Hermione La Fayette 1780 by Bobstrake - Artesania Latina - Scale 1:89

[Bobstrake]

This excellent post has inspired me to add more detail.

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/4679-the-kit-bashers-guide-to-the-galaxy/page-14#entry307670

 

I will try to add some lighting to the captain's cabin so more detail may be seen through the windows. I paneled the back wall and added two doors. I may try my hand at adding crude table and chairs before closing the space with hull planks. Fun!

 

I built the back wall outside the ship, then fitted it using the extension handle. The back wall was made from recycled coffee stir sticks. I still need to add doorkobs and clean up the doors.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Bobstrake

[TheDutchShipBuilder]

I like it! Very nice

[Bobstrake]

As an aside, I was fortunatate to get to go up in an open cockpit, wooden trainer plane, and it made me think of L'Hermione.

 

Flying along the California coast, i could see a wide expanse of ocean, and was surprised to see no sailboats out on the water. Then I saw them, widely dispersed tiny white triangles! I wondered how L'Hermione would appear in the middle of the ocean, as she is now.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Bobstrake

[TheDutchShipBuilder]

Wow nice! Wasn`t there more room in the plane for me

Edited May 5, 2015 by NickvN

[Bobstrake]

Nick, I'm afraid this plane is way too small, but i'll bet you get a chance to see L'Hermione from the air when she returns to Europe.

 

My Hermione needed some shims before planking could begin. The fifth bulkead was short of the deck on both sides.

 

I used some deck planks to build up the bulkhead

Edited May 12, 2015 by Bobstrake

[Bobstrake]

I am working on the frames for the captain's portlights.

 

I just received a new tool, and I love it  It's a duplicating jig, and I got it form Micro-Mark.

I have never been able to cut even two strips of wood the same length, no matter how careful I am.  This time I cut 9 the same length, and didn't have to file and fiddle to make them even.  I was dreading this frame, but it was a joy.  Yahoo!

Edited May 7, 2015 by Bobstrake

[thomaslambo]

Hi Bob,

 

I like to follow as many of the AL builds as I can because I'm in the middle of one myself.  Looks like you're off to a strong start.

 

Having followed several AL builds I've noticed they all tend to have some shaky spots in the build instructions....mine is no exception  

 

However, I find my kit to be very true to the original ship design....and the overall quality of the laser cuts, wood and other parts to be quite good.

 

I'l be following your build with much interest, and good luck    

[Bobstrake]

Boyd,

 

It's good to hear from you. I agree that the kit is looking like the original ship. It has some thoughtful modifications to make building it less demanding for inexperienced builders such as myself. For example, the actual sternlights are curved and of different sizes, but the kit has them straight and equal. I didn't notice this when purchasing the kit, and it does not detract from the finished kit.

 

I've just layed the first strake. I tested my special tomato sauce tool to curve it for the bluff bow. I didn't apply any heat, but soaked the tip in water and let it dry around the can. It seems to be working.

I followed Nick's lead by following the deck line.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Bobstrake

[Vtwoods1027]

Thanks so much for the info! I'm building the same model, and you are saving me from missing good steps (I'll make a cabin interior too!). It's looking great!

[TheDutchShipBuilder]

Dont build to fast! Otherwise I can't keep up with your build

Well, to be honest, it's very easy to be faster than me. Next summer holiday (end of June) I will be building this ship for two years!

Keep up the good work. I think you will be a great example for me  

[Bobstrake]

Nick and Vtwoods,
It's so great to hear from you both! I checked out the new build site, and It's great to have another take on the model. Don't worry Nick, I'll never reach your skill and innovation. I look forward to anything you post.

I tried the candle lighting idea, and it seems to be working. I tucked the switch and battery below the captain's cabin. I tested the light by rubber banding the window frame in place to see if the interior details could be seen


trim.BE7A28F0-2A54-4381-B366-2BA0DDBCD3EA.MOV

Edited May 17, 2015 by Bobstrake

[TheDutchShipBuilder]

Nice work! I wan't to add lights to but don't know yet how

[Bobstrake]

You've got a lot of options for lighting, Nick. Since I'm a novice, I chose a simple and inexpensive one.

 

My planking is slowly progressing. Bending cold wet planks around a can has been hit and miss. I broke three planks, so far. The darker, sapelly, wood is more brittle and always needs heating. In the photo, the planks seem to be aiming downward, but I think this will be be alright. I tried drawing lines to anticipate how much to narrow the planks, but I won't be following the lines.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Bobstrake

[TheDutchShipBuilder]

Very good looking Bob!

[Bobstrake]

Thanks for the encouragement, Nick.

 

I've done some more planking. L'Hermione looks like she gained some fins from a '57 Chevy. Unfortunately, the tip of the forward, starboard bulkhead got knocked off. I didn't notice when it happened. It motivated me to skip over to step 22 in the instuctions, and reinforce the rear bulkheads before moving on. I didn't want to break those fine fins.

[Bobstrake]

Planking is slowly progressing. I tried using a crimper, but munched up a bunch of planks. I switched to a heated plank bender from Model Shipways with much better luck. It only took two broken planks before I found that it works well if done slowly.

I seem to take a full day per strake. I also added a thin piece to even up the bow.

You can see the togle switch below the captain's cabin.

Edited June 21, 2015 by Bobstrake

[thomaslambo]

I bought the same bender myself and completed two layers on my Lexington build....works great after you get the hang of it.

 

I might add your planking is coming along quite nicely   

[Jparsley]

I use the same bender took a few planks to get the hang of it but it works well Also if you have any raised areas wet your plank and use the rounded end and iron out kinks just don't discolor the planks lol She is looking great

[Jparsley]

Is she a single planked hull or a double

[prutser]

I worked with the electric plank bender from Amati. I first soaked my planks by putting them in a bottle of water. Works very well. Good luck, Richard

[Bobstrake]

Boyd, Jparsley and Prutzer,

It's good to hear from all of you. I have tried using a steam irin before, but I like the plank bender better, so far. Thanks for your comments. I'm afraid I roasted a plank before seeing your messages. My boys said it smelled good. Since this is a single planking job, I am taking my time on each strake. Thanks for the complements.

Only one more plank since the last post.

[Jparsley]

Planks look great slow steady and lovely

[Jparsley]

hey bob  hope your builds coming along   just went back through your log and she is a good looking girl    cant wait to see some updates   i myself was thinking of doing either the constitution or the hermione  next    i love the look of both of them    cant wait to see how the planking comes out and if you plan to copper stain or poly your hull   the contrasting woods look great so far   good luck sir

[Bobstrake]

Jparsley,

I appreciate your interest. I got a good deal on a Mamoli Connie, but was sobered up by the size of it when it arrived, over 6 feet long!

 

I spend hours on each strake, narrowing the stem, spiling the edge of the plank to fit tightly against the adjoining plank, bending and twisting to pre- fit the hull, then gluing. I have to psych up for each strake. Here's a poor photo of my last strake before gluing. It cut off the twist for the stern.

 

One more strake since the last post. I am experimenting with a removable cover below the captain's cabin. I'm hoping to attach it with magnets. We'll see.

[hof00]

Hi Bob,

Looking really good!! this is one kit that I purchased some time ago, languishing in my cupboard. (I guess I'll get to it one day.)

Your Planking is coming along very nicely indeed.

Like the Super-Detailing!!

 

Cheers....HOF.

[hof00]

One other question, before you attached the Keel, did you cut in a Bearding for your planking to slot into?

I have done the A/L Bluenose and Mare Nostrum, I fitted the Keel after Planking.

I quite like the idea of fitting the Keel first.

 

Cheers....HOF.

[Bobstrake]

HOF,

I was only able to cut a bearding line at the bottom of the stem and stern. I'm not sure how this is going to work out. Since the bluff bow butts up against the break water, and the false keel ends right at the bottom of the bulkheads, there is no space for a bearding line here. I was reluctant to cut into the keel.

 

This is quite a thoughtful learning process. I am savoring the experience. I visited your spectacular Cutty Sark build and hope to one day approach your skill. It is the kind of model that you want to revisit often. I will.

[hof00]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for your kind words regarding the Cutty....

It only took 6 Years of weekends. :-)

 

I had a thought regarding your lighting, maybe you could run some wiring through the hull and down through the Pedestal or whatever you are going to mount your ship on. Is this a sensible Idea or is this something too late in the build process?

 

Cheers....HOF.

[mattsayers148]

Hey Bob, excellent job on the planking! It's a thorn in the side for many, myself included. I'm so glad to see another build that's modified to see inside. I got a bit looney with mine(deleted almost the whole side).

 

Boyd's build is a great example of large ship with mods to see inside. It's always fun to think in your mind about adding as many details as possible, and hope you figure it out before you seal it in. Great idea too is the removable cover!

 

Corel is another one with borderline ridiculous instructions. As for the sails, there are a lot of great ideas throughout this site. I've made four at this point, so my cutter will be a real test for me. Again, great job and I'm looking forward to following your build!

[thomaslambo]

Bob,

 

Excellent idea on the cover....half the fun on these builds is thinking about how to step out of box