Three Feathers Posted October 16 #1 Posted October 16 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! JacquesCousteau, ccoyle, Charter33 and 1 other 4 Quote
Three Feathers Posted October 16 Author #4 Posted October 16 Having a few problems working out how to post photos! Quote
Three Feathers Posted October 16 Author #5 Posted October 16 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? Charter33, clearway, JacquesCousteau and 1 other 4 Quote
clearway Posted October 16 #6 Posted October 16 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 Charter33 1 Quote
Three Feathers Posted October 17 Author #7 Posted October 17 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! Quote
clearway Posted October 17 #8 Posted October 17 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 Quote
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