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Many plank-on-frame ship builds advocate construction without the use of brass pins planking pins. One example of this was very much brought home to me when constructing the Panart HMS Victory launch. Some instructions (and modellers), avoid the use of planking pins especially when the hull is single planked and the desire is to maintain a natural wood finish without leaving unsightly pin holes. Another reason could be that pins are not used during the first planking where there are visible pins used through second planking (unless you extract the first planking pins before fitting the second planking so as to avoid striking the same pin in the bulkhead), the ModelSpace Vasa is one such kit which has ‘visible’ pins on show which are fitted through the second planking. This topic is designed to give ship modellers an insight into alternatives available to assist in the fixing of planks without pins. The first item shown below, is a planking clamp set manufactured by Model Shipways. The 6 clamp kit is made from very durable laser cut ply and a little time is required to initially assemble each clamp. The clamps are designed for use with 5mm thick bulkheads or thicker. I purchased two sets and with one set I added packing pieces into the jaws so that each clamp can be used on 4mm bulkheads which many Partwork ship kits use, (you can of course temporarily add packing pieces into the jaws rather than gluing the packing peices). The advantage of this type of clamp, is that unlike clamps that screw into the bulkheads as a means to secure the clamps, this clamp, clamps onto the bulkhead as the means to secure the clamp, therefore does not weaken the bulkhead by the holes left behind with the screw type of planking clamp. The Model Shipways planking clamp kit is available here: https://www.alwayshobbie...lamps-$9-set-of-6-mx104
Regards Alan Gandale attached the following image(s):
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An alternative to the above is manufacturer by Amati, who recently introduced a set of 12 planking clamps based on a modified bulldog clip. This planking clamp kit contains 12 clamps and 14 brass plates (2 spare plates). The additional advantage of this clamp set is that it automatically caters for up to 6mm thick bulkheads without need of packing peices as noted for the Model Shipways version. However, the clips are quite long and will therefore need more free space to attach onto the bulkead, where as the Shipways version has a much smaller length and therefore a improved clamping space. Amati have produced a nice video of their planking set: http://www.amatimodel.co...u-know-the-amati-clamps
The clamp set is reasonably priced and can be found here: http://www.snmodels.com/...-for-modeling/clamp-set
Regards Alan Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Ship modellers may have previously seen or used the screw type planking clamps. These clamps actually screw into the bulkhead to secure the clamp, there are metal and plastic versions available but I don't believe they are as durable as the non screw type of clamp on anything less than 6mm bulkheads. The main disadvantage is that the clamps are screwed into each bulkhead and each time the clamp is reset it leaves a small hole in the bulkhead which can weaken each bulkhead if it is under 5mm thick, thereby possibly weakening the hull structure. The additional disadvantage with the plastic type of screw clamp is that the plastic can flex and the clamp not grip the plank as well as the metal version. The metal screw planking clamps are available here: https://www.micromark.com/Planking-Clamps-10
Regards Alan Gandale attached the following image(s):
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Another method is to use Map pins which are one of my favourite items for securing planks, especially in tight places where the fitting of a planking clamp is difficult or impossible. The map pin is inserted into the bulkhead very close to the plank edge but not into the plank itself, the pin and base of the plastic pin head keeps the plank tight against its neighbour. A word of caution however, be very careful using your thumb to push the pin in place as there is risk that pin shaft could through the plastic pin head and into your thumb. I prefer to insert map pins using a pair of pliers. Also beware that sometimes when pulling them out it can remove just the plastic head leaving the pin in the bulkhead.....buying good quality map pins may alleviate this and also bead-head modelling pins are useful in tighter situations as are modellers T-pins. Regards Alan Gandale attached the following image(s):
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 Rank: Vice-Master    Groups: Registered
Joined: 26/05/2014 Posts: 912 Points: 2,773 Location: East Sussex UK
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A very informative article Alan, thank you. Building: DelPrado HMS Victory. Building: DeAgostini Sovereign Of The Seas.
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 Rank: Superelite    Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/05/2010 Posts: 2,608 Points: 7,519 Location: Lincolnshire
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Excellent article Alan, just the kind of information needed 
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Thanks Gibbo & Gray, appreciated.... .. If this type of post helps the newer members to our hobby then the aricle has achieved its aim.... .. Am sure other articles will appear over time..... Regards Alan
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 Rank: Pro Groups: Registered
Joined: 30/08/2012 Posts: 336 Points: 857 Location: London
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I like using the map pins with the flat head to secure planks. That advantage being that they can be gently tapped in with a small cross pain hammer.
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Rank: Administration    Groups: Registered, Forum Support Team, Administrators, Global Forum Support Team, Moderator, Official Builds Joined: 09/11/2012 Posts: 8,285 Points: 23,943 Location: East midlands
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Hi All,  Should you`re preference be the clamps shown in post #2 then take a look at the link below. You get more clamps for less money. The clamps shown in the link can be purchased in most stores with a stationary department or on flea bay but watch out for p+p if bought on-line. http://forum.model-space...aspx?g=posts&t=8502
Regards delboy271155 (Derek) COME BACK GUY FAWKES "YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU"
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Rank: Pro Groups: Registered
Joined: 23/09/2009 Posts: 138 Points: 422 Location: Surrey
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Gandale wrote:Ship modellers may have previously seen or used the screw type planking clamps. These clamps actually screw into the bulkhead to secure the clamp, there are metal and plastic versions available but I don't believe they are as durable as the non screw type of clamp on anything less than 6mm bulkheads. The main disadvantage is that the clamps are screwed into each bulkhead and each time the clamp is reset it leaves a small hole in the bulkhead which can weaken each bulkhead if it is under 5mm thick, thereby possibly weakening the hull structure. The additional disadvantage with the plastic type of screw clamp is that the plastic can flex and the clamp not grip the plank as well as the metal version. The metal screw planking clamps are available here: https://www.micromark.com/Planking-Clamps-10
Regards Alan I had a plastic version of these clamps. While the design is great, the quality was terrible. I can't remember where I got them, but frankly, avoid the plastic ones! The metal ones seem a much better choice. You can use them in thinner bulkheads providing you drill a pilot hole. The disadvantage of all these planks is that you can only do one row of planks then have to let the glue dry before you can progress. They do make it easier to position the planks accurately though.
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