Bumblers Notebook:
While working on the various build steps it’s tempting to jump ahead and skip over some of the instructions.
BUT I’m finding that to be a quick way to get in trouble.
SO…. A note to Self “Don’t do that”!
Cap Strips:
One build step is to bend the “cap strips” to fit the Boiler deck edges. Soaking the 1/16 X 1/8 inch strips in Ammonia or boiling hot water is recommended to bend them into shape. I chose the hot water method and had mixed results. I had success with that method for the forward section of the Boiler deck. But the aft section bend was another story. The bend for that section is almost a 90 degree angle. But with repeated bending and soaking (and breaking a few pieces) I finally managed to bend a strip without it kinking and breaking.
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A good fit.
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The bend and kink!! UGH.
The Smoke Stack Covers:
That was an interesting step. Instruction Quote “ There are two 1" diameter dowels, 2-5/8" long in your kit. (Nope, one 6 “ long dowel) These are the smoke stack covers. They were sheet metal cylinders that surrounded the smoke stacks to prevent the crew from coming into contact with the hot stacks. The bottom ends will be beveled to match where they seat on parts 75 ( The Boiler Stacks). Patterns are provided to assist you in shaping these parts. The patterns are on plans sheet 1 as well as on plan sheet 6. Glue the patterns to the ends of the dowels. Draw a line around the circumference of the dowel 5/8" from the end. Carve the bevels as shown. If you have a stationary disc sander it will make this an easy job. The two 5/8" ID rings are on the 1/8" ply sheet in your kit. Glue the rings on center to the other end of the dowel as shown. Sand seal and paint the stack covers a flat black”.
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The almost final result.
Yup, yes indeed I can do that!! Well, I sanded, carved, fitted, sanded, carved and finally managed to get the dowel to somewhat the right shape and size. Sat the finished pieces on top of the Boiler Stacks, everything looked good. Remembering Barry1’s comments on his build, I dry fitted the forward sections of the Boiler Deck and inserted the Boiler Covers.
Almost, close, needs a bit of adjustment, was the result. Oh well, it was back, to fitting, sanding, fitting, sanding, etc.
The Mast:
Instruction Quote: “Note that in photo 12 the mast has been made and fitted. This is the best time to do this as the fitting will become more difficult as construction proceeds. Do not glue in the mast at this time, just get it made and fitted”. Win one for me. I managed to get that part right. Surprisingly the Mast fit just as it should.
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Wow, a long essay. I’ve learned some more Do’s and Don’ts. The next step is to set in, square and glue down the Boiler Deck.
Jan