT PRINCESS - Lunch Cruise Informal gatherings on Thursday and Friday evenings with a cash bar will be an opportunity to gather and see old friends, make new friends and can serve as a meeting place for those going to dinner together. The speaker line-up for our 2018 conference is almost finalized with an interesting group committed. As of press time almost all speakers are on board. Some names you will certainly recognize as being outstanding and respected members of the Guild or very well known in their areas of expertise. * Ken Foran will talk about Soldering Brass. * Tony Devroude will talk about carving figureheads. * Dr. Al Ross of BlueJacket will speak about kit development. * Kurt Van Dahm will speak about model size table saw use and safety. * Steve Wheeler will talk about some unique Colorado River boats and their construction. * Doug Tolbert will talk about researching the 74 gun class Buckingham. * Chris Dostal, Asst Prof at Texas A&M Nautical Archaeology Program, will speak about nautical archaeological excavations and the use of 3D rendering of the artifacts. * Justin Parkoff, Texas A&M graduate will speak about conservation work on the Union Civil War Gunboat Westfield (aka Texas City wreck). DAILY SCHEDULES (Tentative) – We will have a 90 minute lunch period on Friday and Saturday during which we encourage attendees to visit the vendors and check out the model display. FRIDAY – TECHNICAL SESSIONS * Ken Foran – Soldering Brass * Steve Wheeler – Lapstrake Hull Construction * Kurt Van Dahm – Table Saw Use and Safety Afternoon will feature several round tables – topics and speakers to be confirmed. The Annual Membership Meeting will follow the round tables. Gus Agustin's 2017 Round Table - Making Flags David Antscherl's 2017 Round Table - Frieze Painting SATURDAY – GENERAL SESSIONS * Tony Devroude – Carving Figureheads * Al Ross – Kit Development * Chris Dostal – Nautical Archaeological Excavations – 3D Imaging * Justin Parkoff - Union Civil War Gunboat Westfield – Texas City wreck * Doug Tolbert – Researching 74 Gun Class Buckingham The after dinner speaker will be NRG member and artist Peter Rindlisbacher whose talk will cover his use of ship models to help create his paintings. MEALS Lunch on both Friday and Saturday will be sandwich and salad buffets where you can select your own sandwich and salads. This has been a very popular type of lunch for our members at past conferences. Banquet meal choices are: * Sautéed Chicken Breast – Herb Roasted Marinade * Orange Roughy with Fresh Tropical Salsa * Traditional 6 oz. Filet of Beef All dinners include rolls and butter, salad, vegetable, potato, coffee, hot and iced teas and desert. If you have special dietary restrictions please let us know when you register so your needs can be accommodated. Special dietary needs can’t be accommodated if we are not notified at least a week before the event – due to the hotel’s requirements. VENDORS At press time there are two vendors confirmed. BlueJacket Shipcrafters and Train Troll will be attending and displaying their materials. The NRG will also have a sales table. MODEL DISPLAY Please bring a model; we will have a lot of space for model display. The model registration form is also on the web site. 2017 Model Display Downloadable registration forms are now on the website. The hotel registration information and link is also posted on the website.- 19 replies
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NRG just got a plug on facebook from Marlinspike Magazine https://www.facebook.com/marlinspikemagazine/photos/pb.1374820299447758.-2207520000.1427468708./1548959752033811/?type Marlingspike is a "by tall ship sailors, for tall ship sailors" journal that delivers great modern tall ship content. Its a nice surprise to see that they gave a nod to the NRG, they never mention ship model building so this is a great plug to get. But it brings to mind the Model Ship World facebook page is kind of a dud. This Model Ship World facebook page is linked right here on the homepage in a sidebar right above the spinning globe thingy: https://www.facebook.com/ModelShipWorld Sadly the only posts to be found on this facebook page are descriptions of server issues preventing the functionality of the page. There are a total of seven photos in the album and the "about" section is completely blank. The NRG's facebook page is also a virtual ghost town https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nautical-Research-Guild/127406460658253?fref=ts 69 likes, 11 visits! last udate November 2014 and again: a total of seven photos. It strikes me that a facebook page is as important as a business card in todays world, people expect every organization to have one and it is a tool for marketing that everyone relates to. Its a shame these two facebook pages fail to reflect the richness of our hobby and the great content to be found on THIS website. Having said that I FULLY understand the volunteer nature of the staff and there must certainly be a great deal of work being done all day every day by many unseen hands in both organizations. Still I just couldn't help pointing out this issue.
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