Good afternoon

[Stuart Little]

Many thanks, Jeff. I purchased a Billings 'slip' and did my best to get square fitting on the ribs (my last effort was not fully symmetrical), and this appears better. I used balsa for the filling, and though it is coming along nicely, it is a beast to work with - albeit that I altered technique to substantially shape the blocks before installation (I tried to cut/sand the first few after they were glued in situ - typical army pioneer approach!). But I am happier this time. I envy your 'aviation' interest - I had thoughts on building a 'chopper' but never got round to it.

When using balsa to in-fill, I use 'hard' balsa as opposed to the common 'soft' balsa, much easier to work. I purchase it from SLEC UK.

 

[Jackinch]

Thanks Stuart, I will know the next time. I am hoping to improve skills and technique with the current build...interpreting the instructions and plans is getting better too (newbie mistake ) I edited my reply just to confirm you are absolutely on the nail with the Balsa - the soft stuff is utterly horrible to work with, pro level gas mask needed to avoid the dust stuff. Best regards

 

[Dry-Dock Models & Parts]

Welcome aboard!

 

[Magic Mike]

Welcome Jackinch to the forums and greetings from Texas! Magic Mike

 

[Jackinch]

Greetings Magic, you are almost neighbours (USA Style) with a buddy of mine from back in the day. He is an ex-Airbourne medic and longtime resident in San Antonio.

For my part I have been quiet since my intro post, primarily engaged on completing the hull on my Billings 1:75 Cutty Sark. Having decided to approach it in a different way (to the last one) I did, (of course I did), manage to encounter a few new challenges.

I filled the spaces between the ribs with Balsa and completed the planking recently (sounds fast, it has taken around three months), and have achieved the best symmetry of my boat-building career (not perfect, but much better than before).

I used a lot of techniques gained from various people on the forum, though I probably misinterpreted quite a bit. Still.....getting there.

 

[Magic Mike]

Greetings Magic, you are almost neighbours (USA Style) with a buddy of mine from back in the day. He is an ex-Airbourne medic and longtime resident in San Antonio.

For my part I have been quiet since my intro post, primarily engaged on completing the hull on my Billings 1:75 Cutty Sark. Having decided to approach it in a different way (to the last one) I did, (of course I did), manage to encounter a few new challenges.

I filled the spaces between the ribs with Balsa and completed the planking recently (sounds fast, it has taken around three months), and have achieved the best symmetry of my boat-building career (not perfect, but much better than before).

I used a lot of techniques gained from various people on the forum, though I probably misinterpreted quite a bit. Still.....getting there.

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Very nice planking! Regards, Magic Mike