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Bomb Ketch Salamandre 1:48

Nice work Brad - serious compliments as I know how difficult it can be to work with Ebony!!
Happy birthday, Salamander! Looking great, Brad. Lots of work goes into a one-year scratch build!
Chris,

Thanks! Learned a bit about ebony splitting on the first layer! Second will go faster and have much tighter seams.

Paul,

Thanks for the B-day wishes to this young one emerging from her larva stage. In a few more years and she'll be a full grown and recognizable Salamander!!
 
Metal or Wood Treenails???

My original intent was to emulate the beautiful method Tobias used on his "Le Rochefort" (metal above the waterline & wood/metal below).

Fact: The French used metal fasteners above the waterline and a combination of wood/metal below.

Most models of La Salamandre follow this convention.

I may deviate and use wooden treenails above the waterline.

WHY?

1. I believe in actual practice, metal bolts were countersunk and covered with a wood plugs/bungs to prevent corrosion and gouging of piers or ships alongside. This would make them almost invisible on a model.

2. I like how subtle the wood plugs look. The pictures below show the various metal treenails versus the wood plugs in various lighting.

a. Taken in the photo box with extremely uniform light. I think the wood (top) treenails are more aesthetically pleasing/less distracting.

20260425_192710.jpg

b. Taken "perpendicular", in the spot where I plan to display the model.

20260425_192820.jpg

c. Taken from the side, in the display location. I think the shine of the metal is overwhelming/distracting???

20260425_192934.jpg

I know Chris is struggling with this issue on his (Le Renommee) and is considering not using ANY treenails.

Any feedback or thoughts are appreciated. Plenty of time, since I won't add treenails until all the external planking is complete.
 
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