Types Of Glues Required For Building Model Boat Kits

There is a complete variety of glues that are specially created for building model boat kits. While applying the glue to the surfaces to be joined don’t apply it using the nozzle of the bottle. Use a brush or a glue syringe to coat the surfaces to be attached.

Ø  Contact Glue

As the name implies, contact glues provide a nearly immediate bond between the two surfaces. The glue is a gel and is brushed on to both surfaces that are to be attached. Both surfaces can be bonded together as soon as the glue is dried. At the time of lining up, the two surfaces great care is required to be taken since the bond is made right away and is really strong. In the case of inaccuracy, removal will result in damage to the timber. Prior to applying the glue, make sure you dry fit the parts to be joined.

Contact glue is perfect for joining the 2^nd layer of planking over the 1^st layer of planking. The 2^nd layer is typically a veneer decorative timber like mahogany or walnut and is fixed in place very effectively using contact glue. Be aware of the vapors given off by contact glue because it may result in breathing issues. Always make sure that there is ample ventilation while working with model boat kits and making use of contact glue.

Ø  Two part epoxy glue

It is composed of two parts – a hardener and a resin – that are in different tubes and are combined together in equal quantities. Based on the ambient temperature, this glue simply takes roughly five minutes to dry out completely. It is perfect glue when it comes to joining metal to metal or wood. Make use of a spatula or a matchstick to blend the hardener and resin on a glass block or scrap piece of wood. The glue will dry really hard and clear. Scrape off any surplus as the glue is still in its plastic phase prior to it becomes firm.

Ø  Cyanoacrylate or super glue

Super glue or Cyanoacrylate glue is very quick drying. Based on the ambient temperature, it is just a matter of seconds for this glue to set firmly. It is packed in a small tube of the plastic bottle and extremely small amounts are required to be applied. Such sort of glue can be utilized to the purpose of joining metal to metal or metal to wood.

When it comes to fixing the planking to the hull, always keep away from making use of super glue. In addition, this glue is not at all recommended to seal a rigging know for the reason that it can make the cord brittle and hard. Once more, never consider applying this glue straightforwardly to the job using the nozzle. Make use of the point of a scalpel blade to apply the glue to the location required.

When it comes to applying glue to model boat kits, always keep in mind that great care must be exercised. A little error can result in a substantial injury.

All You Need To Know About Plank Tapering

The majority of beginners working with different model boat kits have various concerns about planking. There are different things about planking that every scale modeler must be aware of. However, let us get started with plank tapering.

If you spend some time with a piece of string or a tape measure and a ruler you will quickly notice the reason it is essential to taper the planks to a tapered width at either one or both ends. There will be an apparent dissimilarity when you calculate the distance from the bottom of the keel to the level of the deck. In merely theoretical terms, if the dimension at one frame is 80mm (for example) and at another frame, it is 120mm (for instance), then every plank requires being narrowed down to 2/3 (80/120) of its total width at the 1^st frame. With this, every plank will arrive at the keel jointly.

In general terms, a bluff bowed boat model will necessitate less tapering as compared to a sharp bowed ship. Even though it is likely that some tapering will be necessitated as planks go towards the stern, however, it is even fairly possible that the distance, deck to the bottom of the keel, will be bigger at the position of the last couple of frames than it is at.

Determine from the instructions provided by the manufacturer of model boat kits or the plans, the location of the initial plank. Even though it was common to begin planking at the keel and progress upwards, however, in scale modeling, the professionals typically begin the initial plank in one of the following three positions:

1.    With a boat model that has a straight or flush upper deck, the initial plank must be laid with its upper edge level with the deck surface. It’ll have the top edge up to 5mm to 10mm underneath the level of the deck. Anywhere this is carried out, it is for the purpose of making the construction simple at a later phase but in any case, it’ll be corresponding to the line of the deck.

2.    With a ship model in which the weather or upper deck is in either 2 or 3 different parts, at conflicting levels, the initial plank usually runs along the line of the main or middle deck, which then follows its natural course. There quite a handful of ship models that simply fall in this type of category.

3.    A lot of boat models that feature below deck open gun ports necessitate that the initial plank follows the line of the gun ports and it’ll run right away below or above a row of gun ports.

Once the specific place of the initial plank is recognized, PVA glue must be used for the purpose of sticking it and keep away from tapering it. Ensure that both planks must follow the same line and are a mirror image of one another.

While working with any of the model boat kits, make sure that you keep the points mentioned above for accurate plank tapering.

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.

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!

All You Need To Know About Making Silkspan Sails

Over the years, sails have been seen on model boats in one or another form. The majority of ship model kits include sails that are made of muslin cloth due to its color as well as close look to old time canvas. Such sails are typically pre-cut and sewn up around the corners with rope in order to fasten rigging lines and blocks securely. There are several boat kits that include sails that do not look too bad as the sails are given the authentic appearance with detailed sewing of seams and panels. Plus, they look rather natural in the way that it hangs, therefore, improving the overall look of the entire ship model.

Such sort of sails are even one that can be created on your own (by the modeler) simply by using a sewing machine having a bit of sewing experience. Let’s talk about Silkspan sails. Even though it gives the impression of a tissue paper, however, is way stronger since the availability of silk spun into the fibers. Most often, it is available in a white sheet of tissue and can be converted into any type of the color. To make it limp and let it form any shape, water can be applied to it. Once shaped, the shape can be retained as the water gets evaporated.

Strangely enough, a lot of modelers building ship model kits have discovered that details like seam lines onto the Silkspan can be printed easily. Moreover, the pieces of Silkspan can even be glued to each other to make it look like strengthening panels, which can be seen on authentic sails. Given such properties, let’s explore how simple it is to make Silkspan sails in any color, size, or shape and make use of them on the scale mode boat. Such sails have to open up all sorts of possibilities for display like sails under the wind, furled sails, or simply plain sails hanging from a yardarm.

Once you have created the pattern on your Silkspan, it is not time to attach it to your model kit. After the Silkspan sail has been attached to the yardarm, you will not have to fasten a variety of blocks and ropes to the cringles along the bottom and sides of the sail. In addition, the reef ropes can even be added all the way through the horizontal strengthening bands by making use of a thread and needle. Usually, such ropes have a knot on each side of the sail in order to hold them in place. For scale ship model kits, it is easier to have a knot on one side of the sail and make use of a dab of the tacky glue undiluted to grip such ropes in place.

All About Building The Body Of Ship Model Kit

One of the trending hobbies across the globe is building ship model kits. There are a lot of things that every modeler must keep in mind. Let’s explore the ways to build the body of the model.

Unbox & lay out the components

Unboxing the kit and inspecting the components is the first thing you need to do. Ensure every component and instructions manual is available to assemble the ship. However, you will even need to lay out everything in order to make sure that no piece is damaged or missing. Take care every component is accounted for and none of the components is broken. Start the process of ship building by going through the instructions manual in detail. Check for the additional materials or tools you need prior to getting started.

Begin with frame building

Start the process of ship modeling by building the frame once you have verified the availability of every tool and material. The ship frame will let you add planks, shaping the actual body of the ship model. Make sure to check with instructions manual for the appropriate building process. Check out some proven tips to help provide you an understanding of what you can anticipate while building the frame of your model kit.

ü  Slide the bulkhead frames into the keel. The keel will be an extended part of the frame, running the length of the boat. The bulkheads will slide into slots located on the keel. Bulkheads will facilitate to outline the planks of the boat when it is time to apply them.

ü  Once you are certain everything fits, glue can be applied to the bulkhead frames into the keel.

ü  Take care that everything is level and flat on the top of the frame. If any areas of the keel or bulkheads are elevated than others, make use of sandpaper to level them off.

Level the bulkhead frames

Ensuring the planks lay consistently over the bulkheads is an essential element of building the ship model. The kit may possibly not be assembled properly if the planks are not capable of touching each bulkhead and lay flat. The following steps can be used to check how flat the planks will fit across the bulkheads, making sure that the model ship will be assembled properly.

ü  Position a plank over the bulkheads.

ü  Sand the bulkheads until the planks rest totally against every bulkhead if there’s a room where the plank doesn’t touch a bulkhead.

ü  Take your time and ensure every plank will lay totally against the bulkheads.

ü  Ensure to test both sides of the bulkheads.

ü  You can add minute slices of wood afterward to level off the plank if you smooth one area down too much.

Add the deck

Once you sand the hull, the deck is all set to be added, which will complete the main body of the ship model kits. The top of the deck level planks, keel, and bulkheads will be required to be glued to the model deck. Once glued properly, you are free to go for detailing and give your model boat a final touch.

Give Your Scale Model A Perfect Finishing Touch With Decals

No matter you are working with one of the best wooden model boat kits for sale, you will definitely want to give it a personal touch, which can be done by applying decals. Not only a personal touch, but decals can give your scale model a perfect finishing touch as well. Decals give a good touch of authenticity, detail, and color to your scale model.

Necessary Decal Tools

Prior to applying decals, you will certainly require having a clean workspace and every essential tool on hand. Let’s explore are some of the necessary tools that you will probably require:

•         Hobby knife
•         Tweezers
•         Small paint brushes
•         Paper towels & lint free cloth
•          Klear or varnish
•          A bowl of water
•          A sheet of decals
•          Cutting mat
•         A pair of small, sharp scissors

Surface Preparation

Prior to applying decals, after the concluding paint job has dried up, one or two thin coatings of Klear or varnish should be applied to produce a semi-gloss or gloss finish. Although a flat or matt finish might be an ideal appearance for your scale model, however, lessens the decal’s points of contact and small air pockets can be left underneath the decal. Ensure this layer of varnish has dried up entirely prior you move forward.

Typically, decals are of two types – Self-Adhesive Decals and Water-Slide Decals.

Self-Adhesive Decals

Self-adhesive decals for wooden model boat kits for sale are further categorized into two types:

ü “Sticker” Self-Adhesive Decals – They are normally printed on a vinyl sheet that includes a backing. If they are not previously pre-cut, you’ll definitely require cutting around the outline of every decal and then peel the backing off prior to putting it on the scale model.

ü  “Wet” Self-Adhesive Decals – They are a bit rare and must not be perplexed with the vinyl self-adhesive decals or water-slide decals. The adhesive on these decals is on the back, which when dampened with water, lets the decal to be placed on the right point prior to warily rubbing out any surplus water. It causes the decal adhesive to bond to the model enduringly. A small amount of washing liquid added to the water will facilitate the decal to slip better until you are contented that you get it in the right place.

Water-Slide Decals

Transfer decals or water-slide decals are fairly common and are made up of a backing paper, a water soluble adhesive, and a decal. After immersing it in water, the decal factually slides off the backing paper on its own, letting you to be applied to the surface of the scale model with comparative effortlessness. Such decals are quite easy to be applied in contrast to either of the self-adhesive decals for wooden model boat kits for sale.

After the decals are applied to the scale model, and if the task is performed accurately, they should now have the look of being painted on. And, you can consider leaving the model with a gloss finish or apply some weathering technique.

A Guide To Popular Wooden Ship Model Kits

It’s been years since wooden ship model kits are been crafted by professional modelers. Ancient Egyptian’s ship makers used to construct wooden ships that were a scaled down model of the actual ship. It demonstrates that model ship building was also a hobby since ancient times. Scale modeling your own wooden ship model is usually more motivating and rewarding as compared to purchasing the one that has been already built.

Typically, wooden ships can be modeled in two ways – purchasing a kit and building using a plan. You can choose from a wide range of wooden ship kits that are available today both online and offline. While purchasing one, make sure you are opting for the one according to your level of expertise as well as the one you are actually willing to build such as a Roman, Greeks, Egyptians or a Vikings ship. Let’s explore the types of wooden ship kits available.

Amati Ship Kits

Amati ship kits are a blend of both contemporary design techniques and old world craftsmanship. It’s been 1920 since this company has been into ship kit manufacturing in Tornio, Italy. These model kits are known for précised details and are realistic explanations of the actual ships.

Corel Ship Kits

Since 1971, Corel ship kits are been into manufacturing using the premium material, fine quality wood in an assortment of shades, almost no plastic parts, cast metal fittings, and the best quality timbers available. Every part comes pre-cut, as far as possible, and is ready to be assembled.

Mamoli Ship Kits

Ship model kits produced by Mamoli are popular for the trustworthiness of scale and historical designing, offering a fine piece of art that can please every modeler. The substances used for scale modeling are known for premium quality and the building detailed plans are also provided.

Soclaine Ship Kits

The company has been into ship kit manufacturing since 1980 in France. The model kits come with standard pre-cut frames, all-wooden construction, and comprehensive plan to scale along with figures and illustrations to make assembly of your masterpiece absolutely effortless.

Occre Ship Kits

These ship kits are known for a great degree of details and the accurate use of premium quality products. They are available with subdivided phases of assembly with detailed color paragraphs and comprehensive instructions. Moreover, the kit comprises of fairly every required material apart from glue, paint, and tools.

Krick Ship Kits

It is a German ship kit manufacturer known for offering exceptional quality scale models. They produce boat hulls through vacuum shaped ABS with pre-cut frames and keels. Moreover, every model kit is provided with detailed instructions in English and every fitting material.

Euromodel Ship Kits

It’s been 1970 since Euromodel has been into the manufacturing of authentic wooden ship model kits in Como, Italy. The company has built a strong reputation for producing the most complex and genuine wooden ship kits that are known for perfection. Their kits are usually designed to be best fit experienced and professional scale modelers.