HMS Medea (28) (1778) 1/48 scratch build

[Masters Mate]

The first wale strake fitted and nailed.







I know the braces between the frames look rough but they are placed to exert the exact amount of pressure I required to get everything straight.

 

[Masters Mate]

While I had a chance a while back I also cut out a quantity of jacaranda for the planking. Just over 1/16" thick, allowing for some finishing sanding when fitted.

 

[Uwek]

It is special to use your own timber grown in your area - and it is looking very good

 

[Masters Mate]

It is special to use your own timber grown in your area - and it is looking very good

Thanks Uwe
It does give me a thrill to use my own timber but it is very time consuming. However, there is no rush so I continue on while I'm enjoying the process.

 

[Masters Mate]

Wales fitted, sanded and painted. Cold bending was simple with this persimmon timber.

 

[shota70]

great progress, well done

 

[Masters Mate]

great progress, well done

Thanks Shota. Still a bit rough but I'm gradually learning.

 

[Masters Mate]

One step forward, two steps back.
I finally tackled the (to me) difficult task of fitting the stern frames. I should have built more support into them.



The next day I broke it all off when trying to fit more support...



More care, less haste. But still enjoying the challenges.

In case anyone is wondering, the blue panels along the deck line are to support the upturned hull in the clamp. I made pins that drop down into the mast steps and it is easy to manipulate the hull from upright to upturned as I work.

 

[shota70]

you are in the right way, good luck

 

[Masters Mate]

The stern frames re-attached with more bracing this time.

 

[Masters Mate]

The first plank on port side. I secured the first row on starboard with wire pins (.08mm) but found it very slow and not tight enough. From now on I will use 1.2mm treenails (trennels) made from bamboo toothpicks.

 

[Masters Mate]

Planking continuing.



I found wrapping the planks in cloth and bending in a tray of hot water worked well with this jacaranda timber.

 

[Masters Mate]

Making progress but amazed how much material this takes. I've just returned from the community workshop after cutting another stock of 1/4 x 1/16 planks so will get more done over the next few days. I have to start tapering the planks and inserting stealers now.

Now I am away from the braces between the frames I'm finding these stainless steel clothes pegs very good clamps.

 

[Masters Mate]

An overview of progress so far.

 

[Alexander74]

Jan, good work.

 

[Masters Mate]

Completed the lower planking, except for some filling and sanding.




I made a mess here when the bend didn't sit flat. So I cut a section out and replaced it with a better shaped plank.



Making good progress. The stainless clothes pegs worked even better when bent like this.

 

[Masters Mate]

Closing the gap...



Just stealers to go now..



Starboard side closed up.




Both side closed up.



I've started filling gaps with wood and filler and will put up more images once I start the sanding.

 

[Bryian]

Making good progress Ian.

 

[Masters Mate]

Hopefully my Internet woes have been resolved and I can now continue with the build log.

80 grit sandpaper is my friend. Plus wood filler!!



Second sanding to reveal more gaps to fill.



Dampened with water to bring out loose fibres.





Just about ready to seal to protect hull while I continue with top works. Copper tape or plates to be fitted later.






Despite appearances the hull is now very smooth and I don't think it will need more than a light sand before sealing.

 

[Masters Mate]

I've also been working on the main deck beams. I made a simple jig to hold the timber while I roughed the upper curve out with a chisel.



I cut a cross section of the plans to check the curve as I worked.


Then I sanded out the bottom curves with the dremel set up inside my work box with the shop vacuum cleaner attached.



Finally I hand sanded the beams to their final dimensions.