Billings Boats Henriette Marie

So the Henriette Marie from Billings Boats is marketed as an advanced beginner level kit. It introduces basic plank on frame, but thankfully most sins can be hidden as the hull is sanded and painted when complete.

I didn't want a huge model to start with as I feared being overwhelmed by a project that couldn't be completed. This is the ideal size for me, she's a French pilot cutter with basic rig that will allow me to learn the ropes and, hopefully, end up with a nice model at the end.

The decking is down and I'm progressing slowly with the planking just doing an hour each evening.

I've not delved into the black art of planking yet, but decided to purchase Model Shipways shipwright series to hopefully help develop my skills so I can attack more complex models.

Any constructive criticism is welcome, hope you enjoy the images thus far and I'll hopefully be adding to this as the build progresses.

Mike

I've come back to this build in the last few months and things are moving along. The hull is awaiting a few last fittings and the mast and booms are almost complete.

I've been experimenting with sails. I was unsure initially whether to stitch them or opt for fine pencil lines. I think I've decided in the end to go for the latter so the sails won't look too clumsy.