Thursday 17 January 2019

A Guide To Fitting The First Plank Of Ship Model

Fitting the first plank will cater to be the foundation of the entire hull of wood ship kits. Initially, you need to decide from the instructions and/or plans the location of the 1st plank. In actual ship building, it was standard to begin planking at the keel and work upwards. But in model building, it generally begins with the 1st plank in one of the following three positions:

1. With a ship that has a “flush” or straight upper deck then the 1st plank is laid with its upper edge level with the surface of the deck. In some instances, the 1st plank will have its top edge 5 to 10mm underneath the level of the deck. This is carried out to facilitate the construction of bulwarks at a later phase but in any case, it’ll be parallel to the line of the deck.

2. In the case of those models in which the “whether” or “upper” deck is in either 2 or 3 distinct segments, at varying levels, then the 1st plank is usually run along the line of the “main” or “middle” deck then follows its natural course both “aft” and “fore”.

3. A lot of models that feature under deck open gun ports will necessitate the 1st plank to abide by the line of the gun ports and it’ll run instantly over or under a row of gun ports.
Once the position of the 1st plank is decided, you’ll necessitate bending it around the curve of the hull both aft and fore. You’ll apparently need to make use of a plank blender in order to achieve the curvature that you have need of.

Wood Ship Kits - Ages Of Sail


Take one of the planks to be utilized and put it in place. Spring the plank lightly around the bow. At the point where the plans begin to curve, mark the point as A. next, spring the plank around the stern lightly. At the point where the plank begins to curve, mark the point as B.
Take one more plank and transfer both of these points on to it. Mark an arrow on each plank pointing towards the bow. Plus, mark every plank “P” for the port (left) and “S” for starboard (right). This has to be carried out every plank you will prepare, and the entire planks will be made in pairs.
From point A make use of a plank bender to smoothly fold in the direction of the bow. Trial fit the plank. If required, make use of the plank bender once more by lightly crimping between the previous crimps. It’ll add to the bend of the plank. Do this procedure again until you’re contented with the curvature of the plank.
From point B, make use of the plank bender to lightly crimp the plank toward the stern. Trial fit the plank. If required, make use of the plank bender once again but lightly crimp between the preceding crimps. Do the procedure again until you’re contented with the curvature of the plank.
Keeping this in mind will ensure you make the most of wood ship kits!