USF Confederacy 1778 by WalrusGuy - Model Shipways - 1:64

[Moonbug]

Really, really nicely done. 

[WalrusGuy]

Thank you, Moonbug 😀

 

Both sides of the hull and now drilled and ready to be treenailed:

And so it begins 😁

[WalrusGuy]

After many hours, I finally finished treenailing the planks! Well, I will need to do one more round for the channel wales, but right now majority of the treenailing is done. 

 

After completing one side, I learnt it is better to randomize treenailing the last bit of the bamboo skewer so the transition between two bamboo skewers is not very apparent. Even though the colors of the skewers match, the cross-section appearance is slightly different. I hope once I apply the Tung oil finish, the transitions between the skewers do not show much. 

 

Here are some snapshots I took of the WIP:

Applying a bit of water shows how they may look after applying the Tung oil. Here you can see the clear divisional line where I began using a new bamboo strip (between the 2nd vs 3rd columns of where I applied the water). Lesson learnt! Next time I will be sure to randomize the the treenails at the transition area. I did that for the portside area and I can not see any clear transition lines.

After treenailing, I sanded all the planks with medium then fine sandpaper. Here is how she looks right now:

I am now thinking of starting to plank the lower hull area. I bought some 1/16" basswood sheets so I can cut the planks to shape instead of edge-bending. I may also start installing the channel wales but let's see!

Edited November 6, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[Moonbug]

Beautiful planking job. 

[WalrusGuy]

13 hours ago, Moonbug said:

Beautiful planking job. 

Thank you Moonbug! And thanks all for the likes as well 🙂 

[WalrusGuy]

In case I forgot to mention in my previous posts, I am following David Antscherl's guide for planking below the hull which I got from http://www.admiraltymodels.com/Tips.html:

 

Planking_primer.pdf

 

I finished lining out the hull with some black thread, dividing it into three bands (I chose three since I calculated I will need 33 planks across the hull, which divides nicely by 3).

 

Here are a bunch of photos showing different angles of hull. Please let me know if you guys see any issue with threads not flowing nicely, it will be much easier to fix the threads now than after when I start planking 😅

I will probably wait for a bit to work up the nerve to start the planking process.... Very very nervous on how it will turn out!

[michael mott]

Looking at the last photograph the 7th bulkhead from the bow looks a little bit low as the line seems to dip a little there.

 

it is funny how some things show up in just one view.

 

Michael

[BobG]

13 hours ago, WalrusGuy said:

I am following David Antscherl's guide for planking

 

I'm curious about the differences are between the Antscherl method of planking and Chuck's method of planking? The two methods appear to be similar in lining off the hull but have differences when it comes to shaping and bending the plank. I'm far from being all that knowledgeable about planking but it seems that the Antscherl method has you spile every plank as necessary without any edge bending whereas Chuck's method uses heat to edge bend as necessary. Do you know if this is correct when comparing the two methods? 

[WalrusGuy]

3 hours ago, michael mott said:

Looking at the last photograph the 7th bulkhead from the bow looks a little bit low as the line seems to dip a little there.

 

it is funny how some things show up in just one view.

 

Michael

Thank you for pointing that out, Michael. I did not catch that! I found that the reason the string does not flow nicely there is because the 7th bulkhead is actually slightly higher than all other ones (about 1 mm), so I will rectify this before continuing by gluing some thin wood pieces on it. Thanks again, I would have completely missed that!

 

4 minutes ago, BobG said:

I'm curious about the differences are between the Antscherl method of planking and Chuck's method of planking? The two methods appear to be similar in lining off the hull but have differences when it comes to shaping and bending the plank. I'm far from being all that knowledgeable about planking but it seems that the Antscherl method has you spile every plank as necessary without any edge bending whereas Chuck's method uses heat to edge bend as necessary. Do you know if this is correct when comparing the two methods? 

Hi Bob, yes I think that is the main difference. Since I am using basswood I am not sure if I can bend in 2 dimensions (edgewise and lengthwise) without the plank cracking (if I soak/steam it after edge-bending then the strip will get back to its original shape). I think Chuck's method works best for wood species like Alaskan yellow cedar, boxwood (and all the good stuff 😄) since you can bend it lengthwise easily when it is dry after being edge-bent, but I could be wrong. So I plan to use Antscherl's method for the bow and stern area by spiling and cutting the planks from a basswood sheet, and using the milled strips for everything else.

[desalgu]

I agree that main difference between Chuck and Antscherl methods are edge bending each plank versus cutting each plank to fit the required edge curvature.  I've worked with basswood a lot and it's soft and easily shaped.  It edge bends easily and I had no trouble on the small long boat.  I thought I would, but turns out there were no problems.  It certainly splits along the grain when cutting (like for taper), but no problem steaming an edge bend.  I'm guessing you'll have more problems with basswood splitting when cutting the curved pieces.  

 

I know from experience basswood splits super easy when cutting small parts or details.  It will also split easily when bending unless you heat/steam it.  Carving would be very difficult.  On bulkheads or similar parts with notches, slots or sharp curves, I've had to laminate two thinner sheets of basswood together cross grain, and then cut the parts from that to avoid splitting.

 

I suspect it's one of those choices that's up to the modeler.  Cutting each plank to fit is probably the way they did it on full sized ships so might be more "accurate", but we have a choice on models since we are working with small strips of wood.  I tend to be impatient, and edge bending seems easier to me, but that's just me.  Others may find cutting each piece to fit easier.  One thing about cutting each piece to fit, you would be able to minimize drop planks and stealers, and seems like it would make fitting the last plank easier.

 

[desalgu]

PS...I'm super impressed with your treenailing!!

[WalrusGuy]

I made some more tweaks to the strings after turning the hull the right way up. And from David's help, I managed fixed the areas at the stern. Here are some pictures of the lining out stage before I dive into planking:

I think I may start planking soon now, just very nervous of the overall process. Hopefully I can pull it off! But please do let me know if you guys spot any other areas of concern 🙂 

[WalrusGuy]

3 minutes ago, desalgu said:

I agree that main difference between Chuck and Antscherl methods are edge bending each plank versus cutting each plank to fit the required edge curvature.  I've worked with basswood a lot and it's soft and easily shaped.  It edge bends easily and I had no trouble on the small long boat.  I thought I would, but turns out there were no problems.  It certainly splits along the grain when cutting (like for taper), but no problem steaming an edge bend.  I'm guessing you'll have more problems with basswood splitting when cutting the curved pieces.  

 

I know from experience basswood splits super easy when cutting small parts or details.  It will also split easily when bending unless you heat/steam it.  Carving would be very difficult.  On bulkheads or similar parts with notches, slots or sharp curves, I've had to laminate two thinner sheets of basswood together cross grain, and then cut the parts from that to avoid splitting.

 

I suspect it's one of those choices that's up to the modeler.  Cutting each plank to fit is probably the way they did it on full sized ships so might be more "accurate", but we have a choice on models since we are working with small strips of wood.  I tend to be impatient, and edge bending seems easier to me, but that's just me.  Others may find cutting each piece to fit easier.  One thing about cutting each piece to fit, you would be able to minimize drop planks and stealers, and seems like it would make fitting the last plank easier.

 

 

3 minutes ago, desalgu said:

PS...I'm super impressed with your treenailing!!

Thank you for the compliments, David! Yes I agree about basswood having a tendency of splitting. Because of that, I am forced to work more slowly and deliberately to not damage the wood when working with small pieces. I am thinking to stop using basswood for future projects and use other species instead for an easier time 😉

 

I also found another difference between Chuck's and Antscherl's method is that Chuck uses tape to divide the bands, whereas Antscherl uses string. I found string to be easy to glue and tweak afterwards with a little bit of water.

[VTHokiEE]

Wow, looking really nice! (Also great pictures)

[Moonbug]

It's all about the 5 P's - Preplanning prevents **** poor performance.  I know the feeling of anxiety right before you start planking.  Just remember - go with the flow - even though you've got it all planned out, there are always imperfections and variations.  Don;'t sweat it - you're going to do great! 

[WalrusGuy]

On 11/10/2021 at 4:52 PM, VTHokiEE said:

Wow, looking really nice! (Also great pictures)

 

On 11/10/2021 at 10:24 PM, Moonbug said:

It's all about the 5 P's - Preplanning prevents **** poor performance.  I know the feeling of anxiety right before you start planking.  Just remember - go with the flow - even though you've got it all planned out, there are always imperfections and variations.  Don;'t sweat it - you're going to do great! 

Thank you for the words of encouragement, Tim and Bug! I made some more changes to the bow lining as shown here:

 

I felt like the top layer was a bit too cramped up before and now the new layout is a bit more spacier.

[WalrusGuy]

I made a start on the planking, and I am going slow and steady (well, I think and hope I am!). All the planks at the bow (and some at the stern) will be cut from from a basswood sheet. I'll use the supplied planks for the intermediate sections. I am gluing in a scrap wood piece (that overlaps underneath planks from the previous row) when a plank ends between bulkheads as shown here:

I'll probably post more pictures when each band is completed. Again, I may space this part of the build with gluing and treenailing the channel wales.

Edited November 12, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[WalrusGuy]

I never knew how long each strake of planking would take! Almost all planks are different in shape or need to be tapered a certain way. Even some in the middle right before the stern section need to be tapered slightly. I've been using the mini planer to taper planks easily. 

 

I am about halfway through the first band. Thought I'd share this small bit of progress as I carry on:

Here is a piece where the inner part has been cut to shape, and the outer curve will be cut out next:

I guess each band would take me a couple weeks to do. But I am in no rush to finish up, just going by it slowly and steadily.

Edited November 18, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[Matt D]

All that time you’re spending on each strake will pay off, WalrusGuy.  It looks like you’re doing a good job following your tick marks.

[WalrusGuy]

Thanks, Matt! I find shaping each plank a bit like meditating after doing it a while 😄

 

Also, I forgot to mention, I've been using a technique taught to me by @michael mott for bending planks. Instead of soaking wood to bend planks, I've been wrapping the planks with a damp napkin and microwaving for about 20-30 sec. This saves a lot of time! 

[abelson]

Slow and steady wins the race. Looking good.

[Moonbug]

On 11/17/2021 at 7:10 PM, WalrusGuy said:

I've been wrapping the planks with a damp napkin and microwaving for about 20-30 sec.

 

    Interestingly - this is also how I cook bacon.  Coincidence...?   I think not.  

[No Idea]

This looks absolutely great and don't worry about the time it takes.  My last hull took me 9 months of spare time to complete the planking and it was worth the time.  Yours will be too - looking forward to your updates.

[WalrusGuy]

Thank you all for the encouraging comments, and also for the likes!

 

The first band is now planked and I lightly sanded it:

I still need to smoothen the edge some more before moving on to the next band:

And with the ship upright:

From this photo I just noticed, I also need to fix up the string on the portside (2nd bulkhead from the stern): 

Edited November 26, 2021 by WalrusGuy

[abelson]

Looks like nice symmetry.

[WalrusGuy]

4 hours ago, abelson said:

Looks like nice symmetry.

Thank you, Steven. 

[WalrusGuy]

Not much progress since my last update. Took a bit of a break after finishing the lower band.

 

Here is where I am at right now:

I followed Chuck's Winchelsea where he added a drop plank right below the wales. This will probably be my only drop plank. 

 

For those with a keen eye, you may have realized I replaced the topmost plank. It did not follow the same planking layout as the first lowermost band, so I decided to redo it. That way, I could also work in the drop plank as well.

 

And I had to mark out the 11 planks on the middle bulkhead for the middle band so that I can see where the butt joints will line up. I hope I calculated where the top plank butt joints are accurately! I did it 5 times to make sure I did not make a mistake! 😅 

Guess I will know for sure if I counted them right once I finish up the planking...

[Gahm]

Your planking looks really good!

 

Thomas

[WalrusGuy]

11 hours ago, Gahm said:

Your planking looks really good!

 

Thomas

Thank you, Thomas 🙂 

[WalrusGuy]

The uppermost band is now planked. I found this part to be much more trickier and challenging than the lower band. I'm not 100% happy with how the planking turned out at the bow where they meet the stem. It's not as smooth or symmetric as I'd like. It looks ok with the ship upside down, but looks a bit weird with it the right way up. No idea why this it is like that 😅. Maybe I just need to sand a bit more (I just roughly sanded it for now). 

 

Also, similar to the bow, all the planks at the stern had to be cut out from a sheet since the planks needed to be curved in shape. So each strake took a couple of days to do.

 

Here are some photos:

And with the ship the right way up:

Clamping the wood at the stern was also tricky. I had to think of different ways to do this:

I have a feeling the middle band will be more trickier since I will be slowly running out of space for the clamps.

Edited December 16, 2021 by WalrusGuy