Ribs-on-frame kits? And what about clinker v. carvel?

[probablynot]

I recently built the Model Shipways Bounty Launch.  I had great fun doing it, not only because of the great quantity of detail it was possible to introduce, but also because the basic building technique involved.  By that I mean bending ribs onto to a pre-made skeleton frame, then putting pre-spiled planking onto the ribs and removing the skeleton frame to leave something resembling a rather large, mid-20th century dinghy.



It's a very satisfying (and relatively easy) way to replicate a small sailing craft.  I do understand MS have other kits that use this technique.  But is this a system that MS have garnered to themselves, or do other kit manufacturers use it?  Constructo?  Corel?  I do see them offering small-boat kits, but none of the publicity for their kits seems to suggest the build system is similar to Model Shipways' system.

I've often thought it would be interesting to build a 1:12 version of a small, relatively modern racing dinghy.  I've got an Uffa Fox book that has details (including scantlings) of his International 14-footer and the National 12-footer, so maybe I ought to use these as the basis for a scratch build?
But I'd rather gather experience with a second ribs-on-frame kit first.
Suggestions, anyone?  Remember, though, that I'm in the UK, and much as I loved my Model Shipways Bounty Launch, importing from the USA often costs more than double the kit price because of postage and import charges.

The International 14 was (is?) moulded plywood, so it would be easier to re-create as a planked model.  If I did try the scratch-build option, I'd actually prefer to go for the National 12-footer.  BUT that was a clinker-built dinghy, not carvel.  Where on earth can I go for hints and help in clinker planking?

[mtaylor]

I've seen some others like that... Master Korbel (I think it was).   Also, check out the Dusek and Maristella lines.  

[Roger Pellett]

The American Thistle class sailboat is basically a 17 ft version of the Uffa Fox International 14. My father and I built a Wooden Thistle in 1960. Building consisted of adding the internal structure- all mahogany to the moulded hull and a Lot of sanding, painting, and varnishing. It was a wonderful. Boat, fast and challenging to sail.

 

About 1980, a guy named Dean Richmond built a spectacular model of a Thistle. It is or was on display at the Mariners Museum in Newport News VA. I recall that he first carved a wooden plug, then glassed it to make a thin shell. He then layed up strips of apple wood diagonally on the inside for the bright finished planking. Moulded plywood hulls did not have ribs. There was an excellent article published in the Nautical Research Journal that you should be able to download. His methods should work for you too.

 

You are right the the International 14 would make a fabulous model. A friend of mine had one and like its larger cousin Thistle it featured a bright finished interior that would show up nicely on a model.

 

Roger