MikeS reminded me I should not have glued the floor in place before the exterior planking so it would not get dirty with sawdust. No damage was done, just some extra work.
Exterior Planking
The exterior planking is typical with the exception of a slot for the main and mizzen masts channels. The planking is Maple, and the wales and channel filler pieces are Walnut which makes a nice contrast.
Progress photos.
Very nice pictures Mike !!! as well as the planking !!!. All looks very nice.
I am also doing the planking and I have learned a few thing from your pictures.
First I started from below, placing the wales first. That really created a problem as I didn't like the curvature I got. I unglue them and started again. Your way is better to define the wales position/curvature.
Second, I had a strong battle with the wales at the very end of the stern due to the hull curvature. Why I haven't done what you did, cut the wale. Probably because my brain is setup on how I built all my smaller ship kits. Just a full wale strip. With these thick wales I have learned my lesson.
Hi Daniel, the wales were a problem for me also. The thick planking is difficult to work with. Scarph joints with three sections would look better but I got lazy. LOL
The great cabin paneling is cherry with lines etched to represent individual boards. The five panels were easy to install. I used a router bit in a Dremel tool to cut the window openings, it was fast and required using a file for cleanup work.
Thanks Bryian, I am looking forward to seeing your build. I believe you will find this kit a little different from the ones you have built. It is good to learn some new stuff once in a while.
Brian, it is fun to unpack the boxes and see all the parts and pieces. Mike did a fine job on the instructions, but you will find the most useful information in the prototype build log. Have fun and good luck with the build.
The rudder consists of five CNC cut pieces that fit very well together very well. The rudder and stern post needed to be beveled at 45 degrees and the top of the rudder needed to be trimmed and shaped at the poop deck.