PREPARING THE MATERIAL:
In order to correctly identify the precut parts, before removing them from the wooden sheets, mark on them the same numbers that appear on the “PI” (Part Identification) Sheet included with the instructions.

STARTING THE ASSEMBLY:
Using a cutter, and making sure you do not put your fingers along the cutting line, remove the parts from the wooden sheets, eliminating the small sprues that hold them in place. In continuation smoothly sand down the parts, using fine grain sandpaper, to eliminate the pickup of the parts. The numerical order indicates the order in which the different parts must be made up and fitted.

STRIPS AND RODS:
These models incorporate a variety of different types of strips and rods with which to make up the different parts of the kit. The list of parts proportions information on the type of material and measurements. In some cases it is advisable to adjust the measurements on the basis of the model itself, as assembly progresses. In this way you will achieve a better fit.

IDENTIFICATION OF WOODS:
Ramin wood: Yellowish tones
Sapelli wood: Reddish tones
African walnut: Brownish tones
Embero wood: Grainy brown tones


Recommended Glues:

White, or carpenter’s, glue: For joining pieces of wood together. Mainly used for gluing together the skeleton of the hull and attaching the first layer of lining to it.

Contact or cobbler’s glue: For gluing into place the decks and the parts that are covered with fine wood veneer. Generally it is used to attach the planking to the decks and the second layer of lining of the hull.

Quick-drying glue: For parts that are difficult to hold in their final position and which need to set instantly. Recommended for fitting small parts onto the decks, different parts of the hull or the masts.

In all cases, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.


Varnishes and Paints:

Varnishes: The most frequently used is a nitrocellulose pore-filling varnish with a satin finish that seals and enhances the wood. It is applied after lightly sanding the wooden parts. It can be easily applied using a brush or a spray gun and is quick-drying.

Paints: We recommend water-based acrylic enamel paints, due to their absence of smell and the ease with which utensils can be cleaned. This type of paint is generally used to give colour to large surfaces, such as the finish of the ship’s hull.

To ensure a good finish you should first apply one or two coats of sealant, which will serve as a base.

For smaller surfaces and detail work on small wooden or metal parts we recommend the use of acrylic paints, more frequently used in modelling in general, and which are sold in smaller containers.

In all cases, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Tools:

The most common tools are:

Nailer: Easy to handle and very useful for positioning and inserting the pins which hold down the hull lining strips.
Hammer: Essential for finishing off the insertion of the pins that were not fully inserted when lining the hull.
Pliers: Necessary for breaking off and bending a number of parts.
Cuter: Used to trim off the excess of fine strips and sheets. I also used for making openings in the hull in reduced spaces.
Sander: Easy to handle. Used to eliminate the rough edges on wooden parts before gluing them into place or painting them. Also used to sand down the hull and the decks.
Files: Are used to make rebates, slots and for touching up a number of parts, both metal and wood.
Drill: Useful for making the necessary holes in those parts that require them.
Tweezers: These are used with very small pieces, allowing them to be handled and fitted into place without problems, in the most inaccessible places.
Saw: Frequently used for cutting the strips to size.