Kit supplied filler blocks.

[S.Coleman]

Can someone please help me find the answer to this. With your normal PoB style hull, Modelers install filler blocks. These can be very important when planking, So why don't manufactures include them in the kit? Instead of being forced to buy separate wood and then shape them. Just something that struck me the other day and got me thinking. Thanks

[Q A's Revenge]

Good point. I suppose it would increase the cost of the kit though and where should the manufacturer stop? Should they supply the paint as well for example or sandpaper?

[ASAT]

I think some kits do, I think I remember some bluff bow kits back in the day with blocks, and there are still some (Victory models and Caldercraft I think) that provide a shaping bulkhead (a ply piece) that the planks terminate in to. I would say it's a question of cost and necessity, lots of different ways to skin that cat so the manufacturers leave it up to the builder, kind of like adding a rabbit or bearding line

 

Lou

[AndrewNaylor]

The Cost !!

[S.Coleman]

It just seams an important part of the hull structure. Not only is it better to fix planks to but also makes the hull more sound. I guess your right guys the cost.

Thanks.

[GuntherMT]

The Model Shipways AVS comes with the basswood for the filler blocks at the bow and the stern.  

 

The Carmen from Constructo had no real filler blocks for the bow, instead having a couple of boards to build up the keel for better rigidity and larger landing place for the planking.  It did include some wood for the stern shaping at the top.

 

If you choose to use filler blocks between the other frames for rigidity or backing your planking, then that's on the builder.

 

So it varies by manufacturer, and by kit.

[Landlubber Mike]

There were filler blocks in my MS Charles Morgan and I believe in my Euromodel kits.  My Caldercraft Badger and Amati Pegasus kits didn't include blocks (I don't think the Corel Unicorn has any either).

 

I think it certainly depends on the manufacturer.  It also depends on how far apart the bulkheads are spaced at the bow and stem.  On my Pegasus kit, for exactly, the bulkhead spacing at the bow and stem was quite small, leading to less need for filler blocks.

 

Either way, it's pretty easy and cheap to source filler block material if you need it.

[RussR]

Cost?

How much would a very small amount of basswood or even balsa cost. As for paint/stain, everyone has different taste.

[S.Coleman]

Thanks guys. I wonder in the future manufactures will produce PoB kits with extremely wide bulkheads to do basically the same. I'm jus having one of those inventive moods.

[donrobinson]

A short time ago I bought a 1" x 6" x 4' basswwod board for $20.00 the equivalent in balsa was close to $100.00. If you are using it just for filler blocks any dry stable wood will work. Using a softer wood such as basswood aids in the shaping and sanding but you certainly are not limited to just it or balsa. Balsa has the advantage of not only being very soft but also comes in blocks whereas most other lumber is usually limited to the standard dimensions and you may have to laminate to get the proper size required. 

[RussR]

Recently I bought a stick of balsa 1/2"X1/2" X24" and Hobby Lobby for $1.99.

They also had a balsa package. I don't remember the dimension but there was a lot of wood in different sizes for $9.99. That would probably last me a lifetime for filler blocks if needed.

 

They also have a lot of other stuff useful for a ship modeler with a little imagination. Granted they aren't a "one stop shop" for all of my modeling needs.