Next, the Stbd bulkhead was cut to size, and decksheer, then 0.5mm pilot holes drilled for the handrails - there's also a porthole on this side so this was marked, drilled and reamed and the brass ring press fitted into place. It's easier to fit now rather than when the whole structure is tied together - it will still need "glazing" but access should be ok from underneath.
The Port bulkhead was then completed in the same way but 3 portholes needed fitting this time.
So, now came the welding in place of the whole.
Just as an added bonus - when it comes to painting the main deck, the whole superstructure can be lifted clear therefore, no need for masking up !
The original for'd bulkhead was made up of 3 parts but I've just made it in 1 section around the former.
The upper, or wheelhouse deck, was then made using a 2mm and 1mm plasticard lamination for added rigidity.
Got the shape by laying the lamination upside down on the workbench and then inverted the superstructure onto it and marked it off with a pencil.
The deck was then trimmed to the lines and welded in place, first of all from the inside of the structure. This prevented any unwanted movement then the plasweld was applied again on the outside.
The structure was then put aside, ready for final trimming later.
Meanwhile, a start was made on preparing some of the original deck fittings, some need touching up, others will go straight back in place, (once the paint spraying has been done) but this time they will be pinned and glued.
With final trimming of the lower structure now completed, I could concentrate on getting the steps made up.
First off. the inboard side piece, for the Port side, was made using the original as a template. This was followed by the 3 backing boards which were welded into place.
Happy with that, so the steps were tackled next.
Now for the Stbd side.
This first photo shows the Port side steps done and a start made on the Stbd side.
The other photos show some of the main deck fittings in place - they are just pinned on and will be removed for the paint process.