First build-Katy of Norfolk

J

Jeff5115

Joined
May 8, 2020
Messages
12
Points
58

Location
The Villages, Florida
Over 30 years ago I tried to build a Plank on Frame model. I failed miserably and gave up. I am now attempting to build a model once again. A big difference now is the information available on the internet and sites like SOS. I started my build before discovering this web site so I have some catching up to do to get to where I am currently at in the build. So here goes.

I chose the Model Katy of Norfolk from Model Shipways. My research indicated it was a good beginner model. It is a solid hull model which I thought would be a good starting ship and let me avoid the challenge of planking. These are the pictures of the hull as it comes from the vendor.

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I purchased a solid wood hull model thinking it would be an easier model, to begin with instead of a POF ship. I realize now that a solid hull model presents its own set of challenges as well. This model comes with a cockpit area that is only partially machined out. As a beginner, I did not have many shipbuilding tools and I did not have a set of chisels. I used a No 11 blade to carve the cockpit out. The bulwarks also needed to be thinned down. Unfortunately, I made an error and carved out too much material from the cockpit. I built the cockpit area back to the proper height with wood filler.

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The next challenge was to drill the mast holes. This again created a challenge for me. With only a hand drill it was difficult to get the correct angles for the masts even though I made a simple jig. The drill walked on me causing the foremast to be drilled off center. I filled the foremast hole with wood glue and toothpicks and re-drilled

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Hello, Jeff. Drilling the hole in the wood shouldn't be a challenge. If you need to drill the large hole (for the mast, as the example). First, drill a hole with a small drill bit controlling the angle and center. The next time, use a slightly bigger drill bit. This way you are in control for both: center and angle. ;)
 
Next I planked the deck and glued down the covering boards. I wasn't sure how to cut out the scuppers so I purchased some thumb drills and drilled holes and then cut out the scuppers using the drill holes as my guide. Not sure if there is a better way to do this. Next the bulwark stanchions, cap rails, side sheer molding, wale, and rudder were attached and painted. Now on to the deck furniture.

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Your work with this very special kit is looking very good - Will follow with big interest :cool:
 
Looks like your progressing slowly by steady. That is best way.

Remember one of best features of build logs on forums is to show a problem and ask for help, many others may know a better way to get a tasking done you haven't thought of.
 
You are spot on target with your model. Nice work! The problems you encountered are common and wood filler cures all! I have done the same on past models. The nice thing about wood is just what you are doing...fixing and finishing. As you see applying the finish planking begins to cover the rough base of the solid hull. So nice work...you are doing great!
 
danielsje said:
You are spot on target with your model. Nice work! The problems you encountered are common and wood filler cures all! I have done the same on past models. The nice thing about wood is just what you are doing...fixing and finishing. As you see applying the finish planking begins to cover the rough base of the solid hull. So nice work...you are doing great!
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Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes I feel like my mistakes are so glaring. I am just too critical. Hard part for me is the plans and instructions are lacking and there is no previous build log so I am struggling.
 
On my first build the Phantom, was also a solid hull with a lot of cleanup on milling.

For Bulwarks my mentor said cut them off, level with deck and then he taught me how to replace them with strips of wood later when deck was done. That way you have nice even thickness and plenty of room to get good deck sanding.
 
Jeff5115 said:
Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes I feel like my mistakes are so glaring. I am just too critical. Hard part for me is the plans and instructions are lacking and there is no previous build log so I am struggling.
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Sounds like you set yourself a hard one! You're looking fine, and like all of us you're learning how to do things and even more, rectify mistakes.
Will look forward to seeing her finished
Ted
 
All of the metal fittings and the deck furniture have been placed on the deck. I had to rely mostly on the plans because the instructions did not have much detail. Made me very nervous but in the end I think I got everything placed correctly. Both the companionway and the skylight were scratch built using the plans. They look just OK to me. Since this is a learning experience I am glad I am learning how to use plans and hopefully my build skills are improving.unnamed.jpg
 
Jeff5115 said:
Over 30 years ago I tried to build a Plank on Frame model. I failed miserably and gave up. I am now attempting to build a model once again. A big difference now is the information available on the internet and sites like SOS. I started my build before discovering this web site so I have some catching up to do to get to where I am currently at in the build. So here goes.

I chose the Model Katy of Norfolk from Model Shipways. My research indicated it was a good beginner model. It is a solid hull model which I thought would be a good starting ship and let me avoid the challenge of planking. These are the pictures of the hull as it comes from the vendor.
Click to expand...
Hallo @Jeff5115
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake
Did you finish the works on your pilot boat?
 
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