Chaperon by Doug McKenzie - Model Shipways - 1:48

[Doug McKenzie]

Having almost finished Leon in a bottle, I decided to get started on Chaperon (1884 Steamer aka Riverboat).  A 1:48 model by Model Shipways.  I knew I wanted to try a riverboat so I 'researched' and found this kit.  Someone said it was the best kit in terms of being an accurate reproduction of an actual riverboat.  I couldn't remember who said that, so I asked google.  This was the response.  "While there is no single individual credited with this definitive claim, the Model Shipways Chaperon is widely cited by experienced modelers on major ship modeling forums as the best and most accurate riverboat kit available."  Easiest research I've ever done!  Here's a picture, Pic 1, of the completed model that Model Shipways supplies.

This will be my first "non-sail powered ship" model (except for when I was under 10).  It will also be my first non-operating ship model that will be fully painted. 

 

Pic 2 shows the keel, bulkheads and 2 stringers.  The keel and stringers are 3/16" and the slots are cut very accurately so the bulkheads lie firmly perpendicular to the keel quite well.  The 5 forward bulkheads have bevel lines marked so that the frames can be easily beveled before mounting on the keel. Similarly, at the stern the bottom surface of the counter is marked for pre-mounting beveling.  Both of these things makes fairing the bulkheads and the counter before planking a lot easier than with many models.

Pic 3 and 4 shows the side planking complete - Pic 3 is the bow and Pic 4 is the stern..  The planks are 1/16" x 1//8" and are easy to work with.  The kit recommends pre-bending the planks which I did only at the stern.  I consider the side planks to consist of the sheer plank and the next 5 down.  The first two needed no pre-twisting at the stern but the 3rd plank needed to be twisted 90 degrees over about 2".  Each additional plank was twisted over a length longer by the spacing of the bulkheads.  So the first was the tightest and they get progressively less tight as you proceed down although all need a full 90 degree twist. .  I didn't pre-bend at the bow at all, I just glued a few bulkheads at a time.  btw I use medium CA glue for most EVERYTHING.  I didn't follow normal practice of setting each plank on both port and starboard.  The bullhead/keel construction is so strong that I completed 3 strakes on one side and then did the corresponding 3 strakes on the opposite side.  I left 3 bulkhead spaces between butt joints in adjacent planks. I left 4 planks between 2 butt joints on the same bulkhead.  None of this matters much on such a strong structure but it felt good to follow a sort of normal procedure.

The 7 bilge strakes will come next.