"Building Planked Models "

by
Charles Farley
Edited by Earl Boebert

Charles H. Farley was the first editor of Model Yachting Monthly, a publication that existed from March of 1945 until November of 1949. In1941, Farley had published a running series in the Model Yachting column of Model Craftsman magazine; in 1945 and 1946 he expanded and republished this material in Model Yachting Monthly under the title "Building Planked Models." It is this latter body of material that I have drawn upon in assembling this work. I am indebted to Charles Williamson, my fellow Historian of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group, for locating and preserving a complete run of this magazine.

I have attempted to apply as light an editorial hand as possible. The most significant changes have been in the order of presentation; the original work was spread across several individual articles and one long series. I have grouped paragraphs together in a logical sequence and eliminated repetition, and whenever I have felt the need to intrude it has been inthe form of footnotes. Otherwise you are reading the words essentiallyas Farley wrote them.

The techniques described in this work represent the "average" stateof practice of model yacht construction in the 1940's and 1950's. Traditionalists were still carving hulls using the laminated or "bread and butter" method, and "high technology" builders such as A.R. Lassel were constructing remarkably light hulls by the "former" method that Farley decries in his introductory words. Nevertheless, the typical hull of the period was built as Farley described.

Purists may wish to construct a boat using the authentic methods ofthe period; others may wish to take advantage of modern materials and adhesives. Rod Carr, whose fine replica of W.J. Daniel's "Pocahontas" graces our cover, has kindly proved an afterword on up-to-date techniques. However a builder chooses to proceed, it is my sincere hope that making a description ofthese methods available will help others in constructing replicas of these lovely boats.

Chapter 1: Basics

Parts and Materials: Backbone, Frames, Sheer Clamps, Planking

Chapter 2: Getting Ready

Patterns: Frames, Backbone/Rabbet Line/Bearding Line

The Building Board

Chapter 3: Framing Up

Laying Out

Making and Setting the Frames

Final Framing

Chapter 4: Planking

Introduction

Cutting and Attaching Planks

Chapter 5; Finishing Steps

Interior Parts

Installing Interior Parts

Decking

Finishing Steps

Adjustable Rig

Afterword: Modern Materials

Appendix: Sources of Plans and Materials

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