This is IRON DUKE flag ship of the British fleet 1916.

The first thing I do is copy the rib shapes .

Then I make enough copies to make all the ribs I need, I then cut them all out of the paper, these rib sections have been reduced in size to allow for the planking onthe outside of the hull.

Looking forward to following your build..Good looking ship too.

The next stage was to mark out all the rib shapes on to 1/4 inch plywood and cut them all out on my vibro saw.
Next I cut out the keel with a small section of the bow and stern in place, all the ribs were glued in place with PVA White glue.

Oh Boy ! this is going to be good!
I am enjoying watching the progress allready !
Keep posting the good work !
duncan

Bluebell - this is magnificent! Thanks for posting your build.

Its not only an informative build of an unusual boat, but it demonstrates the steps to making something completely from scratch.

I'm sure it will inspire others to dive in and create!

andrew

Thanks Guys,

The next step is to cut out the deck shape, bow and stern and glue in place with white PVA glue, then putting a few weights on to hold it in position.

From the keel we start glueing on the planks, a few either side of the keel, tis stops any twisting in the hull, you can see I use pegs and drawing pins to hold the planks in place while the glue is setting, its not a job that can be rushed.

At the stern I use balsa blocks, at the bow I use filla paste to shape this section.

Joining the planks, cut them at an angle of 45 degrees with a rib under the join.

Now that's a whole lot of work brilliantly done. Love these old ships.
Keep at it.
Paul.

The 5 guns were built while I was waiting for space in my workshop/drydock, a 7ft -7ins battleship was being finished, I will show the building of the guns later in the build.

Looks great Bluebell! The turrets look awfully good too. Great historic ship, will you have a miniature Jelicoe as well? I really like the older ships, the hulls had so much more character to them, tougher to build though thats for sure. Keep the posts coming. Cap

Thanks Guys.

The next stage was to cover the hull with a thin fibra glass matting and coat of resin, this stops any cracking of the balsawood and a better key to the fibra paste.

Next I covered the hull with thin layers of fibra glass paste and sanding to shape.

I then cut out the hatches and fit the combings around them, this stops water getting in to the hull.


The hull was given a coat of grey primer paint

Bluebell - coming along very well and apparently fast

I presume the fibra glass paste is car-body (polyester) paste. It seems to sand well to a fair surface, too

andrew

That is correct Andrew, the model has been built, but I thought it would help some of the newer guys to the hobby.

This is fast work !!!
I expect to see the completed ship by the weekend !!
Keep it up !
Duncan.

it does, it does!

In the back of a book titled "Battlecruisers" in our library there is a complete plan of HMS Queen Mary at about 30 inch loa. It has all the necessary lines as well as deck plans, etc.

Like Iron Dook there is little above deck level, but the hull lines are very attractive and close to flat-bottomed.
A quick hit with a photocopier would double up the frames and make a very handsome ship!

Its on the list

andrew