I have had a little bit of time over the Christmas break to do a little bit more on the build. Having the worst summer weather for years has also given me a bit more time at the bench rather than the beach.
So far this build has been relatively straightforward and trouble free – touch wood.
The first coats of primer showed up a few flaws in the hull so they have been filled and smoothed, and re-sprayed. I added the hate/gate (not sure what the correct term is) in the bulwarks , added the capping rail around the bulwarks and attached the rails in the suppers. The photos of the real boats show either 2 or 3 rails depending on the boat, I've gone for 1 as the gap is quite small. Hey – I'm a modeller not a photocopier.
Also added the deck hatch bases and windlass mounting plate on the fo'c's'le. These will be the same colour as the deck.
The hull number is PE brass that I had done with the portholes, etc. It sits a bit proud at the moment but it should fade back after a few top coats.
The holes along the hull are for mounting the timber rubbing strips. They have been made from basswood, been stained, and will be attached after the hull has been painted. Same with the panama chocks/fairleads and the anodising plates.
Haven't figured out how to glaze the portholes in the hull yet. Might have to glue the 'glass' directly to the porthole frame but that's never very secure, and usually always ends up fogging.
Also started on the funnel.
I forgot to take any progress photos but if you've seen any of my other builds you'll know my method for making a funnel: laser cut spine and frames skinned with 2-3 layers of 0.3mm styrene.
Here's the rough funnel prior to its first coat of paint.
And the components, so far. Still a long way to go but you can get the idea.