Norden 603 by Scott Crouse - Billing Boats - 1/30

[Scott Crouse]

This one caught my eye many months ago and has been on my list ever since.   This will be my first time doing normal planking, the Shipways Dory and Pram were large planks and the Lobster Smack I am doing on a group build is the Midwest version so big slabs instead of planks.   Following a few build logs here on Model Ship World as going from wordy instructions from Shipways to a few pages of pictures and 1:1 scale plans is an adjustment - although one I kinda like.   Hummed and Haw'd about doing it in halves or putting it together into one frame for planking but decided to try how Billings wants it done - unless someone on here can convince me of the error of my ways?    As always, constructive criticism is welcome so I can continue to learn in this great hobby.   

I still need to get some lego blocks or 123 blocks for leveling things.   On my "to make or purchase" list.

[Scott Crouse]

Managed to get both sides of the hull put together.

 

Can never have enough clamps and elastics .  Put the false deck in place.

 

and a test fit (not joining the halves, going to build them up side by side) and everything seems to be lined up nicely.   Next up will be preparing the ribs and then doing my first real planking - scared and excited all at the same time!

 

 

 

 

 

[Scott Crouse]

God some work done today,   I decided to join the two halves together, to me it does not make much sense doing it half and half.

 

 

Took some time and made a strip to go around the deck, will be adding scuppers at a later date.

 

 

[Scott Crouse]

Starting putting a few deck pieces together, just enough that I can map out the deck.

[Scott Crouse]

Finally some time to get back to this build.    Got the ribs shaped for planking and got the strake in place.  Looking forward to trying planking for the first time

 

[Nirvana]

Scott, considering how BB's instructions are and you're taking on this kit, it surely looks good.
 

[aaronc]

On 4/11/2025 at 4:02 PM, Scott Crouse said:

Finally some time to get back to this build.    Got the ribs shaped for planking and got the strake in place.  Looking forward to trying planking for the first time

 

 

[Scott Crouse]

Not much of an update as I have been working on the Lobster Smack which is nearing completion.   Finally started planking, must first attempt.   So far so good and have calculated out how much to start trimming and angling as I go along.   Not as scary (so far) that people make it out to be but sure see lots of sanding in my future .  Have a great weekend all.

 

[Scott Crouse]

Survived my first official planking.     Not the prettiest.   Lots of sanding and filling ahead.  Holes, cracks, craters to fill.  But was not near as bad as I thought it would be.  But already I know how I will do it different on my next build.  Continuing to learn.  Excuse the few blood stains, the top of one of the sewing pins came off and impaled my finger.   Dang things.

 

[Scott Crouse]

Somewhat productive week.   Used the Occre Putty for the first time.   It's not bad, you can wipe it thinner with a bit of water if you use too much and dries rock hard.   Does seem a  bit prone to chips during sanding but one of the better products I have tried.   Got the stern blocks in and sanded down along with hull sanding.  Did a primer over the whole thing to see how it looks.   I want the boat to look wooden planked such as an older boat would be so, went light with the putty.   Thoughts?   Does it need more putty/sanding or look good for an old wood work boat?  Gonna look at it for a few days to decide if I think I like it or not      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[64Pacific]

Great work, I'm looking forward to seeing this build progress!