Adding the Gunport templates, and trying a planking clamp, HMS Victory, Caldercraft Model Kit

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Hiya G Kip! Glad to see more progress on your Victory! Worm on my Sovereign is going very slowly. Instead of those fat clamps which split the frames, try Amati Fine Brass Pins and a pin pusher. You don't need to drive them all the way in to the heads, and you can pull them out with pliers and re-use most of them. The shanks on those alumimun handled clamps were pressed fit, and once they go loose the only way to repair them is to take the alumimum to the anvil, and lightly tap them on the side surface while rotating them, to slowly move the metal such that the hole becomes smaller a bit. Then press the steel back into the hole after coating the ends with epoxy, or better yet. JB Weld or similar product. They should heal up and be strong enough to use again. The steel didn't fail, the aluminum did. Bad design, guaranteed to fail. Aluminum is soft and stretches, so press fit parts like these are problematic and will fail eventually. I framed all three gun decks with beams, knees, carlings, and ledges, and they look so real. Lots of easy building with sticks of wood filed to press fit and wood glued in place. You can see any of that work unless you go inside the model with a borescope, but I know it's there, and it was fun, and that's what counts.

[@g-kip]

Hi Kurt, I have a pin pusher, just thought I would give them a try as they looked handy, they dont split if you pre drill. I might try the repair, but to be honest I don't usually use anything to hold the planking in position I dry fit and shape and use both wood glue and super glue. Did you manage to work out the positioning of the rear balconies on SOS, do you have pictures on Ships of Scale of your deck framing? I keep getting asked why im doing all the detailing on the lower gun deck, like you no one will see it (apart from who ever sees the videos), but I know its there and it makes the kit unique and more interesting to build than just following instructions.

[@Jay-vg2wh]

Grant, nice job to say the least it’s looking Amazing. Thank you for the update. As far as the clamps I and others have just used a simple drop of J B weld to secure the screw to the handle it’s been holding nicely

[@g-kip]

Hi Jay, I will have to get some and give it a try, thanks.

[@GregWilson635]

Nice work, Grant. Pity about the clamps falling apart. They looked like a good idea.

[@g-kip]

Hi Greg, Thanks, yes shame, I will see if I can come up with a replacement, not that I usually clamp or nail planking in place, but maybe useful for someone, how are your builds coming along?

[@GregWilson635]

@g-kip slowly getting there. Have done about a third of second planking on Victory and will finish Soleil this week. Once that's done will only be building Victory 😀

[@jamessmckay]

Grant, you could try dipping your cannons in near boiling water to straighten. I may be worth a try to avoid another printing. jim

[@Jay-vg2wh]

Jim, I have seen people boil them and it worked like a Charm

[@g-kip]

Hi Jim, Thanks for the tip, I will give it a try.

[@clydesims5121]

I was wondering why you didn’t apply the gun port panels from the top down to ensure the panels would be properly registered with the ribs and deck as described in the instructions. I also plan to remove the deck supports and install full cross beams - it will provide an anchor for the lanterns and allow me to adjust the deck height. Not sure I’m going to do a full on deck support system as shown although that layout will help with the deck planking.

[@g-kip]

Hi, I did dry fit and marked out the positions of all the gun port panels, so hopefully it will all line up (fingers crossed) are you building the Caldercraft version? are you adding the lower gun decks or leaving them as per the instructions?

[@clydesims5121]

@ Yes I am - pretty much following your lead. I’ve marked out the lower gun deck furniture and started to build them. Do you plan to

[@clydesims5121]

Do you plan to cut out a portion of the keel to accommodate the companion way that goes to the orlop deck? Trying to figure out the LED lighting for the decks -,haven’t done that before.

[@g-kip]

@@clydesims5121 I will cut a hole in the deck, but put a fake companion way in, i will have lighting below but not too much, not sure it will show with the lighting on the lower gundeck, im thinking of running the wiring between the gunport templates and the inner wall, will hopefully be able to demonstrate in my next video.

[@clydesims5121]

⁠@@g-kipThat’s a good idea on the wiring. I also thought of running a power and ground line along the ceiling where it meets the interior wall. I would then connect each line in a parallel circuit from individual lanterns. The connection would be where its supporting beam connects to the hull. I think your plan is more practical.

[@michaelthompson4781]

I was wondering why, if your predrilling, couldn't you 3d print the clamp posts so they are solid piece

[@g-kip]

Hi Michael, I dont think the 3d prints would be strong enough, they can be fairly brittle dependant upon the resin used.

[@michaelthompson4781]

@g-kip understand. Awesome work by the way!!!

[@g-kip]

Thank you.

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

Print the gun barrels seperately and in near vertical position and maybe they won't be printed bent.

[@g-kip]

I will give it a try

[@ukdave57]

Shame about the planking clamps. Loctite 648 retainer may hold the threaded part into the body but will probably cost more for a bottle than the clamps.

[@g-kip]

Hi Dave, I will check it out, Ive also had recommendations for JB Weld, Thanks for your suggestion.