HOW TO WORK WITH

PLANS AND PARTS

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO START CONSTRUCTION

Before starting model construction, exam- ine the kit and study the plan carefully. Fa- miliarizing yourself with the kit will serve two purposes. First, it will let you deter- mine that all parts have been supplied as listed. And second, you'll be surprised at just how quickly handling the parts allows you to better understand the kit require- ments. Try to visualize how every part will look on the completed model. Also, deter- mine ahead of time what must be done first. The instructions will help you in this regard, but a thorough knowledge of the plan at the outset is essential.

It is suggested that all small fittings and hardware be sorted into labeled boxes or compartments to avoid loss during the building process.

1. The Plan

One Plan Sheet is provided. However, many sketches throughout this manual further illustrate the various stages of construction.

The TAURUS kit is manufactured to a scale of 1/8" = 1'0". The plan is drawn to the exact scale that the model is to be built. Dimensions can be lifted directly off the plan by using a set of draftsman dividers or by using a "tick" strip, which is simply a piece of paper used to "pick up" the di- mensions (a roll of calculator tape works very well). Lay your paper strip over the plan and mark the lengths of items care- fully with a sharp pencil. Then use the strip to transfer the marks to the wood or item to be made to scale.

2. Kit Lumber

Your kit may contain limewood, a Euro- pean wood, as a substitute for the bass- wood. Both woods are similar in worka- bility and grain.

3. Cast Metal Fittings

The kit is supplied with Britannia metal castings. The Britannia metal is a great improvement over the white metal that was used in some older kits. Unlike white metal and pewter, Britannia does not contain lead, so there are no possible corrosion problems. The fittings, howev- er, will require final finishing before they are suitable for installing on the model.

Before painting the cast metal fittings, clean them up by removing all the mold joint flash. To do this, use a No. 11 hobby blade to cut the flash, then file or sand with fine sandpaper. It is also suggested that you clean the fittings thoroughly with warm soapy water before applying primer. Make sure they are rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry before painting.

The following tools and supplies are rec- ommended for the construction process. Modelers who have built before may have their own favorites.

A. Knives & Saws

1.Hobby knife with No. 11 blades

2.Coping saw (or jeweler's saw frame) and fine blades

B.Files

Set of needle files

C.CarvingTools

Small chisel and gouge for shaping the bulwarks

D.Sharpening Stone

Necessary to keep the tools razor sharp

E.Clamps

1.Several wooden clothespins

3.Rubber bands

F.Wire Cutters & Tin Snips

For cutting fine wire & chain; for cutting brass sheet

G. Boring Tools

1.Set of miniature drills: #60 to #80

2.A pin vise

3.Larger bits: 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8"

H.Miscellaneous

1.Tack hammer

2.Tweezers (a few)

3.Miniature pliers

a.small round for forming rings and eyes

b.flat nose (with serrated jaws)

4.1/2" or 3/4" masking tape

I.Sandpaper

Fine and medium grit garnet or aluminum oxide sandpaper (#100 to #220 grit)

J. Finishing:

Paint brushes

a. fine point for details

b. 1/4 flat square for hull

K.Supplies:

(will be covered in detail in the Painting & Staining section and throughout instructions.)

1.Paints

2.Primer

3.Stains/varnish

4.White or Carpenter's (yellow) wood glue

5.Five minute epoxy

6.Super glue

7.Model airplane type glue

Note about Glues: White or Carpenter's yellow wood glue will suffice for most of the model. Five-minute epoxy pro- vides extra strength for gluing fittings. Cyanoacrylate (Super) glue such as Jet, can be used for quick adhesion. The best cyanoacrylate glue for most applications is a medium viscosity gap-filling type. The watery-thin type is recommended to fill a narrow crack by capillary action. For scribed decking sheets, it is best to use a contact cement or model airplane type cement. White glue tends to warp thin sheet wood and makes it difficult to install.

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Model Shipways 2021 manual HOW to Work with Plans and Parts, Kit Lumber, Cast Metal Fittings