Well here are the final pictures of the upper helm position on the Mersey.

 

This first picture shows the switch panels in place and the engine repeater gauges. The square bank of switches in the centre panel behind the throttles are the working switches for all the navigation/working lights on the model. 

 

 

 

Helm control from a different angle with the last of the instruments in position. The lighting switch panel can be seen better in this picture.

 

 

The next items to be done will be on the hull and are the last of the foredeck fittings, the electric capstan and recovery strop quick release. This last shot is of the power pack that will be fitted inside the capstan itself. At 3volts it revolves at 33 rpm and is impossible to stop by hand!!

 

 

 

This is how the foredeck capstan that has been built.

 

 

The main body is half of a plastic plumbing fitting glued to the base plate. The motor gearbox combo I pictured in the previous update is inside this fitting and the top section, the rotating barrel, is made from a top from a bottle as the ribbing is correct. The top cap of the capstan is a wooden toy car wheel reduced to fit! When fitted the capstan will rotate when the deck mounted switch is depressed.

 

Not strictly an update but here are a few pictures taken in the late evening, with no external illumination, of the Mersey with all its lights on. This is the first time I have had all the lights operating at the same time and I think it looks good!!

 

 

View into the wheelhouse with internal lights on.

 

 

Looking up at the radar mast, the flags I produced myself.

 

 

View of the foredeck with anchors and capstan in place

 

 

More will be done soon!!

 

Bye for now,  Mike

                    True Mersey Lifeboat Nutter!!!!!