fully agree.I have always preferred lighter-colored decks - so in my book, this looks good!
yes, water run off
I think I do like the look.
There is only one thing I do not like -and is not only you - and THAT IS ADDING THE DECKS AS FAST AS POSSIBLE, which later on in your build -manly Riggen and gun carries. plank the hull first (IN MY OPINION)
GOOD AND SIMPLE TOOLS
Yes, it did cause some problems later on.
Why didn’t anyone tell me how hard chainplates are to get them to fit just right? I’m done for the day!
it works. i have my own recipe, but as there is a dangerous chemical included -i am a biochemist -doing this your paintwork will look much better, as the tiny holes are gone
exelent
looks very good now. I would have added a bow filler too
WELL DONE MATE
I SAID IT.
THAT is my type.Greetings from Brooklyn, Vic. There are many ways to make cannon carriages and their trucks. Some of the techniques will require tooling, but others, are kinda simplified and don't yield the quality and final appliance. For example, the way you made your tracks from a dowel, is the most common of doing weels. I would say it is a classic method. With practice, you will achieve great results!
Because you are entered a new level of modeling called 'kit bashing', you may add some essential tools at your disposal. If you don't have any rotary tools, get one of those. Dremel or Proxxon will be your choice. We had a great discussion recently about what rotary tool to buy. But carefully plan as depending on your choice, the next tool suggestion is a drill stand. Both Dremel and Proxxon have drill stands for their rotary tools. A combination of a rotary tool and the drill stand will make a very important tool - Drill press. Using this tool, you can drill cannon tracks with precision right in the middle. Obviously, if you have a budget you can simply buy a drill press but...
Dremel drill stand and rotary tool may cost you ~ $100.00 (price based on the 3000 Series 1.2 Amp Variable Speed Corded Rotary Tool)
This is just an example of how you can improve the way you work. I am NO WAY want this post routed to the discussion of what tool is better: Proxon or Dremel. Everyone has their own preference\budget on brand\tool they will buy. If you have enough budget (is it possible, enough?????) then you would buy a drill press, to begin with.
As for the present capabilities, you will be surprised by your own capabilities while using the right tools for the given job. Don't underestimate your capabilities! We learn from each other, and it definitely works!
Absolute a beautiful, with even the sails nade correct
here you have the wodden grans. I used a razor blade to get the worst pars away and then sanding.
Good morning Vic. I hope so too. I did the same for my dead eyes but with Indian ink stain. Some of the hemp colored lanyards did change color a little when I fitted the shrouds. Nothing I could not live with tho. Interesting to see how the acrylic and water works. The eyebolt looks good. Does it fit into the channel where you wrapped it by the deadeye? Looking great Vic. You making awesome progress. Cheers Grant
We’ll, I didn’t really know how to strop the deadeyes. I tried twisting the tail of an eyebolt around itself, but it just didn’t look right. The last two on the right, I soldered them on. They look more realistic. I just hope the solder holds. I’m not very good at soldering. The instructions do say to twist them. 
One vote for soldering. Looks way better.
Vic, I'm all for soldering too. As a mandrel, you can use a drill with a diameter like that of a lufer. It will turn out smoother and there will be no danger of breaking the yufers itself.