This model is a simple half hull of a Hunter 280 deep keel sloop. The model is being built in teak. The model is 24" long.
Feb. 6, 06 - Here you can see the model at the first stage of construction. I have laminated the backplane from a combination of balsa, teak and a layer of fiberglass. The teak is used so that sanding at the edges will not break through into balsa. You can see the station frames as well as the sheer and waterline planks. The deck is also on, but I have not yet bent the aft part of it down to conform to the back plane. Over the next week or so I will mill more planks and finish planking the hull. The model is sitting on a cherry mounting board that I had handy since no decision has yet been made about what wood to use for the mounting board.
Feb. 14, 06 - Last week I had a terrible cold and didn't get much work done. However, I was feeling better over the weekend and finished planking this model down to the waterline. Altjough you can't see it here, I also built the sugar scoop transom. The teak on the deck curves continuously down to the aft-most point on the model. I was also a bit delayed in putting this update up on the web because the mother board on my computer died Saturday afternoon as I was preparing to back-up all my files. I just got my new computer configured today. However, I did lose most of my e-mail files, so if the client for this model would e-mail me I would appreciate it.
Feb. 15, 06 - Today I spent the morning alternatively shovelling the last of the snow from Sunday's blizzard and milling teak planks for this model. After lunch I got ambitious and finished planking this model. After I took this picture I painted the model with a coat of epoxy to fill the small gaps between the planks and also to strengthen the model. Tomorrow after the epoxy cures I will sand most of the epoxy off and then start varnishing the hull. Please note that the difference in the apparent color of the teak in this picture is because this is a natiral light picture while the earlier pictures are flash pictures.
Feb. 15, 06 - This picture shows the sugar scoop transom.
Feb. 18, 06 - I am now varnishing the model. Since my last update I have epoxied the hull to seal and strengthen it. I have also put the first three coats of Petit Captains gloss varnish on the model. The picture above shows the model after the second coat of varnish. The third coat is drying as I type this. It looks like this model will need about 9-10 coats of varnish. I will post another update when the varnish is farther along.
Feb. 24, 06 - Since my last update I have gotten to varnish coat five on the model. I also made up the mahogany mounting board and started varnishing it. At this point it looks like the model will require 5-6 more coats of varnish as will the mounting board. Consequently, I expect to have this model finished in about two weeks. I will post another update when I have put the waterline and cove stripes on the model.
March 10, 06 - Last night
I put the next to the last coats of varnish on both the model and the mounting
board. This afternoon I will sand the model down again and paint
the boot stripe. I will let that paint cure until Sunday when I will
put the final coat of varnish on the model. Monday I will buff that
coat of varnish out and then mount the model.
