Polaris by Captain Vytautas - OcCre - 1:50

[Captain Vytautas]

Hello,

 

Here I start the log of my first build - Polaris by OcCre (1:50). I have purchased this kit in 2020, but started it only around 2022. Then took a long break again and now I am looking forward to finally returning to this build and finishing it (I promised my friends that I will finish it before my 30th birthday in January 2025 ...).

 

I ordered a starting package together with the paints, glue and starter tools.

 

 

Even though I don't have anything to compare with, I like the quality of the materials and all the accessories. As for a new guy, the instructions are clear and there is also an informative step-by-step build guide on Youtube from the OcCre itself. Then I started to build. I really enjoyed the process, the hobby seems interesting. The sanding takes a lot of thorough effort, but I believe it takes time to understand specifics and grit sizes.

And here I made a mistake I cut the extra deck planks (if call them correctly?).

 

What would you suggest to me? Try to apply small deck planks? At this moment I am finishing the sanding of the bulkheads and false keel, which seems like a long and thorough process. The next step is going to be attaching the walls outside the deck.

 

 

Edited October 7 by Captain Vytautas

[ccoyle]

8 minutes ago, Captain Vytautas said:

What would you suggest to me? Try to apply small deck planks?

 

If you have enough deck planking to replace those pieces, I'd do that, but wait until after you are sufficiently far along in the build to remove the bulwark extensions first.

[Snug Harbor Johnny]

Ahoy, Cap'n      I see your challenge.  By typing Polaris in the search bar, a number of logs were found, and by scrolling down a little I found Polaris by chadwijm6 - OcCre - First Build, and he ran into the same thing.   He 'filled in' the gaps with plank wood (matching seams carefully), and that's likely how I'd do it myself.  I've often 'worked around' goofs - and working in wood you can cut to shape and glue stuff in as needed.  Above that log in the list is a complete Polaris build Polaris by ibozev - FINISHED - OcCre - 1:50  and you should study that all the way through.  Looking at completed logs is a great way to see the sort of situations that can arise with a particular kit (and I've found that nearly every kit has either a glitch somewhere or the potential to misunderstand the instructions somehow).  Look over your instructions alongside your review of a completed build, note any 'work arounds' done on the log, and annotate your instruction sheet(s) as needed.

[Captain Vytautas]

I have decided to put one layer of deck plank on the spots I mistakenly cut. Two layers would look better, but I thought I shouldn't waste too many deck plank resources since I don't know how many more of them exactly I will need in the future steps. I don't really like how it looks, but it is better than before and I believe it won't be so visible after I will glue the walls of the deck (how are they called?). By the way, I saw that people are using titebond glue. They are premium quality wood glue for more advanced projects?

 

Also I have finished (at least I hope so) the sanding of the hull. It is hard to understand if it is enough, but I believe so.

[RossR]

On 10/7/2024 at 12:26 PM, ccoyle said:

If you have enough deck planking to replace those pieces, I'd do that, but wait until after you are sufficiently far along in the build to remove the bulwark extensions first.

If you go on Occre’s web site and fill out a warranty form they will send you additional deck materials even though it was a mistake on your part.  Mail is a little slow, but in 3-4 weeks you will have any extra deck planks that you need.   

[SiriusVoyager]

On 10/17/2024 at 6:00 PM, Captain Vytautas said:

... the walls of the deck (how are they called?)...

 

 

Bulwarks

 

It looks like your beveling is probably pretty close to where it needs to be.  You can lay a plank across all of the bulk heads and see if the plank touches the full width of each bulkhead.

[Captain Vytautas]

Thank you everyone for the responses.

These past few days I did some work on my Polaris. Firstly, I have attached the bulwarks. Can't say that wasn't stressful, but I did it. I put them in the water for 15 minutes, then bent and dried them by ironing. Moment glue at the ends of the bulwark was a game changer for me to achieve full contact.

 

Then I started the planking. It is both an exciting and quite difficult stage for me. Same as with the bulwarks - water, bending, ironing. What is difficult for me is pushing the pins. Half of the time it goes not the straight line that I am aiming for and through the side of the bulkheads. So far I see no damage that I should be afraid of, but it annoys a little bit. I am using a pin pusher from OcCre, maybe I just need more practice. The problem is probably not with the tool?

 

Now I have noticed something. I should have bent the bulwarks more towards the stern when I was attaching them and glue them not within the planking area. Now there is an angle and a gap between the back of the bulwarks and the planks, but not a smooth curve:

 

 

My question is - is it going to be alright and I will have a chance to adjust it by sanding, or should I cut the excess part (it is not really long) of the bulwark (I have marked it red) that is in the planking area and attach the plank instead?

[JacquesCousteau]

6 minutes ago, Captain Vytautas said:

My question is - is it going to be alright and I will have a chance to adjust it by sanding, or should I cut the excess part (it is not really long) of the bulwark (I have marked it red) that is in the planking area and attach the plank instead?

Looking good! You may want to check further ahead to see if having the bulwarks too low aft will cause problems later in the build. If not, I think the main issue is that the bulwark is sticking out a ways. Before cutting that part off you could try soaking it and seeing if you can bend it (maybe with a pin) to bring it back in contact with the bulkheads.