Deck planking

[Charlie pal]

Hello all, hope all are well and warm and safe

    I have built about 5 model ships…when I began to apply deck planking,on some ships I drew

a line down the center of the false deck and began planking on each side of that line. On other ships I placed one long “king plank” in the center of the false deck and planked on each side of that. What is the correct way?

    Another question if I may, When do you use a rabbet and how is it done?
….thank you…..Charlie P

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

There is no correct way.  If you were to look at the planking across 4 centuries, you ultimately come to the conclusion that planking for every ship is unique.  Even sister ships have similarities, but the sizes of wood planks available dictates.  There are some standard patterns, but these are never strictly followed.  17th Century ships often have little or no pattern, e.g. Vasa below.  Even the width of planks could vary.  If you stick with late 18th or 19th century vessels, you MAY find information as to the pattern used on your ship of interest, such as the pattern used.   If you post the name of the ship you are building, someone on the forum may be able to provide some information on the planking pattern, if it even exists.  Beyond that, you have to guess.

 

[druxey]

One general rule of thumb: Straight regular width lines of planking only came in once powered sawmills were in use.