Hi all,
Firstly I have no intention of saying this all my own work, all I have done is look at people`s ideas added a few of mine and put together a system that works for me. So if you see something that you have already posted please don`t be offended take it as a compliment .

So here we go:
A list of required items, most of which you will already have for your modelling or round abouts.

Deck Planking
Black art paper (A4 size adequate-90gsm thickness from stationers)
Dark oak stain (tree nailing)
Natural oak stain (deck colour)
Miniature drill (0.4mm)
Craft knife
Steel ruler
PVA glue (slightly watered down)
Fine art brush (I used size 00)
Old polystyrene packing
Masking tape

Method:
Firstly you need to determine the size of planks required, this will vary from model to model, but for the SOTS I highly recommend a look at Gandales excellent build diary from page 16 (WTG Gandale) .
Having cut some planks to the correct size drill two holes in each end of them. I done this with a 0.4mm drill bit whilst holding the plank on to some polystyrene, it stopped planks splitting or breaking. I also passed the drill through from both sides so as to aid the flow of dye for the tree nailing.Pic 1


With a selection of planks cut and drilled I used the dark oak stain to produce the tree nailing, I used the fine brush with the bristles across the plank and rolled the brush just over the holes. I found the stain penetration into the holes worked much better this way rather than the usual brushing method.( Use a piece of tissue to soak up excess dye to prevent leaching).
Next you need to cut some very thin strips of the black paper.(new blade time).Pic 2


Now sticking thin paper to thin wood is work. So I used the following method with masking tape.
Stick one end to the board, flatten and stretch the strip out carefully and stick down other end.Pic 3


I then very slightly watered down some PVA to assist adhesion between wood and paper. This was then brushed along the appropriate edge of the plank which was then placed on the paper strip. (Make sure the side of the plank to be the top is as close to the edge of the paper strip as possible).Pic 4


You can now cut one end of the paper flush to the end of the plank and cut the other end leaving enough paper strip to cover the end.( Which way round you cut the strip depends on which way the plank will be laid). Now brush PVA on the plank end and stick the paper to it.Trim when dry.

When you have marked up the deck to be planked you can stick down the planking. the deck is stained natural oak.Here is a test plate I have produced, please note: as this is for demonstration purposes only it has not been sanded or varnished, you will notice some high spots of paper above the deck planks.Pic 5


Well that`s all folks, feel free to comment my shoulders are broad

Regards
Delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Derek, very impressive tutorial there and love the little modifications you have made to the way I do my planking, especially the treenailing.... I didn't find it to much of a problem gluing the black strips in place when the planks were in situ but think I will try your method of using masking tape... Think it's always a good thing to learn new methods anyway... Haven't stained my deck yet, that is still to come but will give some thought to staining the planks before fitting to the deck.... Again well done m8, look forward to seeing a your completed deck, think it will look the biz....

Regards

Alan

Very true Derek, we just have to watch the mighty oaks don't topple over...

Regards

Alan