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Syren 1803 1:64 Model Shipways

My Dear Friend. May it be a wonderful day full of happiness and may the year ahead be blessed with love and health.
 
RogerD said:
View attachment 249290View attachment 249291

Looking for some planking advice please.

I am just about finished my first of three planking belts. Call it Belt 1 of the three belts. The kit planks are 1/8” wide, at 1:64, equating to 8” upscaled.

I tried to adjust the gap at the stern, where the last two planks (of Belt 1) are to be fitted, by firstly laying the last plank (call it plank 8) so that it lines up with my 1/3rd mark on the counter. I glued it into position leaving me space for plank 7, as can be seen in the photo. I did this because I am trying to line up the planks on my measured marks along the entire hull.

Plank 7, when fitted, will narrow then as expected widen at the stern. Scaled up at 1:64 it means the plank measures about 6” in real width to, yikes, about 14” width aft. I have a number of options but I’m hoping for some advice please.
  1. On this size of vessel is it realistic to have a 14” tapered plank, going from about 6” to 14” aft? The plank would be an actual ship size length of 24 feet. If so, it fills the gap nicely, problem solved.
  2. If not, do I run plank 7 at 6” width all the way aft. Then use a stealer, which I am trying to avoid.
  3. Do I remove plank 8 with possible damage to the counter and lay plank 7 first? I am trying hard to avoid ungluing that. I think that means a stealer too.
  4. This single plank hull will be covered in copper plates. I realize I can just “plank the gap” any which way but I am trying to learn from this.
  5. Option 5 is a beer :)
Thanks for any advice, input and help.
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Hey there! You did great so far. David Antscher, although he recommends a scientific approach to planking process, always preferes a neat looking over any stubborn strive on historic accuracy. Regards!
 
Albert Mary said:
Hey there! You did great so far. David Antscher, although he recommends a scientific approach to planking process, always preferes a neat looking over any stubborn strive on historic accuracy. Regards!
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Thanks for looking in on my build. I think I overthought my planking initially. After I closed up the hull and coppered it I reflected on the time and frustration I spent fussing over the methodology of planking rather than moving forward. I read so many books and articles in the early stages of the build that I confused myself relentlessly.

However, I still wanted to try and replicate the way it was done in those early days and wanted to “get it right” for my own satisfaction whilst keeping in mind that this is a hobby. Learning from accomplished builders on this site and applying the very helpful advice I received made me want to do my best and learn as I progressed.

I tend to agree with you and Antsherl that “neat looking” over “historic accuracy” may be preferential. Even though I try to replicate proper methods I find I also tend towards builders licence, which keeps me in hobby mode rather than rivet counter mode.

Thanks for your post, very much appreciated.
 
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