Mary Taylor 1850 by MrBlueJacket - FINISHED - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - Scale 3/16" = 1' (1:64) - NY Pilot boat

[MrBlueJacket]

Fitting the transom is next, but I took a side path and shaped the bowsprit - it was more fun than the transom!

[MrBlueJacket]

OK, now the transom. I made a template so I could get a tight fit against the bulwarks. the bottom is a little long.

[MrBlueJacket]

And here is the plywood cut and in place.

[MrBlueJacket]

And a view from the side. Now all that needs to be done is trim things up.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here is the transom sanded to final shape.

[MrBlueJacket]

The next step is to add the waterways (1/32 x 3/32") I decided to pre-paint them, that way the deck to waterway edge is really crisp and perfect, without having to mask it off!

[MrBlueJacket]

So now the hull comes off the work-board so the exterior can be finished. First problem is how do I mask off the scuppers so the spray paint doesn't get into them? The answer is to use 1/16" square balsa wood. It is soft and can be forced into the opening.

 

The next step is to mask off the interior deck and bulwarks.

[MrBlueJacket]

And after a quick shot of primer, comes time to get out the automotive putty and fill the cracks, dings, and unevenness. I'm probably going to have to do this a couple of times, at least!

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's what the hull looks like after some aggressive sanding with 60 grit paper. No need to go any finer, the primer will fill the small sanding marks.

 

Then another coat of primer, and more putty. much less needed this time. If I'm lucky, maybe I won't need to do this a third time?

[MrBlueJacket]

Unfortunately, after sanding, there is still just one little area that needed filling.

[MrBlueJacket]

So after yet more sanding and primer, I was able to finally put a coat of flat black on the hull. The white stripe is vinyl tape to mark the waterline for coppering.

 

And now to start coppering. Rudder first.The rule is bottom to top, back to front.

[rtibbs2018]

My favorite tool, sandpaper 

[Fright]

MR. BlueJacket - she is really coming together. Thank you for mentioning this 'rule of thumb' about coppering a hull. 

[MrBlueJacket]

And with the rudder done, we can start on the hull.

 

[GTMike]

I’m curious as to what type of glue you’re using for the Cooper plates?

[MrBlueJacket]

For gluing plates that have to be bent, like what you see so far, I like CA glue (thin). When I get to running plates that are flat rows, I prefer Silicone gel.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's a shot of applying the CA glue

 

And the edge of the keel is done.

[MrBlueJacket]

Now to switch glues and start putting the flat plates on with silicone gel.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's another shot with more plates added, and also the tube of silicone gel for reference.

[MrBlueJacket]

And more plates attached. Tedious work, but looks nice when done. Still following the rule of bottom to top, back to front for the plate overlaps.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

All the starboard side plates are in place, except for the waterline row. Notice two things:

1 - the upper edge of the plating is ragged. Don't worry, the waterline row will hide all of that.

2 - The aft end waterline row is starting to be applied.

Edited September 10, 2018 by MrBlueJacket
spelling

[rtibbs2018]

Mr. BJ

How much overlap are you using on the individual “plates”?

[MrBlueJacket]

About 1/32" or a little less. just enough so there is no chance of a gap.

[MrBlueJacket]

And here is the starboard side completed. Now to go back to the other side and do it all over

again.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

And just to take a little break from the copper, let's put in the timberheads! Then we'll sand them flush to the bulwarks and add the caprail. Almost getting to where I really like the build - adding deck furniture and masting and rigging. I consider the hull a necessary evil to get to the fun stuff. Oh, and did I say, our client wants sails? We'll do those from silkspan. Stay tuned......

Edited September 12, 2018 by MrBlueJacket
added content

[MrBlueJacket]

During the past week, I have put on the caprails, installed the bowsprit, Sampson post and winch assembly, and drilled holes for the masts and fife rails.

[MrBlueJacket]

And of course, with the coppering finished, it is time to hang the rudder. I used thin strips of Britannia metal, and pinned the rudder in two places.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's some bits and pieces ready for a coat of flat black paint.

[MrBlueJacket]

After installing the gratings, deadeyes and fife rails, I put some of the other deck furniture on to see how it looks.

[MrBlueJacket]

So during this past week, I have painted and installed all the deck furniture, lined the cockpit well, and started on the masting. Really taking shape now.