I decided to take a short break from my Sharnhorst and build the Modelik USS Porter. I have had this kit for a couple years and decided to make it my first public build to this forum.
Anyway, the keel and bulkheads have all been laminated to 1/32" balsa sheet. I do not build the kit as designed. I build the keel as one piece, place each bulkhead into position then place the waterline decks into the assembly. I have found this makes for a very straight hull quickly. Using CA, glue the members together. Finally add the main decks.
I add 3/8 inch wide card stock strips to each former then plate the hull. The hull plating retains decent shape with plenty of glueing surface on the former strips. I use white glue for sheathing the hull.
The build time for the assembly at this point is 6 hrs.
Anyway, the keel and bulkheads have all been laminated to 1/32" balsa sheet. I do not build the kit as designed. I build the keel as one piece, place each bulkhead into position then place the waterline decks into the assembly. I have found this makes for a very straight hull quickly. Using CA, glue the members together. Finally add the main decks.
I add 3/8 inch wide card stock strips to each former then plate the hull. The hull plating retains decent shape with plenty of glueing surface on the former strips. I use white glue for sheathing the hull.
The build time for the assembly at this point is 6 hrs.