In search of tips for my first build

So as some of you have seen, I am getting ready to start getting into this wonderful hobby. Originaly, I was thinking about doing one of the Standards, but the I thought Dang, those are really slow, I want something fast. So so hunting around later, I desided to go with HMS Tiger. 24 sec under IRCWCC rules (my closest club) and twin rudders. However time might no premit me to build this beutiful ship until later, so in addition to Tiger, I also ordered the plans for Kilkis from George Goff. The plans are in the mail and I am exited to start I have read the Bern build thread a few times now, so I feel confident that I can pull this off. That being said, anyone have tips for building a wood hull that they would like to share?. I should note that I will have access to a fully equiped shop for this project, infact my final project for shop class will be building the cannons
Thanks in advance

 

A lot of the more successful wooden shipbuilders spend more time thinking about and planning each stage of construction than actually doing it. If possible, try to think of several different options and then pick the best one. Keep in mind that, just because someone else used one method, that doesn't mean it's the right method for you. Also, try to think about future steps as well. It's kinda embarrassing to install a spiffy brace for mounting a servo, only to realize you have to cut it out again later in order to install one of the guns.

Lastly, remember that this is your first wooden hull. Expect to make mistakes, and do not be afraid to go back and re-do a step (or even multiple steps, multiple times) if necessary, and also expect to figure out better ways to do things next time. This is a learning experience, so treat it as such.

Good luck!

 

HI
I built a wooden hul lHMS Royal Oak about 7 years ago and it still battles well. I have photos and can help you through the steps if you like.
You can reach me at wercops@rogers.com if you like further info.
Mark

 

There's also a Fiberglass Kilkis (Connecticut) hull from Battler's Connection, I'm pretty sure they have pre-cut decks too. At the very least, they have some very nice looking main and secondary turrets.

 

Although slow, the Kilkus/Mississippi is the best turning armed ship by far over anything else I have seen on the water. It turns like an LST convoy ship. Heh.

It is a tiny ship though and might require some extra thought to fit everything inside the hull. But it has been done.

 

Its almost in complete contrast to the Tiger. I wonder how she will turn...twin rudders aught to help

 

Small ships = small volume! Can not take a lot of damage, trouble fitting in the systems, weight an issue. just a friendly warning. A better first ship is a smallish Battle cruiser or Battleship (Iron Duke, Andrea Doria, Konig, Molkie) or Cruiser(Scharnhorst {WW1}).

 

Pound for pound, with its casemate setup. twin rudders, Iron Duke is the best. Of course I may say that since my primary ship is a Duke, but it seldom gets sunk, and can really dish out the punishment.

 

The ribs for HMS Tiger are all drawn out and I should be getting wood tomorrow. So Missy May will have to wait for a bit.

 

General rule of thumb.
The smaller the ship. the harder the build.


And when it comes time to trim it out.
That can be a nightmare!

 

I agree small ships take a bit of thought befor you start cutting. You have to look at the shape of the hull and do some figureing out just how you will attempt this. a good example is the USS Utah we built here in the Buckeye battle group 2 yrs ago. It has a large bulge that comes up right under the wing turrets in the hull. Also what kind of running gearas well how you plan to arm it brings in to play. I would like to make a suggestion here for a new battler , look at a invinceable or indefatigable BC. Both are meduim sized , twin rudders , descent speed at 26 sec. and are priven ships.Just my 2 cents worth. Both have fiberglass hulls available or can be wood built.
Buddy