I’ve been putting off shaping and adding strakes to the keel while I’ve re-evaluated the project in the last few months. I’ve slowly come to the conclusion that the previous choice of scale (1:32) wasn’t going to be a practical option.
Although 1:32 has it’s benefits and would work well as a static model I’ve been looking at what will be involved to integrate RC components into the build to control the sail and rudder and, at 1:32, I don’t think there is enough space to hide the components.
So… I’ve ditched the 1:32 parts and started creating a new keel at 1:24. I’ve also decided to create a wooden former that will act as a workspace while keeping the keel and strakes true. I know a lot of people build these ships onto a frame, using a technique that was common in later use. Viking ships were built as a shell up to and above the waterline. The internal frames were then added and tied to the strakes.
I’d like to use the same technique with my model but will use a former as a guide while the shell is built. The original boats were built from the keel up and stone/rock was used to maintain the shape of the shell (along with the shape of the strakes and the natural bend of the wood as a result). I’m expecting to build mine upside down and use the former to hold the shape while I add the strakes.