A question. I think in those places where a wale crosses over a gunport the wale should continue (that is, it should not stop and restart at the gunport opening).
Right now, I have the gunport covers in place, but the wales stop and restart (they don't run over the gunport cover itself). I assume this is wrong. Am I right that I have done it wrong?
If so - what happens to the hinge that will be installed later? Does it just bend around the wale (simulated wale since I already have already built it wrong and have no desire to build these covers again)?
That’s a very good question, mon ami, and no, you’re not crazy to question it.
You are correct in principle: I believe, on real ships, the wale runs continuously along the hull. It does not stop at the gunport. The gunport opening is cut through the planking and the wale. The wale is typically structural reinforcement; it wouldn’t politely stop and restart around a lid.
As for the hinges, the hinge straps were mounted to the outside planking (obvious), sometimes crossing the wale. If the wale projected, the iron strap would either bend over the wale, or sit slightly proud, or be mounted just above/below, depending on design. There was no elegant recessing; iron straps were mostly practical, but some were practical and decorative.
I think there is no need to rebuild: You can simply add a strip across the lid matching the wale (grain direction, important), thickness. Feather/sand gently, it will visually continue the wale line. But honestly, it is your call. I love her the way she is!
And the coper nailing is very convincing. The spacing is disciplined, the rows are consistent, and most importantly, they don’t scream “pattern” and match the scale. That’s usually the trap with simulated fasteners: too perfect, and they look stamped; too random, and they look chaotic. Yours sits in that nice, believable middle ground. You gotta love them!