HMS Harpy 1796 by Blue Ensign – Vanguard Models - 1:64 scale

[Glenn-UK]

Thanks for the explanation Maurice.

[Blue Ensign]

Post 24

Completing the first band.

My first action is to address the question of increasing sny.

I formed a plank in the normal way including the edge bend, and used this to shape a spiled version cut from 0.8mm fret.

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The two shapes.

The lower one is the spiled plank which has a less concave upper line reducing the upward curve on the next strake to be fitted.

 

I have now completed the first band.

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At the stern either stealers or planks that broaden out from the mid ships point will be required.

 I may use a combination of both as I have broader strips of Pearwood. It is not a critical decision as I fancy coppering this hull, after completing two bare plank hulls.

It has been some 14 years since I last coppered a hull (Pegasus) and it will keep me busy and extend the build time.

 

B.E.

24/01/2025

[SaltyScot]

The symmetry on that hull is a beautiful thing to look at. Nicely done!

[Blue Ensign]

Post 25

The Lower Band.

This is the remaining planking down to the keel.

I have mostly used ca for plank fixing but I use  Roket odourless from Deluxe Materials, a little more expensive than the basic sort but there is none of the breathing issues.

Used on a slightly dampened plank it is very effective.

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I first fitted planks in continuation of the upper band down to the termination of the Square tuck. This comprised two strakes.

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The rabbet for the hull timbers at the stem, formed by the outer stem pattern, works very well on Harpy. A great asset for  bow planking, and providing a very neat finish.

I did use a micro chisel to pare down the first planking layer where required, to allow a better fit. It also helped to thin down slightly the Pear plank where it entered the rabbet.

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I now need to re-mark the planking runs for the final push.

 

B.E.

26/01/2025

 

[SaltyScot]

Nice, methodical work. The results speak for themselves.

[glbarlow]

Not sure if it applies; I learned planking Cheerful and Winchelsea that I edge bent the bow edge of the plank down in order for the to lay up on center at the stem. It seemed counterintuitive but it worked. Maybe what you’re already doing…

[Blue Ensign]

Thanks Guys for the  interest and likes.

@ Glenn -  yes I use edge bending,  but when it becomes excessive it creates the less than appealing  exaggerated sny effect,.

 

Post 26

Completing the Pear planking.

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Each station has been re-marked on the hull, hopefully for the last time, but I don’t discount that a little tweaking may still be required.

I begin with the strake above the keel.

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This strake runs from 2mm at the bow, 4mm at Midships,  increasing to 5mm at the sternpost.

 

I am now working alternatively from keel up and wale down.

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It is easier to deal with the aftermost section of a strake as a separate plank.

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Three strakes to go.

It can be seen in this shot that the space at the stern is gradually equalising strake upon strake as I close the gap.

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Two strakes to go.

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One strake to go…

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I did not find it necessary to use stealers at the stern, as I have a selection of planking strips of various widths.

In the absence of these, the kit Pear sheets that contain the laser cut parts, provide a good source of plank making material suitable for spiling wider sections at the stern.

The final strake which sits below the round of the hull lacks  uniformity which is why it is placed where it is. 

Of necessity the planks are spiled, an exercise I quite enjoy; getting them to fit neatly into the given space I find quite relaxing.

The strakes are again divided into three planks per strake which makes things easier.

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All done!

Overall, I’m fairly happy with the planking even in its unsanded state.

Moving on to cleaning up.

 

B.E.

30/01/2025

 

 

[SaltyScot]

The symmetry of that planking in the one image taken at the stern looking back is fantastic. Compliments on a fine job there.

[Moonbug]

Hey B.E.

 

  Beautiful planking job.  I love Pear wood, so my first thought was that it'd be a shame to cover it with copper.  Then, I started thinking about how striking it would be with the copper and pear, and how complimentary those colors will be together.  As always, looking forward to seeing your work.

[CiscoH]

I think it took me 3 months to plank my hull.  Amazing job Mr Ensign it looks fantastic

[Jim Lad]

A very nice planking job.

 

John

[Blue Ensign]

Thank you Mark, Bug, Cisco, and John for your appreciation.

@ - Cisco, I am an admirer of your AVS build, and those three months were well spent, and it shows. Your planking is simply beautiful, makes mine look very average.

 

Post 27

Final sanding was done using various grade papers, primarily 320 al.oxide. It didn’t take long to achieve a smooth and even surface.

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I think she has scrubbed up quite well.

 

I now return to the Square tuck.

 

B.E.

31/01/2025

[SaltyScot]

1 hour ago, Blue Ensign said:

I think she has scrubbed up quite well.

I think that is the understatement of the month there sir  She looks fantastic!