Will Everard by Three Feathers - Billing Boats - 1/67

[Three Feathers]

For me, as a Londoner a Thames Barge is a special part of our river heritage. The Will Everard is still on the river albeit a pleasure boat now. I am going to build this kit as a working boat pre-engine as far as I can identify. I'll adopt the grey and white livery that I can see from post cards and other builds on this site i.e. pre-P&O green as used in the kit.

So, I'm hoping to do this one justice although it's only my second wooden boat kit. My first was the Billings Marie-Jeanne - so I am under no illusion about the quality of instructions!!

 

So, any hints, tips and advice are welcome!

 

[Three Feathers]

 

 

IMG_0449.HEIC

[Three Feathers]

[Three Feathers]

Having a few problems working out how to post photos!

[Three Feathers]

Now have the bulwarks in place and the deck. Onto the difficult part - the planking and the bottom of the hull. 

Once I have sanded and shaped the stern and bow bulwarks I think I will glue and pin the bottom of the hull to the bulwarks having first softened it in hot water. Is there a risk of shrinkage as it dries or tearing if I pin it?

[clearway]

i built this kit in the early 90s in the days before laser cutting (was die cut part way through the old billings soft ply used back then)- she went to my step mother. 

 

recently i saw an unopened kit from 20 years ago on a popular auction site at more or less the same price i paid over 30 years ago - hard to let that one  pass so i didn't😁- however lord alone knows when i will get onto it!

 

Keith

[Three Feathers]

14 hours ago, clearway said:

i built this kit in the early 90s in the days before laser cutting (was die cut part way through the old billings soft ply used back then)- she went to my step mother. 

 

recently i saw an unopened kit from 20 years ago on a popular auction site at more or less the same price i paid over 30 years ago - hard to let that one  pass so i didn't😁- however lord alone knows when i will get onto it!

 

Keith

I agree - starting one of these kits is quite an undertaking!

The Marie Jeanne had sat in my garage for 15 years - and I'm sure the planking had matured and stiffened in that time. The Will planking seems more supple. I'm hoping it is easier to work with!

[clearway]

9 hours ago, Three Feathers said:

The Marie Jeanne had sat in my garage for 15 years - and I'm sure the planking had matured and stiffened in that time. The Will planking seems more supple. I'm hoping it is easier to work with!

i always soak my planking for a few hours before using it to soften the fibres and use a small surfoam to taper the planks towards the bow and stern- i will soak the kit in cold water for about 15 mins to re-add a little moisture- it was still wrapped in its cellophane wrapping around the box which was the style then- it really was an unopened kit!

 

Keith