French Longboat

[pay2700]

Hello.
I have been working on the french longboat for two weeks or more. I decided to start a build log. There are a couple of other build logs I have found including Tim Green and RTWPSOM2 which I have reviewed and admired the work. I'm a low level modeler but still enjoying this hobby. Will post a few photos of my progress and always appreciate any corrections/suggestions.

First is the keel.

 

[pay2700]

Next some frames including the jig

 

[pay2700]

Next the Keelson. Of note when I line up the keel and keelson, seems like there is some adjustment needed since the frames will be seated between them, especially sizable gap toward the stem. I can trim the keelson, but I am not sure if I can bend it safely without separating the glue joints when heating since it is constructed in two pieces. Would appreciate if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Have you tried using the search function to see what others have built on this kit?

If someone else has posted a build log it may help answer your questions.

 

[Tim Green]

Next the Keelson. Of note when I line up the keel and keelson, seems like there is some adjustment needed since the frames will be seated between them, especially sizable gap toward the stem. I can trim the keelson, but I am not sure if I can bend it safely without separating the glue joints when heating since it is constructed in two pieces. Would appreciate if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks.View attachment 573788View attachment 573788View attachment 573793View attachment 573794

It will fit to the frames as is. You may need to widen one or two slots in it (I had to widen two slots), but it should fall in place, with some wiggling (as did mine).

 

[AllanKP69]

Would appreciate if anyone has any thoughts. Thanks.

Maybe soak it in hot water overnight before trying to glue it in place, then bend it around a jig with the same curve and hit it with a hot air gun or hair dryer. It should not break and will hold its shape after the water has been evaporated with the hot air gun.

Thanks for posting your photos. One of the interesting differences between English ships' boats and the French boat is the keelson. The English keelson was just a flat strake that was secured to the floors of the frames without notches. The English method is easier, but the French looks to be a stronger assembly.

Allan

 

[pay2700]

Thank you all for the replies and Allan for the interesting info about the Keelson. I will keep you posted on progress.

 

[pay2700]

Finally got back to the French Longboat.
I glued the keel to the ribs with a pretty good fit throughout. Used just three very small shims. Unfortunately broke rib #24, not the first (they are pretty thin in my opinion). Pinned and glued. Drying at the moment. The next steps will be to further secure the whole with the supplied parts of the jig, and glue the bases of the ribs into the the jig. After that will be the Keelson. Looks like it will fit after a bit of sanding. I did a dry fit. More to come in a couple of days depending on time available.

 

[Tim Green]

Finally got back to the French Longboat.
I glued the keel to the ribs with a pretty good fit throughout. Used just three very small shims. Unfortunately broke rib #24, not the first (they are pretty thin in my opinion). Pinned and glued. Drying at the moment. The next steps will be to further secure the whole with the supplied parts of the jig, and glue the bases of the ribs into the the jig. After that will be the Keelson. Looks like it will fit after a bit of sanding. I did a dry fit. More to come in a couple of days depending on time available. View attachment 575170View attachment 575170View attachment 575168View attachment 575169

Hmmm, I think you might have half of your frames in backwards.

 

[pay2700]

I think I may have rotated the photo, but my frames are all facing aft. You may be correct.
Here is a screenshot from one of the videos, but I wonder if it makes any difference?

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Please reread instructions, I believe somewhere in the middle frames change direction, which may effect why keelson didn't fit correct.