Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: Chieftain on July 06, 2013, 01:59:34 am

Title: Hull plating
Post by: Chieftain on July 06, 2013, 01:59:34 am
I am well into construction of a Clyde Puffer scratch build from plans, and have been mulling over my choices for scale looking hull plating.

The vessel "Cloughlight" is a 1890 era coal fired, steam powered, iron hulled puffer.  The plans were drawn for building a cardboard display model or a wood R/C model.  I scaled up the original plans by 200% which gave me a hull that is just under 4 feet long.

The plans include a very good set of templates for cutting out strips of material to glue onto the hull that are indented to simulate the plating.  My first thought was to use 1/16" plywood and fit the strips.  The problem is that the plates on a puffer overlap, and I am not sure of the best way to go about doing that, especially on a hull I intend to put in the water.

I built the hull using 1/4" plywood for the frames and 3/8" ply for the keel.  I used styrofoam blocks between each frame to provide even spacing and keep everything parallel.  The foam adds a great deal of strength and will provide an excellent support for the plating.  I intend to glass the hull with epoxy resin and a light glass cloth, then sand it to break the gloss, and prepare it for plating.

Looking for any suggestions from anyone who has done a plating project before, and any tricks, tips, or pitfalls you can share.  I will put up a build thread for this boat a bit later...

Thanks!

Title: Re: Hull plating
Post by: BarryM on July 06, 2013, 08:11:47 am
It's all there if you look. Go to 'Masterclasses' and read Bryan Young's thread on 'General Havelock' which includes the application of rivetted plating.
Barry M
Title: Re: Hull plating
Post by: boat captain on July 06, 2013, 12:31:26 pm
I used brown gummed tape cut to size of plate then the riveting was embossed on to the tape using a dressmakers wheel also known as a pounce wheel.  The tape was glued on with pva and when completed coated with several coats of matt exterior varnish.
Joe
 :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Hull plating
Post by: Chieftain on July 06, 2013, 04:13:13 pm
Thanks for that steer, that's a great build thread that is right up my alley.  Bryan's explanation about why indented rivets look good to the eye makes a great deal of sense and sure simplifies my project's goals.  Thanks, and I will work on getting a build thread of my own going.....

 :-))