26-FEB-2012
Yet another view of the model after completing the Freeboard Planking
(It is a milestone so three pictures at this stage is probably OK :) )
26-FEB-2012
Freeboard Planking complete
Another view down the side of the ship of the completed Freeboard planking.
Have meanwhile been doing some research on planking and studying other web based build logs and am going to do the lower hull planking different to that proposed by the building instructions. (Although saying their are guidelines for planking in the instructions is somewhat of a stretch - it effectively says "Plank the lower hull" with some pictures).
I am going to follow the techniques outlined in "Simple Hull Planking Techniques for Beginners" compiled by Dirk Bakker, Greg Booker & Dave Rogers. I downloaded it from the web ("Model Ship Forum" ?)
26-FEB-2012
Shapely Curves
Freeboard planking (finally) done. I'm satisfied with the way it looks after sanding. A couple of places where the planks were forced across its width and the resultant clinker appearance sanded down - but it turned out OK.
25-FEB-2012
One can never have too many clamps
19-FEB-2012
Gunports framed - Stern freedoard planking done
The Surprise moved into dry-dock again over the weekend after more than 6 month hiatus. I completed framing the gun ports and completed the stern upper planking. Bow upper planking still to follow and then planking the hull...
16-JUN-2011
Gunports in Progress
Composite of cutting and framing the gunports.
Much 'psyching up' needed before taking a hobby knife to the planking that is so nicely shaped.
Inching forward we are... :)
28-MAY-2011
Initial Sanding done
Now I need to take a knife to the model and cut the gunports...
give me strength... :)
22-MAY-2011
Freeboard planking up to main deck level done...
Pleased with progress. Sanding required now, gun ports to be cut into hull next...
21-MAY-2011
One can never have enough clamps...
The first image shows the 3rd attempt at getting those first two strakes down such that it is symmetrical with the port side...
Total time spent on freeboard and inner planking up to main deck level is estimated to be ~18hr.
18-MAY-2011
Done with the one side, starting starboard...
Decided to do full length inner hull planking. Will probably regret that when it comes to cutting the gunports.
15-MAY-2011
Closer view of port planking
15-MAY-2011
Day 2 - hull planking
I estimate it took about 7hr of hull planking to get to this point. The planking pattern in the bow is not too authentic and I'm (just ever so slightly) forcing the strakes to stay down across the bow to prevent a steep upward curve. This is forcing small stepped joints over the bow which I will be sanding down some weeks down the line.