It takes time and patience to build a model of a boat. A model can consist of hundreds of small scale pieces that need to be assembled by hand. The construction process, then, can resemble that used to create real ships. Follow these tips to build your model.
Steps
Step 1. Search for the model you prefer
It will help you understand how you want your boat to be structured. Look for instructions, if possible, to help you figure out how to piece together the details.
Step 2. Buy a kit or create model components
The necessary pieces can include planks for the deck and the hull, thick sheets for the sails and one or more masts.
Step 3. Place the ship's bulkheads over the grooved hull frame or keel
Bulkheads are sections that help improve the strength of the ship's structure.
Step 4. Moisten the wooden boards for the hull with water
This will make them more flexible. Shape the wet planks around the bulkheads to match the hull structure.
Step 5. Glue each board to the corresponding bulkhead of the ship
Step 6. Cut the planks so that they completely cover the hull spaces
Then glue them where necessary.
Step 7. Add another layer of wooden planks to finish the hull structure
Step 8. Smooth the hull with sandpaper
To protect the wood, apply a clear or shellac topcoat.
Step 9. If necessary, cut the slots
Look at the instructions and use them as a reference. For a more precise cut, use a laser cutter connected to a PC.
Step 10. Place and glue the deck boards in place
Step 11. Paint the hull in the royal ship colors (those used throughout the story)
Step 12. Add details and other pieces to the model
You could put some cannons, the rudder and carve the stern.
Step 13. Paint the rest of the model
Step 14. Add the mast or masts, ropes and sails
Use strings of different thicknesses and cut very small pieces, as needed.
Advice
- The process of adding one batten to the hull at a time is called building the frame of battens or battens on the bulkheads.
- To fit the ship into a bottle, the model is built out of the bottle with a collapsible mast. The vessel is inserted into the bottle while the mast is bent. When the boat has been positioned, a rope attached to the mast is pulled, causing it to rise together with the sails.
- Check your ship after each step in the building process. This is useful for correcting errors in time.
- Once the model is complete, the ropes must be taut, as well as the masts of the ship.
