Fitted the stern assembly. Issue 16.
For some reason, I found that the half-frames 49 and deck extension 47 didn't fit properly.
When the deck piece was fitted on to the tabs on the ribs - a tight fit - then the ribs splayed out at the bottom by about 1mm.
No way of getting a clamp on those curved areas, so I tied pinning them. That was no use, as putting in pins at the thin bottom tips was splitting the ply and not holding.
The only thing to do was pull it apart, clean off the glue and rethink.
The ribs have to fit properly with a good glue fix, so I decided to fit them where they wanted to go, then modify the deck piece.
The slots in the deck were lengthened outwards, until the fit worked.
Dry-fitting the stern assembly showed me two issues:
1. The assembly moved around a bit on the keel, so I could not be sure it would glue in dead square.
2. There is no way of clamping the reinforcement pieces, to get a tight joint for the glue.
To fix both issues, I used packing, with spare bits of fret.
The average of the thickness required seemed to be about 10 1/2 mm, so I prepared 2 bits of 4mm fret, 2 of 2mm and some squares of card, for each side, then tried equal amounts of each material until the fit was tight.

Thanks Martyn.
I am planking now, so more fun to come...

Thanks again Alan.
The planking has started!!!
Pics to follow but I think this may take some time...

Looking good David.... does this mean you are about to start the planking..... enjoy!!.. .. Looking forward to watching your progress...

Regards

Alan

Stern Planking done.
Now the fun starts
I started with the plank that butts against the keel. The instructions ask for something different - the first plank to be the one at the tips of the frames - but I couldn't be sure of it's exact positioning, due to the two curves of the frames. Not only does the plank have to bend in to the main curve of the frames but also there is a curve in the plank tips.
So, that plank in, I then added four more, then sanded the last one to match the curve of the frame tips, ready for the vertical planking.
My big mistake with the short planks around the keel.... not checking the width of the planks I was using
One of the planks was narrower than normal. I had already pinned in two lengths before noticing that one side was now higher than the other.
I left them in place, as all this will be covered up, but it is a lesson for the future, when I do the final layer which will be visible.
For the final pieces at the top and bottom, I whittled these down with a Stanley knife to the rough shape.
All of the pin-holes were pre-drilled with a 0.6mm bit. To get the positions right I had to hold each plank in to the curve and mark positions with a pencil, then drill the holes with the plank on a worktop, push pins in enough to hold them, then glue and fix.
Then sanding down to shape. The instructions ask for sanding to the profile of rib 27.
Laying a test plank along the sides shows that a lot more needs to be sanded off than that.
I used a sanding stick in line with the aft 3 ribs, so not in line with rib 27 but at an angle corresponding to the rib's profiled edge.
Final sanding will be done as each plank is laid, testing how it affects the shape.
I ended up sanding the top almost vertical for the first two side planks, so they will be in line with the gallery panels above them.

These early stages do seem a bit slow, Alan.
I only have up to issue 17 so far...

Hi David,

I have to agree with Alan, accuracy over speed any day. Believe me, when you get a few more issues on in the build you will have plenty to keep you busy.
Keep up the good work and updates.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Thanks Alan.
I wasn't suggesting that I am slow!
Issue 17 is the latest one that I have, as I started my subscription late.
I am now doing hull planking with what I have, even though my instructions only take me up to the very first strake.
Next month I will get 18, 19, 20 and 21 - more planking!

Thanks Alan
I expect that I will get bogged down a bit with the rest of the planking!
Enough planks now to do five of the top rows - but they are the easy ones.
Next delivery in a week and a half. Then I will have to tackle the planking around the stern.

Coming along nicely David, you will notice subtle differences as you progress with the planking.. Try to be very selective about the planks you are choosing for each side and hopefully that way you will be able to keep the planking looking balanced... .. Keep up the good work...

Regards

Alan