Dave Wooley wrote:
Hi Andrew the Master of scratch building ARH covers the whole subject of building and prepearing a plank on frame hull at the top of the board in a Sticky , very useful information .
A few years back I built the hull for the Russian armoured cruiser Rurik2 . Here is a slightly different approach , the method used was plank on frame using lime strip . Each edge was splayed and bonded with extramite a waterproof wood glue as such the joints where a tight fit . When sanded down the surface only required a coat of varnish sealer. No GRP no resin and no copious amounts of fillers , Like those built by ARH the Rurik hull is light and very strong.
Hope this helps .
Dave Wooley
Thanks Dave,
I really look forward to your comment and assistance.
I have read the build threads you mentioned a few times now, they are very helpful and informative. There are a couple of good instructive threads on Model Mayhem as well.
My "planks" are ripped from 3mm ply sheets using a band saw, so the quality of the edges is not perfect.
I also made a mistake with the early planks in that I did not glue them along the entire edge. The majority of them are glued now. I used an exterior PVA wood glue.
The hull, even at this early stage, feels nice and strong, solid and is now very straight. I am especially pleased with the complex curves around the foot of the ship and the transition into the sonar dome.
Some of my planks are a little more "clinker" looking than absolutely flush, so I will have a bit of work to do with the sand paper, just therapeutic work......
I am sure I will get better with practice
I have also learned the importance of accurate frames. I think I must have undercut a couple as I have a hollow or two on the underside of the hull near the bilge curves. I have to learn to be a little more accurate, go a little slower with my work and check more rigorously.
I will definitely use a fiberglass mat and resin on the inside of the hull. I will need it for waterproofing at the very least. Once that is done, I will work on the exterior finish with sandpaper then decide on the final finish when I can assess how things are looking.
Bottom line, I am really enjoying this whole experience and I am so pleased I embarked on the task, even as a rank beginner. I have not worked a piece of wood since I left 1st year Penketh and Sankey Secondary Modern school in the UK many many years ago. I am also enjoying the camaraderie and sense of belonging that one develops on this and other forums. Thanks all.
For those reading who are considering taking the plunge, do it! a self built hull is so satisfying. I have learned that wood is a "forgiving" material and you soon learn "tricks" to fix your inevitable mistakes.
I can't wait to "launch" her into the fitting out phase, hopefully by the end of November, real job permitting.
Thanks a lot for all the support guys, especially Dave. Please keep the comments coming (but not too harsh, I am very sensitive and shy
), I need all the help I can get.
Andrew