Duchess of Kingston 1798 by glennard2523 - FINISHED - Vanguard Models - 1:64 - Royal Yacht by Glenn Shelton

[Glenn-UK]

50 minutes ago, Rustyj said:

I used a hair dryer to accelerate the drying time to just an hour with no ill effects.

I did consider using a hair dryer but decided to let nature take its course. I wanted to practice some rigging techniques, based on Derek's (delf) methods.  I also needed to keep working on my other build project.

Edited November 18, 2020 by glennard2523

[Glenn-UK]

I am happy to report the rebent bulwark now fits perfectly. They are both clamped to the hull and I have given them both a liberal brushing with warm water. I will now leave them to settle in to shape overnight. I will then glue both strips in place tomorrow morning and I can then start the 1st hull planking thereafter.

Edited November 18, 2020 by glennard2523

[DWright]

Glad to see the quick and complete recovery from the slight laps.  At almost 80 I have them all too frequently!

 

Glenn, do you happen to have a reference to Derek's rigging techniques?  I'd like to review them.

 

Darrel

[Glenn-UK]

17 minutes ago, DWright said:

do you happen to have a reference to Derek's rigging techniques?  I'd like to review them.

 

Darrel

Darrel

Take a look at Derek's build log, there are great examples with photos. I have provided a link to the deadeyes, but there are plenty rigging blocks earlier in the build log

 

[DWright]

Thanks so much Glenn.  It's a real tutorial.  I lost partial use of my right hand about nine months ago due to a nerve impingement, and am looking for easier ways to rig a ship.  I have plenty of grip, but no ability to open my hand, so using scissors in the right hand is impossible, and seizing is so time consuming and tedious.  

 

I have printed out most of Derek's "lesson" and will be using it very soon.  I too bought the quad hands, and it will be a real benefit.

 

Again, thank you,

 

Darrel

[Glenn-UK]

Today's plan was to fit both outer bulwark and to then start the 1st hull planking. Gluing the outer bulwark, however, has proven to be a bit more of a challenge than I expected.

 

I pre drilled the bulwark with 0.5mm holes (as per the instructions) at the joint areas with the bulkheads. I then applied a liberal coating of wood glue to the bulwarks and to the edge of the deck. After I had pinned the first bulwark in place I noted that in a few areas it was not making contact with the bulkheads. I added some elastic bands  to assist which did help in some places. As I was not very happy with how it was looking, especially around the bow area, and before the glue had fully cured I decided to remove the bulwark and to start again with a more targeted and patient approach.

 

I started by getting the bulwark looking right at the bow and the first bulkhead. I also used a small plank to aid the positioning at the bow, as can be seen in the picture. Once I was happy with the positioning I then added glue to bulkheads 2 & 3. As the strip, even when pinned, was not seated properly at bottom edge I added some clamps to provide additional pressure whilst the glue cured.

 

 

I then glued and pinned the bulwarks to bulkheads 4 - 6 using clamps for additional support and left the glue to cure.

 

Next I added glue to bulkheads 7 - 9 and once again using a mixture of pins and clamps to hold the strip in place. And that is the current state of play. I will move on to the stern area in a couple of hours time and should be able to glue from 10 - 13 in one go. Then tomorrow I will repeat for the other bulwark.

Edited November 19, 2020 by glennard2523

[DelF]

Useful information, thanks Glenn. I shall read through this carefully when I get to the same stage (some time next year!).

 

Derek

[Glenn-UK]

1 hour ago, DelF said:

Useful information, thanks Glenn. I shall read through this carefully when I get to the same stage (some time next year!).

 

Derek

The starboard side is now installed and looks good. I jumped ahead of my plan and started with the port side which is going on much easier. I have fitted it from bow to bulkhead 8 without any problems.

[Glenn-UK]

Stage: Hull Construction

Build instructions: 70

Task: Fitting Bulwark Patterns

Parts: 45 (x2)

Time Spent: 120 mins

Status: Complete

Build Notes: After soaking the two strips in hot water for 30 mins and clamping the bow ends around a circular container for 22 hours and then being very happy with the dry fit I thought the actual fitting of the bulwark patterns was going to be pretty straightforward.

 

As mention in my previous post I had to remove the starboard strip and start again as I was not happy with how it was looking. 2^nd time around by fitting the strip in stages using a mixture of pins and clamps to ensure I was getting a good join with the bulkheads and deck edge as I went along. This method worked well for me and I was happy with how the strip fitted

 

I used the same method for the port side bulwark and that went on nicely without two much effort.

 

After I removed all the pins and clamps and did a final visual check and noted a small area where the port side bulwark was sitting a tad proud along the deck edge between bulks 5 & 7. I brushed in some wood glue and applied a bit of light pressure with using two spreader clamps, as can be seen in the photo below.

 

 

A couple of hours later I removed the two spreader clamps and I was happy with the bulwarks fitting as shown in the next photos.

 

 

 

I am now in a position to start the 1^st hull planking as per build instructions 71 to 74.

[James H]

Looking real good. 

 

It's good to get that first planking on and them remove those temporary beams. 

[Glenn-UK]

5 minutes ago, James H said:

Looking real good. 

 

It's good to get that first planking on and them remove those temporary beams. 

Thanks, I find completing the first planking to be a real milestone and a big weight off my mind once it is done.

[Glenn-UK]

Stage: Hull Construction

Build instructions: 70-74

Task: Fitting 1^st Planking

Parts: n/a

Time Spent: 30 mins

Status: In progress

Build Notes: I have now made a start on the 1^st planking. As advised in the build instructions it is necessary to add a taper to the 1^st plank. I found the taper needed to start at bulkhead 2 and I tapered from 4mm to a width of 2mm at the bow pattern.

 

With the plank held in position I was able to mark the position of all the bulkheads and then pre-drilled the plank using a 0.4mm drill in readiness for adding the planking pins.

 

With the plank in place I also felt it would be advantageous to add a filler piece in the stern area. This was an easy task using some scrap 1.5mm planks from a previous build to fill area around stern pattern 20. I have shown this in the photo below.

 

 

I also noted that it was necessary to add a lateral chamber along the top (bulwark) edge of the plank between bulkheads 9 to 13 to ensure the plank formed a nice clean joint with the bulwark.

 

I think it is important to get the first plank looking good, especially along the top (bulwark edge) so I did take some time to make sure the plank looked good. Once I was happy with the fit I brushed some wood glue to the bulkheads and inserted the pins in the pre drilled holes. I started at bulkhead 4 and worked toward the bow using my pin pusher to secure the plank in place. As can be seen in the photo(s) below I clamped a scrap piece of wood at the bow pattern area. I then worked backwards from bulkhead 5 to bulkhead 13 and I was really glad I added the stern filler. Once the plank had been pinned I brushed a diluted wood glue solution along the joint between the plank and bulwark

 

 

 

Edited November 20, 2020 by glennard2523

[Glenn-UK]

12 minutes ago, SpyGlass said:

Coming along nicely 

In future you may like to chamfer that top plank a bit more to get a snug fit

Thanks

Edited November 20, 2020 by glennard2523

[Glenn-UK]

Stage: Hull Construction

Build instructions: 70-74

Task: Fitting 1^st Planking

Parts: n/a

Time Spent: 30 mins

Status: In progress

Build Notes: Looking at the build manual photo’s I have counted 17 planks per side, therefore 34 planks required in total. The kit is supplied with 34 off lime planks. Hopefully, I will not make any mistakes with the planking. I am not rushing this task so I think it will take a few days to complete.

 

I did not apply any plank bending when I fitted the first plank as it bent quite easily. In retrospect I think this was a mistake and for the subsequent planks I have been using my trusty plank bender to add the bend from approx. bulkhead 4 to the bow pattern. Although this is adding more time and effort to the build process, I am getting a much better result.

 

 

I have now fitted 4 planks to the starboard side and I found it necessary to trim each plank around the bow area, (bulkheads 1-3). I also found it necessary to trim a small slither between bulkheads 12 and 13 for the fourth plank. I also used my plank bender on the end of the fourth plank for the stern area.

 

 

Edited November 21, 2020 by glennard2523

[DWright]

It looks terrific Glenn. 

 

I not only appreciate the tips and tricks you mention, but also the  time log you're keeping.  It give a relative magnitude to the phase of construction at hand.  I received my Duchess Wednesday, and all of your insight will be most helpful.

 

Darrel

[Glenn-UK]

29 minutes ago, DWright said:

It looks terrific Glenn. 

 

I not only appreciate the tips and tricks you mention, but also the  time log you're keeping.  It give a relative magnitude to the phase of construction at hand.  I received my Duchess Wednesday, and all of your insight will be most helpful.

 

Darrel

Darrel. I hope you will enjoy the build as much as I am. I'm no expert but I do enjoy posting regular updates detailing my experiences.

[Glenn-UK]

I have continued on with the 1st planking today and I now have fitted 6 planks to each side. I did a time and motion study on fitting the planks, and concluded it takes around 20 to 30 mins per plank to fit. It did start out at around 30 mins but I have been able to streamline the process to around 20 mins per plank now I'm confident with my methodology. I would expect this task will take between 12 to 16 man hours to complete.

 

I am  brushing in a  diluted wood glue along the joint line after each plank is fitted, and I have noted a couple of planks are sitting a bit proud of the bulkheads in a couple of places. I was able to sort one out with dripping in some super glue and then holding in place whilst the ca cured.

 

So far this is the best first planking I have achieved in my modelling career, applying the lessons learned in previous builds and have patience (I'm normally have little or no patience) and simply taking my time.

 

 

 

 

I have reglued the raised plank that can be seen on the right hand side at the bow pattern.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by glennard2523

[Glenn-UK]

I'm making slow but steady progress with my first planking. I ended up fitting a short steeler plank around the bow area as I was fitting planks 7 and 8. In reality this was not strictly necessary but it I think it helped.

 

After fitting the 8th plank I found it necessary to adjust the position of the 9th planking order for it to run along its natural path, as can be seen in the photo below.

 

I tried to leave a gap, at the widest point equal to either 3 or 4 plank widths for the infill. I ended up with a gap of approx. 3.5 plank widths. Fortunately this was not an issue as the final short filler plank did not require much effort to shape it to fit. 

 

[airdataman]

Since receiving my DOK kit last Monday I have been following your log with great interest. 

 

I am sure that it has prevented me from falling into some of the issues that you have encountered - particularly as I have an additional 16 years worth of excuses for having my own  "senior moment "or two!

 

My build has been going quite well and I am now at the point were I am about to start the second planking - though I have had a coupe of issues:

 

1) Inevitably  I managed to break a couple of the temporary cross beams whilst handing the model  during the first planking  - I notice that you also seem to have had an issue with this!

 

2) Also being quite clumsy I managed to break off the figurehead mount on the bow - I knew that I was likely to do that and I did! But never mind I think that I have managed to repair it when putting on the Bow Outer Facings.

 

You may be interested that I didn't need to insert the stealers that you have used at the stern. I think the reason for that is that I tapered some of the early planks around the initial bend. Looking at the pictures in instructions it looks like this is what was done on the original prototype. It would probably be helpful if this was pointed out in the text associated with these steps. However, it must be said that the overall standard of the instructions is excellent!

 

Best of luck with your build.

 

Dave

 

[Glenn-UK]

Thanks Dave.

I did taper my early planks also. I just thought it would make a slightly neater job of the unseen first planking. I have completed the starboard side and I'm about 50% complete on the port side. I did find some of the cross beams had a habit of becoming dislodged also.

 

You have a nice looking model.

Edited November 24, 2020 by glennard2523

[James H]

9 minutes ago, glennard2523 said:

Thanks Dave.

I did taper my early planks also. I just thought it would make a slightly neater job of the unseen first planking. I have completed the starboard side and I'm about 50% complete on the port side. I did find some of the cross beams had a habit of becoming dislodged also.

 

You have a nice looking model.

 

Excellent work!

 

I'd love to see you start your own build log and sharing with us please. Nicely planked hull.

[glbarlow]

23 hours ago, airdataman said:

sure that it has prevented me from falling into some of the issues that you have encountered

I join James in recommending you start a build log of your own, it can get confusing for us following to see two different models in the same log.  You can learn a lot by reading others, often you learn more by sharing your own.  Best of luck on your build. 

[Glenn-UK]

Stage: Hull Construction

Build instructions: 71-73

Task: Fitting 1^st Planking

Parts: n/a

Time Spent: 12 hours

Status: Completed

Build Notes: I have now completed the first planking stage and I have four full lengths of the planking material left over. I am happy with the result; it is certainly my best effort at 1^st planking.

 

 

 

 

The stern area now needs to be trimmed and tidied up before the hull undergoes a good sanding and filling, where necessary. I will certainly take my time with the sanding and filling to ensure I have a good solid smooth base.

 

 

I may follow Chuck Passaro’s excellent method for lateral plank bending when I get around to adding the 2^nd planking, especially above the water line. It worked really well when I used it on my Speedy build.

[Glenn-UK]

Stage: Hull Construction

Build instructions: 74

Task: Fitting 1^st Planking Sanding

Parts: n/a

Time Spent: 1 hour

Status: In progress

Build Notes: I have completed the trimming of the stern area. I used my craft knife and took my time to remove the excess material. I am pleased with how the stern area looked once this task was completed.

 

 

 

I then started with the sanding of the 1^st planking. This has gone very well and I now have a nice smooth looking hull. I used a mixture of different grits, starting with a 240 grit but using 60 to 100 grits for some areas initially and then reverting to a 400 grit.

 

 

 

 

 

There are still a couple of things I need to check before I move on to the next phase of the build which are:

 

a)     I would like to look at the hull surface in natural daylight, it looks reasonable OK under the workshop lighting. I am tempted to add a thin coat of primer to highlight any areas which either proud or requires a bit of filler. The primer will be sanded back to the lime wood surface.

 

b)    I need to check the width (and sand as necessary) at the stern post area to ensure that the 2^nd planking will sit flush with the stern post. As far as I aware there is nothing specified in build instructions but is something which does need to be checked and actioned.

Edited November 26, 2020 by glennard2523

[rafine]

First planking looks nice and smooth.

 

Bob

[Glenn-UK]

26 minutes ago, rafine said:

First planking looks nice and smooth.

 

Bob

Thanks Bob, I took my time with the 1st planking and it really helped to get a great result. I did find it much better to fit the first 6 planks from bulwarks downward and then to work upward from the false keel with the remaining planks. But I'm sure you will find a method that works best for you.

[rafine]

That's my general plan as well.

 

Bob

[GuntherMT]

I agree completely with your plan to prime and sand.  This is the fastest and easiest way to see bumps and dips that are not apparent to the eye.

Nice work so far.

[Glenn-UK]

I have finished the sanding on the hull after the 1st planking. I believe I have a really smooth and good shaped hull ready for the 2nd planking.

 

I have fitted the Fore and Aft keel parts. I also assembled the stern post assembly and will glue that in place once the stern counter pattern has been shaped and is ready to be fitted, just in case I have to trim / sand the stern area a little bit more.

 

 

 

There following three points are worth noting:

a) Position the stern counter patter (dry fit). Make pencil markings on the 1st planking to indicate  areas which needed additional trimming

b) The first planking needs to be sanding almost to nothing along the stern post edge to ensure, when fitted, the 2nd planking aligns correctly with the stern post assembly. I did check this by holding the stern post assembly in place and then seeing how the plank would look.

c) Check the rabbet by holding the bow outer and keel facings in place (dry fit). I think this method of providing a rabbet is a brilliant and innovative design idea by Chris Watton.

 

The stern counter pattern needs to be shaped. I soaked the pattern in hot water for 90 mins (as per the instructions). I initially clamped the pattern to a tin can but I was not totally happy with how this was looking. In the end I decided to use a broom handle and 4 tie wraps to form the required bend. This will now be left to dry out overnight.

[James H]

That sir, is looking champion! The sanding and shaping look real good. The second layer should be quite easy now.