The Ship Model Forum

Totally insane I know but I was hoping that someone might take some time to offer some advice.

I am leaning towards my next project to be something insane but right from the start I need help as I have not actually designed a hull before.

For a 3.6m 1/48 Ticinderoga Class ship, how many frames would you recommend so as to keep the smooth curving lines on such a hull.

What thickness wood should I use for theses frames?

For the planks, How thick would these be and what width (Ie vertical height stacked up the hull) whould you recommend?

I really should behave but I am hopefully about to start something that I have wanted for a long time,

Thanks again

Dennis

As a start I have kicked this one off.

Regards
Dennis

Hi Dennis That's a big model but I would say 25 frames would be enough. Also depends on the material for covering the frames. What thickness of frames have you in mind?
Dave Wooley

I would go with a frame spacing at each 10 centimetres ( +/- 4 inches), with a 3 to 4 mm plywood (3/24, or 0.125 if those sizes do exist in the imperial system) thick skin. Fiberglassing the hull aftermath is an option, but I wouldn't do it.

remember: the lesser the frames, the thicker the planking

Regards,

Laurent

Thanks to you both for the input.

I had intended to use 10mm Plywood frames with 2mm thick ply planks. Resin and glass fibre on top of that.

Not enough?

Regards
Dennis

HiDennis 10mm should be fine .I usually cover with 3mm lime strip at 1:96 but for 1:48 you might have to consider a more substancial thickness.
Dave Wooley

Thanks Dave,

What width would you recommend and I was also thinking 5mm balsa for the planking.

Genuinely, thanks for the input.

Dennis.