Seems to be working for you, so I think there is no need to change it.
This is a good alternative. I have been considering using a combination so your suggestion based on your own method is encouraging.
Good evening Wander. Nice going so far. Your method for doing the gun ports is great. If I am correct the canons at the bow and stern are dummy cannons which fit into a support strake? If so you may want to create a center point and drill the hole into support prior to cutting out the port.
Good Morning Wander. My last comment on CA glue which I learned the hard way... if you are going to leave wood natural, stain or poly and CA glue is on the surface it will leave a mark and look blotchy. It does not sand off as well so it is an exact process. Enjoy. Cheers Grant
Thanks Grant. It's these small things one needs to know or learn the hard way heh. This model will be painted so fortunately the CA stains, which there are some despite my efforts, will be covered.
Another good point Grant. The first AL Hermione model had precast false cannons cast onto a recessed port that fit inside the portholes.
Hello Wander- yep I have learned so much from my mistakes despite so much advice from SOS members. The sad part is after 18months of building my Victory I keep making new ones - great learning curve though and loving it. Your build is looking awesome tho
Hallo @WanderBuild Log #1: Part 1, L’Hermione La Fayette - Unboxing & Wood.
So, we begin! My first ship since 2009, when I completed the old Hermione kit from AL. Suffice it to say I was much younger then and I simply ‘winged it’!
Built the whole model in 5 months doing 9 hours a day. (Interestingly, the instructions booklet missed a lot of steps so no wonder. The new instructions are in CD, writable, and much clearer).
Also, this is my first build log! Bear with me, I’m learning
Unboxing the kit it becomes apparent how AL has opted for cheeper woods (probably due to the ship being painted). Still, I miss the variety of colours and woods.
Plywood laser cut elements.
Same mono-colour scheme for the spars and planks.
I prefer to build my ships painted as they appeared. No ship was ever constructed with wood based on how pretty it was. Personally, i would rather build using basswood throughout because it has finer grain that is painted easily. But, it is simply my preference.
The real ships were painted (and still do) for protection to preserve a longer life in service. The artistic painting, along with carving, were used to decorate the ships. Our models don't require protection painting, other than protection from sun, moisture, and dust. Those of us who like the natural wood appearance can enjoy the natural look of the wood. But as you said, it is a purely personal choice and taste.
Good morning Wander. Good to see your build again. The AL kit has thick birch (I think) planks so you have room to sand many of the “clinker” aspects. As you go try bevel the leading edge of each plank before you lay them to help with the overlaps. Cheers Grant
Mooi Wander, Baie mooi. Cheers Grant
