Santa Clara alias La Niña

1
January 5, 2022
Section 1: Vertical keel and frames
Parts required to complete this section
2
January 5, 2022
Before placing the ribs in their particular slots, I thinned the stern part of the false keel to the thickness of approximately 1.5mm (see the bottom two pictures). Before starting the thinning process, a half-moon area was marked off on both the port and starboard sides (see the top two pictures).
3
January 5, 2022
The false keel as seen from astern.
4
January 5, 2022
The stern piece, part number 10 was first glued into place after the sprue attachment points were removed and sanded smooth. The false keel was clamped in an upright position and the part was left to dry over night in position.
5
January 5, 2022
Part 03 to 09 (ribs) were cleaned up and holes were drilled, on both the port and starboard side of each rib, to accommodate wiring should I actually place lights in the model. This should not weaken the actual rib.
6
January 5, 2022
Rib 06 to 09 were individually glued into position and clamped to dry at right angles using blocks of wood and clamps.
7
January 5, 2022
Gluing rib 09 into position it was noted that it was a little loose fitting. I used this keel/hull holder to ensure that the rib dry at right angles.
8
January 5, 2022
Part 02 to 10 glued into position.
9
January 5, 2022
I dry fitted the main deck, secured the deck with elastic bands and inserted the masts. Everything was left to dry over night.
10
January 5, 2022
Section 2: Main deck and bow and stern knightheads
Parts required to complete this section
11
January 5, 2022
Parts 14, 15 and 16 cleaned up and glued into position. These parts are key to reinforce and form the hull.
12
January 5, 2022
The decks of period ships have a distinct concave and convex camber. The concave camber is accurately depicted on the model, but no provision has been made to capture the convex part. In order to achieve this effect, I glued 4mm wide by 1mm thick planks on the false keel. When dry, the portions closest to the bow and stern will be filed to allow the deck to be glued flush with the actual false keel.
13
January 7, 2022
To illustrate why I thought it necessary to change the shape of the main deck.
14
January 5, 2022
After dry fitting the main deck and securing the part with elastic bands both the distinctive concave and convex shape can be clearly seen.
15
January 7, 2022
Photograph A: While the main deck was secured, I marked at intervals where I plan to secure the main deck to the frame.
Photograph B: Drilling out the the places marked to prevent the wood from splitting.
Photograph C: I removed the main deck and applied white glue to where the false keel will make contact with the main deck. I then secure the deck with nails to the frame and applied more white glue on the edges of each frame. Because I have managed not only a concave, but a convex form in the main deck, I used more elastic bands to secure the deck in place and applied more glue to the areas between the false keel and the ribs.
16
January 12, 2022
With a medium grain file, file down the gap in the frame 10 (see red line), for the width of frame 10 until it is at the same level as the main deck plate.
17
January 12, 2022
Section 3: Modelling the hull and plating on the main deck
Parts required to complete this section.
18
January 12, 2022
Proceed to round off the structure to remove any rough edges from the frames and strengths until a real curve is made and so that the hull can be suitably planked. Use a medium grain file and smooth off with a fine grain file. Use a plank placing it at different heights both on the bow and on the stern to ensure that it perfectly fits (makes maximum surface contact) with the curvature of the hull.

34 5 January 2022, 19:26

Ben M
Watching… another ship build!

5 January 2022, 19:49

Guy Rump
Watching too 👍

5 January 2022, 20:33

Lochsa River
Nice work...sittin in on a cool ship model

5 January 2022, 20:36

Villiers de Vos
Welcome Ben, Guy and Lochsa.

I have started a new build which will be my second ship and not only in a different style to the Drakkar, but more complex as well. The Nina which was the smallest of Columbus' three ships.
For seasoned builders (which I do not claim to be) this kit is a relatively simple model, but I have set myself the following objectives:
Make a historical accurate model and depict the ship as it left Spain in 1492. There are very little known about the ships. I have therefore settled on what is considered to be a good reference book covering the three ships.
Post building log following the order indicated by the instructions of the model.
Correct the camber of the deck and try out nibbing the edges of the deck.
Light the model.
Making the first layer of planking as perfect as possible.
Paint the hull black below the water line to simulate the tar that was used to waterproof the ship.

5 January 2022, 20:39

Robert Podkoński
Watching, of course, with pleasure!

5 January 2022, 20:53

David Taylor
Back in.

5 January 2022, 20:57

Spanjaard
very interesting already 🙂

5 January 2022, 21:10

Robin (WhiteGlint)
In as well.

5 January 2022, 21:19

Villiers de Vos
Welcome @Robert, David, Spanjaard and WhiteGlint.

7 January 2022, 20:47

Villiers de Vos
After securing the main deck in place, I will leave the parts to dry properly.

7 January 2022, 20:48

Fabrizio Castagna
Wooden ship modeling was the passion of my father!
Nice model chosen. I follow with interest. 🙂

9 January 2022, 14:38

Mona
I've always wanted to build a wooden model ship or boat ,I'd like to build a wooden fishing boat ..looks awesome, watching with great interest

21 January 2022, 17:52

Villiers de Vos
@Fabrizio, you are welcome.
@Mona, this particular ship model is from Artesania Latina. Have a look at their website. I shows models for different skill levels.

21 January 2022, 18:00

Mona
shall do , thank you

21 January 2022, 20:07

Villiers de Vos
@Arnaud, thank you for the like.

24 January 2022, 01:57

Villiers de Vos
@John, thank you for the like.

24 January 2022, 11:21

John Hughes
I never realised that ships had convex decks, but it does make sense. Water will drain overboard and as the ship rolls the shape will lessen the tilt of the deck making it easier for the crew to move around.

24 January 2022, 11:22

Villiers de Vos
@Jv and Alain, thank you for the like.

28 January 2022, 03:42

Villiers de Vos
@Caddisfly, thank you for the like.

6 February 2022, 20:36