La Niña by Digitalis - Artesania Latina - 1/65 - First Build

[SaltyScot]

I think your planking looks just fine, sir. Nice job.

[Digitalis]

After some effort, I successfully completed the deck planking for my ship model. However, I’ve run into a few issues and I’m hoping someone can suggest a solution. I decided to plank the false deck before attaching it to the hull, which made the process much smoother. This approach allowed me to easily trim the planks to size, sand them, and adjust the entire deck surface with precision. Pleased with how manageable it was, I then decided to weather the deck to enhance its realism. Instead of simulating nail heads by drawing them with a pencil or using the toothpick method, I opted to punch them into the wood using an old, darkened pinhead. My plan was that, after painting, the holes would fill with paint and create a rusted, distressed look that I thought could add character.

While I achieved the weathered effect I was aiming for and was initially happy with the result, I now realize I may have made a HUGE mistake by doing all of this before attaching the false deck to the hull. Some of the notches along the sides—those intended to align with the bulkheads —ended up too large, leaving noticeable gaps that detract from the finish.

As the saying goes, "live and learn." At this point, I’m unsure if there’s a viable fix that doesn’t involve redoing the entire deck. My original concern was that planking the deck after attaching it to the hull as it would need to follow the deck’s natural curve might complicate the alignment. I never imagined I’d end up with a problem this frustrating by working on it separately.

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Digitalis

[AON]

I have to admit, at arms length that looks damn good!

Well done.

[Digitalis]

I’d greatly appreciate any advice or hacks you could share on fixing these larger gaps. I’m sure this wont by my last mistake and I’ll have more lessons to learn along the way!

While reflecting on this, I just thought of something... what if I craft some sort of trim or edging strip to fit snugly around each bulkhead column? It might not be entirely historically accurate, but it could neatly conceal the oversized notches. Is this an approach sometimes used in situations like this? or is starting over from scratch the usual fix? I’m trying to weigh my options and figure out the best path forward.

Edited 1 hour ago by Digitalis

[AON]

If I understand it, referencing your first post image of the box, some of the gaps will be under the aft upper deck yet to be installed... so they won't be seen.

The others are on the starboard side and may fall under the ladder... so they might not be seen.

If they still bother you mix up a drop of white PVA glue and sawdust (same wood as the deck planks making a wood putty) and fill the gaps and smooth them out flush to the deck. Then take a fine bladed tool and scrape away one edge ever so slightly to reveal the blackened joint a bit. Let it dry. Lightly sand it with extra fine sand paper and (hopefully) volia! There she be!

Try it on one gap furthest aft that will be covered by the upper deck first as a trial

Edited 1 hour ago by AON