Albatros by Ronjamino - Constructo - 1:55 - 1st build

[Ronjamino]

Hi everyone, 

 

Firstly, great to meet you all, I'm really pleased to be joining this wonderful community.

 

I've recently decided now is the right time to have another go at building my first wooden ship model after a couple of false starts a few years ago.  I'll be attempting to build the Albatros from Constructo and keeping this build log as a way of motivating myself and sharing my journey with you all.  

 

I've already made a start and absolutely loving the experience so far.  I would add a disclaimer here that I am very much a beginner in this hobby, please forgive any mistakes in my terminology.  I am very willing to be corrected or questioned if I get a name wrong.

 

Some initial thoughts from me upon opening the kit.  

 

1. I didn't realise it was a single plank construction! I've gone and purchased a handful of thin veneer type strips of Mahogany and Italian Walnut to use as a second layer of planking to give myself a bit of breathing space should the first layer go awry.  However, my plan is to not need these and see how clean I can get the first layer to build it as originally intended.

 

2. Despite being ultra careful and using a scalpel type blade to remove the false keel and frames, some of the peices have split a little right at the tips 😞 I'm not worrying about it too much for now as I think I will be able to fill any gaps prior to planking if needed but already acknowledging this is something to keep my eye on.  

 

So far, I have glued the frames to the false keel (with the help of a set square and clamps), started faring and am currently in the process of creating filler blocks for the bow and stern using some basswood craft blocks.  The wood is tougher than I'd expected, pondering whether balsa would have been an easier option for carving but once in, I'm convinced the basswood offers more rigidity and less risk of being damaged/deformed prior to planking.

 

Final point of note, I know that I probably need at least one jig to hold the hull while I'm building it.  My intention is to create the first one to hold the hull upside down for planking, then once the keel is on, I will build a new one to hold the ship the right way up for the remainder of the build.  Until then, I'm making do with my vice and some plywood scraps to seat the keel frame.

 

here's a few photo's of my work so far.  (I'll once I figure out how to stop them uploading upside down 🙃)

 

 

  

 

 

[Ronjamino]

Finished shaping the filler blocks at both ends.  On to glueing down the false deck! 

 

hoping this is enough rubber bands

 

 

Edited June 28, 2021 by Ronjamino

[Ronjamino]

Planking progress.  Have possibly cut one of the planks too short at the bow 😞 will keep going and see how things look when they’re all on

[Matt D]

Welcome to MSW, Ron.  Your model is looking good so far.  I’ve looked at this kit many times and considered it for my first build.  But I didn’t realize it is a single plank model.  One thing I have noticed on some of the Constructo models is that the bulwarks are built up off of the planking rather than off of the bulkheads.  It looks like that’s how this will be done.  If so, then be careful to make sure you the strake at the deck overlaps it so you have something to attach to continuing up.  That should be described pretty well in the instructions.  I hope this goes well for you.  This site is very helpful and makes modeling much more fun.

[Freezing Parrot]

Your planking is looking very good already, Ron! At this rate you probably won't need a second planking, but having that ace up your sleeve is a good idea. It should reduce your stress level. 😊

[Ronjamino]

10 hours ago, Matt D said:

Welcome to MSW, Ron.  Your model is looking good so far.  I’ve looked at this kit many times and considered it for my first build.  But I didn’t realize it is a single plank model.  One thing I have noticed on some of the Constructo models is that the bulwarks are built up off of the planking rather than off of the bulkheads.  It looks like that’s how this will be done.  If so, then be careful to make sure you the strake at the deck overlaps it so you have something to attach to continuing up.  That should be described pretty well in the instructions.  I hope this goes well for you.  This site is very helpful and makes modeling much more fun.

Thanks for the welcome and heads up Matt, I think I’m going to err on the side of caution and install the uppermost plank next to make sure I have it at the right height.

 

The bulwarks are my nemesis as they were what caused me to abandon my first attempt at a model years ago.  This time round I have a bit more of a plan and lot more respect for the difficulty in getting them aligned and installed.

[Ronjamino]

10 hours ago, Freezing Parrot said:

Your planking is looking very good already, Ron! At this rate you probably won't need a second planking, but having that ace up your sleeve is a good idea. It should reduce your stress level. 😊

Thanks Parrot, appreciate the positive vibes, and yep, totally agree, just knowing the option of a second layer is available is very reassuring.

[Ronjamino]

Planking progress update, getting there slowly.  Mistakes have been made and gaps have appeared though overall I’m relatively happy with how things are going.  My tapering, bending and clamping processes are certainly getting more refined.  I’ll try not to be too hard on myself at this stage, but some filler and a second planking layer is seeming more likely to eliminate some of the more prominent issues in this layer.

[Freezing Parrot]

Coming along nicely! Just remember that we're our own worst critics. 🙂

[Ronjamino]

Planking is now almost complete!! I’ve started sanding down to a smooth finish and approaching the point where I need to make a decision over whether to move on or apply the second layer
 

 

Edited July 17, 2021 by Ronjamino

[Ronjamino]

Been busy the last week, decided to fill in the gaps and use the backup mahogany veneers to go for a smoother finish.  
 

actually very glad I did now as I’m much happier with the finish.  Also added on the deck planks.

 

Time to move onto the next step, waterways and those bulwarks :-s 

 

 

[Matador]

Hi looks good so far. Planking looks great!

 

I have a small favour to ask. I have the same model but have misplaced the building instructions during a recent house move. I have contacted Occre several times by email but never get a response. They do have a 'replacement parts' order form on their website but I don't know the part number of the building instructions. Could you check your copy to see if they have a part number anywhere? I'm referring to the actual colour building guide rather than the black and white plans for the rigging and masts etc. it would be appreciate!!!🤞

[Ronjamino]

4 hours ago, Matador said:

Hi looks good so far. Planking looks great!

 

I have a small favour to ask. I have the same model but have misplaced the building instructions during a recent house move. I have contacted Occre several times by email but never get a response. They do have a 'replacement parts' order form on their website but I don't know the part number of the building instructions. Could you check your copy to see if they have a part number anywhere? I'm referring to the actual colour building guide rather than the black and white plans for the rigging and masts etc. it would be appreciate!!!🤞

 

Hey @Matador,

 

I’ll go one better and scan the instruction booklet to a PDF for you tonight.  It won’t be for a few hours because the Admiral demands my services for dinner and childcare but I’ll put some time aside later.

 

 

[Ronjamino]

DISASTER! Calamity, I have made a right mess!

 

I stuck the bulwarks on back to front!! 😞. Only realising once the glue had already set 24 hours later.  
 

On realising, I promptly ripped the offending pieces off which caused them both to snap and splinter in multiple areas.  I’ve now glued the remains back on the right way around and think with a bit of filler and the veneers, it will still be passable to the casual observer.
 

I’ve certainly shown my hand as ‘first time modeller’ but it gives me plenty of room for improvement.  

A few things I’ve learnt.

 

- I must read the instructions more carefully

- soaking the bulwarks in cold water for an hour makes them nice and supple.

- the wife’s hair curlers are excellent for bending wood

- some mistakes are repairable, especially if there is a second layer going over the top

- drawing pins are worth their weight in gold

- my first ship model was never going to be perfect

 

here are some pics of the ‘aftermath’

 

 

 

 

[Ronjamino]

Can I ask for some advice?  
 

I’ve planked the bulwarks and fitted the keel as best I could but there is a fairly hefty gap between the stem and hull (see pic).  
 

does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to fix this?  I’ve a couple of ideas, 

 

1 - add filler to the stem so it reaches the hull.

 

2 - add veneer to the hull to reach the stem

 

If anyone has encountered this issue before and knows of a good way to solve it I’d really appreciate your opinion 

 

 

[Ronjamino]

Hull is as complete as I think I am able to make it.  To be honest it’s a bit of a relief.  I seriously thought I’d ruined the whole thing with the bulwark incident but I think I’ve managed to recover to a point where only a fellow modeller would be able to tell.

 

Now onto the smaller bits, already making good progress on the rudder, which is turning out quite nicely I think.

//edit typo

 

 

Edited August 29, 2021 by Ronjamino

[Ronjamino]

The deck furniture is all glued in and I’ve started work on the rigging screws.  
 

also given everything a lick of Danish oil to seal up the wood.  
 

pretty happy with how things are going at this point.  
 

Edited September 13, 2021 by Ronjamino
Terminology

[Spellapeaka]

Wow, this is looking really nice! Great work!

 

[kramer]

On 7/22/2021 at 9:48 AM, Matador said:

Hi looks good so far. Planking looks great!

 

I have a small favour to ask. I have the same model but have misplaced the building instructions during a recent house move. I have contacted Occre several times by email but never get a response. They do have a 'replacement parts' order form on their website but I don't know the part number of the building instructions. Could you check your copy to see if they have a part number anywhere? I'm referring to the actual colour building guide rather than the black and white plans for the rigging and masts etc. it would be appreciate!!!🤞

Hey Matador, did you ever find the instructions? I'm building the Albatros by OcCre and have a pdf version of the instructions that came with the kit. I'm happy to send it or upload it if you still need it.