Planking problems

[Mrgj24]

Hello all.

 I’m on my second build now but have struck problems with the planking. This is the Artesania Latina version of HMS Supply. 
The video instructions are challenging to say the least. I can’t seem to get the planks flat to the bulwarks towards the bow as they taper in rather sharply and don’t seem to match the contours of the video example as far as I can tell.

Consequently they have ‘stepped’ as shown in the pictures and some do not touch the bulwarks. As the hull will be copper covered can I get away with sanding these planks down and filling before I paint them and applying the copper covering? Should I pull these off and try to fix? I’m sorry for the basic terminology I am using but I am feeling despondent. 
Grateful for any feedback.

Thanks, Mark

[druxey]

Please read the 'pinned' articles on planking: More> Modeling techniques > Planking. These will explain everything for you.

[palmerit]

Pretty common problem. I’ve been there. To avoid this, a few things:

- read whatever you can here and elsewhere about planking and find videos online

- e.g., under “Modeling Techniques” at the top of this site, you’ll find links to info about planking

- you’re doing full width planks all the way (or it seems like you are) and these may need to be tapered a bit (thinner near the bow than mid- ship), but never thinner that half the plank width

- you like need to do some edge bending too (using a heat source like a plank bender, soldering iron, travel iron) with a bit of water - this is bending in the direction planks don’t naturally want to bend - you can achieve it with clamps, heat, water, practice

- most models don’t give great guidance on how to shape and bend planks

 

Getting planking right is probably the hardest aspect of ship modeling - it is more me. If you look at my Sherbourne it has huge gaps. 
 

You can “fix” the problem with lots of wood filler and sanding. I’d suggest trying to remove the planks and trying again, using alcohol or acetone to release the glue. 

[ubjs]

You also have to fair the frames more (bulwarks is something else).

As soon the planks dont lay flat on the frames you are beginning to get problems and as we see on your picture the problems get worse for every plank you try to attach.

You must bend planks in two directions so they follow the frames.

 

 

[Dr PR]

You are not tapering the planks. The distance between the bulwarks and the keel is greater midships than it is at the bow and stern. Therefore each plank MUST be tapered proportionately, wider midships (full plank width) and tapered narrower at bow and stern. Look at the tutorials and articles about planking.

 

Even when the planks are tapered they must be twisted/bent so they lie flat on each bulkhead/frame. There are many suggested techniques to accomplish this bending, but most use some combination of water or alcohol and heat.

 

I have built a number of plank on bulkhead hulls - all single layer planking - and have found a simple and effective technique that seems easier that all the other suggested methods. I use a small planking iron (actually a quilting iron used for making quilts) and wet the planks. The steam from the heated planks carries heat into the wood and this makes it pliable. Then when it cools it holds its shape.

 

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37060-uss-cape-msi-2-by-dr-pr-148-inshore-minesweeper/?do=findComment&comment=1074225

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37060-uss-cape-msi-2-by-dr-pr-148-inshore-minesweeper/page/4/#elControls_1075263_menu

[modeller_masa]

It is a famous issue.

 

You can read or buy the general planking technique instructions.

Then you'll find that you can't apply the instructions to most kits because they have different hull-frame structures.

The last step is manipulating the original planking technique to fit the weird structure of the kit. Many build logs and various modification methods will help the progress.