A very neat and tidy build.
TIS

Thanks Gents!

@Glenn: I'm humbled, thanks for your vote of confidence! My only trick is to listen to the experts, and based on that I've adopted the following as a building philosophy:

> Measure twice, cut once (Read the instructions twice, look at the official build dairy and the build dairies of the experts, then execute once)
> It is not a race, so take your time and check your work
> Since the monetary value of the model is significant, I'm going to invest an equal amount of time to make it worthwhile

For the planking itself:
> I only do a couple of planks (1 layer, maybe 2) per evening
> To make the planks fit nicely, do not skip the chamfering of the edges.
> Ensure that you clean up any glue that gets onto the top of the edges (It's easier to clean up as you work than afterwards)

Hi Stefan
Good job, looking superb, clean and orderly. Well done.

Thanks Gentlemen, I'm honored!

As I have now run out of gun-port framing planks the job of planking the lower hull has started. To protect the model (and hopefully make my life a little easier) I've built a little jig to hold the upside down model in place.

8mm dowels to fit the rear & middle mast-holes. A couple of strips of non-slip rubber matting protects the surface of the lower deck and keeps the model stable

Thanks Darron!

Below some pictures of my progress. I have to admit, this is quite difficult!

The first 3 levels below the waterline (-1, -2 and -3) Fitting the first dropper-plank :o




There is a big gap between planks 0 (first plank laid) and -1 around the start of the bow which is fortunately not propagating. As I'm going to be painting I'll fill this up with a piece of wood and sand it down




Pic from the bow with the 2nd dropper (levels -4 & -5) as well as level -6 fitted. I found cutting a "V" into the end of the dropper helped by 'pushing' the shaped planks that follows on from it into place (if this makes any sense)
Pic here shows the 2nd dropper on the starboard side (Ship is upside down & bow is on the right of the pic)




Dropper 2 on the Port side




The rest of the planking, waiting for the stern planking to get done before progressing further

Stefen
Shes coming along really nice now. Nice neat plaking you have there, keep up the good work.
Foz

Hi Stefan, great job with the stand. It will help to protect the planks.

I can see you've made great start with lower hull mate. Looking really good. Just don't rush and take it easy.
Well done

Thanks for your comments Timm, I really want the guys on the forum to look at my build with a critical eye so I have the best result possible.

I had a look at all the planking last night and I think it is just the photo that makes it looks like there is noticeable klinkering(?).

The actual gap on the planks is no more than 0.1mm (except for the one piece where it is a plank-width). I have stuck another plank on this section and will sand it down to get a smooth effect.

I can't see the pictures in the link clearly without registering - and my german is too poor to do so.

Well done Slowly dos it, It really looks good you will get there