Model Boats Blog

Well the first problem I have encountered is finding somewhere which stocks the raw materials in sensible sizes for building this model. I need 1/16, 1/8,1/4 plywood of the right grade. I had tried the local builders merchants and none stocked the smaller thickness ply.

I eventually  discovered Totem Timber in Cattedown Plymouth who not only stocked the wood in sensible sizes but also have a specific "model Shop" within the builders merchant. You have to find a staff member to unlock the "shop" which is set in a mezzanine at the rear of the main display store. I had limited time to browse but they seem to have a lot of goodies in here for the model maker.

Below are the first materials purchased for the build. Total spent so far £35.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I have to decide on the method of transferring the impressions from the plan to the timber for cutting. I have read about a number of methods from tracing paper to photocopying. I have decided on the tracing route but have borrowed Karen's greaseproof paper which seems to work just as well and cost me nothing!

Having laid the greaseproof paper over the plan I have traced the shape of the first bulkhead B1. Slightly confused me as it only depicts half of the shape on the plan and it took me a second to realise that you have to turn the paper over to trace the other half! I told you I am an absolute beginner.

Once traced I chose to pin the tracing onto the correct thickness plywood and draw the shape traced to leave an impression on the wood below. I then checked the tracing was working having ensured at least 2 of the drawing pins remained in place to stop the tracing moving.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Once traced and happy with it I reinforced the outline with the pencil and ended up with an almost exact copy of the B1 bulkhead from the plan.

 

 

 

 

  

Now comes the tricky job of cutting out the shape using Mikes Axminster Jig Saw. Now I have to admit I had a little practice with a piece of softwood first to get the hang of the jig saw.

 

 

 

 

 

 Practice over it was onto the real thing and cutting out the first piece of the boat for real.

 

 

 

 

 

 So there you see the very first part of the jigsaw copied from the plan and cut to shape. Goodness knows how many more to do and at the speed I have taken to get this far I am glad I have not set any timescale for the build.

 

Mike has started the seal engine build from scratch and you can watch its progress here.

 

Below you will find a selection of boat plans for sale on ebay.