Hi from S California.

[justme]

I have built a few models that look ok if you don’t look too close, but I’ve always been winging it. This time I hope to do it up right. I’ve just started Mamoli’s Golden Hind and I’m already flummoxed!

My problem is at frame 4. As you can see it is narrower in the middle than the bottom and I can’t

figure out how to install the deck. I can’t bend it enough without breaking it. It will be covered over with planking of course, so I suppose I could cut it and no one would know, but surely there is some way to do it correctly. Has anyone out there done this and can give a few tips? TIA and I’m glad I found this site.

 

[Marquinius]

Welcome! And support: this is a great forum and everybody will help you achieve your goals. To be fair, I need that sometimes, a little push.

 

[Loracs]

Hello, Adjustment to model kit are almost inevitable... I will look closely at the deck on either side (the notch area). You may need to extend the notch of the deck a little using a small file. Doing it on both sides will be symmetric. File a little, then test, rinse and repeat. Make sure to center the deck afterward. As you can see, the area where it will sit on the bulkhead is larger at the bottom than the top. THIS will be the safest method. Once you plank out the deck, everything will be gone.

Second, keep an eye on the area (notch) at bulkhead #3 and #2, it looks like it may get tight as it slits down. If so, repeat the same as above.

Another approach, riskier since you need a feel for it so it does not break is to see if you can bend the deck a little (forming a small dome in the middle), just to get it to pass the upper bulkhead.... then it gets larger so it will sit flat. This can be RISKY. If it was me, I would use the above unless it is already very very close to going through.

Additional suggestion: Plank the majority of the deck off-ship before installing. Small details are easier to do on a table off-ship. You can plank out up to the notches... then finish the remaining once installed on the ship. I'm bolder, I'll try to plank up to the edge, if possible after dry testing. A tip: You have a template, which is the plywood deck. Plank OVER all the nooks and crannies, even the round edges... flip over the deck and use a flat edge carving knife (or exacto but be careful it is brittle) to carefully cut out the area you plank over (do multiple passes, if needed), sand the edge... et voila a perfect planking around a square or a round edge. Do you have a hole for the masts? Plank over, flip the template (deck) and drill away.... perfect planking around a hole.

Remember, as a general rule, {if it is possible} do most of the work off-ship... then install. Do multiple dry fittings as you go. You don't want ANY surprise.

 

[Jimsky]

Welcome aboard SOS!

 

[Bryian]

welcome from down under.

 

[fourseas]

Welcome to the SOS group.

 

[Tobias]

Welcome aboard

 

[Uwek]

also from my side a warm welcome here on board of our forum

 

[justme]

Hello, Adjustment to model kit are almost inevitable... I will look closely at the deck on either side (the notch area). You may need to extend the notch of the deck a little using a small file. Doing it on both sides will be symmetric. File a little, then test, rinse and repeat. Make sure to center the deck afterward. As you can see, the area where it will sit on the bulkhead is larger at the bottom than the top. THIS will be the safest method. Once you plank out the deck, everything will be gone.

Second, keep an eye on the area (notch) at bulkhead #3 and #2, it looks like it may get tight as it slits down. If so, repeat the same as above.

Another approach, riskier since you need a feel for it so it does not break is to see if you can bend the deck a little (forming a small dome in the middle), just to get it to pass the upper bulkhead.... then it gets larger so it will sit flat. This can be RISKY. If it was me, I would use the above unless it is already very very close to going through.

Additional suggestion: Plank the majority of the deck off-ship before installing. Small details are easier to do on a table off-ship. You can plank out up to the notches... then finish the remaining once installed on the ship. I'm bolder, I'll try to plank up to the edge, if possible after dry testing. A tip: You have a template, which is the plywood deck. Plank OVER all the nooks and crannies, even the round edges... flip over the deck and use a flat edge carving knife (or exacto but be careful it is brittle) to carefully cut out the area you plank over (do multiple passes, if needed), sand the edge... et voila a perfect planking around a square or a round edge. Do you have a hole for the masts? Plank over, flip the template (deck) and drill away.... perfect planking around a hole.

Remember, as a general rule, {if it is possible} do most of the work off-ship... then install. Do multiple dry fittings as you go. You don't want ANY surprise.

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Thanks for the suggestions. Wish me luck!