Build log: Art Lat Trinidad

Day one, unboxing. The package arrived in good condition, well packaged and in good time coming from Spain I assume, to Washington State. Right away had an issue downloading the pdf file and emailed Art Lat and they responded shortly even on the weekend. I will begin it after the holiday. They also gave me a hobby knife. I have one question regarding the log. The next time I make an entry do I attach it to the end of this or just post a thread with the same title? Thank you.

You add it to the end of this thread.

Here is the second installation of my log, days 2 to 15. I have completed the first section of the Trinidad. It was pretty easy to follow the instructions, however, having not build an Art Lat model not familiar with their instructions, which are a lot of pictures, no words, and a glossary of terms, took me a few minor glitches to slow down and examine the pictures carefully.

At day 25 I have completed most of the frame and the planking on the lower deck. The lower deck I made a template from some thin card stock to place the planks down. The planks were given one coat of watco clear oil, one coat Watco dark walnut, several coats of Tamiya thinner and clear orange and clear yellow in a ration of 2:1:1, and several coats of Art. Lat. varnish. The next step will be to complete the deck grating covers, I am sure there is a better term for them. The framing went well although I need to be very diligent with the instructions which are just pictures.

Your work looks good so far, and as you said look at the photos in book, and look ahead, as it often helps to see a step later in the model of how it looks when done.

As for reading instructions, we are guys and we don't need no stinking instructions...ha ha.

Have fun and if you run into a problem, just just post some photos here and the fine members will try to give you an answer or suggestions on how to overcome the issues.

Robertk said:

Day one, unboxing. The package arrived in good condition, well packaged and in good time coming from Spain I assume, to Washington State. Right away had an issue downloading the pdf file and emailed Art Lat and they responded shortly even on the weekend. I will begin it after the holiday. They also gave me a hobby knife. I have one question regarding the log. The next time I make an entry do I attach it to the end of this or just post a thread with the same title? Thank you.

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Bugger….I bought the same but no bottle of whiskey in mine….

From day 26 to 32 completed the upper deck and as before I made a template of card stock, to support the deck which worked okay, just had to make sure that the ends by the bulkhead were secured properly. Finished the deck as before with stain and paint and varnish. Any future builds I would look for an alternative way of indicating the butt end of deck planks and treenails. My method looks out of scale. The hull was faired and now the planking begins. I ordered a new chopping slicing and dicing tool the Ultimation and awaiting it. My previous tool was a Micro Mark chopper which did not cut very square. Will be taking a break to find warmer weather. And upon my return continue finishing up the Endurance which I am awaiting more rope which is currently unavailable right now.

Days 37 to 47. Now that the Endurance is completed but for the display case which will take place in a few months, I am able to put full attention on the Trinidad. About 1/3 of the hull planking is complete and some exterior wall on the deck completed. I have to come up with a way to eventually mount this on a stand before the hull is closed in. With spring and summer here, I will have less time to build but try to post every two weeks or so. Thanks for viewing.

About two weeks since my last post and I have continued with mostly planking. I am about half way done with the hull. I did some scoping with wood scrapers to try and even out where planks were not flush and then sanding. But I can see from the photos that there is more work to be done to it. It seems that a picture doesn't hide anything. I seem to always have problems with the transom.