Billings Norden

For my next project I have acquired a kit of the fishing vessel Norden, made by Billings. I got it for about half the price some stores charge, although 2/3 rds of the usual eBay price.
I did think there was an outside chance of being able to convert it to RC, but I am now not so sure. It is only about 30 cms long and built in two halves - each half being built on half a keel as it were. I'll wait until I have built both halves then decide if there is any way of creating a void to allow the installation of motor etc.

The first problem I came across was that the board on which you build each half was warped  Luckily I have a piece of thick ply, and am using that.



There isn't much room between bulkheads so in order to ensure they are square, this is all I achieved today. I am using aliphatic glue at this stage so have to allow time for it to dry.



Barrie

 We do what we must Barrie. 

I fitted the remaining bulkheads (side 1) today.Ready for planking. First to go on is the bulwark strip which is ply - looks about 1mm so will need lots of steam or hot water   Won't get a chance tomorrow - taxi duty calls

I also made a new cricuit board for the Firetower, so may be able to test that tonight.

Barrie

Today I started the planking with the bulwark plank. This is ply and so required soaking in hot water as there are some sharp curves. In fitting it I came across a problem with the liteply bulkheads - the bulwark supports are not strong enough  I have had this problem before so maybe its me not the material



After soaking I clamped the ply in place and left it to dry. I will glue in place tomorrow and hope to start the actual planking then.



Barrie

I have started planking. It is going quite slowly as I'm using PVA glue so need to allow time for it to set. I can only really fit about three plans per session. I may decide to switch to CA, but would prefer to keep my fingers unstuck!

This is the first session



and this is today's



Barrie

WHAT WOOD IS THE PLANKING MADE FROM BARRIE.........LONG TIME SINCE I BUILT A BILLING KIT, AND IT WAS THE CRAPPIEST MAHOGANY I'VE EVER SEEN..............HOPE IT'S IMPOVED.

Not sure what this is Neil - pine probably. There is some mahogany for the deck. Its not too bad quality. The instruction are Billings style - brief  Considering this is supposed to be n introduction to plank on frame they don't offer a lot of help to a novice. No mention of using steam or hot water to make the planks easier to bend.

Barrie

sounds very typical of Billing.........but a good grounding for model builders...............mind you POF building has always been a big challenge for me,,,,,,,,,,too impatient and end up using a tin of filler, lol.........or should that be a ton of, lol.

As you can see Neil, I will be needing quite a bit of filler

I don't really see the advantage of this method of building. I suppose it avoids twisting of the hull, but it makes planking harder to my mind as it is almost impossible to use any clamps to keep the planks firmly seated. The bulkheads are so thin its difficult to get a pin to hold - that's my excuse anyway
Still quite a way to go on side one. I've resorted to using CA glue to try to speed things up, and I hope one more session will see this finished ready for the filler and sandpaper

I have discovered that I should have fitted the deck before I started planking - not very clear in the instruction.I don't think it really matters, but it does mean there is no hope of converting to RC.

Barrie

Planking of side one now complete - its a good job this is a static model
I have covered the insides with tissue and resin to allow me to apply plenty of filler
I'm very pleased that I didn't fit the deck or I would not have been able to get the tissue inside.



Barrie

....... and on to side 2  The bulkheads have been glued to the keel ready to start planking again
Whilst waiting for the glue to dry I did some sanding of side 1 and then applied some filler. Tomorrow I will be able to start planking  side 2 and sanding side 1 - weather permitting. Shock Horror - it actually snowed in Thaxted today - but not so you would notice if you blinked

Barrie

I did have a thought. Would it be possible to make this as a half model for wall mounting? Might even be able to make two  Not sure how you would do the mast or the prop.

The first side has now been sanded and filled and sanded. The balsa block at the stern was fitted and shaped and the side has had a coat of white primer so I can see where more filling is required - not too much I think.
I have also started planking side two. I managed not to break any bulwark supports this time

Barrie

I'm still only part way through planking the second side  It is slow going partly because I don't have enough pins, and partly because its so small it is difficult to work around the pins. 
I have started making some of the superstructure as it is built 'free standing' then fixed to the deck when complete.
I am also ready to fix the deck of the first side and will then be able plank that.

Pictures when there is something to show

Barrie

looks a nice build barrie..........and a really nice way to build in two halves.............remember when the tug St Canute came out.................I thought...........this won't work, but actually it makes great sense in getting the hull straight and not twisted..

and yours looks real good......

Thanks Neil - still not sure about this method. I do know that you were right about Billings wood quality  rubbish. You can't get pins through this stuff unless its been soaked first. After a mammoth session this morning, and by using CA instead of PVA, I have finished the second side. Its a good job this will be covered with filler as the pattern of planks is entirely different to the first side. I think this is partly because you are planking in the opposite direction and see things differently - if you see what I mean

Like side one, I will fix some tissue inside to hold the filler


 

I have also glued the deck onto side one. It's now ready for planking.



Barrie

I understand mate..........but billing plank on frame models did for me what kim jong un is doing for democratic life, especially when I built my two models, Dannebrog and Danmark.........the timber in those was scrap but sadly in those days.......about 42 years ago, not even fit for making matches with, you couldn't get hold of decent timber to plank with..............I am so happy that modelling has come so far in my lifetime.

After battling through the blizzard to my workshop - OK this is Essex so an inch of snow brings everything to a halt.



I sanded side two, lined the inside with tissue and Eze Kote, and applied lots of filler. Its now ready for sanding.
I was going to plank the deck of side 1, but decided to wait until the two halves are joined so I can put the centre plank over the join. The material for the deck is mahogany which looks a bit dark to me. The ply is already lined, so I may not plank it, or see if I have some lighter material in my box.

Barrie

Just an inch? We got a foot so far and it’s still falling!

Welcome to wales!

Yes - but in Wales like the North of England people know what to do and how to drive when it snows. In Essex they think they can still drive the same way as when the roads are clear.

Barrie

First load of filler sanded and second lot applied - Squadron Putty this time. After further sanding, a coat of white primer was applied to highlight areas still needing filler.The stern block was fixed and carved/sanded to shape.



Barrie

Good progress today, even if the workshop was the coldest it has been so far this winter. I finished sanding and filling the second side of the hull. I then fitted the deck ready for joining the two halves - and this has now been done.



There will be more filling to cover the join, and i can now plank the deck. 

Barrie

Joints filled and sanded. The rubbing strip has been attached, and the whole hull given another coat of primer. This is domestic primer and quite thick so fills some blemishes, but I am sure there will be others when I've sanded it down.  As a parallel activity I am building the superstructure. So far I have the front hatch and companionway and part of the rear cabin - actually I think it is the structure over the engine room. The instructions are typically vague - not giving any dimensions, and actually missing whole parts of the equipment.

Barrie

That looks cracking Barrie.

I started some painting today. I was planning on planking the deck, but decided it was best to paint the inside of the gunwales before I did so. Whilst at it, I did the outside which means I wont have to cut in the top edge when I've fitted the cap on the gunwale

I also gave the parts of the wheelhouse one coat of matt white as I needed to paint the inside of the window openings, There is a plastic frame which fits inside so it was easier to paint that area before adding the frames. The windows are so small that I don't think it is necessary to pint the inside of the wheelhouse.

Barrie

This build is really dragging  Not helped by me fitting the wheelhouse doors on the outside instead of the inside  This has meant remedial work as removing them also removed a layer of ply
The capping rails have been fitted to the gunwales, they don't fit terribly well, but as they were pre-cut there is not a lot I can do about it.
The deck is stuck and trimmed. I now need to finish the wheelhouse.
Barrie

Some more progress today. The wheelhouse is taking shape, and the supports for the winches have been fitted and painted. This is the end of the "detailed instructions", from here on there is only the drawing to help.

Barrie

Slowly, slowly   The upper hull has had two coats of paint and is ready for marking the waterline. The forward cabin is complete and ready to fix. The wheelhouse has had what I hope is its last application of filler the front joins, and should be ready to paint next session. The roof has had one coat of grey - I  don't have a mid grey colour so this looks almost white. The winches have been painted and installed.
The next major job is to construct what I take to be winch for hauling nets using the plastic pieces in the front of the photo. There is only a sketchy drawing which I don't at the moment understand
There are also lots of fish boxes to build up and what looks like a hatch cover. That's before we come to the masts and rigging

Barrie

Some jigsaw puzzles Barrie. 

I am leaving the jigsaw puzzle for now  

Today I marked a waterline, applied the tape then sealed the edges with a coat of blue to try to stop leakage. Later I applied the first coat of the underside colour. I have built what I think is a hatch cover and also a 'pen'. These were particularly frustrating as the timber is quite difficult to cut without splintering, and then the super glue decided it wasn't its day for sticking quickly
I have painted the wheelhouse again, and also the radar and floodlight to go on the roof. I think I am ready to finish the wheelhouse with handrails and linings to the window and door frames. Then I can stick on the roof

Barrie

Second coat applied, and rudder and prop installed. Rudder needs a second coat, and prop will be painted brass.
I spent most of today's session fitting handrails to the wheelhouse and have also started to fit the door and window frames - a tedious job. 



Started to try and make one of the many fish trays but gave up in frustration. I cant find the sizes of timber that the instructions call for , and will have to try and make a jig I think. There are about half a dozen of these required and they are made up from more than a dozen parts. The finished item is only about 15 mm x 25 mm.

I think I have sorted out the 'jigsaw puzzle' and made a start on that also.

Barrie

Managed to get into the workshop at last after the holiday and family commitments . 
I have given the hull a coat of statin varnish and once hard will start assembling the cabins onto the deck. As this is not going to get wet, I probably wont varnish the planking.
The 'jigsaw' has been completed - just some detail to add. I think it is right.



Tomorrow I hope to finish lining the windows of the wheelhouse before fixing it to the hull. I should also start making some fish boxes 

Barrie

The window frames have been completed and the roof fixed on the wheelhouse. Some paint has been touched up where necessary and the two cabins fixed to the deck  I haven't made any progress on the fish boxes - I really don't know how to start. I am sure that once I get one made, the rest will be easy

The photo is before the cabins were glued.

Barrie

She's a bottler Barrie. 

Thanks Damien. 

Today I applied some detail to the winch, then started trying to make some fish boxes. These are my own design as the ones shown in the instructions are unbelievably complicated and given the quality of the wood, I would say impossible
The wood is so tough its very difficult to make an accurate square cut. This of course makes gluing more difficult, and coupled with superglue that only wants to stick to your fingers, a very frustrating time was had
However, in about one and a half hours I managed to complete three, and one more almost complete - I think I need seven in total.

Included in the kit are some moulded plastic shapes with fish embossed on them - I will not be using these

Barrie

 

 

All seven boxes now completed  - six are pretty good, one not so good, but will be hidden under the good ones

I attached some signage whilst the access is still good, and I painted the stand. I plan to fix it to the model soon to give some stability. Next job the masts. Now here I can be kind to Billings - the masts are pre-tapered . However - the negative is that there is not enough brass rod  - luckily that is something I do have in stock.



Barrie

I have been working on the masts and booms - slow work as they needed drilling for fittings and also staining - the main mast also has the bottom portion painted white - so lost of waiting for things to dry
The main mast is now installed - rigging next. This is one area where the instructions are no help, and the plans are not entirely clear.  There are three thicknesses of rigging cord - each with a different part number - but no means of identifying which cord is which part number

Barrie

haven't been on for a  while guys, sorry..........been too embroiled in watching the build  posts of the Shannon lifeboats on mayhem............and there's another one starting in the next couple of days............oh no, lol........I'm all sha***** non'd out!!!

but I think I am starting a big lifeboat sometime later this year and am thinking of building it the way you have built your model, on split halves.........like the idea of this.beautifuil build barrie.............love it.

First bit of rigging completed.   Had to make some of the rings as there were only half the number required   There are plenty of two types of nails however, and I haven't foud any mention of them on the drawing or instructions   
Still trying to understand the next bit , but will move to the aft mast next then worry about the bits in between.  There are some very ugly moulded plastic blocks for the main boom which will be omitted. I've had to use one for the mainsail, but the others are not essential.

Barrie

Hi Barrie, I just googled Billings Norden and came up with a few finished pictures with rigging etc.

These links may be of help, there are a few differing ideas..........

http://www.billingboats.com/da/18/2/boats/the-beginner/P-bb603-norden-cutter.html

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=billings+norden&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi3_Pjk6czYAhWEJsAKHQOtCqsQ_AUIDSgE&biw=1248&bih=599

and

http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/billing_boats_norden.html

The last link has a really clear picture but they do all differ a little.

Hope this helps, Paul.

Thanks Paul. Not sure it does help as I know what is required - its how to achieve it that I'm struggling with  . In fact that one from CMB does make things a little clearer, but I think my model will probably end up with a simplified version.
One other thing obvious from that photo is the the sails have been stitched - no mention of that in the instructions - the lines are printed on one side of the fabric only.

Barrie

It is strange how companies put these kits together and don't give proper build notes, I found the same with the fast patrol launch that I built, the instructions were ok to start with but towards the end of the build it all went a bit vague and that was suppose to be an easy first build................

More rigging - not exactly like the original,, but close enough  I used some of my stock of black thread - the supplied was very loosely twisted making it very difficult to thread. I am now waiting for my wife to do some sewing on the sails before I can finish the rigging. Just a few items to add to the deck - I painted a load of wooden balls today - the only floats I've seen with a hole through the middle

Barrie

Very nice work indeed 

She's looking well now Barrie, the thing is if you're happy with the way the rigging turns out that's all you need I think you've made a proper job of her

 

Almost complete now. Just waiting for the sails to be stitched and then I can finish the rigging.

Barrie

hi barrie,

you have built another superb boat . I have been following you, and enjoyed looking at a different type of build. I wish I could find the motivation  to build something soon, just looking at the moment  . have you got your next build planed


david

Thanks David - 
I didn't enjoy all of this one and I pity anyone who bought it as their first model boat, but I think it has turned out reasonably well.
For my next I am going to try to build Vic Smeed's Guardsman. Plank on frame again, but with balsa this time.
I need to go and buy some material so it may be a little time before I start - depends on the weather and other things.
Once I finish this, I am refitting my Polish Pilot vessel. I stripped it out to try to sell it as decorative item in my Daughters' gift shop, but it didn't sell and I do quite like it, so I am putting the works back.

Barrie

 

Its finished

Not sure about the sails, but otherwise it looks quite good.

 

Barrie