Gwen M Model Boat Plan: MAR2556

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

I am a complete beginner starting to build the Gwen M (details below) from very basic plans. I wonder if anyone else has built this model and has any tips / advice?

Gwen MModel Boat Plan: MAR2556

1:12th scale schooner rigged sharpie sailing yacht, based on the American skipjack style boats. The plan shows all frames and internal structure which follows fullsize practice as far as possible, and also dimensions of the sails and rig. Model hull is 720mm loa by 210mm beam. Designed by Ian Sharpe.

Featured in: MM July 1996

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Advice on building for a beginner

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

I have created an Album called Gwen M and put some photos of the plans. I hope this doesn't break any copyright rules they are simply so that any contributors can see what I can see.

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Brian,

This looks like a nice drawing but Traplet describe it as 'following full size practice' and I notice the frames are made up of separate pieces with gussets for the corners and the keel is made up from various pieces, which in full size would follow the grain. These could be simplified in model form and made from single pieces of birch ply- if you wanted to.

Often the Traplet drawings are related to a back issue when the build was described, and it might be worth chasing that up- I couldn't find anything after a quick search, but I must say I didn't try very hard!

If you are beginning in this game there is no substitute for reading, and a good book, in my opinion, is 'An Introduction to Scale Sailing Models' by Phillip Vaughan Williams- also a Traplet publication. I'll get drummed out of the corps for this! An older publication which is also inspirational is 'Scale Model Sailing Ships' edited by John Bowen. Your local library might be able to find these for you.

There is actually a short description of Gwen M in the Traplet book, with some comments from Ian Sharpe the designer and builder including some about planking the hull. I would be prepared to scan a copy of that bit and send it to you if you were interested. PM me if you want it

For building wooden models, a lot of the advice given by Vic Smeed in his earlier books, like 'Boat Modelling', still holds true, although adhesives and finishes have changed over the years. These books regularly crop up on Ebay.

You have chosen a very interesting, if possibly challenging, project for a first attempt, and things may go wrong- they always do, but part of the fun of this hobby is overcoming obstacles and solving problems. One thing it took me a long time to learn- the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask!

Happy building,

Ian

Edited By Ian Gardner on 01/08/2013 15:06:41

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Hi Ian, thanks for the advice, I am spending some time planning the process, I have already thought of full ply frames, is birch ply the same stuff that B&Q etc sell, or do you have to seek it out?

The back issues are from long ago, I may try and track some down.

I will check out the books you mention, I'd like to have the scanned info, have PM'd my email to you cheers.

I'll try and post pics and updates when I begin.

Cheers, Brian

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

The plans originally appeared in

MM July 1996 ( is the Marine Modeller?)

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Not sure what ply they have in your local Band Q- wouldn't touch the stuff in mine for model making. I made some shelves in a shed from it once! I get my ply from SLEC in Norfolk, but there are other suppliers. It ain't cheap. I have recently discovered the delights of LitePly, which is easy to work and finish.

Birch ply tends to be whitish in colour and multi-ply. Avoid the gaboon ply with a bulk core as it tends to split when cutting and generally isn't very nice. I now work on the principle that your boat will be around for a good few years so it's worth spending money on decent materials- but that's just me.

Ian

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

I have located some "Flexible ply" from a supplier in Leeds at £22 for a 8×4 sheet which sounds like it could be useful.

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Finished the rigging this morning, off for pond trials….

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

HI Brian ,

model looks ok ..welll done., hope trials go ok , but beware of swamping well deck must be water tight, as for ply stick with model grade ply or light ply ,

B.Q PLY IS POOR GRADE go to a proper wood yard, spoken as joiner,,

cheers Larry,,..

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

New sails and RC steering and sail trimming installed

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

The improved Gwen M with new sails, an extended heavier keel, new rudder and RC steering.

I want to add RC sail trimming, but the winch wound the line in and out much further than was needed.

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

I want to add RC sail trimming, but the winch wound the line in and out much further than was needed.

You can adjust the amount of throw of the winch by putting one of these in between the receiver and the winch servo. I gather they are very popular for the job **LINK**

DM

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Cheers Dave, I'm a bit perplexed by the diagrams shown in the link, but I'll give it a go!

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Nah! Easy-peasy!

Ignore Page 2 – you only need Page 1 (Stretch Mode) for your application.

Check that the little red link is over the correct pins (J2; pins 1 and 2), then plug lead #1 into the receiver and the winch servo into the socket lead #5. Fiddle with RV1 and RV2 until you have the right amount of travel. You can slow the winch down if you like with RV3. Most wouldn't.

Dave M

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Cheers Dave, yes it was straightforward!

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

This shows the controlled sheets, and the rods connected to the smaller tiller and enlarged rudder.

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