Hello Dear Shipbuilding Friends
So as promised, now it was time for installing the ribs. This is at best a "VERY CAREFUL" exercise as the ribs are minute and very fragile.
![Build 19.jpg Build 19.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161926-fb0a2efe0fbb7b3c2dccae3806398ca9.jpg?hash=-wou_g-7ez)
Size comparison to an X-Acto Knife and lighter.
![Build 17.jpg Build 17.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161927-20e065bacfc4ba717e08483fd991b0e3.jpg?hash=IOBlus_Eun)
A closer look at the rib indicates a very feint line (indicated by the red arrow). These lines must be visible at all times (i.e. the other side should be glued to the bulkhead) and indicates the point up to where the ribs should slot into the little grooves where the bulkheads meet the jig. (See the next picture).
![Build 18.jpg Build 18.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161928-7b2ad4b4ab0eaed11f70cf0b05b4b97d.jpg?hash=eyrUtKsOrt)
This picture shows how the ribs need to be glued to the bulkheads. Starting from the stern with the 4 x most aft bulkheads, they are glued up to the point as indicated by the blue line. This will be determined by the length of the ribs. From that point onwards, the bulkheads still follow the red line at the “bottom” of the jig, but the other ends are inserted into the slots provided (by the green arrows). At the bow, the ribs once more follow the red line but are now glued against the two shaped pieces of rising wood as indicated by the yellow lines.
With all the ribs installed, it was time to start the planking. Here I used my own technique born out of my aversion to CA glue. First, PVA glue was applied to the bulkheads after which the plank was held underneath the cold tap for about three seconds. The wet plank is then placed into position and “ironed” to the bulkheads with the flat side of the pre-heated plank bender. As the heat dries the wood it also dries the glue, resulting in an almost immediate bond - yet allowing sufficient time to make any necessary adjustments.
![Build 21.jpg Build 21.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161929-d171c837bd0f57a659b6bfaa1b1d6852.jpg?hash=0XHIN70PV6)
Here you can see the planks being ironed onto the bulkheads.
![Build 23.jpg Build 23.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161930-8b0e0798760cc9877d83f1a747c1c477.jpg?hash=iw4HmHYMyY)
With no need to wait for the glue to dry one side was almost completed in a single session - except for the last two planks closest to the wale end of the hull.
![Build 24.jpg Build 24.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161931-a87fd6d44571c805c63013932e493e71.jpg?hash=qH_W1EVxyA)
I know that popular belief dictates to plank starboard and port side simultaneously to prevent keel warping, but in this case that was never going to happen. The whole assembly is very sturdy (the jig plays an important part in this) while the planks are very thin. The force that the planks thus exert on the hull are absolutely negligible.
![Build 26.jpg Build 26.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161932-5dfecb673f9efe80507aa75f2dd5abc5.jpg?hash=Xf7LZz-e_o)
With both sides planked to the same level, it was now time to cut off the little “feet” which house the grooves. I did this because I could not get the plank bender to lie flat against the jig with those feet in place.
![Build 27.jpg Build 27.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161933-1e03f85cf4f0b04bbf042b3a0f1973d5.jpg?hash=HgP4XPTwsE)
Here you can see the little feet removed. With the X-Acto knife this goes very quickly.
![Build 28.jpg Build 28.jpg](https://shipsofscale.com/sosforums/data/attachments/161/161934-ac0abb58f0f95a84b3769acc2fae9e98.jpg?hash=rAq7WPD5Wo)
Close up of the jig with the bulkheads’ feet removed.
The last step in Phase 2 is the heartstopping part where the hull needs to be extracted from the jig. Some careful prodding with the edge of a small metal ruler, perfectly released from the hull from the jig without anything breaking. Phew!!!
And that - my dear friends - conclude Phase 2. Stay tuned for more.
As usual all the likes, critique and comments are always appreciated and most valued!. Stay safe and take care.
Kind regards - Heinrich