Marie-Jeanne by modeller_masa - FINISHED - Artesania Latina - 1/50 - Thonier Armor version

[modeller_masa]

Hello, this is my ongoing project. Dundée Thonier was a type of tuna fishing boat in France during the early to mid-20th centuries.

 

Actually, The AL's thonier Marie-Jeanne wasn't in my interest. I purchased the Heller's thonier Armor because of the beautiful box art.

 

While I was building the plastic kit, I felt limited by the small 1/125 scale. While I was searching reference for the thonier ships, I was surprised that the AL's 1/50 thonier has exactly the same hull as the Heller's. I decided to move to the AL's kit, but the painting will be the same as the Heller's thonier Armor.

 

By the way, my AL kit is outdated 22170. The newer 22175 kit has better box art with clearer instruction. I think AL may need an artist, rather than a photographer.  

 

Also, the Heller kit is very helpful, despite its small size. I referenced the hull's planking line.

 

This is my best strategy for framing. I hope kit makers draw the check lines on frame parts.

 

 

The AL's old kits tend to offer unreliable manuals and plans. As you see, the 1:1 plan paper didn't match with the kit's parts. Those small differences come together and form an ugly, twisted hull.

 

I made an effort to build straight hulls against the pervasive issues. The check lines on frame parts are my best solution, for now.

 

 

Instead of laying a deck sheet, I used many short temporary batterns. I was able to set an accurate distance between frames, and the batterns offered better sight. 

 

* I recommend using hardwood-dark strips, such as walnut. The basswood-white strips are too weak for use of temporary battern.

 

These square bars help to hold frames.

 

 

The first planking was easy and smooth.

 

After I filled half of the first planking layer, I removed the temporary batterns and placed a deck sheet.

 

There is one more error. As you see, the deck didn't fit the hull tightly.

 

I needed a day to fix the problems.

 

 

 

The result is extremly, enormously, gorgeously fine. It is the first hull I've ever made that didn't twist in any direction. In other words, "museum quality."  

[modeller_masa]

The plastic kit offers better examples than the AotS book.  

 

Before I finish the first planking layer, I need some gap for bulwark parts. I placed 3mm thick strips under the deck.

 

The first planking is done.

 

If I follow the manual, I need wood filler and paints. Instead of painting job, I decided to add second planking layer.

 

I made exactly 0.70mm thick cherry sheets.

 

The laser cutter is my best tool.

 

I added nail holes to deck strips.  Each hole has a 0.50mm diameter.

This was very exciting and rapid progress. Because of the curved deck, it is important to lay each strip one by one. ( I failed last time when I made a larger laser-engraved large sheet.)

 

Another "museum quality." 😆

 

[modeller_masa]

I added only part of keel parts. I didn't determine the stern shape yet.

 

I used brass nails to clamp the bulwark parts.

As you see, the transom of the AL kit is very different from the Heller's. Even newer 22175 AL kit has an all-flat transom. I spent a week to decide the transom shape. 

 

I added wales to finish transom.

 

Be careful. The location of wales on the 1:1 plan is wrong. Please check the newer 22175 kit's manual. The upper line of the wale parts is the same as the deck's height.

 

I compromised with the transom. My transom has a straight line, unlike the heller's.

 

I finished rear keel and stern post.

 

It is no longer "museum quality." 🤔

[modeller_masa]

There is a little planking inside of bulwark.

 

It is time to build the second planking layer.

I traced the Heller kit. I didn't make good planking lines, so I modified it a little bit.

 

After repeated work, I made every planking line. The upper section has 7 flat planks. The middle section has 4 planks with the twisted lines, and the bottom section has 5 planks.

 

I'm running the second planking layer. I used the traditional spiling planking method.

 

Because of wide stern post, I added stealer plank after the fifth plank.

 

Alright. I finished two-thirds of sections.

[modeller_masa]

I finished the port side.

 

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The lower section and the middle section are finished. The last section has 7 planking lines.

 

 

The latest planking line is a little tricky. No clamping. I held it by hand.

 

 

I slightly sanded the surface. I used a black oil pastel to show caulking. 

 

After I sealed the surface using dewaxed shellac, I attached making tape to protect it. I'm already halfway through.  

[yvesvidal]

Very nice work. I like the smaller Heller model and the comparisons you are making.

 

Yves

[modeller_masa]

Thanks for your comment, Yves. 

 

I'm sorry about the long vacation. I have experienced long hiccups while dancing on inaccurate references.

 

Due to my high expectations, I referred to some internet manuals from Billing boats (BB580) and AL (22175 newer kit). Also, I checked videos of the real thonier on Youtube. They were confusing because they had only a fewer intersections. I was struggling between the three manuals and videos to build the best thonier.

 

I finally found the most reliable source, such as the AAMM monograph.
 

* More reliable reference list

https://boutique.aamm.fr/plan-thonier-marie-jeanne

https://planeteloisirs-bg.fr/index_fichiers/pages/bateau/marie-jeanne-1.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/2213003858

 

If you want to build a better thonier than any consumer kit, I recommend buying the AAMM monograph. Unfortunately, it is too late to buy the book because I want to wrap up this project this year.  😂

[modeller_masa]

I'm rushing and running. I really hope to finish standing rigging before Christmas.

 

[modeller_masa]

The kit's winch parts were hard to handle. The tin parts have no holes. After I failed to drill some wheels, I copied the wheels using a 3D printer. 

 

Another daily task was finishing the bottom of the mizzen mast. 

Edited December 19, 2023 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

I finished standing rigging.

 

 

Can I finish it this year?  

[modeller_masa]

 

I finished yards.

 

The last parts are sails-the most difficult one. 😎

[modeller_masa]

I couldn't finish it this year (last year in Korea). It's time to see the new year's sun. I send you best wishes for the New Year~

[modeller_masa]

OK, let's wrap up my build log.

These are some tips I used.

 

Printed templates

 

The stock metal parts are made of steel, which is much difficult than brass or tin metal. After I broke several drill bits, I copied the parts using 3D resin printer.

 

Also, the stock anchor wasn't good. I made an anchor, which the real thonier ships use.

 

I simply painted sail battens. 

 

It is very easy to produce rope hanks. 

 

I mass-produced the hanks and applied them.

Edited January 7 by modeller_masa

[modeller_masa]

 

 

I'll go on vacation and plan my annual schedule for modeling.

 

I hope you enjoyed my build log, and Happy New Year!

[JacquesCousteau]

That looks incredible, congratulations on finishing!

[ccoyle]

Very nice! The booms for the lines give these boats a lot of visual appeal.

[SiriusVoyager]

You basically finished in 2023, I think we can count it.  It’s a very nice looking ship indeed!

[yvesvidal]

Superb model. I love all the fishing rigs, clearly visible and artfully displayed.

I also like the lighter shades of the wood, which is in plain contrast with the dark woods usually provided in Spanish kits.

You made a little marvel of this rare kit.

 

Yves