Help with Caldercraft Badger please!

[Barnbarb]

Hi, I'm new to model ships and am building Caldercraft Badger but  would appreciate some advice if anyone has built it

It's regarding the gunports. The manual says to "use full use of PVA and flathead pins" but I can't understand (very inexperienced) how the gunport will stay steady 

when the bulkhead extensions are removed at a later time and whether removing these extensions will damage the gunport pattern. Also, when the plank terminations

are removed what will the gunport pattern be attached to? Perhaps I am overthinking this and should just plod on and see what happens!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jeff.

 

 

[Beef Wellington]

Jeff, I'm not familiar with Badger, but there are plenty of Badger logs on the site for you to reference which would likely be of value.  The construction method you reference is pretty common to all Caldercraft (and other kits).  You'll be surprised at the strength of the final hull once the second planking has been installed, and especially after the additional interior planking has been attached.  Just be sure to get a good glue bond between the ply template and the limewood first planking edges.  I have found that a SMALL amount of PVA glue on the bulkhead extensions can help ensure these stay positioned appropriately   Personally, I've never found a use for the pins, but many people here seem to use them.

 

BTW - welcome to MSW, and I'd strongly suggest starting a build log, photos are a big help to others to help you, and you will get plenty of good advice and support.

Edited January 1, 2023 by Beef Wellington

[Landlubber Mike]

I built it a long time ago and remember having a little trepidation on that step, but just follow the instructions.  Pin and glue the gunport pattern as a first step:

 

Then proceed with the first and second outer hull planking.  At that point, the planking together with the gunport pattern should be very strong.  Once you install the deck base, you can cut off the bulkhead extensions so you're left with this:

 

Then all you need to do is sand the deck base and the portion of the bulwark where the bulkhead extensions were to ensure a smooth fit, and then plank the deck and the inner bulwarks.  To cut the bulkhead extensions, a veneer saw is a great tool though not essential.  I picked that tip up from Blue Ensign.

 

I agree with Jason - it's a lot easier to get help if you post a build log.  

 

Edited January 1, 2023 by Landlubber Mike

[Barnbarb]

Many thanks to both of you for your advice. Will proceed accordingly!

Happy New Year.

Jeff