Dear Friends
It has been a while since my last post due to a combination of work pressure, studying up on Naviga Rules, planning the next steps on the Haarlem and the actual execution thereof.
First, I wanted to start with the side galleries and decided to work - for the time being - only on the starboard side.
The components that make up the galleries are fragile and have great care has to be taken during its construction. Also - despite Mike's love of CA glue
- I have an aversion to the stuff. BUT ... that means only one thing - long drying times.
This is what the assembled frame of the gallery looks like - and painted in the Haarlem maroon (below)
Now it was time to fit the gallery to the hull ... BUT ... to do that two double wales and the rear Spiegel (or stern assembly) have to be taken into account as the gallery needs to line up with a decorative strip that was placed underneath the stern assembly.
Here is the side gallery glued to the hull. Obvious to see is the door that has been installed and which had to be planked with 3mm Abachi strips painted green. You will also notice on this pic that the underside of the gallery has been planked (using 4mm Abachi strips) and has been painted black. Looking through the gallery, you will notice that I have painted a portion of the hull black as part of the gallery remains open.
And then the planking of the gallery started with 4mm Abachi strips overlayed over one another.
Planking completed on the side of the gallery. It is not nearly finished as there is still the section between the door and the stern assembly that needs to be done as well as the front of the gallery. Various yellow strips and other decorations are added to the gallery to complete the assembly, but that will be done at a later stage. As you can see on the picture above, the gallery fits in perfectly between the two wales so there was no need to remove some material as many other builders of the Batavia are sometimes forced to do.
(When doing the hull planking - stick to the demarcated lines on the bulkheads!!!)
And talking about hull planking - now was the time to finish that!
Done!
Some close-ups: The Stern (below):
Aft Middle-Section
Bow Middle Section
And Bow
And now it was time to get the sandpaper out and for the fun and games to start - but more on that a little later.
I am very pleased by our "gang" of friends who have formed of late and want to thank you all for the encouragement and support you give to another. This is great guys - keep it up. On a personal note - thank you all for following. Comments and criticism - are as always - most appreciated.
Stay safe out there!
Warm greetings - Heinrich