Hey all, I’ve run a search but can’t really find an answer, but I’m thinking of creating a few wood decks for some kits I have that do not have anything available commercially (looking in the 1/200-1/350 range).
So, I figure this means I would need to create a template of the deck, and use that to cut the finsihed product out of a sheet of plain decking (I imagine this is easier said than done 
so any tips on that front is appreciated).
This leads to my question, I know that Scaledecks has some uncut wood sheets available, as does Nautilus Models. Has anyone any experience with these products? I’ve purchased from Scaledecks before, but have no experience with Nautilus Models. Or, is there an option I’ve overlooked?
Thanks!
I have used the Midwest products scribed basswood for a deck on a scratch project. I cut the deck planform with a cardboard template. I pressed the cardboard down on the hull and traced outline with a sharpie marker.
While in my case I had drawings for interior cutouts, I sometimes use magic markers to transfer points on a piece of plastic to a cardboard template. Outline the areas with the marker and press the template down on the surface.
You do need a way to hold the template in the exact position for each feature (marker dries to fast to do all areas at once. Maybe hold template in place and puch through some small holes from original deck. Then do each feature seperately- marker and press.
Hi;
What I use for wood decks is so out there, you may not be interested, but think about it, okay? Look for a Luan mahogany interior house door that’s been junked. Out in the eather kind of. The Luan will warp off and slowly peel away from the rest. It’s about a 1/16 of an inch.
What I like about this method is this. You can sand it thinner and you can you use drafting ink or tech pens to do plank detail. Also oil based pencils work well too.OF Course you must remember I work in larger scales. Now, that said, I do use wood rarely on smaller scales. Sanded paper thin, and “Planked” with a .010 tech pen.
Besides in it’s original thickness it’s great for planks on plank on frame or bulkhead ship hulls. And it’s Mahogany so it is a little harder to sand through. But, Warning, do NOT breathe the DUST of ANY Mahogany Species. This is NO Matter how many times it’s been processed. It CAN be harmful to sensitive Lungs.
No direct experience with this pair of products doing what you propose.
Nautilus looks interesting. Their site states they can customize plank width. That’s great.
Thinnest is 0.03 which is thickish.
Give it a try. I suggest working up your skills on some simple projects. It’ll just cost time and material, but will minimize the risk of fudging a big complicated piece after you have worked on it a while.
Bill