Cutty Sark by Simon - Revell - 1:96 - PLASTIC

[Simon 707]

I have just started the Revell Cutty Sark 1/96 model. There are several excellent build logs already available and so I plan to focus more on tips and especially the mistakes I will make. If I don’t mention a step , it’s because I followed the vanilla instructions and have nothing of value to add. I have made many paper, wood and Lego models over the past years but its been many years since I last built a plastic model. 

 

I am working from the latest instructions, enhanced by the 1987/88 version. I am also following a couple of the existing build logs I found here.

 

 

[Simon 707]

The first good thing is that it took a month for my kit ro travel from the Netherlands to me. At first I was unhappy to have to wait but I now realise that it was a good thing. If Amazon had delivered it the next day I would have jumped straight in, as it was, I’ve spent the month reading everything I could find online. I realised that I was taking on a serious project and collected a lot of good advice.

 

My first discovery is that there isn’t a ‘correct” colour scheme. The actual colours changed over the years and so it’s a matter of selecting a style and following it.

 

Lets start

To get the deck colour I started with a black wash and then applied a Beige coat but let the black show through.

[Simon 707]

First Mistake

The deck comes in three sections. I tried to hide the joins but I made a mistake. For my copy of the kit , the deck sections are not EXACTLY the same thickness. I worked from the underside to get a flush join but I found that the topside was a fraction off. I have clamps with flat grips and, next time, I will use a little padding on the inside to account for any variation and then concentrate on making the topside flush.

[Simon 707]

First Hint

The surface area for glue between the deck sections is relatively small and so I reinforced the joints with some scrap plastic. Not very elegant but it works. Flat strips would have been better but not all plastics work with my glue.

 

 

[Simon 707]

Deviation 

The bow spit comes in halves. I used plastic putty to fill the hollow and so strength the part.

 

I changed the sequence of steps for the deck.  I followed the instructions as far as cementing the deck in place.  Before I fixed it, I installed the "buildings" and cleaned all of the other holes. It helped by having direct access to both sides.

 

[Simon 707]

I used plastic from a packaging case to give the impression of glass windows.  I had to use superglue to attach it. 

Edited March 18, 2022 by Simon 707

[Simon 707]

I tried dry fitting the deck and found that it is a little short.  Aft is good and I hope that the forecastle deck will cover the gap. To give extra support to the bow, I'm trying a cross brace, I plan to  extend the other support points similarly. The emery board is temporary to give support at the right height. I will do the same from the other side and loosely join them with cotton since I don't know the exact gap.

Edited March 18, 2022 by Simon 707

[Simon 707]

Tip

I've learnt to see a use in anything. 

I used soup cans to support the hull while painting it.

I had one of those impossible to open plastic cases on a gadget but the plastic is perfect for glass in windows.  

Wooden clothes pegs hold small parts while painting. 

Edited March 18, 2022 by Simon 707

[Simon 707]

First dry assembly,  as we know, a long way to go 

[Simon 707]

Even a bar of soap has a use 

[Simon 707]

I've had an idea (always a risky thing) to make rigging a little easier. Before I install the eyes into the deck, I'm going to put a loop of ordinary cotton through them. When I come to rigging, I can use it as a draw string. I tested it and using ordinary wood glue and twisting them together. When dry, it pulls through quite easily.

[Simon 707]

I'm using a thread of cotton to preserve every hole. For example, if the bow spit hole was closed with paint, I would have a problem.  

[shipman]

Your use of cotton is a good idea, Simon.

 

You're not as daft as I look 🤓

[Simon 707]

Making progress, so far I'm following the instructions fairly closely. I haven't attached the rudder yet, it seems to easy to break it off while working on the rest of the ship.

[Simon 707]

Making progress, so far I'm following the instructions fairly closely. I haven't attached the rudder yet, it seems to easy to break it off while working on the rest of the ship.