In this update, i built up what will become the stern gallery. Straight forward enough, just adding the supports and the end panel.

Next, the instructions ask that you add supports for the lower deck. These seemed a bit flimsy to me, so i used a few of the offcuts from where the hull formers came out of the ply sheet. These, i judged to be the right thickness - thick enough to offer bettere support to the deck, but not so thick that they interfere with the mast when installed. It is essential that these supports are at a right angle to the false keel, otherwise there are going to be problems when installing the deck itself. I used a set square for the first support, then a straight edge for the second. Seemed to work out ok

Another deviation was to install the lower deck before planking. No other reason than for personal preference. My thinking being this way you can ensure better fit of the deck.

Started laying the first planks. I don't know if i will be using the caulking and trenail effect, as i fancy leaving it clean. Will make final decision once fitted and sanded. The pins are there just to help butt them up against each other until the glue dries.

Thanks Del. If you’d have seen the supplied supports. I think you would have done the same. They are barely thicker than the decking planks

Regards Gray

A small update - that took a long while to do!
Finished fitting all the planks, and sanded them down. As this deck isn't seen very well, i thought i'd try a few things out on it. To simulate the caulking, i used a pencel along the joints lengthways. Then i scored the joints across the grain with a craft knife. The trennails were made with a drawing pin.
I then gave it a couple of coats of Danish Oil to bring out the grain and emphesize the trenails and caulking.
I’m not altogether convinced with the result as to my eyes it seems a bit.....cluttered? I also like the bare look that can be seen in Jack Aubrey’s diary.
Will sleep on it before I decide, as easily stripped back if I decide against.

Very nice work Gray.
As you say, rather be safe than sorry with the extra deck supports if they look flimsy.
Well done.
Chris

Looking very nice Gray.

Mark

Looking well Gray. My HMS Surprise was done in tanganyka planks then oiled with Antique oil and look a really nice colour. I will use it again on another ship when I get round to building one lol.

https://forum.model-spac...s&m=12308#post12308

Chris

That's quite an ingenious use of the build jig Gray and very well thought out too..... One for the memory bank I think..... Well done.....

Regards

Alan

Thanks for looking in guys. Comments much appreciated

@Chris, that Tanganyka does look well with just the oil on, and would make a nice contrast in colour to the planking. Food for thought

@Kev, the jury is still out on the deck colour. I'm not sure if i like it enough to do the main deck with it. As mentioned, the Tanganyka looks well too.
The cutting tool is just an amalgamation of two pieces of equipment that i owned. 'The mother of invention', and all that

@Alan, i'm sure a man of your skills has many of these little tips and tricks up your sleeve , but it was late at night and i needed the jig NOW, so married the two pieces of equipment together. Have to say it works surprisingly well.

@Goddo (Chris), If you're intending to build many wooden ships, i beleive this Professional Building Slip by Hobbyzone is the one to own. Yes it's bulky, takes up masses of room, but it's also very adaptable. There isn't many ship skeletons it cannot handle, makes for easy fitting of frames, and the model can be held securely and rotated to help when planking the hull.

If anyone is inteested in knowing more about these build jigs, JamesH did a review of it here, for Model Ship World (hope i'm not breaking any copyright here ), : https://modelshipworld.c...uilding-slip-hobbyzone/

Regards Gray

Thanks for looking in John Appreciate the comments. The judge is not cheap, but very versatile
More updates shortly

Regards Gray

Now that does look a lot more authentic Gray, excellent work..... .. Little tip for you... I tried using a knife as you did but found I ended up cutting into the strips. I use an awl or scribe.. When the planks are fitted, set a ruler along the edge of the plank and run the awl along the caulking line. Gives a slight indentation rather than a score, then run the pencil along the line... gives a nice neat finish.....

Regards

Alan