Rattlesnake by JPett - Model Shipways - Scale 1/64th - Kit #MS2028

[JPett]

 Static: Rattlesnake 1780 (Model Shipways MS2028) 1:64

 

Note: The first section of this log is a repost originally created in 2012
 

First, I would like to thank all of those who have taken the time to create or re-create thier logs on Model Ship World. Your efforts have been invaluable to me and I am sure will be to many others.
 

Thank You All

 

As for my story: I purchased the Model Shipways Rattlesnake kit around five years ago from a local hobby store. After assembling the false keel, I realized the magnitude of this endeavor and decided it best postponed for another day. The box sat on my shelf until recently when I found the Model Ship World forums. This is where I discovered the build logs, like great sagas, some taking years to complete, they inspired me, renewing my interest in ship modeling and giving me the confidence to restart this project.

 

Kit Review/Preview:

 

According to the manufacturers website http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MS2028

 

The kit is an Intermediate Level build. Originally, a solid hull kit, it was converted to plank on bulkhead with updated instructions in 1994 by Ben Lankford. The rigging, hull details, and original kit were done in 1963 by George F. Campbell based on Admiralty draughts and an earlier reconstruction published by Howard L Chapelle. The manual is informative and judging by comments posted regarding other manufacturer’s attempts, seems to be above average. It is not however, as clear as some of the other manuals provided by this same manufacturer. All of instructions for the Model Shipways kits sold on the Model Expo site are available for download at no cost. As are some very helpful practicums. These were very useful to me, either clarifying the steps in the manual, or elaborating on tasks in which I have no experience. The parts in the kit are, again to my untrained eye seem to be of good quality. The wood contained in the kit is primarily Basswood and this I am sure is to maintain an affordable initial cost, allowing the builder to add wood upgrades at his own expense, and choosing. Castings seem OK, only requiring minimum cleanup, and a generous supply of additional hardware is included. Two double-sided sheets of plans round out the kit. I picked up some inexpensive wood for the optional second planking and recently purchased a few additional lengths of Cherry plus a sheet of Walnut. Overall, I am very pleased with the product Model Shipways provides.

 

I would like this log to be as open as possible. I will attempt to post pictures, comments, questions, and any information I discover on the way as I have seen others do. I will also try to accommodate any request for additional pictures or responses so please feel free to ask. My goal is to create an atmosphere encouraging feedback, especially those pertaining to any corrections/improvements regarding the methods needed to complete this model. I enjoy writing so I will apologize for my wordiness from the start. My main priority however is to just have fun and enjoy the hobby and this blog. Comments, criticisms, or suggestions, are always welcome and appreciated!
 

Please note that I have very little or no experience in model shipbuilding. I have built some RC aircraft, rockets, and if I can use the phrase “a boatload” of plastic.

 

[JPett]

A brief summary of my build up to its current state

 

 

First the kit was inventoried. I found this very helpful. Seeing each part and the wood gave me a good perspective on the project head.

 

 

After assembling the Center Keel Pieces, the Rabbet was cut. This was a slow and slightly "unnerving" experience for me. I took my time, using a chisel blade to slowly cut into the wood. I found a light very useful to check the thickness of the wood

The bulkheads were installed on the “Center Keel Pieces”. I added the two stringers to better support this assembly for planking.

Edited February 15, 2013 by JPett

[JPett]

After I installed the bulkheads, I found that some did not line up. Minor errors in the kit were exacerbated by my inexperience. Some fell short of the rabbet, others showed gaps when a batten was used to check the contour of the hull. This was easily corrected by the addition of some shims  

[JPett]

The Next step was to fair the hull or as the instructions refer to it as "Shaping the Bulkheads. Needless to say and there was great fun on the forum as I screwed this up in royal fashion.

With a heavy hand and a sanding block I flattened my deck. It took me a while to come up with a fix for this but in the end I found that I could taper strips of wood and glue them on top of the bulkheads to correct the problem. The repair ended up being easy.
 

At this time, I had thought that I did a fairly decent job of fairing the hull. Later in my build, I found this not to be the case. My mistake: Not making sure that battens when placed on the hull contacted each bulkhead and ran the length to the hull following a path similar to the planks. I was new and in a hurry to get to the next step (the real mistake here). In hindsight I should have spent considerably more time on this step.  I ended up spending twice the time correcting my mistakes when I laid out the belts to prepare for planking. One of the nice things about wood is "almost anything is repairable". The only penalty is time.

Edited February 16, 2013 by JPett

[JPett]

The filler blocks were next. I used a scroll saw to first cut out the blocks, finishing them with a carving knife and lots of sandpaper. I found that gluing sand paper to a piece of 1 inch PVC made contouring the curve in the transom much easier.
 

I superimposed scanned images of the plans on pictures of my work using Photoshop to check my work.

[augie]

Glad to see you back JP!

[JPett]

I made up one of the kits cannons to test the gunport heights and installed them along with the oarports

 

I found jigs very useful to keep all the ports the same and in line. I will need to make some small corrections but will wait untill after some planks are installed to do this.

[patrickmil]

You have made it back in no time JP! Glad to see you here again!

[JPett]

After looking at Harold Hahn’s plans I decided I would reduce the width of my Kit supplied transom. “It seems the Rattlesnake may have had an enlarged transom to deceive enemy ships as to her size, Hummm, this never happens in warfare".  I felt this aspect to be slightly overdone on my kit.

 

I heated the Britannia fashion piece in some boiling water and used a clamp to reduce its diameter. I also needed to cut out the windows and will replace these later on in the build. I am hoping to improve my skills before attempting this.

 

After bending the Fashion piece, I decided to replace the trim with wood.

 

To paint the Britannia, I first primed and then using Brass enamel, I painted the whole piece. The blue followed in Acrylic again painting the entire piece. Next, I used Acrylic thinner to expose and clean up the Brass.

Edited March 13, 2013 by JPett

[cog]

You're up to speed. Looking good. Keep it coming!

[JPett]

Ahoy Mates

 

Augie; Glad to be back. This whole mess has reminded me that nothing in this life is a guarantee. If you are fortunate enough to put on your pants, make something of that day.  

 

Patrick: Glad to see you back too.

 

Cog: Welcome aboard: Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

Has anybody seen the emoticons?

[russ]

Good to see your build back online. I am looking forward to more progress.

 

Russ

[Trussben]

Happy to see that you are among the returning faithful.

 

Ben

[JPett]

Ahoy Mates

 

While prepping for planking it was discovered that I had made some more mistakes along the way. It was at this time I considered changing my user name to "redo".  

 

As discussed earlier, I had not properly faired my hull. Using battens as guides, I carefully confirmed the position of the three belts on each side and re-faired my hull. This was a long process and after many posts and much help from the community was finally accomplished. The key here is the battens need to follow the hull contacting each bulkhead. Forcing them to conform is not the answer. Listen to the wood “grasshopper”.

 

In the process I oversanded (ME?) the transom fillers while trying to correct a problem relating to a pair of jeans (It is a long story now lost in cyberspace). Needless to say, I had to add some weight to my honey's hips.

 

To top this off I also under sanded the transom fillers. Yes I under sanded them, while at the same time over sanding them.  The little hands show that the planks would have to make some tough curves had this not been caught. The fillers need to taper so the planks will run into the counter and stern post, not make 90's into them. I understand that brute force and superstition can over come this but sandpaper is much easier ("Sorry" I could not resist).

Edited February 16, 2013 by JPett

[JPett]

Ahoy Mates

 

Trussben: Happy to be back

 

Russ: Always a pleasure to see you aboard

 

Back to the re-work of my log

 

As there is currently no option for those rebuilding there logs to “drop in a post’ HINT, HINT,  I am posting this here which is out of order. This was done around the time of the gunports

 

I used the laser cut "covering boards" to align the Knightheads and Timberheads. I also put my Timberheads on steroids. At first, I thought that I might have overdone the dosage but after breaking the deck supports on all the bow bulkheads of my build during planking. I highly recommend this to anyone following this log “not installing cannons here”.

 

I am also throwing in a pic post "Hip surgery"

Edited February 16, 2013 by JPett

[JPett]

Ahoy, Mates

 

Mark: Welcome aboard and thanks for looking into the emoticons.
 

Back to the build
 

After many hours of playing in the shipyard, the day had finally arrived. I should note that I would not have ever come to this point in my build had it not been for all the help I received here at MSW. Thank you all
 

I carefully took my measurements, checking them multiple times and with great care shaped, bent and installed my first strakes

 

LOL, Then I ripped them off

 

After reviewing my situation and rethinking what I had just done, I re-installed the first strakes.

 

LOL, Then I pulled out the RC heat gun and fudged them around for about an hour.

Edited October 27, 2013 by JPett

[russ]

That first strake looks pretty good. Nice work so far.

 

Russ

[JPett]

Ahoy, Mates

 

After gaining some confidence with my first strakes, I spent the next few weeks, yes weeks filling in my first belt. I ran into some trouble on the stern or "ars end" as I like to call it. I  "again" made some small errors, this time in the layout of the planks and found myself in a bit of a tight situation. After much consideration and help from my friends here on MSW I was able to resolve the issue and move along. The fix was taking a little bit off Strake 3, 4, and 5 to make room for 6. Matching the starboard side will be interesting and I am sure "fun". I have found planking to be very challenging in a good and enjoyable  way.

 

In the pics you can see my temporary counter. I ripped out my first attempt and am hoping this new approach works out.

You can also see some pics showing measurements. These were used so the MSW community could advise me on solutions to the issues at hand.

 

I have also re-re-re-posted my pic showing the Seaminater and concentric pin to show the problem I had at this point.

 

The Seaminater is a wedge that has been painted with CA glue to harden it and prevent the wood glue from adhering it. It has been very useful for planking. The concentric pin is just a pin in a dowel with the hole drilled off center. Insert it and turn it to apply pressure. I now use a piece of wood between it and the plank to disperse the pressure and reduce damage to the plank.

 

This post concludes the 're-post" of my forum and future post should be current. Thank you. I will apologize now for all the edits that will be popping up as I clean up this part of my log.

 

Looking forward to moving ahead.

[patrickmil]

You've pretty much recreated in exact detail your old build log. I think that's fantastic. There was a lot of detail in your progress steps that would help other builders more than the actual instructions. Your planking is looking extraordinarily clean ant tight. It really pays off when you put some real time and effort into it.

[JPett]

Ahoy, Mates

 

 

Patrick: Thanks for the comment. I will continue to upgrade that portion of my log over the next few weeks. I know I will never be able to replace the fun we had but hope to still create something helpful to others. I felt it important considering the past events to get something up ASAP

 

 

Back to the Build

 

With my log now "current" I am back to planking

 

I have completed my first belt, the starboard side is not too far behind. I did start to see some Clinker-planking effects on the bow (see pic). I came in about a 32nd to high on this belt on the bow. The stern and midship were right on. 

 

 I also see that unsanded wood seems to be slightly darker (see Spotting in pic). I hope this will not cause problems when it comes time to stain. I really love the bright white plank on the starboard too. Where did that come from.

With Belt "C" in the horizon the Garboard plank will be my first attempt at Spiling. I have to be honest here; I have no idea what I am trying to do here. To help my brain assimilate this I re-purposed the plank I used as a batten on belt "A" and formed it to the hull where the plank that follows the garboard plank would be. My hope is that this will provide me with a reference as to the shape of the garboard plank.

 

You can also see in the pics that the "ars end of Belt "A" on the Starboard side is nearing completion. I have installed a test piece of the wood I would like to use on the counter. It is Model Expos Mahogany. Unlike any mahogany I have ever seen and very difficult to work at this scale. Looks great though. I also have some concerns regarding where I cut the third strake on the starboard side. Thankfully the counter fashion piece should be able to cover this should it prove a little short.

 

The stern of this ship has proven to be quite a challenge and has lead me to re-evaluate my planking strategy. For this first belt I took all the required measurements but did not transcribe them to the hull. I just used them to cut the planks, rechecking them as I went along. For Belt "C" I will transcribe them to the hull. I can now see how this will give me a better idea of the run of the planks allowing me to make adjustments beforehand which I am sure will be much easier.

 

 

As always, your comments and opinions are welcome and appreciated

Edited February 16, 2013 by JPett

[rdsaplala]

Hello JPett,

 

Just catching up with your Rattlesnake build, she's coming along beautifully, very nice and clean planking there   On the clinkering at the bow, I found that some down-ward edge-bending on the fore portion of the planks after sufficient soaking significantly reduces this problem. 

[Trussben]

Hey JP,

 

Looks like your off and running with the hull planking, VERY nice work up to now.

It would appear that you planking plan is working well - the symetry when looking in 

the picture at the stem is good, If you can keep it within 1/32" you are doing great.

 

Iam now getting auto updated whenever you post on your log so I will be following along.

 

ben

[JPett]

Ahoy, Mates

 

 

rdsaplala: Thanks for stopping by. I do agree that some edge bending is in my horizon. I am hoping to save the full on spiling for my next build.  I have corrected (almost) the issue on the bow plank in my last post with my trusty heat gun. After actually burning a few planks (yes; there is a limit) I found if I applied water during the heating process the planks could be manipulated even more and did not combust. I was able to completely secure the plank on bulkhead "B" but found if I did the same for Belt "A" it had an undesirable effect on the run of the plank. I might cheat and go with a shim there so the next plank butts up.

 

Trussben: Ahoy, I wish I could agree with your statement but after planking belt "A" I have come to the realization that my plan was flawed. I am very happy with the results but have regrouped after reading a link jcoby sent me on the old forum reposted by Chuck on the new. The process was educational but I think I need to move forward,

Link to planking practicum

http://modelshipworldforum.com/resources/Framing_and_Planking/Lining%20Off%20your%20hull%20for%20planking.pdf

 

 

Back to the build

 

I have two more planks to install and Belt "A" Starboard is complete. I will be attempting to edge bend the bow plank and will post some pics once complete (I hope).  On the port side I have relocated the batten between belts "B" and "C" edge bending it on the bow end. I can only assume this will mean the same for all the following planks. As I stated earlier I will be following a new plan and  some pictures should follow shortly for review.

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Edited February 18, 2013 by JPett

[rdsaplala]

I'm pleased to know you've mastered the "dark art" of edge bending, JP Spiling from sheet stock is indeed the best option, but given the narrow planks provided in kits, edge bending will do nicely........ and for a cheapskate like me, it's a great way of reducing timber wastage

[JPett]

Ahoy, Mates

 

Thanks for stoping by

 

An update on my build

 

Belt "A" starboard is now complete. This includes a fix for the "short-cut" on the third strake in the rear and some planks on the counter.

 

I really like the look of the Model Expo mahogany on the counter but would like to warn anybody considering using this product. It is "VERY" difficult to work. Consider 400% for waste. I am hoping to get mine this low. I found to cut it I had to tape both sides with painters tape to prevent splintering (still a 50% failure rate). To form it I used a fine file. Sand paper tore it to pieces. If that isn't enough it is so porous that glue weeps through it everywhere when attaching it. I really like the look so the extra work is worth it. In the pic is my fix (My Cheat) for the bad cut I made on the third strake. (see earlier post). I can see it but once the rudder is installed, it should be barely noticeable.

 

Planking has been a challenge. I have concluded that I need to move the location of the line separating belts "B" and "C". "B" was too narrow at bulkhead "L" and too wide towards the bow. I will also be marking every strake location on the bulkheads and confirming the run of each plank before I proceed. Something I only did on paper with belt "A" and the cause of many issues during planking.

 

I posted a pic of my plank cutting guide, Found the parts at Home Depot in the hardware section, They are used to hold tile and come in 3 different sizes. I bought the medium length. Cost was under two dollars. Works great.

I am considering sanding belt "A" to a 220 grit. My thoughts are that if I oversand (ME?) or cause additional work it will be easier to repair now. I had some issues with the shorter planks not bending at the ends. When I used full length strakes and formed those to the hull the curve of all the planks was consistent. This was not the case when I form individual planks and considerable sanding was required to correct this. I now use longer lengths when making single planks and cut them down to the correct length after forming them. The klinkering effect also required modest sanding to remove.

 

The seam noted in the pics can and will be removed using the concentric pin and RC heat gun.

 

Currently I am trying to get my head around the garboard Strake. I can see that this plank will determine the flow of all the planks right up to belt "A". I am on take 2 and will hopefully have these done for my next post.

 

In the mean time I would greatly appreciate if those with planking experience could review my new belt position and confirm I am not "opening another can of worms"

 

Thank you 

Edited February 19, 2013 by JPett

[russ]

The belt position looks okay, but you will need to make sure by eyeballing it really well from a lot of different angles.

 

Your planking looks good so far. I would not do too much sanding until you have it finished.

 

Russ

[JPett]

Ahoy Russ

 

After the last episode I had with battens I can assure you this one has been "eyeballed"

 

I did have to edge bend it in the bow (see previous post). It was that or deal with the pinch at bulkhead "L". Time will tell if it was the right choice.

[patrickmil]

JP, belt A is looking good and smooth. The position of your next batten looks good too. I also agree with you on mahogany; it looks great but isn't the easiest wood to work with. The counter will look great though.

[russ]

The line of the batten at the bow looks pretty good. So long as you can get the plank ends evened up there that should work fine.

 

Russ

[rdsaplala]

She's looking good, JP, the run of the planks is very nicely done