Hello John

Welcome to the forum and I think you may have answered your own question about being in at the deep end!

Building from plans is unlikely to be the best place to start if you have never built a model boat before. (Maybe you have built other models before so you have some transferable skills, I don't know)

The Edwardian 26 Launch has a round bilge hull form that requires planking and that takes a little bit of practice. It looks to be a lovely boat so I would think about putting the plan to one side for the moment and cutting your teeth on a kit of some sorts.

Normally included in a kit are plans, instructions, the wood needed and very likely pre-cut by laser or router, possibly fittings and maybe a list of things that you might to buy extra to complete the model.

Another consideration is that when building from plans you will almost certainly require more tools than building from a kit. Again I don't know if you are already well equipped but most people build up their collection of tools as time goes on.

Google is your friend and there is a huge range of kits available and many with ratings on complexity from beginner through to expert.

Above all modelling is for fun as well wherever you set your target. If you find something you like and start building I am sure you would be very welcome to do a blog on this forum and have access to lots of good and friendly advice.

Tim R

Edited By Tim Rowe on 12/03/2019 15:01:12

John,

The advice given above is very sound. It is often the case that newcomers are smitten with a particular design but then find out they have bitten off more then they can chew. This can be disappointing and discourages continuing with what is a fascinating and satisfying hobby.

Tim refers to kits above and if an open launch appeals to you then have a look at these Krick kits which are mostly straightforward to build, even for a beginner. For a first boat electric power would be the best option as steam engines are a whole complex subject in themselves!

**LINK**

Colin

There is a further point worth bearing in mind. With most model boats you really only need to worry about getting a good finish on the outside but open launches are quite a bit of extra work as you need to get the inside looking good too!

Colin

Hi John,

Are you building your model from the plans of the full-size boat ? Many of the designs they produce are lightweight plywood construction, in which case laminating is common practice for home builders. Maybe a photo of the drawing would help ??

Regards Ray

Hi John

They appear to produce 2 different hull designs for these launches, the double chine plywood version, or the Cedar Strip planks built over a full sized mould of timber formers, non of which are part of the finished boat.

Which version are you building ?

Regards Ray

Hello John,

Looking at the section, I would think you plank the hull over the moulds and then fit the external keelson giving the hull enough strength to lift it off the moulds and the internal hog is laminated insitu to the strengthen the hull joint.

Then I think you will need a good sturdy jig to hold the hull upright and true while you fit the internal ribs from hog to gunwhale level. I think you will need polythene sheet or strips over your moulds to allow release?

The Canadian open Kayaks from strip wood built on the same principle, YouTube is great.

Regards Ray