Well,
I have had virtually no modelling time in the last 2 weeks, but managed to get a tiny bit done.
Replaced the original chainplates with aluminium and changed the way the jib attaches to the jib-boom. This method seems OK, but like everything I do I will probably see the problems later on. :-[
Have used one of the plastic chainplates to attach the forestay and jib-boom which placed the jib in a better position (I think??).
Hopefully this weekend will see some advancement.
I have also given up on the Wheel radio (leaving car stuff for cars, in hind-site does seem obvious) as during rig testing (STRONG fan and LOTS of beers {beer aids the
delusion that I know what I am doing ::)}) it did not feel anywhere near as controllable (accurate) as the dx7. So will set the Surmount up for the dx7 (do so love the 20 model memory
)
Found some very soft Tortue braided line (50lb and 80lb) that looks (and feels) just like sail rope
(I am soo easily pleased
) so I will use this for the sheets and leave the super stiff braid (80lb Blackwidow - I think) for the standing rigging.
Testing (using the beer/fan method) the winch I had no tangles, BUT, the the time to go from "goose-winging" to close-hauled seems to take an eon. It seems likely that I will change to a sail arm (125mm??) at some point.