| Sorry Martin! Sometimes forget that many folk do not know ... SFMBC is short for Scottish Federation of Model Boat Clubs. We have the web site SFMBC.NET and use it to try to keep in touch with the widely spread clubs (wide by Scottish standards that is!)
I know that weight can be a problem on larger hulls and that's why I tend to use the double diagonal planking using thin marine ply. It is no heavier than 3mm balsa but is much less prone to damage and stronger. Generally one thin coat of epoxy is all I need (inside & outside) to seal it, followed up by the appropriate colour coat in enamel and a final outside coat of yacht varnish. It's much easier to accommodate the compound curves around the flare at the bow since the plank width can be reduced in those areas.
The BB hull was rubbed down with 600 wet and dry, cleaned with cellulose thinners and then sprayed (2 coats) with Automotive Plastic grey undercoat/primer and then given a couple of coats of acrylic satin finish varnish (automotive again!). Gives a great finish - not too shiny and sheds dirt very well.
I used the plastic primer 'cause its intended for use on rigid plastic components on vehicles, so seems to stick like sh*t to a blanket!!
Thanks for the suggestion of talking with John L; somehow I'd never thought of that!!
Iain |