New Bedford Whaleboat by MrBlueJacket - FINISHED - BlueJacket Shipcrafters - scale 1/3" = 1' (1:36)

[MrBlueJacket]

So here we go to build this interesting whaleboat. Despite its large scale, it is a small model.

Here's the box top

 

And the overview of the contents:

 

 

[MrBlueJacket]

Getting into a little more detail, here's the laser package:

 

And the wood package:

[MrBlueJacket]

Moving on to construction, the first thing is to build the assembly jig. 4 formers, then glue the stem and stern to the keelson and put over the jig. I liberally waxed the formers to prevent the planks from sticking, we'll see how well that works.

Edited May 9, 2020 by MrBlueJacket

[MrBlueJacket]

First planks to go on are the garboard planks, Quite wide, but wetting the 1/32 basswood let them form to the jig perfectly.

Edited May 9, 2020 by MrBlueJacket

[J11]

Looks like a another quality kit and build, will be pulling up a chair and watching with interest.

[MrBlueJacket]

Next comes the first plank, a strip of 1/16 x 1/8. Then the next plank, a laser-cut piece of 1/32. So the 1/16 thick plank sits proud of the planks on either side. That's because it sits on the turn of the bilge. The instructions then say to fair it to the other planks, making a rounded surface. They also recommend putty to fill in any irregularities. For me, when it comes to putty, the more the better. Less chance of needing a second coat.

 

So far I think I'm into this for 3 1/2 hours or so.

[markjay]

Hi Nick is that auto body putty you are using?
Thanks

[MrBlueJacket]

14 hours ago, markjay said:

Hi Nick is that auto body putty you are using?
Thanks

 

Yes it is.

[Srodbro]

How did you hold the garboard plank in position when you glued it to the keelson? 

[MrBlueJacket]

4 hours ago, Srodbro said:

How did you hold the garboard plank in position when you glued it to the keelson? 

 

I held it with my fingers at the center of the keelson, then applied a bit of CA inbetween the two middle formers. Then is was easy to use clothespins at the ends and finish the gluing.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's a shot of the first plank being thicker than the ones on either side.

[MrBlueJacket]

After sanding and putty, you can see why.

[MrBlueJacket]

Now a quick check for symmetry

[MrBlueJacket]

A little more sanding, and ready for the sheer strake.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's the sheer strake applied.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

Next comes the guard strip

 

[MrBlueJacket]

And the keel pieces. I'm about 5 hours into this, I think.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

The hull came off the building jig without problems. Here's the risers installed.

 

Followed by the ceiling planks.

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's the bow and stern sheets installed. Now up to about 7 hours. Time to think about painting the exterior.

 

[Jim T]

On 5/19/2020 at 8:50 AM, MrBlueJacket said:

Here's the bow and stern sheets installed. Now up to about 7 hours. Time to think about painting the exterior.

 

 

I'm at the point of needing to paint the hull (inside and outside) of my CLC Northeaster Dory, so will be watching your process closely.

 

Jim

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's the second coat of primer and a few spots needing putty.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

And after sanding, it will need one more coat of primer then paint.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

 

Painted. It's flat white, it looks glossy because I took the photo right after spraying.

 

[Jim T]

2 hours ago, MrBlueJacket said:

 

Painted. It's flat white, it looks glossy because I took the photo right after spraying.

 

 

Looks good. I'm curious as to what paint you used and how you sprayed it?

 

Jim

[MrBlueJacket]

I used Model Master spray can paint

[MrBlueJacket]

So I painted the inside yellow (spray) and didn't like it, so I wiped it off with thinner. Then I used a brush. Needs another coat, yellow is difficult to cover. Then I used a compass to mark off where the visible frame heads will go. 5/32" spacing amidships, and 1/4" near the ends.

[MrBlueJacket]

Another coat of yellow, looks good to me. Centerboard truck installed, and starting to install the frameheads.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

Here's how I cut the frameheads to size. Pretty easy, actually.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

And after another hour, good progress..... Probably 13 hours of work so far.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

One of the items to fabricate is the loggerhead. Here's what the instructions tell you: