Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Water Models / August 2004

I built a model of a 48" Dumas PT 109 and the decking was maybe 1/16
plywood. The plans told you to scratch the plywood with a metal scribe to
give the efffect ofif done properly and deep enough, is very impressive, at
least I think so. planking. The result

The easiest way is to scribe the lines and if necessary, emphasise with pen
or pencil, and finally varnish to suit.
This gives you the opportunity of planking round deck items etc. and looks
(in my opinion) probably better that other than a perfect planking job.
God luck
JB

You can get teak veneer and cut it into strips. It will likely be thinner
than 1/16" (1/32" or thinner is more likely) but you could laminate it
to thin ply, or build up the thickness with several layers before you
cut it.

Like the others, I'd suggest you use sheets of it and scribe the lines.
Try several methods on scraps until it looks right to you. For example,
you could give it a coat of varnish, then scribe the lines. Rub with a
dark color to fill in the scribe lines by wiping it over the surface. (Use
a paint that adheres somewhat to the varnish but doesn't attack it,
otherwise you won't be able to wipe it off everywhere but the lines).
Then top coat with a another thin coat of varnish if you want. -Wm

For the wood, start by contacting these guys:  http://www.dlumberyard.com/

For the effect, paint your base surface (layer under the planking) black and
also dye the glue you use.  It would be best in this case if the base
surface were balsa.  That way the black paint won't fill all the grain and
there would still be something for the planks glue to grab on to.  The work
slow and careful to keep the planks tight.

Chuck