Quick plank size identification

[modlerbob]

I just bought Bob Hunt's practicum on building the "Pride of Baltimore II" and I must say it is very complete. One item I read almost immediately was his advice regarding the different sizes of lumber provided in this kit. The advice was to paint the ends of each size of lumber with a different color paint and then record the plank dimensions along with their color before beginning construction. Then after unbundling the planks it will be easier to identify a piece of the appropriate size. I had already run into that problem on another kit. The advice seems so simple I am surprised I had never seen it anywhere. If you are building any size ship model kit that will be planked doing this will prevent future frustration that could be caused by selecting the wrong size piece of wood while working on the model.

 

[mrshanks]

That's a cool tip Bob. You will find lots of useful tips in Bob Hunt's practicums. I typically try to separate my wood bundles into separate piles/boxes.. some people use PVC pipe standing vertically. One thing is for sure.... getting your stripwood organized for a project will save a lot of headaches later!!!

 

[DocBlake]

That is a good idea. I mill a lot (most?) of my own strip wood, and I save the unused scraps. I have a huge pile of stripwood of at least 7 different species and differing widths, thicknesses and lengths. An unorganized mess. I end up spending more time rummaging through the scrap pile than actually modeling. Be wise and don't take any advice from me on how to be organized! :text-lol:

Dave