Swift 1805 by Pastor Wes - Artesania Latina - 1/85 - pilot boat - first build

[Pastor Wes]

It is an understatement to say that I have never done this before. I found the model at a flea market for $20.  
it sat in my basement workshop for 6 months before I even opened the box.

Having never worked on a wooden model, I’m sure I’ve made every mistake possible.  It wasn’t until I hit my first snag that I started looking online for help. I still think the instructions were written for a master builder.  Too many important facts left out.  I didn’t know to bevel the hull planks, so I improvised with Gorilla wood filler.  

[Pastor Wes]

This micro miter box was a life saver. It cut my time by at least a day.  I discovered something while planking. Sharpies are great, but either they need to dry for a good while OR wood glue dissolves the ink.  When I started laying the planking, I made an inky mess.  I tried to sand it off and you can see the results.  I kind of like it though. It looks weathered. 

[ccoyle]

2 hours ago, Pastor Wes said:

It is an understatement to say that I have never done this before.

 

Don't fret too much about it. Kit design was pretty archaic back in 1982. You got the first planking done, and that's the biggest challenge for most beginners.

[JacquesCousteau]

Nice work, looks like you're off to an excellent start! The weathered deck looks good.

 

One word of advice for future builds: planking one side at a time can sometimes cause the hull to twist, so it's generally advised to plank both sides simultaneously.

[Pastor Wes]

I said I had no idea what I was doing.   I soaked the bulwarks, wrapped them around a tuna can and when I started the glue up, the plywood delaminated.  I’m torn between cutting it all off and leaving it and covering it as best I can.  It is my first model and a learning experience. The port side I would live with, starboard warped in a weird bulge. 

[Pastor Wes]

I tried regluing the laminate.  It only got worse.