Trotamares by Sparky21 - FINISHED - Mantua

[Sparky21]

This will be my fifth build, I'm not the best at logging my builds but will try to keep up with this time. All but one of my previous builds have been models by Midwest (The Dingy, The Muscongus Lobster Smack,  Sharpie Schooner,  Boston Whitehall Tender), and Long Boat 18^th Century by Model Expo.

 

I had purchased the Trotmares on eBay last summer 2020 not knowing anything about the build process. The Midwest plans and instructions for the most part are very easy to follow.  After opening the Trotmares box and looking at the sheet plans and instructions, I was very overwhelmed. 

 

Almost a year later I have decided to go ahead and build it.

 

 

  

[Sparky21]

After sanding the laser marks from the frames I glued them in place. I used small L brackets to keep them square

 

[Sparky21]

I then inserted the middle deck.  I had a difficult time figuring out how to clamp it down.  I ended up using binder clips that are 12" wide.  

 

 

[Sparky21]

Then the fore and aft decks also presented a clamping issue. For the aft deck I used a a small piece of wood on the underneath side of my keel clamp with Triger clamps.

 

[Sparky21]

Started the deck planking, tedious and time consuming.

[Sparky21]

Following the instructions it says to plank with strips 1.5X5mm and space with0.5mm strips. I glued in place, then as per instructions cut off excess spacers that were above the planks.   After cutting off I then proceeded to sand,  After sanding I noticed that I had not done a very good job of gluing the spacers.  Now there are large gaps where the spacers fell out.

Not sure what to do at this point.  As you can see I haven't made much progress.

 

Photo #1 shows the spacers and planks glued

Photo #2 shows a spacer with planks

Photo #3  large gaps where the spacers fell out

 

Not sure what to do at this point.  I used white glue, I'm thinking about trying to remove the planks and spacers by soaking with water. Then gluing planks in place with no spacers then pencil line in spacers.

 

Any advice?

 

Thanks,

David

[Sparky21]

Coming to the end of the planking process.  . The kit had been in a small hobby shop that went out of business during the pandemic; he was ready to retiree. Not sure of what type of wood the kit came with (I think its walnut). I found that most of the wood is very brittle. Learning curve has been frustrating at times.  I'm mostly happy with my results.  I'm planning on clear coating the planks with either shellac of varnish.  There are a few gaps in the planking, not sure if I should leave them or fill with wood fill or sawdust fill.  Any input would appreciated

Thanks,

David

 

[SaltyNinja]

I think your model looks like it is coming together well. I can't give you an educated opinion on your gap question because I'm new. 

[Sparky21]

I have to admit that I am not good at keeping up with my build log. Finished with the planking, will be clear coating the planks for the finish coat.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sparky21]

Finished the deck planking, at first it was extremely time consuming.

 

 

[Sparky21]

Installing the Bulwarks

 

[Sparky21]

[Sparky21]

[SaltyNinja]

Did you fill in the gap? What about making a piece to fill it in and gluing it in? I think I read somewhere about using glue and sawdust for filler.

 

It's looking like nice progress anyway.👍

[BobG]

Nice job on this interesting model, Sparky!

[Sparky21]

8 hours ago, SaltyNinja said:

Did you fill in the gap? What about making a piece to fill it in and gluing it in? I think I read somewhere about using glue and sawdust for filler.

 

It's looking like nice progress anyway.👍

Thank you,

Yes I did fill it with wood fill

[Sparky21]

5 hours ago, BobG said:

Nice job on this interesting model, Sparky!

Thnk you

[Sparky21]

 

I finished

 

I have found out that it's not a race to the finish line to complete the model, it's about finding out that I need to be more patient with myself while model making  and not to rush any of the stages so I can better understand and slowly master techniques for future models.

[JerryC]

I wish I had seen your build log, I would have loved to follow along. My planking wasn’t very neat, so I did fill and paint.

[Sparky21]

Your model looks great!! 

Not sure of the type of wood that came with yours, I'm thinking mine came with walnut.  I purchased it on eBay and I think it was laying around for a log time a all of the wood was very fragile and kept breaking when I used an exacta knife.  I ended up sanding most all of the planks into shape

[Ian_Grant]

Good job on the planking. I like both these models.

[JerryC]

I still need to work on the rigging. I couldn’t figure out what went where from the plans provided. 

[yvesvidal]

Beautiful result and lovely boat.

 

Yves

[Dave_E]

On 3/11/2022 at 1:19 PM, Sparky21 said:

 

I finished

 

I have found out that it's not a race to the finish line to complete the model, it's about finding out that I need to be more patient with myself while model making  and not to rush any of the stages so I can better understand and slowly master techniques for future models.

 

 

Words to live by in this hobby for sure! Thank you for the reminder. Beautiful boat! 👍😀

[Sparky21]

23 hours ago, JerryC said:

I still need to work on the rigging. I couldn’t figure out what went where from the plans provided. 

The plans for the rigging are difficult to follow.  I did my best to follow it, but I guessed where they should go from past builds and sailing experience.

I just do the best I can and learn from my mistakes.

[Sparky21]

On 3/16/2022 at 11:41 AM, Dave_E said:

 

 

Words to live by in this hobby for sure! Thank you for the reminder. Beautiful boat! 👍😀

Thank you very much.