Swallowtail Posted August 6, 2020 #1 Posted August 6, 2020 I posted this in the Member's intro section, but on suggestion there will start this log... I bought the Swift kit a few years ago as a first ever timber ship kit, but put it down after constructing the frame and half-planking the deck, when I realised I wasn't happy with the planking I had started. This last week I picked it up again and decided that no-one else would ever realise that some of the planks didn't quite look perfect! So progress since then has been to finish the deck planking, fit the deck to the frame, and start planking... I ended up clamping the deck down pretty hard to get the curve to the bulkheads, but it looks really good so I'm pretty happy with it. One thing I have noted is that I was not happy with the hull curve generated by bulkhead 6 (it really pinched in and didn't flow well at all) so I have packed it slightly - it can be seen in the last photo as the bulkhead with an extra pin in it near the keel. I've been reading a lot on planking techniques - and reading through @stripehunter's build log - some excellent advice all round. I daresay this will go through stages of modelling energy, but I'll get there eventually Jeddahbill and WalrusGuy 2 Quote
Swallowtail Posted August 8, 2020 Author #2 Posted August 8, 2020 Planking progress. Much measuring, tweaking, temporary battens and slow progress learning how to do this! Ignore the broken one through the middle, it's a temporary alignment batten only. I'm pleased with how the drop plank has turned out in the bow and the stealer in the stern. Jeddahbill, Cabbie and WalrusGuy 3 Quote
Swallowtail Posted August 13, 2020 Author #3 Posted August 13, 2020 Really pleased with this so far. There is a little unevenness in some planks between bulkheads 1 and 2, but that will be easy fixed. The planking was tricky but I've learned a heap. Cabbie, Jeddahbill and WalrusGuy 3 Quote
WalrusGuy Posted August 13, 2020 #4 Posted August 13, 2020 Planking looks very nice! 😁 Cabbie and Swallowtail 2 Quote Current: USF Confederacy - Model Shipways (Build Log) HMS Pickle - Caldercraft (Build Log) Complete: Virgina 1819 - Artesania Latina (Gallery) U.S. Brig Syren - Model Shipways (Build Log, Gallery) On the shelf: Armed Virginia Sloop - Model Shipways
ccoyle Posted August 13, 2020 #5 Posted August 13, 2020 Getting one's first-ever first planking done is a huge psychological hurdle for new modelers. You'd be surprised at how many folks get the false deck and hull formers glued together -- and then give up. So congrats on your milestone! Cabbie, Ruud109, WalrusGuy and 1 other 4 Quote Chris Coyle Greer, South Carolina When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk. - Tuco Current builds: Brigantine Phoenix, DS Børøysund
Swallowtail Posted December 28, 2020 Author #7 Posted December 28, 2020 Well aren't holidays great... :) Did the other side this last week, much easier than the first - lessons learnt. Having ends to match and measurements to compare certainly sped things up! Planking is now done, and first sanding roughly complete. There are a couple of low spots to fill and then resand, then on to the next steps! Jeddahbill and WalrusGuy 2 Quote
Swallowtail Posted December 29, 2020 Author #8 Posted December 29, 2020 I decided to hold off on lining bulwarks until after they were fitted... I just can't see how bending and fitting them will be better when lined. Here is my method of not having to hold it while the glue goes off! Jeddahbill and WalrusGuy 2 Quote
Swallowtail Posted December 29, 2020 Author #9 Posted December 29, 2020 The bulwarks needed trimming on the bottom edge to fit to the top plank, and are also about 10mm too long at the front, so will need shortening. There seems to be a bit about this kit which is make it up as you go along... Scotty W, Jeddahbill, WalrusGuy and 1 other 4 Quote
Swallowtail Posted December 29, 2020 Author #10 Posted December 29, 2020 Steady progress... Bulwarks on, one now lined. I've planed it down to be 3 x planks tall, and it flows nicely. Interesting to see that the stern transom is narrower than the kit by about 8mm once the bulwarks are nicely fitted and flowing. I've gone with it, and she'll have a narrower transom. I've also packed the sternpost so it sits out a little, will have to see if that bites me later! Jeddahbill 1 Quote
Swallowtail Posted December 29, 2020 Author #11 Posted December 29, 2020 One side finished with top planking layer. Still to be sanded and finished off but coming together well. Don't look too closely, there are a couple of too skinny ones! Second photo shows lined bulwarks, and general progress on deck. Matt D and Jeddahbill 2 Quote
Jeddahbill Posted December 29, 2020 #12 Posted December 29, 2020 Looks good! The deck planking shows really well, looking forward to more progress photos. Cheers, Bill Swallowtail 1 Quote
Swallowtail Posted December 30, 2020 Author #13 Posted December 30, 2020 Bulwarks lined. I'm going to need to do some adjustments at the bow, the anchor holes are crowding where the jib will be. Some plans forming though. chris watton, sziggy8, Matt D and 1 other 4 Quote
Swallowtail Posted January 4, 2021 Author #14 Posted January 4, 2021 Well the planking is complete. Milestone! A little filling and final sanding to do, especially against the keel, but it's coming together. Strakes now being fitted, then caprails. Looking forward to getting the hull varnished. GrandpaPhil and Jeddahbill 2 Quote
Jeddahbill Posted January 29, 2021 #15 Posted January 29, 2021 Really looks good so far. What are you going to use to seal the hull? Satin polyurethane? Cheers, Bill Quote
Swallowtail Posted June 25, 2022 Author #16 Posted June 25, 2022 Wow 18 months since last post. I knew this would take a while, but that's nuts. I blame work and Covid haha. The hull is almost complete - gunwales, bulwarks, rails, etc. The side nearer the camera is still do do with bulwarks, but my neck needs a rest Altduck 1 Quote
Oldsalt1950 Posted June 25, 2022 #17 Posted June 25, 2022 Very nice work. She looks sharp. Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy!
Swallowtail Posted June 26, 2022 Author #18 Posted June 26, 2022 Well after how many years the hull is complete. I'll let it sit for a couple of hours then give it an overall fine sanding and then a first coat of varnish. Rudder and bowsprit next. Paul Le Wol, clearway, Quimp Slattery and 2 others 5 Quote
Swallowtail Posted June 26, 2022 Author #19 Posted June 26, 2022 2 hours ago, E Z Breeze said: She's a beaut! I guess you know this already but multiple well thinned coats of varnish will avoid the toffee apple/candy apple look. Sorry, I just had to remind you about that because that wood looks so good! Yes.... And no need to apologise This is my first ship build! That's next, I've just fitted the rudder, and I'm working on the bowsprit. ccoyle and Paul Le Wol 2 Quote
Swallowtail Posted June 27, 2022 Author #20 Posted June 27, 2022 Bowsprit mounted. Cracked part of the keel in the process so fixed that and kept going. I don't think I've tapered the bowsprit enough in hindsight, but it's not coming out now... ccoyle 1 Quote
Swallowtail Posted June 27, 2022 Author #21 Posted June 27, 2022 And first light varnish coat on, ready for some sanding tomorrow. The varnish shows a couple of spots which need some tidyup, so that's also on the to do list! Paul Le Wol, ct mike, ccoyle and 2 others 5 Quote
Swallowtail Posted June 29, 2022 Author #22 Posted June 29, 2022 Two coats of varnish looking great. Fore mast tapered and shaped. It's sitting a couple of degrees too much rake when just slotted in, so I'll straighten it slightly. The instructions seem to suggest doing some of the standing rigging before inserting and gluing the mast, which seems odd. My instinct tells me to fit and glue the mast at the right rake angle and then do standing rigging to the fitted mast... but it's my first model so my instinct could well be wrong! What's the best way? ccoyle, Paul Le Wol and Oldsalt1950 3 Quote
Oldsalt1950 Posted June 29, 2022 #23 Posted June 29, 2022 Follow your gut. Just make sure that you measure and set both the rake and plumb side to side. Use a slow setting wood glue so you have time to make adjustments. You have plenty of room to use a small machinists square(s) to set the mast square along the center line. You can make a small jig to set the rake out of scrap wood. If you were building a ship with more complicated rigging , that is when I would wait to fix the mast in place. Also make sure any holes that need to be drilled in the mast are done before you glue it in place. Swallowtail 1 Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy!
Swallowtail Posted June 30, 2022 Author #24 Posted June 30, 2022 Thank you. Good tips on the jig and drilling the holes first - both will help! Quote
Oldsalt1950 Posted June 30, 2022 #25 Posted June 30, 2022 Every build is a learning process. The Swift is a great project and has been around for more years than I wish to think about. This is a testament to not only its timelessness, but its popularity as a learning vessel and just plain fun build. It isn't over complicated but allows you to learn a little about everything concerning ship building and it can be detailed really well. Enjoy. Quote Current Build: Fair American - Model Shipways Awaiting Parts - Rattlesnake On the Shelf - English Pinnace 18Th Century Longboat I stand firmly against piracy!
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