Model Bellerophon- first planking completed

Today I completed the first layer of hull planks on my 1:72 scale model of HMS Bellerophon.

There are approx. 28 planks per side. The first 2 planks took a whole day to install, one on each side. The next day I achieved 4 planks installed. My best effort was 6 planks in a day. I did get more efficient with experience but even then, each plank took about one hour.. I was a bit nervous about removing the clamps before the glue (PVA) had set properly, and tended to wait a couple of hours before doing so. Overall, this first planking took 2 weeks, with some days out for other activities. Today was spent sanding and filling, then more sanding and filling.

These planks will mostly be covered with copper and will not be visible, so I did not regret having to use some filler. The upper section with the gunports will be planked later (“the second planking”) and will be painted
The main aim with the first planking layer is to get the shapely curves right, and as this photo, and the next ones show, I think that was achieved.
The stern counter was then glued into place. The hole is for the rudder.

So the plywood around the gunports will be covered with 0.5mm thin planks and I am now pondering whether a second layer of planks is really necessary to cover these Huon pine planks. After all, they will be covered with copper or paint, and the shape and finish is pretty good…..

Wait and see. Watch this space.