HMS Bellerophon. Hull Planking Completed. (well almost)

by John

Not too many posts lately.

I have been busy applying the 2nd layer of hull planks. It has taken 3 weeks. About 4-8 hours most days.

It has taken a lot longer than the first layer because there are about twice as many planks in the second layer compared with the first, and I was more particular about the fit and appearance of each plank because they will be visible.

In order to avoid using screws/nails/clamps etc. I used CA glue almost exclusively on this layer. And dampened each plank to speed up setting of the glue. That leaves no more than 20 seconds to position the plank before the glue sets permanently. So each plank must be cut and dry fitted, further trimmed, then wet, glue applied and the plank forever installed. Only one of the 100 planks needed to be ripped off and remade, which was fortunate because the ripping off process was brutal and ugly.

Some photos of the hull with planks fastened, and rough sanded….

Oh yes. 2nd planking also involved cutting the gunports, and also removing bulkhead parts which blocked the gunports. The gunports were cut with a scalpel and finish sanded. The bulkhead trimming required some precision chiselling. I am lucky to have a set of Japanese ultra-sharp carpenters chisels. They made cutting through the 6mm thick marine ply bulkheads easy.
Where the planks meet the prow I cut a rabbet and fitted the plank into the rabbet. The first few planks were just butted up to the prow but some more experienced ship modellers convinced me to use the rabbet. It took some time to cut the rabbet, about 0.5-1mm deep, but I must admit that it made fitting the subsequent planks much easier and neater.
Cutting the rabbet with a scalpel. I used a chisel to break out the middle section. A few CA glue hard spots required careful drilling with a 1mm carbide drill.



The rabbet was later extended just onto the keel.
At the stern some triangular filler pieces were required (“stealers”), Since they will eventually not be visible underneath the copper plating I was not fussed about giving them sharp points. Purists will not be happy but I am.

BTW, the rudder post is not yet accurately fitted, just sitting there for the photo.

And I am happy enough with the curves and flow of the planks.

The pencil line is roughly the water line, where the coppering will finish. I used the best Huon Pine strips above that and the seconds below. The seconds had cross figuring, or machining marks, or darker colouring, but it was still very good material. When the strips were moistened they were very flexible, accepting bends in 2 directions plus twisting without snapping or splitting.

In the photos the planking has been sanded with 80grit paper on a firm sanding block. Another hour or two with 120 then 240 grit will be required. And some planks on the stern counter to cover those screw holes.

Next, I am contemplating adding the wales using a darker wood, possibly kauri.