Fill or not to fill? That is my question

[wdretired]

I have purchased the model ship ways U.S.S. Constitution and yes, I know the skill level is for advanced modelers but I wanted a challenge.  I have been studying the plans and I noticed that there is a build in which someone filled in between the bulkheads with balsa wood for the entire length of the model instead of just at the bow and stern.  What advantage is it to build it that way?  It seems it would be easier to plank the ship with the solid frame but cutting and trimming  the filler might be harder than it looks. .  are there any suggestions or comments?  

     I wanted to build a big model as I have really big hands to handle those tiny parts, but good grief, that thing is huge.  No wonder those kits are so expensive. .  anyway,  I'd like to know what tips I need to know before I get started.   Model shipways says even a beginner can build it if he takes his time.  . . . I built me a nice 10 foot work bench out in the garage. .  put a couple of lights and a magnifier on it, so I guess I'm ready to begin.  Are there any good books that might be worthy of filling in the gaps between ignorance and experience?  I already know that whoever named all those parts on these ships must have had one too many because none of the names of these parts make any sense.   Who ever heard of a bowspirit, bearding line, or a rabbit ?  I was in the Navy (many years ago) and I remember the poop deck but some of the names of those sails are beyond the English language.  Thank you for any and all the help you can give me.  

Edited July 10, 2015 by wdretired

[hornet]

I would say that filler blocks are only necessary at the bow and stern so you have something to assist you in both affixing the planks and achieving the correct shape. There should be more than enough bulkheads for you to attach your planks with some type of planking screw between these blocks. Just make sure you fair in the bulkheads with a file or sanding block before beginning planking

[keelhauled]

There was a master builder, Bill Evans, who recommended balsa fillers in his articles in Model Shipways magazine (I think).  He said that it prevented deformations that he observed that occurred in planked hulls over time, especially if there weren't enough bulkheads or frames.

[Landlubber Mike]

I think it also depends on what material is used for the bulkheads.  I didn't fill on my Badger or Pegasus.  The Badger had very stiff plywood, while the Pegasus had solid MDF.

 

On my Lyme build however, Corel used thin plywood with a lot of flex.  Rather than fill between each bulkhead, I added in braces in between:

 

http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/6223-hms-lyme-1748-1760-by-landlubber-mike-kit-bash-of-corel-unicorn-scale-175/?p=220346

 

 

To me, filling the entire area between each bulkhead seems like a bit of overkill.  But, it's probably the safest way to do things.

Edited July 11, 2015 by Landlubber Mike

[barryww]

Some really good downloads and articles here.  Check out the info on NRG's site here.

Edited July 11, 2015 by barryww

[jdbradford]

You beat me to it Barry.  I use NRG a bunch and the articles and tips are great.

 

Here are a couple of books that I have and have seen others mention in building model ships.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Ship-Modeling-Simplified-Techniques-Construction/dp/0071558675

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830628444/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687742&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0071558675&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0E698V58508YDN4BJP6T

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557509700/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687742&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0071558675&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0E698V58508YDN4BJP6T

 

This is just the few that I have and would recommend.

 

Jeff

[mischief]

YES in deed you may use either