Build Log Muscongus Bay Lobster Smack from Model Shipways by DocTom

[DocTom]

I am in the middle of building the lobster smack, my 3rd model. I was posting a build log on Model Ship World, now tragically gone. But you can't let the bastards win, so I continue here. I am at the point where I have started the process for priming and painting the hull. I started out by figuring where the water line should be. I used the plans in Chapelle's "American Small Sailing Craft" to try and figure out where it should lie. I think I came up with a good approximation.


I then masked off the deck



and applied the primer, oil-based from a rattle can. This revealed no major bumps or depressions, but many cracks - maybe from too aggressive sanding or beveling of the planks when I installed them? This was my first attempt at planking a POB hull, and I thought I had done a good job - amazing how some primer can humble the mighty!




Next step is to fill them. I've been using Occre crack filler, but plan to experiment with Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty, to see if I like it better. I plan to airbrush the hull. I have never used an airbrush, so I've been watching YouTube videos between building sessions.

Any insights/critiques would be greatly appreciated. I'm here to learn

 

[DocTom]

Post 2 - Priming finished.

A quick update. I used Durham's Water Putty for the first time, and really liked it. I found it much easier to work with than the Occre putty - much less crumbly, and it sanded and feathered beautifully. I think I will use it from now on. After filling and sanding, I applied a second coat of primer. The port side looked pretty good



Some imperfections, but I think it will pass the 3 foot test. There were still some issues on the starboard side, so I applied more Durham's and sanded



I'll give that another swipe with the primer tomorrow, and pracitce airbrushing while it drys. My plan is to use the Model Expo Warm White and Hull Red supplied with the kit, and do the toe rail in the Hull Copper Red. Overall, I'm pleased with how my first attempt at fairing and planking a hull has turned out.

 

[mberg]

Very nice, smooth planking. I think some imperfections are perfectly warranty, or even expected as a working fisherman's boat.