HM gun brig Adder 1797

[Neil_jo]

I thought I would start a build log on the HM Adder in 1:64 scale by Vanguard. I haven't seen any or many Vanguard kits on here. I bought this used feb.3rd this year. It was opened but not started.
So far I find the instructions and materials to be very good.

 

[Neil_jo]

Moving right along, finished the bulkheads and faired the hull after installing the sud deck.
That goes around all the bulkheads and clicks into slots cut into them.

 

[AllanKP69]

I haven't seen any or many Vanguard kits on here.

I agree but not surprised. While no kit is perfect, Vanguard kits are light years ahead of the better known European manufacturers when it comes to quality and accuracy. Why Vanguard kits have not taken over the market of European kit makers should be surprising as they are so much better but it could be that they are not producing kits with more familiar names like Victory. It seems that the name and history of the ship is often the number one criterion when it comes to the buyer making a choice and that is understandable.
Allan

 

[Neil_jo]

I agree but not surprised. While no kit is perfect, Vanguard kits are light years ahead of the better known European manufacturers when it comes to quality and accuracy. Why Vanguard kits have not taken over the market of European kit makers should be surprising as they are so much better but it could be that they are not producing kits with more familiar names like Victory. It seems that the name and history of the ship is often the number one criterion when it comes to the buyer making a choice and that is understandable.
Allan

The instructions are great and the quality of the wood is on par with the Unicorn HMS Enterprise kit l bought.

 

[Neil_jo]

Installed the first layer of bullworks, I had an issue with it bulging on both sides near the bow.
I cut a small slot in each side and got it closer to where it needs to be with some CA glue. Now it's ready for the first planking.

 

[Neil_jo]

Installed the first layer of bullworks, I had an issue with it bulging on both sides near the bow.
I cut a small slot in each side and got it closer to where it needs to be with some CA glue. Now it's ready for the first planking.

View attachment 578684
View attachment 578685

 

[Neil_jo]

I finished the first planking. I had a problem at the bow with a weird "S" curve.
The hull doesn't have much of a taper and I think I tapered the planks too far back.
It did turn out pretty smooth and I didn't have to use much filler on it.

 

[Jimsky]

You are off to a good start, Neil. Nice first-layer planking, a good foundation for the final layer.

 

[Neil_jo]

Thanks Jim, I've started the final planking and only tapering the last 3" and so far it's going well.
The hull is weird shape, very flat and not much of a taper.

Neil

 

[AllanKP69]

I finished the first planking. I had a problem at the bow with a weird "S" curve.

This may not be of any intrerest to you but just in case.......... As this is the first layer, not to worry. Even for the second layer, if your ship is to have a coppered bottom, the look of the planking will be covered. If not to be covered, or if you want to learn how planking was actually done, at least for the second layer you may find it beneficial to study some planking tutorials that show how to line off the hull so you can reduce the breadth of each strake accurately from the dead flat to the end of the strake. There is not enough room to lay in all the planks if they are the same breadth their entire length. You can spile the planks from sheets, but if you already have the strips, once the breadth is correct for their entire length they can be edge bent in a homemade jig so there is no lifting. In the end, all strakes should land in the rabbet at the stem and the post.
Allan

 

[Neil_jo]

Thanks Allen, any help is welcomed.

Neil