Grant's Build Diary

[GrantJ]

Having just picked up this gem of a collection of the Bounty issues I have spent the last few evenings carefully slitting the tops of the packets and taking out the instructions and having a good read through

The kit parts are generally good except for the deck planking which is a very dark wood while the instructions show it as a lighter wood. I have ordered in some lighter wood planking to replace it . I am just finishing the railings on the Bismarck and then will start in earnest on the Bounty so....................

Watch this space for further developements

this is what I have to start with

[Mark]

Have a K while we wait in eager anticipation

[GrantJ]

Thanks Mark

I finished reading through all the instructions last night and boy do I have my work cut out for me

Out of the 100 issues the rigging and sails are only covered in the last 10 issues and then so briefly its a joke. Have been on the phone this morning to the local Artesania agents and ordered a set of plans for the kit from them . Without these I think the rigging will be darn near impossible

[GrantJ]

Now that the Bismarck is all done and the workbench is neat and tidy again I can now start on the Bounty

As can be seen in the above picture the one side of the hull is open to show the interior which means that all the frames have to be stained before building. To do this I have made a mix of sanding sealer and woodstain which seals and colours the wood in one go!

The nice thing about having all the issues is that i have been able to get the keel put together before starting to add the frames - but right now its getting all the frames stained that is the first job

[mike]

Hi Grant
The Bounty sure looks like a fine model, especially with the detailed interior, as you said it's great not waiting for parts
Im looking forwards to seeing the Bounty grow
That said have a well deserved K


mike

[GrantJ]

Thanks Mike

Ignoring the partworks instrustions for the meantime i have taken out all the frames and sanded them (they are nowhere near as clean as Victory ones as they are old fashioned crush cut as against laser cut) and dry fitted them in place.

[Mark]

Thanks Mike

Ignoring the partworks instructions

Best way LOL

[GrantJ]

Planked the lower deck sections and as can be seen in the photo they where very different colour woods

Fortunately once finished not much will be visible The decks are only resting in place but do lock the framework together quite nicely

[GrantJ]

I have been busy building all the sub-assemblies and planking the various deck levels before gluing the whole lot together.

The quality of the supplied veneers has been very sub-standard in quality, colour and thickness but hey its the end result that counts!

[mike]

Looking good so far Grant
Have you building jig for the Bounty


mike

[GrantJ]

Thanks Mike

I do have all the bits to make a jig for the Bounty but not sure it will need one. Once all the different deck levels are glued in place they lock the framework together quite solidly. At this point I have not glued any of the frames in place so will decide on a jig once I start gluing frames and decks together.

I still have a few more cabin walls and deck sections to plank/veneer before I can start assembling. Looking forward to the planking of the hull though

[GrantJ]

I have now built up to issue 24 which is the start of the Jolly Boat. now that all the lower decks are glued in place it is apparent that a jig is not neccesary as the structure is now solid

I think that if this had been my first partworks build it would probably have been my last Thank heavens for technology!

It is now quite noticeable in the below pic the difference in colours of the various supplied venners for the decking strips

[mike]

Shame the decks are different colours, but it's still a great model
your doing a good job there Grant.



mike

[COENIE]

Well done, Grant. Maybe you must work a bit more darker wood stain onto the lighter parts.

I'm suggesting if there is left over wood to test different wood stains to try and match the darkest wood. I know it might cost alot to buy all possible stains, but I'm sure a good DIY store owner will allow samples? I'm lucky with the old furniture factory nearby.

[GrantJ]

Thanks Coenie that sounds like a good idea.

The decks that have already been done are lower decks and once the planking is complete the area that is visible will not be that great so the colour is not too much of a problem. When i get to the main deck planking however I am going to buy some new planking strips that are all the correct colour and shade and replace the kit ones.

[mike]

Hi Grant how's the Bounty going, have you done anymore work on it.

mike

[GrantJ]

Hi Mike

The Soccer World Cup has kept me otherwise occuped and also started a new job at the beginning of the month but am now getting back into a routine so will get a bit more modelling done soon. Just doing some work on the Victory at the moment then will pull out the Bounty again

[mike]

Hope your new job goe's well Grant
Are you still involved with model's , or have you gone to a differant trade


mike

[GrantJ]

Thanks Mike

I am still in the model trade only this time working for the importer/ wholesaler of Hornby, scalextric, Airfix and a bunch of other well known model manufacturers!

Unfortunately for my bank manager I now have access to a huge range of Hornby at very good prices - can see me falling foul to building my own layout one of these days