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[dgp1957]

Gents I am building a 1/48 model of the Maid of Ashton, it has been started by one of the guys at the club, the superstructure sides have been made using plywood.
Anything I have built before I have always used plastic sheet, and I think plastic may be too heavy for the rest of the build. What size of plywood would you recommend for the rest of the superstructure/upper decks bearing in mind the model is very shallow draughted and I would like to keep the weight down low in the hull.

David

[andyn]

I personally would use either 1/32nd or even 1/64th ply, the latter having the ability to be cut easily using sharp scissors, this is the method I shall use on my Algerine minesweeper when it gets here

Andy

[Colin Bishop]

Plastic is generally heavier than ply and you can't risk too much top weight. I'd go with Andy's advice.

Colin

[dgp1957]

Thanks Andy, I'm using Cascamite just now to plank a One Metre yacht I am building, will that do for the plywood as well?

David

[andyn]

I have absolutely no experience of using cascamite, although from what I read about it, it should be ok. I usually use cyano or epoxy on thin ply for conveniance

[Colin Bishop]

Cascamite will work OK on the plywood but it does take a while to dry. My preference for wood to wood joints would be Aliphatic glue which is clean and easy to use, excess wipes off with a damp cloth. Deluxe Materials do more than one type: http://www.deluxematerials.com/products_emulsion.html Their Super Phatic is the woodworking counterpart of Cyano. I love working with the very thin plywoods myself, they take a very good finish once sealed.

Colin

[Bryan Young]

Why not consider a combination of the 2? Very thin ply covered with a layer of 10thou plasticard would solve most of the problems, and also give a better surface on which to paint.On my larger models I use 1/16" ply layered over with 20 or 40 thou plasticard and it works a treat. BY.

[Colin Bishop]

That method might be a bit heavy for this model Bryan, Maid of Ashton was only 161 feet long which makes the model just over three feet long. Keeping the superstructure as light as possible is essential. I've always found it easy to get a good finish on thin birch ply without the need to cover it. And you only have to cut the part out once!

Colin

[John W E]

dgp1957 Dave, hi there

If you have a look for the topic Type 42 HMS York build in Warships - have a look at the superstructure build; the superstructure is all built from 1:32 and 1:64 birch-ply which can be purchased from Mantua Models.   Although this ply from Mantua is fairly expensive, it is quite light compared to plasticard, and, as Colin has already mentioned - to achieve a finish on the surface of the plywood, it is relatively easy.   I personally tend to use sand n sealer first, which, when dry and rubbed down can then just be painted as normal with Humbrol/similar Paints.

Hope this is of some help.

Aye
john e
bluebird.

[andyn]

Don't know about Mantua, but I buy mine from SLEC in whacking great sheets.

[DickyD]

Don't know about Mantua, but I buy mine from SLEC in whacking great sheets.

Obviously a man with loads of money.

[andyn]

A man with no money...

...but a generous nan...

[Bryan Young]

How much does a sheet of 10thou plasiticard weigh? But each to his own I guess. You build your way and I'll build mine.

[Colin Bishop]

Can't argue with that Bryan, everyone has their own preferences that they are comfortable with. One way is not necessarily better than another - just different.

Colin

[Martin13]

Can't argue with that Bryan, everyone has their own preferences that they are comfortable with. One way is not necessarily better than another - just different.

Colin

I like that Quote - How True

Martin du