Hello everyone,
I thought I would post a few pictures on how to build a ship hull from scratch, for
your Playmobil navy.
The first three pictures are of a basic hull, made by forming the sides of the ship to the shape of the hull bottom. As you see, the sides are bent around the hull bottom, and are held to that shape by bulkheads, or formers that run side to side. ( that's
port and starboard to you nautical types). The sides are then clamped at the bow
and stern. (you know, front and back
). This technique can be used for almost any ship you want to build. This is the way I started the Hansa cog.
Then of course the deck goes on and you are on you way!
The next four pictures are of a Playmobil Santa Maria I started about two years ago.
The technique is the same as the easier hull, except that you cut the sides of the ship to the profile you want, before fixing them in place . The formers and bulkheads are also cut to the desired shape to comply with the hull type you want.
On this ship, I formed the lower hull from solid hard wood, cutting and sanding it to shape.
The lower hull is also a great place to put your ballast if you want to make a model
that will sail correctly and not capsize.
Next comes the masts and rigging...and I'm not there yet!
Enjoy,
Jimbo
