18th Century Longboat by Desertanimal - Model Shipways - 1:48

[Desertanimal]

So after Alert my plan was to start Cheerful. I had begun getting all the stuff together and actually purchased Chuck’s last laser cut starter pack. 👍   Then I saw an email with the Longboat on sale. I thought a smaller project might be a good chance to improve my skills. I started looking at some build logs and also decided to replace the basswood with boxwood. I contacted Joe at Modeler’s Sawmill and he set me up with the requisite pieces. I had already purchased all the Alaskan yellow cedar for Alert from him and I highly recommend his services. 

Since this is an older kit it’s pretty much been done before which is good for me but I can’t say it’s going to be a particularly interesting build log for the reader. Here’s hoping someone enjoys watching.  Here we go with the photos…

 

Marking out the keel and stem on a piece of boxwood. I then cut them out with a hand scroll saw. 

 

 

I cut the scarph joint and I’m preparing to glue it to the false keel after sanding the bevel. I’m doing it on a piece of glass.

 

 

 

Little MDF building board I put together to keep it square. Using Lego blocks, I saw it on here and decided to try it out.

 

 

I glued support pieces as I went along to keep it square. I glued them to the waste part of the bulkhead.

 

 

 

 

Starting the fairing process. This always causes a lot of stress on me. I’m always worried I’ll take off the wrong amount. 

 

 

I put two planks at the top as the instructions stated, then went to the garboard strake. This is another place where I’m just never sure I’ve got the shape correct. I’ve got the keel and stem taped to protect them.

 

 

Here’s a shot showing the size. 

 

 

Planking this little boat is not easy. This is an example of the edge bending needed up at the bow. I had some difficulty getting the twist at the stern but I’m thinking it will be OK. 

Thinking of previous builds basswood might bend easier, but maybe not as smoothly as boxwood…? Or maybe my technique has improved making the bends smoother. Hahaha

 

I’ll leave it here. Hope you enjoyed the pictures. 

 

Chris

Edited August 16 by Desertanimal

[robert952]

Hopping on board to follow along. 

[Ronald-V]

Good start with this nice little boat!

[Desertanimal]

OK so I just made this post like an hour ago, I clicked submit reply and it just went away. So if this ends up posting twice I will delete one.

 

I’m continuing with planking. These are some tight curves since it’s so small. The boxwood seems to want to fight back against bending. Does that match with other’s experience using boxwood?

 

 

Used some clamps to help keep the seams tight. 

 

 

 

I used the Scotch tape method to get the shape of the final plank and then shaped it. 

 

 

Here she is pre sanding. Not the prettiest planking but I think my skills are improving. 

 

 

Post sanding. I was able to not have to use any wood filler. I did use a little thinned glue in a few seams while I sanded it smooth.

 

 

I then used tape to line out the simulated treenails. On the other side I used pencil marks.

 

 

 

I’m not sure where the line is between dedication to the craft and insanity. If my rough math is correct I drilled just short of 800 holes. 

 

 

I gave the hull a couple of coats of WOP, this was to try to limit any staining from the wood filler that I plan to use in the holes. 

I used a lab spatula to push walnut colored wood filler into the holes. I would then use a damp micro fiber cloth to wipe off the excess. 

 

 

One side is WOP’d the other not. 

 

 

I’m really happy with the results. It looks a little shiny because it’s wet. The dots are less pronounced after drying. 

 

 

So in the next steps I will be removing the bulk of the bulkheads.

 

Thanks for stopping in. The likes and comments are always appreciated!

 

Until next time.

Chris

[Ronald-V]

That's a very nice planking job! Well done! 👏

[Desertanimal]

Thanks Ronald. I really tried to take my time with each plank.