Reshaping a ship's deck nice and flat

Started by icchan, January 20, 2011, 11:36:20 AM

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icchan

So I'm working on, of all things, modifying a Flower-class kit into a semi-modernized version, but one thing I need to do is flatten the stern.  As it is, the deck itself curves upward pretty steep from a nice flat midpoint.  Has anyone tried to reshape the curvature of a ship deck like this, and what's the best way to do it?  Obviously simply severing the "high" portion parallel to the waterline and laying new card down for the deck itself will work, but are there any issues folks have run into or is there a better way to do it?

sandiego89

I'd say the cutting and replacing with new card as you propose is indeed the best. Mark what you want to remove and use a rotary tool to carefully remove the "high" part.  Card is best for the replacement deck.  Multiple thinner layers of card can be best if there is a flare to the hull.  Putty is difficult to get flat enough for a good deck.  Forget melting. 
Dave "Sandiego89"
Chesapeake, Virginia, USA

icchan

What's the best way to attach layers of thinner card together?  Any techniques there, or just glue and stick normally? (to be extremely simplistic about it)

Hobbes

If the card is thin enough to bend, I'd 'roll' the top layer onto the bottom layer, making sure all the excess glue gets squeezed out. Then put a large weight on top and allow to dry.