Lowell Grand Banks Dory by Joseph F. - FINISHED - Model Shipways - 1/24 - My first model boat!

[Joseph F.]

 

I know this is not the first build of this kit on this forum, but I decided to post my log of it for my own reference if nothing else. Very excited to start, I've only ever built plastic models, so this will be a learning experience.

 

 

The kit I got comes with some basic tools, allowing you to build it out of the box. I already had most of the tools, but I won't say no to extra tweezers, clamps, paint, and glue. 

 

 

You can make the bottom from a single piece or three planks. I chose the latter, though I did use the single piece to mark off lengths for the bottom cleats. 

 

 

Used toothpicks to align the holes between the stern cleat and the transom.

 

 

With the Transom and Stem glued on, I wetted the bottom, set the ends on 1/8" pieces, and placed some glass jars in the middle to get that 2° bend in the bottom.

 

 

I deviated from the instructions when assembling the frames, but think I got a good result. 

 

 

Glued the frames to the bottom, then placed the whole thing on the building board. Going to let that sit for the night.

So far the kit has built itself. Sanding and planking tomorrow! 

 

[thibaultron]

Welcome to wooden ship modeling! You've made a great start.

[niwotwill]

I've built this kit along with the number 2 and 3 as a learning exercise to improve my modeling. The dory makes a wonderful display piece and you're off to a great start. Looking at your log brought back the memories of building this kit and a wonderful time. Hope you enjoy ship modeling. You're doing a wonderful job and its looking very good.

 

Stay Well and Stay Safe

Will  

[Ryland Craze]

You are off to a good start on your Dory.  This is an excellent kit to get started in building wooden ship models.  There are also some excellent build logs by beginner ship modelers for this model.

[Joseph F.]

Thanks for the comments everyone. It's taken me a week to get back to it because of other projects, and because I needed some time to think about some problems I ran across. 1. I glued the stem and transom too far inward. 2. I forgot to sand the frames down before planking. 3. I arranged the planks flush, and not in a overlapping "clinker" style. None of these are major issues, but I do have gaps between the planks now, which I might try to fix with wood putty.

 

 

Had no issue gluing the garboard planks to the frames, but I couldn't get them to hold to the stem and transom with wood glue.

 

 

I finally resorted to super glue. There was some extra length at the transom end, which I chopped off.

 

 

When all the planks were fitted, I realized not having them in a clinker style meant that they were riding too high, so I sanded and shaved the bow and stern down to better fit the gunwales. I added a bit of wood to the stem so it would stick out.

 

 

The boat in its present state, with risers and seats added, and stern cleats glued. Next I will be fitting the gunwales and sanding the oars, after which this boat will be ready for paint! It surely doesn't look exactly like the picture on the box, and there's large gaps between the planks, but I'm having a good time, and I know the next time I try planking it will look better.

[druxey]

If I may comment; I'm glad that you are having a good time, but reading and understanding the instructions first will prevent frustration!

[Joseph F.]

Wood dust and putty helped me fill gaps between planks. 

 

 

Had no issue attaching the gunwale frames and the breast hook.

 

 

An oar as it comes from the laser-cut board, vs one that has been sanded.

 

 

I painted the boat with some spray paint I had in the garage, tan for the boat, dark green for the gunwales, and white for the seats and oars.

 

 

I found the rope that came with the kit to be a bit too big and glossy, so I used some twine rubbed in beeswax for the beckets.

 

 

This has been a great kit for an absolute beginner like me. I wanted to get all my mistakes out on this, and I'm happy with the final result.

 

 

Going to take a few weeks before starting my next kit, and take more time on it. Building Artesania Latina's Providence Whaleboat, which will give me another shot at a clinker hull, and will also allow me to play with sails and rigging a little. I appreciate everyone's comments and replies! 

[Ryland Craze]

Congratulations Joseph on finishing your first wooden ship model.  You overcame the planking problem and your dory turned into a really nice model.  This looked to be a great kit for the first time builder.  I look forward to seeing your next build.

[lraymo]

Joseph F, this is an impressive build log!  i am just starting out, and reading/seeing your progression from beginning to end is going to be really helpful to me, so thanks for your log!    Your Dory looks amazing!

Your pictures are great... are they from a phone or a camera?  Also, when I tried to upload my pics, they posted but were upside-down.   Is there a trick to getting good pics posted?

[bobandlucy]

Congratulations!

[DPhilbrick]

Congratulations and great job!

[GrandpaPhil]

Nicely done!