December 2010 Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter

Ship Model Fittings: Did you see our shipping cost comparison blog? To recap, if you order up to 10 fittings packages from Cast Your Anchor, you will pay $4.50CAD for shipping. If you order the same fitting from our competitor in the US, you’ll pay $38.99US. This is not a joke!

Building the Bounty: As the build proceeds, some of my favourite tools are the diamond coated files (41044), the 45 degree curved micro tweezers (42018) and the mini square (45021). And OK – although I preach using Titebond wood glue for all wood to wood bonding, you can’t beat CA glue when you get tired of being a clamp! Point taken.
I have converted the wooden pails they include in the Artesania Latina kit to copper pots and even inserted some plant like material. I have also added oars and sails to the Jolly boat.

Industry News: We continue to struggle with the collapse of the North American ship model manufacturer’s distributorship. Please allow plenty of time should you wish one of the Mantua model kits like the Sovereign of the Seas or the Soleil Royale.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS FROM THE STAFF AND MASCOT OF CAST YOUR ANCHOR

Shipping Costs into Canada

As many of you know, Cast your Anchor is Canada’s only marine hobby store specializing in ship models, boat kits, radio control sail and powerboats, tools, fittings and accessories all under one roof.

We have recently read that many ship model hobbyists are complaining about the cost of shipping ship model products into Canada from the USA.

So here's a comparison

Shipping cost for up to ten fittings
Competitor cost $38.99 Cast Your Anchor cost $4.50

Shipping cost for most tools
Competitor cost $42.88 Cast Your Anchor cost $17.50

Shipping cost for a medium size ship model kit
Competitor cost $47.99 Cast Your Anchor cost $26.50

Shipping cost for a large ship model kit
Competitor cost $53.99 Cast Your Anchor cost $38.50

There have also been complaints about shipping a few items in a large box which would add to the cost of shipping. At Cast Your Anchor, all shipping vessels match the size of the product. In other words our customers don’t pay to ship air!

And lastly, you’ll notice that our shipping costs are on the splash page not buried inside of our website. At Cast Your Anchor you know what your total cost to purchase a product is right up front.

November 2010 Newsletter

Ship Model Fittings: Cast Your Anchor, North America’s only nautical hobby store specializing in the ship model hobby has agreed to distribute modern model scale ship fittings manufactured by Modelbouw Shop in the Netherlands.

This line of modern model scale ship fittings augments the lines manufactured by RB Models from Poland, Amati and Mantua from Italy and Bluejacket from the USA.
The Modelbouw line includes modern model scale ship fittings such as deck lamps, emergency lighting, loudspeakers, life vests, oil drums, fire extinguishers, radars, control panels and much much more realistic scaled fittings.

Industry News: We have received a number of enquiries concerning ship model kits from Mantua. As previously mentioned, there is no longer a North American distributor for Mantua. Cast your Anchor is able to purchase directly from Mantua but there is a lead time of about 2 months. Please keep this in mind when interested in one of their model ship kits.

Specials: We have 1 Tilting Arbor Table Saw on sale. The MicroLux is more powerful, more accurate, and smoother running than any other saw its size. And its the worlds first variable speed table saw, so it will cut metal and plastic, as well as wood. This is, without a doubt, the most feature-packed machine ever designed for the scale modeler. Regularly: US$749.95 On Sale: US$559.95

Feature Kit: CON80829 - Lady Smith Fishing Trawler. Manufacturer: Constructo, Vessel Type: Fishing Skill Level: Intermediate Model Type: Static - Plank on Bulkhead. Built in 1903, this trawler is a cross between the age of sail and the age of steam. Highly unusual kit, well outfitted by Constructo. This ship was skippered by John Wood RNR. Last seen being driven by gale towards Skokholm Island, disappeared off Milford Haven, believed foundered. Skipper and 8 ratings lost. Only two kits available at $199.95


….TIME TO GET BUILDING…..

Cast Your Anchor – Announces it’s New Model Ship Fittings Global E-Catalogue

Cast Your Anchor, North America’s only nautical hobby store specializing in the ship model hobby has produced a ship model fittings catalogue in email format.
The only catalogue available that specializes in ship model fittings from around the world dedicated to both modern and historical ship model makers. Represented are manufacturers from Great Britain, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and the USA.
Cast Your Anchor offers only the most realistic and best quality model ship fittings found throughout the world for it’s customers. These fittings will add the finishing touches to a model ship. The detailing is unsurpassed. The catalogue will remain in electronic format because there are new parts added all the time. When the model makers at Cast Your Anchor discover new and exciting fittings, they get the information to the model makers as quickly as possible.
Come on out and visit us at our new location. And don’t forget to ask us for a copy of our new Model Ship Fittings E-Catalogue.

Check out Cast Your Anchor’s new website; http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We specialize in the nautical hobby.


ABOUT CAST YOUR ANCHOR

CAST YOUR ANCHOR is a one-of-a-kind hobby store focused on ship modeling. In addition to carrying the largest inventory of ship model kits, ship modeling tools and ship model fittings. We have experienced technicians to help answer any questions related to static or radio control model building.

For further information:

Wray Hodgson
Cast Your Anchor Inc.
416-686-8529
4117 Lawrence Ave East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com

Cast Your Anchor Hobby - the only hobby store specializing in ship models, radio control sail and power boats, tools, fittings all under one roof. Ship Model Kits, Ship Model Fittings, Ship Model Tools, Ship Model Plans, Ship Model Books, Radio Control

Cast Your Anchor – Ties knot with Modelbouw Shop from the Netherlands

Cast Your Anchor, North America’s only nautical hobby store specializing in the ship model hobby has agreed to distribute modern model scale ship fittings manufactured by Modelbouw Shop in the Netherlands.

This line of modern model scale ship fittings augments the lines manufactured by RB Models from Poland, Amati and Mantua from Italy and Bluejacket form the USA.
The Modelbouw line includes modern model scale ship fittings such as deck lamps, emergency lighting, loudspeakers, life vests, oil drums, fire extinguishers, radars, control panels and much much more realistic scaled fittings. These fittings will add the finishing touches to a model ship. The detailing is unsurpassed.
Cast Your Anchor is continually looking for the most realistic and best quality model ship fittings throughout the world for it’s customers.
Come on out and visit us at our new location. And don’t forget to ask us for a copy of our new Model Ship Fittings E-Catalogue.

Check out Cast Your Anchor’s new website; http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com. We specialize in the nautical hobby.


ABOUT CAST YOUR ANCHOR

CAST YOUR ANCHOR is a one-of-a-kind hobby store focused on ship modeling. In addition to carrying the largest inventory of ship model kits, ship modeling tools and ship model fittings. We have experienced technicians to help answer any questions related to static or radio control model building.

For further information:

Wray Hodgson
Cast Your Anchor Inc.
416-686-8529
4117 Lawrence Ave East
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
http://www.castyouranchorhobby.com

Cast Your Anchor Hobby - the only hobby store specializing in ship models, radio control sail and power boats, tools, fittings all under one roof. Ship Model Kits, Ship Model Fittings, Ship Model Tools, Ship Model Plans, Ship Model Books, Radio Control

October 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to RatLines!

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Fittings E-Catalogue: It’s taken quite awhile but our Fittings E-Catalogue is ready to go. Because we are still updating information, we will only be sending this catalogue out by email. In our opinion, this format makes finding the fittings you need much easier. Contact us if you would like to receive the catalogue.

Industry News: There have been a lot of changes this year to the distribution network for model ships. Cast Your Anchor is dealing directly with Mantua and Amati. Distributors in the US and Canada have significantly downsized which means inventory levels have been severely restricted. It will take more time in obtaining the kits and parts you want so doing some forward purchase planning would be advised.

Specials: We have 1 Artesania Latina Santa Ana left at the incredible price of $699 US. We also have put on sale a few RC boats including the Isabel Sail Boat. Contact Cast Your Anchor for our other specials.

Mascot: For anyone visiting Cast Your Anchor, you will have noticed our new mascot. His name is Wradar. That’s Radar with a “W”. He’s an Australian Sheppard and loves to lick our customers to death. Come on in and say hi (woof)!


Modern Ship Fittings: Check out our line of modern ship fittings. The quality of brass working fittings from RB Model is unsurpassed. If you don’t see what you are looking for, give us a call and if it’s out there we’ll be able to get it for you.

….TIME TO GET BUILDING…..

Rating of Wooden Model Ship Kit Manufacturers

RATING OF WOODEN MODEL SHIP KIT MANUFACTURERS



There are about 20 wooden model ship kit manufacturers throughout the world. It can be challenging to determine who’s kit will suit the model ship builder the best because of all the variables involved. The idea is to match up the kit manufacturer with the needs and wants of the builder so at the end of the day, the ship model builder has an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Cast Your Anchor has been in the model ship supply business for 7 years and been ship modelers for over 30 years. Over this time we have formed opinions on model ship kit manufacturers either through direct experience or from listening to our customers relate their experiences. We have summarized our findings below for 10 of the ship model manufacturers.

We provide the history and background of the manufacturer, location of their factory, the North American distributorship channel, their tendency when it comes to the kit skill level requirements and of course their rating.

The distributorship channel is most important when considering after sales service. Direct contact between the retailer and the manufacturer is usually best but not in all cases. The tendency for manufacturers to build kits aimed at a certain builder skill level is very important when it comes to the instructions that are provided in the kit. Entry level kit instructions generally assume that the model builder will require guidance with ship model building techniques in addition to specific instructions related to the vessel construction.

Definitions:

Rating 1 -10: 1-3 Poor, 3-7 Good, 8-10 Excellent. All categories are considered equally rated because there are alternative options the builder can exercise should there be an issue in any one of the categories.

Skill Level Tendency – Some manufacturers tend to lean towards a specific builder’s skill level in their kits. Other manufacturers have a good variety of kits to suit all levels of skills. Skill Level Tendency: E – Entry Level, I – Intermediate Level, A – Ambitious Level.

Availability – Ranges from always in stock to fulfillment within a few weeks or months. Availability can be adversely affected by the distribution network of the manufacturer. If the manufacturer allows for direct buying the availability tends to be quite high.

Types of Vessels Available – The two areas looked at were era of the vessel and the vessel type. Some manufacturers have a limited range while others have offerings in almost all categories. One manufacturer has vessel types that are unique to what other manufacturers have to offer.

Historical Accuracy – The accuracy of a model ranges from barely recognizable to reasonably accurate. Detailed information of many vessels is not available which leaves for a fair bit of interpretation. When it comes to paint colours some manufacturers don’t even try to recognize the true colours of the vessel.

Detailing – Some kits are highly detailed while others have minimum deck fittings. The accuracy of the detailing in terms of the era of the ship as well as the materials used at the time that the ship sailed is also considered.

Instructions – Good accurate instructions that if need be have been properly translated from the host language as well as detailed instructions on the techniques of model ship making range not just from one manufacturer to another but between the skill levels of the kits. Novice kits tend to be more explicit with regards to modeling techniques than advanced kits.

Design – This refers to part fit. Precut bulkheads and all parts that are laser cut should fit reasonably accurately without too much modification. Also there are some kits with inherent design flaws that result in misshaped lines of the vessel.

Parts and Fittings – The fittings should be accurate, to scale and made of high quality materials depending on what the parts is.

Completeness of the Kit – The builder should not have to purchase anything outside of the kit unless there is a desire to augment the fittings or parts in order to improve on the historical accuracy. There should be enough wood and rigging material so that extra material does not need to be purchased.

Price – The manufacturer should produce a range of products at different price points.

Overall Value for Money – This refers to the combination of quality, price and product that the manufacturer has assembled in order to the give the builder a positive overall experience regardless of his skill level.

After Sales Service – This refers to being able to obtain extra parts or responses to customer questions concerning the build. Manufacturer’s who have set up distribution channels tend to give fairly poor after sales service.


Manufacturer’s Rating

Amati: Overall Score 7.27 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “I”. Strength is availability of kits and after sales service. Weakness is instructions.

Established in Italy in 1879, Amati moved quickly from printed fretwork models to the model ship line. For over 120 years, Amati, thanks to the collaboration with designers and craftsmen, offers to the modelers the best products and the modern technology. Nowadays customers can rely on a large and varied choice of models from the most beautiful and famous America's Cup, to historical sailing ships, and world-wide known motor boats and submarines. Thanks to the high quality of items, detailed construction plans, the product's originality and the constant introduction of new designs, Amati is a world leader in the wooden ship model hobby. Retailer is serviced direct or through distributors in Canada and the US.


Artesania Latina: Overall Score 7.27 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “I”. Strength is price and overall value for money. Weakness is after sales service and parts and fittings.

Artesania Latina began its journey in 1970 in Barcelona Spain. In 1979, 80% of revenues came from outside Spain and their products were known and recognized in 40 countries on five continents. A key aspect in the evolution of the company has always been innovation. In 1994, Artesania Latina released a second family of products, basically but not exclusively for women and in 2001, they opened an office in Hong Kong focused on strategic positioning in emerging markets. In the 34 years of activity, Artesania Latina has continued to evolve in line with the needs of the market every day, year after year, with a passion for the hobby attracting thousands of friends around the world. Retailer is serviced through a distributor in the US.


Billings Boats: Overall Score 6.73 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “I”. Strength is availability of kits, types of vessels available and completeness of kit. Weakness is after sales service, price and instructions.

In the early 50s Ed Billing, a former RAF pilot during WWII, was working as an Architect in the town of Esbjerg in Denmark. His wife was running a Hobby shop called Vestjydsk Hobby and Mr. Billing was proudly displaying his build up model of a Danish Fishing Boat. At that time there were no actual model boat kits around, from which you could make a boat. One day a Danish magazine saw this beautiful model in the window of the Hobby Shop and were very interested in buying 50 “build ups” of this Fishing Boat for a competition the upcoming summer. Mr. Billing was very keen on the idea, but it was a huge undertaking making 50 models, so he came up with the idea to make the model as a kit, exactly the same way you would build a real ship. This was when the concept “plank-on-frame” was invented by Mr. Billing, which is now used by all model boat manufacturers around the world. Up until 1958 the kits were produced under the name “VHT” Vestjydsk Hobby Teknik, but this changed as Mr. Billings products became known outside Denmark. During the 60s, 70s and 80s the kits were improved, and gradually made easier for consumers to build. The frames were precut or die cut, and in the 60s ABS-hulls were introduced for the people that wanted to go out sail with RC. In 1989/90 the first laser cut machine was brought in, and everything became easier to produce, but also to make for the model builder. August 2008 was the 50th Anniversary of the Billing Boats brand name. Retailer is serviced through distributors in Canada and the US.



Bluejacket: Overall Score 6.73 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “E”. Strength is instructions and after sales service. Weakness is types of vessels available and detailing.

BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Inc., located in the United States, has been in continuous operation since 1905. In 1905, Horace E. Boucher, a French-born naval architect with the U.S. Navy Department and head of the Navy’s model shop in Washington, founded the model company that bore his name. Boucher’s models were prized by museums all over the country—more than 40 are in the Smithsonian alone. His innovative idea of mass producing cast fittings and selling kits to the general public started a new industry in the United States and helped turn what had been the art of a few craftsmen into a hobby enjoyed by thousands. The company name was changed to BlueJacket Shipcrafters after Boucher’s death. Bluejacket strives to manufacture the finest and most historically accurate wooden model ships in the world. Retailer is serviced direct or through distributors in the US.


Constructo: Score 7.64 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “I”. Strength is price and overall value for money. Weakness is after sales service and design.

Founded in 1942, Constructo wooden model ships was a pioneer in its field. Constructo, a well-established Spanish toy and games manufacturer, added wooden ship kits to its line only a few short years ago. The kits are of high quality, with accurately cut laser parts. Constructo produces high quality kits for children.


Corel: Overall score 6.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “A”. Strength is historical accuracy, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Weakness is instructions and after sales service.

Corel, located in Milan Italy has been making model kits for period and modern ships since 1971, and enthusiasts will know about their high quality. The company pride themselves in the manufacture of some of the highest quality model boat kits available to the modeler with the best plans in the business. Corel are also able to supply very high quality fittings and materials to model boat
builders. Retailer is serviced through a distributor in the US.


Dumas: Overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “E”. Strength is types of vessels available and after sales service. Weakness is price and overall value for money.

Al Dumas started marine model boat kits in Milwaukee, WI in 1946. These kits were made of balsa wood with parts printed on the wood for modelers to cut out. About 1980, Dumas moved to its present location at 909 E 17th St. Most of the boats are not only beautiful on display, but they can also be run with electric or gas power and radio control. Dumas line of model boats is most encompassing. Dumas has an exclusive license to manufacture Chris-Craft mahogany runabouts and pleasure craft. Retailer is serviced direct or through distributors in the US.




Mamoli: Overall score 6.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “A”. Strength is in detailing, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Weakness is availability, price and after sales service.

Besides its normal commercial activity, the firm has established a "Naval Modeling Department" for the production of period ship kits. The models presented, which from the structural point of view are of an extremely advanced conception, are the logical continuation of a line begun more than 20 years ago by the designer Luigi Volonté, whose long experience allowed him to personally set up and follow a production, which was regard as one of the best, both for the facility of construction and the clearness of the plans, which are full of perspective drawings and fully described in four languages. Retailer is serviced through one distributor in the US.



Mantua: Overall score 6.09 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “A”. Strength is in detailing, parts and fittings and completeness of kits. Weakness is availability, instructions, price and after sales service.

Mantua Model, located in the ancient town Mantova, Italy, has built its reputation on the ultimate in large, elaborately detailed ship model kits. Mantua Model Group (includes Sergal and Panart) have been producing period model boat kits since after the war and were the first company to innovate and use the cutting ability of laser beams to produce very accurate and high quality products. Designed for the experienced modeler, most use a combination of photo-etched brass and cast or machined bronze fittings. Several feature solid bronze ornamentation cast one piece at a time by the lost wax method. Retailer is serviced through one distributor in the US.


Midwest Models: Overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “E”. Strength is instructions, completeness of kits and after sales service. Weakness is price, types of vessels available and detailing.

In 1952, friends combined their passions for model airplanes to develop a thriving business dedicated to providing high quality products to enthusiasts around the world. More than 50 years later, Midwest’s product line and distribution have grown and changed, but its passion for quality has remained steadfast. Today, Midwest Products is a leading supplier worldwide of quality raw materials, accessories and kits to distributors and retailers. People use our products for leisure, educational and professional pursuits, from model airplanes and boats to architectural and educational projects. Retailer is serviced direct or through distributors in Canada and the US.



Model Shipways: Overall score 7.36 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “I”. Strength is instructions and after sales service. Weakness is historical accuracy and price.
Model Shipways (A Division of Model Expo), in continuous operation since 1946, is the oldest ship model factory in America. As a leading manufacturer and provider of historically accurate and authentic model kits and precision tools, Model Expo serves more than 40,000 customers and hobby stores throughout the world. Model Expo was founded in 1976 and partners with over 40 companies worldwide to include Italy, Spain, Europe, and China. Retailer is serviced through a distributors in the US.
Occre: Overall score 5.64 out of 10. Skill Level Tendency “A”. Strength is historical accuracy and completeness of kit. Weakness is availability of kits, instructions and after sales service.
Above all else, OcCre (Ocio Creativo) is a brand whose potential for development is based on its highly integrated team of people, capable of creating products of excellent design and creativity. OcCre is a fairly new company with a manufacturing facility in Spain. Retailer is serviced through a distributor in the US.



Cast Your Anchor continually looks for the best fit between the ship model builder and the ship model kit manufacturer. Should you wish to comment on this article please contact Cast Your Anchor at castyouranchor@bellnet.ca.

June 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to RatLines!

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SUMMER – OOOOOHHH SO NICE!

Dating Service: Some of our long time customers may remember Matt and Jennifer. They were instrumental in the successful launch of Cast Your Anchor. Both went on to develop their careers but guess what? They will be getting married next month. Congratulations to Matt and Jenn and if you would like to send them your best wishes, drop us an email and we’ll make sure that they get it.

Special Offering: We are rapidly selling out of the two Artesania Kits the Surprise (1 left) and the Santa Ana (2 left). These are fabulous kits at a fabulous price. Contact Cast Your Anchor if you are interested.

Radio Control: Need something to do up at the lake? Check out Cast Your Anchor radio control power and sail boats. The Victoria sail boat by Thunder continues to be our number one seller. We have tug boats, speed boats and even a terrific submarine.


Modern Ship Fittings: Check out our line of modern ship fittings. The quality of brass working fittings from RB Model is unsurpassed. If you don’t see what you are looking for, give us a call and if it’s out there we’ll be able to get it for you.

HAVE A SAFE SUMMER

May 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to RatLines!

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Modern Ship Fittings: Cast Your Anchor has completed yet another improvement to its website to make searching for items much easier. Visit our website at: www.castyouranchorhobby.com. You will notice that the fittings have been divided up into two categories; Modern Ship Fittings and Period Ship Fittings. This will make your search that much easier. Just another improvement in customer care at Cast Your Anchor.

Fittings: A few months ago, we announced that we have a complete line of fittings from Artesania Latina in stock. We are very pleased to announce that we have also arranged to acquire fittings directly from Amati out of Italy and RB Models out of Poland. RB Models is a world class manufacturer of working brass fittings such as blocks and shackles. Cast Your Anchor is quickly becoming the North American leader in model ship fittings. Check us out!

Industry Shake Up: The economy has had it’s toll on some of our suppliers. An icon of the Toronto hobby scene, Hobbycraft Canada, is reorganizing and downsizing itself. We are not sure what support will be left for our hobby but Cast Your Anchor is hard at work to fill in the gaps. But good news for you! We were able to pick up 3 Atesania Latina HMS Surprise - 1796 kits and 2 Santa Ana - 1785 kits. The regular price is $1000 ea. While supplies last we can offer either kit to you for $695.00. That’s a 30% discount. Let us know if you want in on this once in a life time offer.

Radio Control: Don’t forget that Cast Your Anchor also sells radio control boats. Our specialty is sail boats - both kits and parts. We also have a few ready to run RC boats in stock.





SPRING MUST BE HERE – UNLESS YOU LIVE IN ALBERTA!

Planking the Deck of a Model Ship

The first stage to planking the deck is to fit the false deck to the frame. The false deck is usually made from 1mm plywood and will need to be slightly adjusted for the various bulkhead notches if supplied with your kit. Mark the centre line on the deck from bow to stern ensuring that it is lined up squarely with the false keel and that the bulkheads fit through the notches on the false deck. This fit should be neither snug nor loose. The false deck will allow the deck planking to fit easier and lie flatter and more evenly.

The false deck is cambered from the midline to both the starboard and port sides. The amount of camber is usually shown on the waterline drawing that comes with the kit the dimensions of which should be marked by the builder on the bulkheads as a guide. If the plans do not indicate the camber, the general rule is ¼” rise to every foot. Thus in our 1:48 example from the last article where the breadth (beam) is 56 feet, the rise would be 13/32” or 10mm from the centre line to the edge of either the port side or starboard side. Make sure that the sheer plan (length) matches the body plan (depth) and remember that deck curvatures do not always follow the same curvature of the hull sheer exactly. This is because the stern of the ship sits lower in the water than the bow. The level mid point between the stern and the bow is about ¾ of the length of the ship between the stern and the bow. If the plans do not match make adjustments or else fittings like cannons will not sit properly on the deck (cannons should be pointing slightly down). You should also measure the distance from the waterline to the top of the false deck to ensure accuracy with the hull. If need be you can soak the false deck in warm water or warm water with ammonia in order to get the rough curvature that you need. Remember when soaking wood, you should only use warm water and leave the piece in the water for no more than 15 minutes. This way the cells of the wood will be pliable but not broken down.

Once you are happy with the camber of the false deck, make sure that it fits snuggly up to the false keel adjacent to the sternpost or rudder post. Using wood glue and pins adhere the false deck to the bulkheads. Once the false deck is firmly in place, mark and cut out the openings previously marked for the masts, hatches, gratings and companion ways. It is better to do this after the false deck is in place because of the camber of the deck.

Now you are ready to apply planking to the false deck. The decks were usually light coloured. The width of the plank for our 18th Century model is between 8 inches and 14 inches scaled to on average 5.82mm however not all deck planks on a ship are of equal width so any width between 4.23mm and 7.41mm would be acceptable. The thickness of the planking varied from deck to deck. The lower decks were up to 4” thick (2.12mm) and the upper decks 3” thick (1.59mm.) Remember that the length of the board should not exceed 5.5” (140mm).


The deck strakes (planks) were joggled, especially at the rounded edges close to the bow. The end of the plank equals 1/3 of the plank width and the length of the snipe is equal to not less than twice the width of the plank. As far as plank shift is concerned, there are three, four and for French ship, five, plank shifts. As an example, this means that there would be four planks shifted equally between the first and fifth planks in a four plank shift arrangement. It’s helpful to create a cutting jig to ensure that all of the planks are cut evenly and at the correct length. You can also use this jig for the nail pattern.








JOGGLING SNIPE PLANK SHIFT




On a full size ship a gap of 3/8 “ wide (.2mm scaled) was left between the deck planks both lengthwise and at the butt ends to suit the caulking iron. Decks were nailed down next and then caulked with oakum (a mixture of animal hair, sphagnum moss or hemp and tar) and the seam was paid with pitch. There are a number of ways so simulate the tar lines. Depending on the method you use, tar lines should be applied prior to fastening the deck planks onto the false deck.

• Black thread can be glued between the boards.

• Another method is to darken the edges with a marking pen, which you would have to test to be sure the pen does not bleed into the wood and give you a fuzzy line.

• Another method is to use a soft black lead pencil and darken the edges. With the use of a pencil the caulk lines will not be perfectly even and will tend to fade in and out. This does give a realistic appearance.

• By standing the planks on edge and gluing them to a sheet of black paper then cutting them apart will give you a perfectly even caulk seam.

• To produce a subtle appearance simply space the planks ever so slightly apart and allow the glue to ooze up between the planks. You can leave the gap and allow it to fill in with whatever finish (stain, urethane or paint) you intend on using or wipe the seams with a mixture of colored glue, or fill the seams with a graphite paste mixture (used for leak proofing gasket joints). It is a little difficult to maintain an even gap between the planking because as the planks are glued to the hull they require clamping which may cause the planks to shift.

• You can also use black grout as long as your planking material is hardwood.


The nailing or tree nailing pattern depends on the width of the plank The traditional method for adding treenails is to use bamboo strips or hardwood dowels pulled through a draw plate to form the nail. Alternatives would be to use the bristles from paint brushes, whisk brooms, push brooms, wall paper brushes or anything with bristles. Materials composed of copper, brass or silver wire or plastic rods available in many sizes and can be applied by hand or spring loaded nailing tools. Once you form the tree nails, drill holes in the deck planks in the pattern you choose then glue the nails in place. Once complete, give the deck surface a light sanding.

Once you are happy with the deck, it should be sealed either with paint, stain or urethane. If you use urethane, remember to dilute the first two coats by 30% with a thinner (70/30 mix) and apply the third coat full strength.

February 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to RatLines!

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Searchability: Cast Your Anchor has completed an improvement to its website to make searching for items much easier. Visit our website at: www.castyouranchorhobby.com and type in the name of the item you are looking for in the search box and you will get a quick and accurate response. Just another improvement in customer care at Cast Your Anchor.

Catalogue: We are continuing to work on our catalogue. Something called holidays got in our way. We should have the catalogue ready to go next month. For those of you who have indicated to us your wish to have a copy of our inaugural edition, no worries – it will be sent to you.

Fittings: Cast Your Anchor is pleased to announce that it has obtained the full line of fittings and parts for Artesania Latina model ships. It will take us awhile to put these parts up on our website but don’t hesitate to contact us if you need a part for your Artesania model ship.

Articles: You will soon be able to view all of our Articles in our on-line Library. We are happy to post any article our customers wish to share with other ship model builders.
Send your article to castyouranchor@bellnet.ca and we’ll publish – giving you full credit of course.





SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER