The Upper Gun Deck; Planking The Upper Gun Deck - Jotika H.M.S VICTORY 1805 Manual

The Upper Gun Deck

Work can now commence on the upper gun deck. It is necessary to suspend work on the remainder of the uppermost area of
the hull planking until this deck is almost completed. It is the easiest option and the way in which the prototype was
constructed.
From the 5mm ply sheet identify, label and remove the upper deck camber beams (26, 28, 29, 30, 31 & 32). These beams
correspond to the bulkheads as identified in the cutting list. Remove the upper gun deck (445) from the 0.8mm ply sheet.
Remove both of the upper gun deck inner bulwark gunport patterns (275) from the 1.5mm ply sheet.
Locate, fit and glue into position the upper gun deck camber beams as identified earlier, referring to Plan Sheet 1 noting the
location of the camber beams either in front of, or behind the bulkheads. When dry, the upper gun deck (445) can be fitted.
Locate and fit the deck into position on the beams so that it lies perfectly flat and even both across the beams and fore and aft.
Some slight shaping may be required along the outside edges and in the slots, the deck must fit neatly. Before the deck is glued
into position, offer into place the inner bulwark pattern (275) making sure the inner and outer gunport openings are aligned:
back, front, top & bottom. The pattern (275) has been designed to allow some lateral movement.
When completely satisfied with the fit, glue the deck into position, making sure the mast holes (cut outs) align to the deck
below and the angled slots in the keel.
Once the deck has dried and having regard to the foregoing instructions fit and glue into position the upper gun deck inner
bulwark patterns (275).

Planking the Upper Gun Deck

The beakhead bulkhead (205) will be fitted at a later stage across bulkhead (1). Offer the bulkhead (205) into position, on the
front of bulkhead (1), and mark a line in pencil across the ply deck behind the bulkhead (205). This pencil line is where the
planking will terminate. Now mark a centre line down the ply deck.
Using 1x4mm Tanganyika strip, plank from the centre line alternatively across the deck to each inner bulwark, clearing all
hatches, companionways and mast holes as you progress.
Note: If you wish to accurately represent the plank length and four butt shift system used on Victory, each plank should be
either cut to a length of 85mm (approximately 20ft) or the planks can be laid full length and scored with a craft knife every
85mm, this latter method often looks the most convincing at this scale. The four butt shift system simply implies that the end
of each neighbouring plank is offset by 1/5 of twice the length of the planks (34mm) such that the end of every fifth plank
athwartships only is aligned (i.e. separated by a four plank shift).
Once completed, lightly sand the deck smooth and apply several coats of matt polyurethane varnish.
Glue into position the mast coats (155 & 157), make sure the mast holes are cleared, the mast sleeves will requiring filing to
allow the mast to pass through at the correct angle (as determined by the slots in the keel). The mast coats should be varnished.
Before the inner bulwarks of the upper gun deck can be planked, several gunports will have to be lined.
The only gunports that need to be lined at this stage are those without gunport lids. Referring to Plan Sheet 2, you will notice
that the 3rd to the 10th gunports inclusive do not have lids. Using 1x16mm walnut strip, cut to length and glue on the vertical
sides followed by the top and bottom sills. When complete, sand the inner and outer sills flush with the side of the hull and
inner bulwark patterns. If necessary, a smear of super glue over the strip, prior to cutting, can be used to avoid splitting.
Using 1x4mm walnut strip, plank the inner bulwark patterns (275), clearing the gunports as you progress. Refer to Plan Sheet
1, noting the location of the quarterdeck camber beams. However, do not glue them into position, merely temporarily fit them
to give you their positions whilst planking, then put them to one side.
The inner bulwarks will be painted yellow ochre (Humbrol 74).
It is now possible to resume the second outer hull planking. Continue as before using 1x5mm walnut strip and in the same
manner.
Continue planking until you reach a position over the top of the gunports you have already lined. Your last plank at this stage
should just come below the last gunport on the quarterdeck.
All work will now concentrate on the ships side.
©
10
2003 JoTiKa Ltd.