HMS Bounty Launch by builder_Nick - Model Shipways - 1:16

[builder_Nick]

This build is in progress as it started as a group of friends and family members building kits at the same time. I have taken pictures along the way and thought it was worth documenting as a build log. 

[builder_Nick]

It all starts with a box. This kit is a nice scale at 1:16 with plenty of interesting extras. 

[builder_Nick]

The first phase of building the mold is pretty straightforward. I decided to attach it to a board where I first put down guidelines to help keep everything straight and in proper position. I glued it down by welding corners with hot glue. I figured that gave me an easier out if I needed to remove it from the board. Pictured also is the frame materials cut to length in prep for bending to the mold. Side note, I would have left the sheer tabs off until after fairing. They get in the way and are easily added later. 

[builder_Nick]

I decided to mount the transom differently than the instructions. I glued a piece of wood the same thickness across the end of the mold for the transom to sit on. This gave a clamp point to hold the transom securely. 

[builder_Nick]

Frames were soaked and steam bent over the mold. I left the keel off so that I could do each frame in one piece. This also gave me the opportunity to do a second set that could be set aside for the in-between frames that would be added later. 

[builder_Nick]

Sheer and garboard were soaked and clamped in place. The instructions suggest working each direction but I ended up working from the sheer toward the keel. There is a potential issue with precut planks not working out for the spacing. You will see later that I ran into this problem. 

[Nirvana]

Nick, you are nicely off with good start.
Looking forward to seeing your "speedy" progress.

Best to you.

Btw, Poulsbo is beautiful, love the place.

[builder_Nick]

I decided to add trunnels to the boat. The 1:16 scale seemed big enough to warrant the extra work. I used a draw plate and basswood (same material as the planks) to create the treenails. The size ended up a little big (1mm) but it was as small as I could go without the material falling apart as it was pulled through the plate. 

[builder_Nick]

One strake at a time...

[builder_Nick]

And there is the problem... I ended up with a nice little gap. I knew this was going to happen, so I figured it would be better to deal with it where it won't really be seen. Time to add a stealer. 

[builder_Nick]

Planking is done with a stealer added on each side to make up for the gaps. 

Edited Thursday at 10:19 PM by builder_Nick

[builder_Nick]

Removed from the mold and ready for more frames. 

[builder_Nick]

The second set of bent frames fit in perfectly. It may be easy enough to bend the frames into the hull like the instructions, but having them pre-bent on the mold was very nice. All that was required was trimming out for the keel. 

[builder_Nick]

Next was adding the cant frames. The uneven gap in frames seemed visually off even if it may be correct. I decided to add a frame into the gap to even it out. 

[builder_Nick]

Sheer clamp installed. This really helped add security to the frames and made the boat feel less fragile while handling. I trimmed the frames down to the sheer and did a little sanding to even it out. 

[builder_Nick]

I then moved on to sanding, staining, and finishing the hull. I wanted to scrape rather than sand, but scraping skipped over the trunnels leaving a ridge. I gave it a sealer coat of finish followed by a gel stain and then wipe on poly.  

[iMustBeCrazy]

Congrats Nick, she's looking good.

 

The issues you had are all inherent in this kit and you handled them nicely.

 

 

[builder_Nick]

Thanks! I had read through enough builds to see some of the issues others had encountered.