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Db3069

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Db3069

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I have made models when I was a kid, then the work years slower me down. When I retired in 2015 l started again. Mostly on WWII tanks and vehicles, I considered myself fairly good. I decided to advance my skills with wood ships and so far made three ships. I think I have done ok, had to get a book on what the all the ship parts were called (was not a ship person). So far my biggest problem is the planking and getting planks to set right and flush. I was looking for a planking fan and found this site so I joined. I figured advice form others will help me expand my skills. When you spend that type of money you want it to look right.
Db3069
Thanks
 
Welcome to the forums !
The planking is always tough for beginners. This topic has come up many times in just the few years I've been a member on here. Firstly, you want to pre-shape the wood so it is the right shape for the place you are installing it. It should go in place without having to apply any pressure to the wood. There are a number of ways to bend wood and all of them will work. I will soak the plank in water for a short time and while the wood is wet apply a soldering iron (pencil type) or similar to bend it to shape. You want to keep the wood wet during this, so you may have to apply water a number of times, as well as the iron. :)

Then there is also the need to taper the wood (usually prior to bending) But I'll let others provide some information. I don't want to hog all the glory ! :)

I hope that helps.
 
Db3069 said:
So far my biggest problem is the planking and getting planks to set right and flush.
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard the Good Ship SoS!!!
Planking is not easy and one of the biggest problems is that some kit makers give no help in how a ship was actually planked. What vessel are you building and is it a scratch build or a kit build? You are best off to study some tutorials on how to plank a model. A very popular tutorial is a four part video that you can find on line. Part 1 can be found at youtu.be/KCWooJ1o3cM

Another is an article by noted ship modeler and author David Antscherl attached below.
Another is an article one on lining off also attached below.

As you are concerned with getting your planks to set right and flush keep in mind they really should be pre-shaped by spiling methods or wet/heated edge bending to avoid lifting.

There are numerous posts and photos here at SoS on pre-shaping planks that will be helpful to you.

By the same token, if the hull is to be painted or coppered, the planking will be at least partially covered over so no one is the wiser if the planking is not the
best. :)

Allan
 

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Welcome to a very helpful model ship forum.
Yea, planking could be very intimidatingly but it’s achievable.
Just practice as much as you can, starting with smaller models and work you way up.
Don’t give up.
IMG_7642.jpeg
 
Welcome aboard @Db3069.
Having read the previous posts you have already received the necessary useful advice. From what I read in your post you have probably started building a kit. There is a big chance that someone here has written a build log covering that kit from which you can get tips. I can advise you to definitely start a build log yourself for extra motivation and to get further advice if necessary.
 
Hi Jefta. There is an article in the 2023 issue of MSB Journal on CNC you might find interesting.

msbj_2023-06.pdf
Mike
 
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