I received this kit from my Boss who wanted it built ASAP. This will set me back a bit on other builds, but I'm happy to build it for him. Before I ended up hospitalized I managed to get some of it done so I figured I would share the progress here. First this kit isn't accurate as it's missing the 4th deck, shot locker and I'm sure a bit more I will build it well but I wont be doing much extra work I considered using the Blandford Shot locker and adding that to the build. but I don't have a lot of space on this build and talking with my boss he would like it as its pictured on the box so that's what I'll give him, but I'll add what I can so long as it doesn't take long to do and doesn't take from the original picture of it on the box. Couldn't find the JD in the box, but that's ok I like Makers Mark and I have a full bottle that was begging to be opened.
I started off by printing a half dozen copies of the frame blueprint I didn't want to pin the frame in place so I used a scrap piece of plexi glass and clamped the frame halves to the pattern till the glue set up. I added Bolts and joints to the front and rear frames using a mechanical pencil
Once the frames were assembles I started stacking and plumping them up using the spacers provided in the kit. Every spacer appeared to be cut by a 4 year old and none were square on the ends, so I pulled out the Old Sand-It tool and squared them all up to the rite measurements and started stacking frames
Initially I was concerned about the spacers lining up exact, but found that it just wasn't needed to be precise the spacers also don't fit to the edge of the frames so no need to make sure they were set perfectly. I made sure to hold them as close to the center as possible. Once all the frames were assembled into a unit I looked the assembly over and found very little fairing of the assembly was needed almost none. I cut and installed the Beam Supports in the proper locations.
I got to work on cutting shaping and assembling the beams they are made from to pieces each. I let those set up on the Blueprint for several hours to ensure they held the shape.
then I started Installing them per the Instructions. Seemed odd that the instructions called for them to all be installed as it will make the inner planking a bit more difficult, but in true fashion I did what I was told to do to the letter.
I purposely left out the gun port trim till I was sure where the planking would fall so I started the planking on the inside of the assembly. I also cut out the walk though section. FUN
Once I established how the planking would work with the gun port openings I installed the framing for those.
I got to planking the rest of the inside walls got carried away and before I knew it, it was all covered up
That's all I have for now but I'll be back working on this tomorrow. I want to wrap it up as fast as Possible.
I started off by printing a half dozen copies of the frame blueprint I didn't want to pin the frame in place so I used a scrap piece of plexi glass and clamped the frame halves to the pattern till the glue set up. I added Bolts and joints to the front and rear frames using a mechanical pencil
Once the frames were assembles I started stacking and plumping them up using the spacers provided in the kit. Every spacer appeared to be cut by a 4 year old and none were square on the ends, so I pulled out the Old Sand-It tool and squared them all up to the rite measurements and started stacking frames
Initially I was concerned about the spacers lining up exact, but found that it just wasn't needed to be precise the spacers also don't fit to the edge of the frames so no need to make sure they were set perfectly. I made sure to hold them as close to the center as possible. Once all the frames were assembled into a unit I looked the assembly over and found very little fairing of the assembly was needed almost none. I cut and installed the Beam Supports in the proper locations.
I got to work on cutting shaping and assembling the beams they are made from to pieces each. I let those set up on the Blueprint for several hours to ensure they held the shape.
then I started Installing them per the Instructions. Seemed odd that the instructions called for them to all be installed as it will make the inner planking a bit more difficult, but in true fashion I did what I was told to do to the letter.
I purposely left out the gun port trim till I was sure where the planking would fall so I started the planking on the inside of the assembly. I also cut out the walk though section. FUN
Once I established how the planking would work with the gun port openings I installed the framing for those.
I got to planking the rest of the inside walls got carried away and before I knew it, it was all covered up
That's all I have for now but I'll be back working on this tomorrow. I want to wrap it up as fast as Possible.