HMS Revenge Occre build

So, I've started this build log of Occre's Revenge. I've only built one other ship, Le Renard. I didn't want to spend too much whilst learning this new trade, so I opted for the Revenge , as well as the interest in one of the most famous ships of the Elizabethan era, captained by Sir Frances Drake during the Spanish Armada period and Sir Richard Grenville on her famous last voyage. I'm fairly particular and not afraid of a bit of scratch building/replacing pieces I don't like. The kit is quite ok , good value. The above pics were easily assembled, everything was straight. The gunport templates were handy, although they came back to bite me. More on that later.
 
The gunport boxes were non-existent in the kit, just a square piece of wood glued to the back of the template. I created edges for these pieces , so I had some depth to the boxes. Painted black and then getting other templates fitted and glued up. If my images are too big, please let me know. My glue of choice.P1050497.JPGP1050498.JPGP1050499.JPGP1050501.JPGP1050502.JPGP1050517.JPGP1050531.JPGP1050532.JPGP1050534.JPGP1050541.JPG
 
The deck planking quality was quite good, used pencil for caulking and very sharp pencil for fake nails. The upright between decks wasn't on the plans , so I just made horizontal planks. Pictures of stain and oil used for finish. Also lined the bulwarks, which also not in the plans.View attachment 154375View attachment 154376View attachment 154377View attachment 154378View attachment 154379View attachment 154375View attachment 154376View attachment 154377View attachment 154378View attachment 15437920170716_013425.jpg20170716_013436.jpg20170716_013444.jpg20170716_013714.jpg20170716_013737.jpg20170716_013757.jpg
 
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Faired the bulkheads, checking position of false keel pieces. I ended up making a template for the bow to hold/insert the bow planking.The timber is ramin. I soak planks in warm water and bend with a soldering iron. Not 100% happy with that but I will continue. The pic at the end are clamps I made up with some small brass hooks bent into place, some strips of walnut and finally dowels. They work well at times, although with the bulkheads being only 4mm thick, you have to be careful.P1050556.JPGP1050557.JPGP1050559.JPGP1050565.JPGP1050990.JPG
 
Continuing on with first planking. Not as neat as I would like. Inconsistencies around the bow end, due to bending technique with soldering iron. It's difficult to get the correct bend for each plank to fit around bulkheads. This kit doesn't have all that many bulkheads, I'm guessing more would make it easier to follow curves around bow. Still, filling/sanding should bring it all back.P1050996.JPGP1050997.JPGP1050998.JPGP1050999.JPGP1060001.JPGP1060002.JPGP1060003.JPG
 
Keep in mind that the wood only wants to bend in its thin direction, bend it in its oposite direct can only be done very limited if you really put it on boiling water and bend it afterwards over a soldering iron. If this has reached its limit you have to change the planking system by using a stealer at the stern or skip a plank at the bow.
Work with the flow of the plank and you will get a good end result.
 
Thank you all for advice. I also tried the wet and pin method until the wood dries, which also has good results. I also found that planks vary in thickness, which doesn't help. It's all a learning experience.
Cheers
 
Hello Frankie. I can strongly recommend this plank bender (available from Kolderstok). You will need this for the Batavia as it allows you to bend planks uniformly. You will also see that the quality of the walnut on the Batavia is far superior to lesser kits.

Build 238.jpg
 
Some of my tools of choice, a fine toothed set of files, a small bottle to put your wood glue in, great set of clamps, homemade sand disc, miniature planer great for trimming planking etc and finally my Dremel cordless drill, such a convenient tool. Also, for sanding, I grab a piece of 4mm wide, or whatever, piece of leftover timber and glue various coarseness sandpaper to it, perfect for getting to P1060012.JPGP1060013.JPGP1060014.JPGP1060019.JPGP1060024.JPGP1060040.JPGall sorts of areas.
 
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