I have started to build this model following some builds that are already in progress.
I have finished the first planking, and following their advice, am doing the deck planking next.
As a beginner I will be making many mistakes but am happy to get constructive criticism.
I will try and do a build log and hopefully work out how to insert some photographs.

Looks like you're doing a very nice job there Xander and I look forward to seeing more....

This link may help you get round the posting of pics issue.....

http://forum.model-space....aspx?g=posts&t=244

Hope it helps..

Regards

Alan

Yes!!
seems to have worked.
Will post more when some progress has been made.

Looks very neat so far Xander.Keep those pictures coming as you continue the build

Carl

Its a cracking little kit enjoy

Jase

Welcome to the forum Xander

Hope you enjoy building the Sultan and keep the updates coming.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

thanks for your kind comments.
i have now planked the deck and having looked at other build logs have done this before the hull's second planking.
When the hull is finally planked the instructions say to sand it and then varnish.
Would it be better to give it a coat of tung oil before varnishing and how many coats of varnish should be applied?
Thanks for your help
Xander

Oil and varnish does not sound like a good mix to me.

Oil can help to bring out the colour of some woods but on some plain types you will not see much difference. Oil tends to work well on harder woods such as walnut.

Varnish again can enhance the finish of wood and is designed to dry evenly which with oil can be more difficult (just think about artists with oil paints versus acrylics).

Trying to varnish over oil could cause you some issues if the oil has not dried out long and well. The varnish if it drys could seal in moisture that will cause problems later on.

The other point to think about is that most glues will work on a varnished finish but mot always as well on an oiled finish.

My advice would be to go for one or other but not both.

just to update my progress.
Have now put a second planking on the hull.
Have also fitted the side gunwale covers so far only on one side of the hull. Then read further on they have to be stained and so I stained them with Tamiya Nato Brown stain.I think it would have been better if they had been stained prior to fitting them and that is what I am going to do on the other side of the hull.
Like Alan I too found the 1.5 x 3 mm walnut battens too narrow for the gunwale covers on the bow and stern and so i purchased some 1.5 x 4mm battens. However every time i tried to shape them the walnut kept splitting along its length and after many failed attempts i gave up. Instead i fitted the gunwale covers in sections which is not ideal but it was the only method i could find. I will try again when i do the other side of the hull but am not optimistic of any improvement.
A couple of pictures to show what I've done.