Chaperon 1884 Stern Wheeler

he instructions indicate that bulkheads/frames 1 - 5 and the bow filer needed to be trimmed/faired to the engraved laser line Using a SHARP #11 blade. I had to wait until the Admiral was out, since my “carving” skills are nil and I take meds that could be problematic if I were to slip :(.
Hello, Jan. Technically speaking, they suggested using a hobby knife as the fairing tool only because it is a common and available tool for most modelers. A much better tool (from my personal experience) is the long sanding stick. The length should cover three or four adjacent bulkheads. It must be absolutely even flat. The nail sanding sticks will not do as they are flexible. You can make one from plywood and double-sided sticky tape. They will last long...but if it is worn out, replace the tape and new sandpaper. ;)
 
Hello, Jan. Technically speaking, they suggested using a hobby knife as the fairing tool only because it is a common and available tool for most modelers. A much better tool (from my personal experience) is the long sanding stick. The length should cover three or four adjacent bulkheads. It must be absolutely even flat. The nail sanding sticks will not do as they are flexible. You can make one from plywood and double-sided sticky tape. They will last long...but if it is worn out, replace the tape and new sandpaper. ;)
Excellent advice, I've been making sanding sticks from scraps using Elmers Glue Stick and sandpaper. I found that once the sandpaper has clogged its easy to peal off and replaced with another glue stick covered piece.

Jan
 
Hi Jan,

And now a word from a total novice... ;)
Tiny sanding sticks are worthless for what you are attempting. I propose a hunk of wood (6-8 inches long - 2 inches wide - 2 inches tall) - you want something you can hold in your hand not only with your fingertips. Use long motions with the sanding block such that you are sanding 3, 4 or 5 bulkheads at a time. Use the char on the edge of the wood to keep track of where you are making changes. The #11 blade idea will never get this done!

If this what you are already doing then just ignore this post!!! Just trying to help!
 
Hi Jan,

And now a word from a total novice... ;)
Tiny sanding sticks are worthless for what you are attempting. I propose a hunk of wood (6-8 inches long - 2 inches wide - 2 inches tall) - you want something you can hold in your hand not only with your fingertips. Use long motions with the sanding block such that you are sanding 3, 4 or 5 bulkheads at a time. Use the char on the edge of the wood to keep track of where you are making changes. The #11 blade idea will never get this done!

If this what you are already doing then just ignore this post!!! Just trying to help!
Hi Paul,

That is great advice. I will definitely give that a try. Sharp blades and Eliquis aren’t exactly the tools my Admiral has in mind for me to use. A good cut and the results would require me to call the EMTs for both of us because she would be history. The sight of “blood” is not one of her favorite things.

Jan
 
Pathfinder 65, not sure on steamboats, but on ships the length of the board was 6-8 meters. Scale to your scale.
Above is a layout in 3 boards, below in 4 boards. The joints must be on the frames. But this is on ships, I don't know if it was used on steamers.


1628166605985.png
 
Hello Jan. I think that Sasha's advice to scale the 6-9 metres lengths to your scale is a good idea with the proviso that the butt joint co-incides with a bulkhead. If the bulkhead is too thin to accommodate the juncture of both planks that make up the butt-joint, glue a widening strip to it - either aft or fore - whichever you deem fit. This may obviously vary from bulkhead to bulkhead.
 
Hello Jan. I think that Sasha's advice to scale the 6-9 metres lengths to your scale is a good idea with the proviso that the butt joint co-incides with a bulkhead. If the bulkhead is too thin to accommodate the juncture of both planks that make up the butt-joint, glue a widening strip to it - either aft or fore - whichever you deem fit. This may obviously vary from bulkhead to bulkhead.
Hmm, 9 m is about 30 ft, divided by 48 (scale of ship) is about .625 ft, times 12 in is about an 8 in length for a plank. I think I can work with that. The three plank stagger suggested by Alexander should work out, its only thirteen strakes to a side. The only exception I'm making is the first strake, that hull length I'll divide into two 16in pieces just to have a solid reference to the sheer. There is a slight up-curve at both ends of the hull and I want to be able to follow that line as I do the rest of the planking.

Jan
 
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Sounds like you have a plan to work, and now to work the plan as they say.

Keeping on eye on this as I have the AL King of Mississippi steam boat in my SABLE collection.
 
The beginning of planking - exciting! Explosion You are progressing very well and everything looks like it is under total control. Continue! Thumbs-Up
 
Planking needs to be done slowly and savored. To me this is really the most exciting part of a build.
 
Planking Progress:

I’ve managed to get the Starboard side of the hull completed. So far my method of soaking, bending, fitting and clamping until dry is working out pretty good.

View attachment 249496

The flip side.

View attachment 249498

Tonight I’ll be working on the port side.

Jan
Hi Jan,
That looks like a straight tight long steamboat flatbottom. It's a real challenge to keep her flat and straight.
Regards, Peter
 
Hi Jan,
That looks like a straight tight long steamboat flatbottom. It's a real challenge to keep her flat and straight.
Regards, Peter
Hi Peter,

Once the Port side is completed the width of the planking changes to 1/2 inches. That should help with the flat bottom. It’s been a wee bit of a challenge so far, it took some trial and error until I finally got started in the right direction.

Jan
 
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