Redshift Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 (edited) Forgive the indulgence, I know this is primarily a plastic forum, but I do like getting to grips with a pile of wood and making something recognisably boatlike out of it. This build is of a Billing Boats "Nordkap", a North Sea trawler from the early '70s. I remember my Dad making this model about 30 years ago and me being impressed by it compared to my pile of airfix spitfires. Anyway, I have once again commandeered the dining room table as a workshop and started sawdust production in earnest. First things first, the keel. Add some ribs, then realise that while the keel was cut to the length from the instructions it is 4mm too short when measured against the deck. Measure twice cut once? Where's the fun in that? This is the third Billings kit I've done and is easily the best quality in terms of fittings and wood parts; not up to Amati standards, but pretty good. Luckily I had read up about the kit and had been warned that the instructions were more like outline suggestions than a detailed how-to guide. I was wondering about doing some weathering and making it look like a working vessel, but that was vetoed by the boss if I want to have it out on display, so shiny and shipshape it'll have to be. Edited June 2, 2018 by Redshift Title update 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EJS Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 Wow, I just love doing those little woodies. Will be following with interest. EJ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longshanks Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 I'm in Kev 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted December 17, 2017 Author Share Posted December 17, 2017 (edited) Welcome aboard chaps, mind the mess. This won't be a quick build, I only get a couple of hours at weekends as work is keeping me on my toes, but the whole point of this is for relaxation and the enjoyment of the build as much as the end result. Edited December 17, 2017 by Redshift 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefy66 Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 Following along always good to see a civilian ship build. beefy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Aris Posted December 17, 2017 Share Posted December 17, 2017 LOL you of course could compromise and weather one side, looking forward to your next update 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadog Posted December 18, 2017 Share Posted December 18, 2017 Nice choice! I'll enjoy seeing it grow. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdo Posted December 18, 2017 Share Posted December 18, 2017 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandsaw Steve Posted December 18, 2017 Share Posted December 18, 2017 I’m in - always interested in sawdust production me! 👍😀 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crayons Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 1 hour ago, Bandsaw Steve said: I’m in - always interested in sawdust production me! 👍😀 It isn't sawdust, it's man glitter. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Pete Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 On 12/17/2017 at 6:01 PM, Redshift said: the whole point of this is for relaxation and the enjoyment of the build as much as the end result. I'm with you 100%. Slaying the dragon is so much more fun than seeing his head on the wall. You've piqued my interest, I must say. I restored a sailing ship for my honorary niece (her husband is not handy) and fancy having a go at building one. Are the parts all laser cut and ready to rock n roll or does one need a fretsaw and a lot of specialised skill? Or, to put it another way, can a plastic sticker of no appreciable skills have a crack at it without risking a nervous breakdown? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted December 19, 2017 Author Share Posted December 19, 2017 Yes, the ribs and frames are laser cut and just need fettling with sandpaper. The only extra tools I bought are a mini plane that uses razor blades and an electric plank bender, but neither are essential. Not sure I'd recommend this one for a first wooden model, something like the Boulogne Etaples trawler might be better as the instructions are more comprehensive. And its half the price! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted December 23, 2017 Author Share Posted December 23, 2017 Last update before turkeyfest. Added the decks and fitted the prop and rudder tubes. Managed to forget that the rudder post needs to be fitted before the deck, so there is now an unsightly access hole, but this will eventually be covered by superstructure. More in the new year. Merry Christmas to all! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longshanks Posted December 23, 2017 Share Posted December 23, 2017 Yep it's definitely a boat Kev 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Pete Posted December 31, 2017 Share Posted December 31, 2017 On 12/23/2017 at 4:59 PM, longshanks said: Yep it's definitely a boat But not quite ready for registration... Even in Panama! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted January 21, 2018 Author Share Posted January 21, 2018 Ok, so recovering from the festivities took a bit longer than expected, plus the usual new yar panics at work means I've not managed to do much in the way of maritime carpentry. Heres the story so far: This may go on hold for a bit, I've got a supermarine s6b and an italeri land rover calling me from the cupboard with some diorama ideas. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted February 9, 2018 Author Share Posted February 9, 2018 Its been a hectic few weeks, but I'm back making a mess again. More planking: Done! Sanded, ready for filling Filler added, ready for more sanding Filler sanded, now ready for primer It'll be three coats of halfords red primer then the upper hull sprayed in dark green when I can find some time to go hide in the garage. The deck gets planked and the inside of the hull sides will be white. More anon. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted February 20, 2018 Author Share Posted February 20, 2018 Finally managed to do the forward chain locker and the painting 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted February 20, 2018 Share Posted February 20, 2018 That looks very impressive Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandsaw Steve Posted February 20, 2018 Share Posted February 20, 2018 That’s looking Great!👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadog Posted February 21, 2018 Share Posted February 21, 2018 Enjoying the progress! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longshanks Posted February 21, 2018 Share Posted February 21, 2018 A Solid base to build away from ..... Kev 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted March 5, 2018 Author Share Posted March 5, 2018 Another extended break from boat fettling. I managed to find some time during the recent panics over half an inch of snow to do some planking and painting. I found that halfords stock trawler paint at very reasonable prices. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redshift Posted March 29, 2018 Author Share Posted March 29, 2018 Latest progress: 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadog Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Nice, clean work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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