HMS Unicorn Build Log 9 - Bulwark Planking & Gratings

Bulwark Planking & Gratings

If referring to the HMS Unicorn (1824), the bulwark is painted to ocher green. But, since I don't have any green paint currently, I decided to paint them to red.

I did some sanding and tapering on the lowest plank to meet the deck's level, and pre-cut those wood strips between gun ports.

After the planking is done, I repainted them for a better finish. From the picture below, you can see that the beams are actually done too. Corel suggests to use the kit provided birch wood strip (4mm x 4mm), but instead, I used balsa. Birch strips are too nice for beam. :D

Then I started to drill holes for the eye bolts. I used an unused piece of plywood for more precise distance marking from the gun port. 

Done! And you can also see that the remaining deck planking is done too. :)

I continued to the gratings making on the same day. Gratings that provided by Corel is real bad in quality, so I purchased OcCre ones to replace them from CMB.

For the surrounds, I used 2mm x 3mm wood strips.

This is how my deck looks like now with gratings and ladder on. :) Also, treenails detail are added. I'm using the same technique as my Race Horse, which is chalked by using a mechanical pencil. :)

Thanks for viewing. :)

HMS Race Horse Build Log - Day 13

Day 13 - 7 Hours Work

Following up the previous staining issue.. I've finally decided to re-sand the hull and stain again. Well, it is not so satisfying but already improved compared to the previous one..

Before Fixing

Obvious defects can be seen at the especially at the bow side before I start fixing.. After re-sanding and staining, all major defects are covered. :)

Port

Starboard

Bow

While waiting the stain to dry, I continued on the deck planking.

Same method as the hull planking is used, I scribed one side of the woods using an 8B pencil to give better details.

Deck Planking

Top View

The poop deck is not set yet, I just put it up for photoshooting. It's not done so because I'll still need to add light to it..

Treenails are also added using mechanical pencil, and finally a natural stain on it to provide protection.

Treenail

Now the Bulwark.. I will need to cut the gun ports out before I can apply colour on it. I transferred the distance between gunports from the full scale plan provided, mark them on a piece of long cardboard to get better accuracy.

Bulwark's Gunports

I drilled around 4-6 holes at both sides first, to help cutting them out.

Gunports

- End of Day 13 -