I am planning the build of a Louise Heloise. The write up in the back issue of MMI covers a lot of the construction, but doesn't say what type of wood was used for the planks. Can someone suggest a good source of planking?
RAJ
I find that Cedar is the most suitable stripwood for hull planking: it's easy to sand, conforms to curvatures very well and doesn't split. If the standard of planking is good it also produces a beautiful shade when varnished or when covered with fibre glass finishing tissue (as used on model aircraft wings)
Tip Pre-soaking each strip in Ammonia for approx 10 - 15 minutes will make it very mallable and easy to bend to acute curves without the risk of splitting. Pin/secure each strip to the hull and let it dry before final trimming and/or gluing to the frames. i use a length of capped plastic waste-pipe as a reservoir for my Ammonia which enables it to be used over and over again.
CAUTION Always use in a well ventilated area and wear protective goggles and rubber gloves at all times.
Sourcing: try Dennis Nixon, Twigfolly, Attleborough Norfolk - see his advert in the marine modelling mags. He supplies superbly cut, grain matched cedar yacht planking kits (3/8" x 1/8")for small, medium and large hulls, and at very reasonable prices inclusive of P & P. In fact I use him for all my wood - ask for his (free) catalogue, you won't be disappointed.
Good luck.