• Win a Free Custom Engraved Brass Coin!!!
    As a way to introduce our brass coins to the community, we will raffle off a free coin during the month of August. Follow link ABOVE for instructions for entering.
  • SUBSCRIBE TO SHIPS IN SCALE TODAY!

    The beloved Ships in Scale Magazine is back and charting a new course for 2026!
    Discover new skills, new techniques, and new inspirations in every issue.

    NOTE THAT OUR NEXT ISSUE WILL BE MARCH/APRIL 2026

Should I be embarrassed?

My current challenge in ship building was resolved when I gave up on pine and used balsa to create bulkheads for the bow of the USS Constitution (aka "Old Ironsides"). The good news is that I didn't slice off any fingers in my frustration at trying to create a curved piece 1 1/2"x1 1/8"x3". Twice.
But did I cheat to use balsa? The whole thing will be covered with planking anyway.
Balsa is very easy to work with, sculpting , sanding etc but I find you can't screw anything into it , it's good to glue planking to. I like the screw in planking type clamps, which I made myself, also available to purchase when you are trying to bend around a bow section. Have only done a few ships so not sure what is the best. Good luck.
 
Back
Top