I'm about to start building the Mantua Anteo tug, a double plank on frame. I built a Mantua Bruma previously and the manufacturers supplied balsa as an (optional) first plank under the lime outer plank. I quite liked the balsa as, although softer, I could get a very tight smooth finish, which I covered in modelling tissue before the second plank. For this kit, Mantua haven't supplied the balsa option but I may buy some and so that way anyway.
Most pictures of the Anteo show it painted, which looks fine.
I've also seen a picture of it unpainted which also looks nice (although not authentic as it would have been a steel hull).
My rather open questions are:
what tips do members have for getting planking to this standard on a working model? It seems potentially difficult finishing it really well at bow and stern and getting it watertight.
Also what darker hardwood would be most suitable - Sapele, Obeche, Black Walnut and Mahogany have been mentioned?
Is it best to cover an unpainted hull with resin? When I built the Bruma I tried covering the outer planking with epoxy resin but it dried rather lumpy with bubbles. Where did I go wrong? Presumably if you get it right you get a hard glass-like finish? I ended up painting it..