Planking Question on Plastic Hull

[LouF]

Hi all. Seeking some advice on planking. I just purchased the Billings Calypso (1:45). It comes with a plastic hull. For "authenticity" purposes I am thinking of actually wood planking the hull by covering the plastic with wood. I have three questions:

1. I am not familiar with 1:45 so what would the correct widths and lengths of most of the planking be for this scale.
2. Near the bow and the bottom of the ship it will make sense to keep the plastic. What material would you use the make for a smooth and seamless transition from the wood to plastic?
3. Any additional tips?

Thank you so much for your insights.

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

  After poking around I found two images (one above the other) that appear to show that wooden framing was 'skinned' in steel (by the looks of the rusting patterns) ... perhaps this is why the Billings kit has a plastic hull - after all, the metal was painted and there would be no plank or grain marks.  There seem to be slight bumps where fasteners of some type attach the metal skin to the internal ribs.  Check out the available build on MSW, and builders seem to use the material provided (with all sorts of enhancements for equipment on deck, etc.). 

 

 

[Jaager]

It seems that the original YMS hulls were wood framed and planked because if they were steel, they would probably only sweep one mine.   It makes sense that when civilian, steel would replace the wood planking.

 

I predict that:

Unless you wish to represent the WWII BYMS-26 version, wooden planking would not be "authentic" at all.

You will find that mixing plastic with wood will prove to be way more trouble than it is worth.

 

I suggest that you build the kit as designed.  A primary focus with plastic is in the finish. 

The finish is mostly an afterthought with a wood based model of a vessel older than 1860.

 

If your previous experience is with plastic kits,  you may find that you have an unrealistic expectation for what wooden kits instructions provide as far as HOW to do the job.  They are obligated to supply the WHAT to do information.

If you have a hankering for working with wood,  a wise entryway is one of the Bluejacket beginner kits or the 3 vessel beginner series from Model Shipways - except that the ME owner has chosen to have an affair with skunks and has a major stink at present.

 

 

[GrandpaPhil]

If you want to add wood grain, I would recommend using wood grain contact paper.  

 

That’s what I’ve been “planking” my card models with.

 

There are also specialized wood grain foils sold for card modelers.

 

Most are self adhesive and would avoid the issue of adhering wood to plastic.

Edited December 8, 2022 by GrandpaPhil