1/32 Bellona keel

Joined
Oct 7, 2020
Messages
23
Points
38

I am attempting a model of the Bellona, at 1/32 scale, since this is to be a working model, what wood would be best to use for the keel, it will be about 1.4 m long, i live in the UK so sourcing wood is sometimes difficult
 
I am attempting a model of the Bellona, at 1/32 scale, since this is to be a working model, what wood would be best to use for the keel, it will be about 1.4 m long, i live in the UK so sourcing wood is sometimes difficult
Hallo and a warm welcome here on board of our forum.
One Bellona as a RC-model !?! Great idea to make a 74-gunner as working model (I guess it is the 1760 Bellona-class?)
I am not a specialist for RC-models, but I guess it is most important, how you plan to build the hull, in order to decide, which timber should be used for the keel?
Means if the keel is only visible, somehow as a fake, or will be the keel a real part of the structure with taking over forces.....
 
Hi thank you for your quick reply, yes its the 1760 Bellona Class, the Keel will be a part of the structure, plank on frame, the should be more than enough room at that scale for RC. Have just restarted my present project, 1/32 cruiser class brig, i had to stop the project for a few years and when i came back it had formed a a twist in the whole boat, am also redisigning the way i am building it, managed to obtain a large piece of furniture for the origonal, looks very like teak, no twist in it, so i can keep it in one section, eaiser for building and wetting
 
Hi thank you for your quick reply, yes its the 1760 Bellona Class, the Keel will be a part of the structure, plank on frame, the should be more than enough room at that scale for RC. Have just restarted my present project, 1/32 cruiser class brig, i had to stop the project for a few years and when i came back it had formed a a twist in the whole boat, am also redisigning the way i am building it, managed to obtain a large piece of furniture for the origonal, looks very like teak, no twist in it, so i can keep it in one section, eaiser for building and wetting
Welcome aboard Sos, Andy. Why don't you start a build log? This is a very good way to interact with members.
 
progress would be slow, i have a lot on my plate, i am an engineering lecturer and this involves a lot of preperation for lessons, marking assignments etc, and other commitments, but i do like the idea, i will have to think about it
 
From what you describe here the keel structure you need must take on the stress of the build without twist or warp. You would need a very dense hard wood. Oak? Perhaps use a marine plywood to form the keel?
 
Oak sounds good, am used to hand carving using mainly fruit woods, so oak will be interesting, now i just need a supplier in the uk, thanks for your suggestion.
If i use marine ply what would be the best method to seal the keel when it is in water.

No progress this week, still drawing. and so busy preping HNC engineering lesson, and soooo many assignments to mark
 
You might consider soaking the model with the twist in it for a few days and then clamping it and working the twist out of it.
 
its completly stripped down now, rebuilding it and remodelling, but if it happens again good tip, thank you
 
If you use marine ply seal it with water proof marine varnish just like one would use on a full size boat. In fact, even though you are doing a scale model treat the build for salt water just like you would a full size pleasure boat.
 
Have made no progress so far, sooo busy preping and marking student assignments
 
I am attempting a model of the Bellona, at 1/32 scale, since this is to be a working model, what wood would be best to use for the keel, it will be about 1.4 m long, i live in the UK so sourcing wood is sometimes difficult
Hallo @andyt60
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake
Did you solve the problem with the keel in the meantime?
Would like to see once your Bellona.....
 
Still continuing with HMS cruiser class at the moment, setting out frames is going well, work is a bit hectic (still marning assignments lol) so slow progress, investigated a few wood yards near where i live so should be able to get something there
 
Still continuing with HMS cruiser class at the moment, setting out frames is going well, work is a bit hectic (still marning assignments lol) so slow progress, investigated a few wood yards near where i live so should be able to get something there
Hallo @andyt60
we wish you all the BEST and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake

Would like to see once your Bellona..... what is the status in the meantime?
 
Back
Top