Drakkar Viking by Bettiso - Artesania Latina - 1:75

[Bettiso]

Hey everyone,

 

This is my first build log and my first-ever wooden model - so I’m both nervous and excited to get started! (Admins please inform me of any incorrect tagging or formatting)

 

I initially planned to build the Mare Nostrum as my first project, but decided to start with something smaller to get a feel for planking and hull shaping first. A quick disclaimer: I’m brand new to the hobby and still learning the terminology, so please feel free to correct me whenever necessary - I’d really appreciate it! I’m here to learn as much as I can.

 

For my introduction to the hobby, I’ve chosen Artesania Latina’s Viking Ship at a 1:75 scale. Perhaps I haven’t explored the site deeply enough yet, but I haven’t come across many build logs for this particular model. Only a few.

 

 

I began by counting and labelling all the parts before cutting them out, then used sandpaper to clean up and level the cut edges.

 

 

From what I’ve gathered on the forums, most builders prefer using wood glue over CA glue, reserving CA for specific parts, so I followed that approach. After a dry fit to check alignment, I glued the first frame into place, using LEGO bricks as makeshift squares while it dried. (By the way, is this technically called a frame or a bulkhead? From what I understand, bulkheads are solid, disc-like sections rather than open struts, so “frame” seems to fit better here… but I could be wrong!)

 

 

That’s as far as I’ve gotten for now. Only a small step. Once I’m confident with the clamping and gluing process, I’ll move on to attaching the remaining frames. I’m taking things slowly, experimenting with techniques, and trying not to rush any step. I’m definitely nervous about making mistakes, but I know that’s part of the learning process - or a rite of passage, really - and I don’t want that fear to get in the way of enjoying the build.

 

I plan to stay active with this project until it’s finished, so expect regular updates along the way!

 

Cheers,
Matt

Edited Tuesday at 06:17 AM by Bettiso
Didn't need some words.

[Nearshore]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to to hobby. looks like you picked a good project for your first build log. I look forward to watching your progress.

 

Cheers 

Nearshore

[Ronald-V]

Welcome to this forum! And have fun with your first build 🙂

[Bettiso]

[UPDATE 1]

 

Thanks for the welcome, Nearshore and Ronald-V!

 

I’ve completed the rest of the frames. I found it a bit tricky to get them perfectly level (foreshadowing of an issue I’ll have), but squaring them was pretty straightforward.

 

 

 

When the time came to glue this next flat piece onto the frames, I assumed it would handle the bend without any help. Probably a rookie mistake because I was definitely wrong, and the wood split right at the point that takes the most stress.

 

 

 

I decided to fill the split with some Loctite super glue and let it set for a few hours.

 

 

This time, I boiled some water and poured it into a plate, soaking the wood for about 30 seconds. After a quick wipe with a cloth, I carefully shaped it into position on top of the frames, and it worked perfectly. 

 

 

 

Three things I noticed while it was drying: 

 

1) The flat piece doesn’t line up flush with the ends of the ship. A gap can be seen where it's meant to connect (see below). I decided that aligning the flat piece with the frames was more important than having the ends flush (I tried to get both but couldn't figure it out). I'm hoping that this won't be a problem for me later!

 

 

 

 

2) Something I realised was that I probably should have sanded a slight bevel on the two closest frames at each end. If those frames had been beveled, the connection might have been a bit stronger. 

 

 

3) Finally, remember when I said I had trouble getting the frames perfectly level? Well I’m pretty sure this frame (see below) is slightly leaning more to one side which makes everything the tiniest bit wonky. It's not the end of the world, but worth noting for next time. If anyone has tips for getting your frames or bulkheads perfectly level, I’m all ears!

 

 

 

That's all for now!

- Matt

 

Edited yesterday at 02:00 PM by Bettiso