hi there
Mike thanks very much for putting that link on - that is a very interesting link with regards to double-diagonal planking
I have spent a bit of time today, trying your idea Mike of assimilating the calico between the plank layers. I have abandoned the idea now, to be honest, because with it being a chined hull - I couldnt get it to stretch evenly into the concave areas of the bow; I tried using tissue and a very light cotton - but at least I tried.
Whilst on the subject of double-diagonal planking we must realise that there are several versions of this boat, which were built at several different yards. The planking arrangement therefore differs, so, not all of these may have had the horizontal stern planked.
Some vessels, or should I say 2 vessels with the E after the numbers, were the experimental vessesl and these were built with aluminium bottom and fibreglass sides. Later in their life, this was stripped off and was replaced with double diagonal planking.
The other thing to remember is that the Mk Ia 's had 3 Napier-sea-lion engines. So did the Mk Ib 's but, the Mk 2 's only had 2 main Napier-sea-lion engines. The thing that is confusing is that the 2751 there are reports saying that she is a Mk 1 with 3 Napiers and other places she is a Mk 2 with 2 Napiers - I am going to get this clarified first though.
aye
john e
bluebird