Well, there are in fact only four true stanchions to be made - and these and all the other 'stanchion' rails are parallel sided [no tapers here on the lower sections!]. I would make and solder them all up in aluminium. For the 'four' I would make the eight knuckles in tube, the top ones fitting to the top of the upright in a hollowed dip, with the mid knuckles being slid over to the correct height and soldered in place, then drilled through. All the other side rails would be ali rod or tube with the flanges fitted where required by the through wires / cables. They must be some of the easiest on any lifeboat [except the Solent where the knuckles are on the top and inboard on the lower knuckle]. Other railings as per normal, but then to that tricky stern one Adrian mentions! I would bend this around an inner jig [with half circular routed edges on the bottom and returning uprights, when completed cutting the jig down through the centre [wasting it] and popping it out. If two conical inserts where included in the kit, these could then be fitted in or on the ends, depending on rod or tube. I still like the idea of all the 'railings' being in ali, then sand blast them and coat them in a matt laquer. I just hope God gives me another 20 years [I'll then be eighty eight!] so I can finish one of my eleven lifeboats in the workshop AND also start a 1/12th Shannon - this has to be the most exciting lifeboat in my subjective opinion. I think this will be a heavy topic at 'Warwick' with much talkng and many huddles!!
