Question about shellback dinghy model kit

[martyrosen]

I'm new to boatbuilding and will appreciate any help.

I'm building the shellback dinghy scale model, which involves cutting out pieces rather than assembling pre-cut pieces. The model comes with a set of plans for the full-size dinghy, and the instructions indicate that the cutting patterns and dimensions are to be taken from those plans (that is, I take it, the plan dimensions are essentially 1 to 1 with the finished product).

Written instructions for cutting out the cross pieces for the ladder frame say that the cross pieces should be approximately 1 3/8" long. But when I lay my rule on the plans, measuring across the ladder frame, I get 2 3/16" from outside to outside. Assuming the cross pieces rest atop the side rails, as the plan shows, I would assume the cross pieces should be 2 3/16 and their outer edges should be flush with the outside of the side rails. I think the instructions might be a typo, but the instructions also say the outside width of the ladder frame is important, and as a newbie, I'm reluctant to make a cut based on second guessing the folks who wrote the instructions.

Can someone familiar with this scale model advise?

Thanks,

Marty Rosen

[Corrib]

I would contact the drawing supplier on this one. You will never be happy until you get it from the horses mouth. Sorry cant help any more, but without seeing the plans to hard to call.

[NormMessinger]

Without seeing the text and plans I'm just making a wild guess but, I'd go with the plans after checking the measurements from other parts that are known. What you are doing is building a boat almost as if it were full size. Error can occur on the plans but I think they are more likely to occur in the narrative.

We can hope someone will respond who has actually built this model. Good luck.