Hello All,
A bit of a boring update, but a key step in the process none the less. Everything that's been done so far is to create the correct volume of the hull and to create a strong structure. I'm slowly realizing it will be some time before this thing looks like a ship. But it's all good. I have a great imagination!
All of the shell's planks cut >800. Better to have them and not need them, than need them and not have them.
Vertical measurements/adjustments completed on bulkheads. My next step is to strengthen the bulkheads in key areas with balsa filler blocks. The two most difficult areas of the ship's shell/hull to get right are the bow and stern. These are the areas with the most complex shapes. The underlying shape of the bow will be made with a filler block, just like most models. The stern shape will be accomplished with plywood "bolsters" (After the bow). Next step.
Using the plan's top-down profile for the hawse timbers, I'll mark and cut the rough shape before mounting it onto the "fore #7" bulkhead.
Also, in preparation to ease the removal of the backbone and bulkheads above the 1st deck, I predrilled holes in the backbone.
During the final check on bulkhead vertical measurements, I noticed my FIRST
bad assumption.
On the framing plans, which I used to build the bulkheads, both the deck clamp and deck lines were shown. I assumed I could cut along the deck lines, which shows the camber of the deck. I figured I could then, later, lay the false deck right on top of the bulkheads cambered cuts. While taking the vertical measurements, I realized the cuts were just not consistent enough to do this. But I wanted to be sure. So I put some white vinegar into a spray bottle and sprayed down every bulkhead and removed all the paper from them to inspect closer. This is the first time I tried this. It came off very easily!
Nope! Not going to work as I thought.
Solution: Once I remove the top half of the bulkheads, I will need to sand the cambered portion flat, mark the deck clamps' locations and build deck beams. No short cuts this time.
I know that Le Fleuron is "The Flower", but I will refer to my version at this moment, "The Ugly Duckling". If you are familiar with the fairy tale, by Danish poet, Hans Christian Andersen, eventually the ugly duckling grows into a beautiful swan. I'm going with that for now and hope she becomes beautiful with good planning and hard work and your help.
Till next time....
Cheers!
