I've finished the rudder and its linkage. It does actually work, having mastered the art of drilling the tubing and flattening the ends. Cut the brass rod to length, glue the drilled tubing on and link up with a pin.
If you had studied my previous pics, you will spot my deliberate mistake (or one of them at least!) I had mounted the brass linkage ports in the hull too high. I hadn't studied the manual properly, got the ends confused, and my arse kicked!
Easy job? -NOT!
The harpoon is somehow together and I'm working on the linkage for that. Fiddly or what!
These pictures are of the basically complete model. The harpoon is fitted. Its supports were a bitch to bend to shape. You can probably tell!
I had to study the 'manual' to get the final bit of the linkage that attaches to the harpoon right. If you look, you can see why.
Basically, it's now just adding the oars, weights and climbing irons, etc.. A tidy up and a coat of dark wax and we are done.
A few lessons learnt and, maybe tips. Don't stain the hull before fitting the brass. Superglue doesn't like it! Use square-nose pliers to crimp the tubing.
I did use superglue to put the brass, the rudder and harpoon mechanism together, because it bonds quickly -when it decides to! Use good quality glue too, if you value your sanity.
A tip for making the air barrel. Soak the wooden planks first. They break VERY easily.
The model came out OK and I'm pleased with the result so far. Very intricate and a bit fiddly, but do-able with patience (It took me a week to make the air barrel! Inch by inch, glueing the thing together, plank by plank and clamping each time.).
Tweezers, clamps or rubber bands, scalpels, and a pin vise are vital, as are the right drill bits. A Dremel is also worth its weight in gold.
I hope those contemplating building this unique model will find my log of my efforts useful. If I can make this kit, anyone can! The manual wasn't a problem in the end. It is well laid out and with a bit of common sense, you can figure out what to do. Mind you, for the cost of the kit, they should provide an english translation
Fiinal installment and pics soon.....