San Francisco by Ingo - Artesania Latina 20408 - 1:90

[Ingo]

Hi everyone,

 

I am a bit hesitant to open my first build log, as I am a complete novice to boat modelling, but have opted to post my progress on-the-go in case other newbies can benefit from the perspective of digging into a new hobby.

 

On a whim, I purchased the San Francisco S. XVI second-hand. I've always secretly dreamt of trying my hand at modelling, and finally found the space, time, and finances to allow such an indulgence. Interestingly, some online posts note that the original SF model only has one layer of hull planking, whereas the SF II is double-planked. However, my specific model (AL 20408) definitely features a double-planked hull, leading me to believe that it was released sometime between the original SF and the SF II.

 

 

In many ways, this definitely does not appear to be the best option for a beginner's model! I only started reading up on boat modelling techniques after the purchase, and soon realized that the San Francisco S. XVI poses some peculiar complexities. Secondly, the original owners had already started building the galleon, and even with minimal research it was possible to detect some basic errors that had slipped in. Thirdly, I am fully prepared to find that the opened box may have parts missing, when it comes down to the crunch.

 

That being said, I can't help but feel that all these downsides actually removes quite a bit of pressure to "get things right". No doubt I will make many more mistakes, the best of teachers. But it's less stressful going in, knowing that I did not fork out a fortune and can practice new techniques and try out different tools on a second-hand kit.

 

I've slowly been buying the essential hand-tools to get going, holding off on buying more expensive tools until I know exactly what I want or need.

 

Progress will likely be slow, as I do work two day jobs, but I do plan to post updates as things come along. And so the journey begins!

[Ingo]

As noted, the original owners had already started on the model. Upon purchase, all seemed to be in order.

 

 

However, the closer I looked and the more I tucked into online resources, the more niggly errors seemed to jump out. It is only unfortunate I did not take more photos at the time to log this carefully (pre MSW days!).

 

 

As most evident in the top section marked above, much of the decking shows warping. Not all bulwarks have been glued squarely onto the false keel, which I suspect may be the main cause. As of yet, I am not sure how to correct this, or whether it can be corrected. 

 

The lower red circle around the hull planking does not quite capture the issues. Lower planks overlapped those closer to the gunwales at almost 90 degree angles, and a complete lack of fairing on the bulkheads had the planks bulging ominously. I decided that the best course of action would be to remove the hull planks entirely and start that process over. Removing the nails, which had been hammered all the way in, was tricky, but I managed to save the majority of the planks.

 

 

The above photograph still shows some of the bulging of the planking around the bows. This issue very much confirmed that the use of filler blocks in the bow section would be of great help in this model, as advised by several members. Shaping and fitting the filler blocks is indeed next on my agenda. 

 

Another issue is that the port and starboard bulwarks were not aligned properly.

 

 

The starboard bulwark was duly and verrrrrry carefully removed.

 

The deck planking lacks any simulation of caulking or trenails, but I have opted to leave this as is. At this point, I am more concerned about correcting the fundamental structure of the ship than fretting about cosmetic accuracy. That will have to wait for a next model!

 

Thus, currently, I am familiarizing myself with bearding and rabbet lines from the useful Dirk de Bakker guide on hull planking for beginners, slowly fairing the bulkheads and keel accordingly, and prepping filler blocks. All while still gauging whether the warped decks can be doctored.

 

 

Again, I doubt that the final product will be one of great beauty, but working through problematic issues has already been very educational.

 

 

 

[ccoyle]

As you are learning, wood is a relatively forgiving medium. Stuff can be removed, re-shaped, and/or re-added to one's heart's content. If that was plastic or card, it would probably be game over.

 

Good luck!