Hi Les,
Here are a couple of photos of Dover's backrest, I'm sure Craig will have some pics of the unpainted version.
The padded backrests are bolted through the brackets which are 2 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick.
these are simply welded to the uprights from inside of the backrest which means there is a slight gap between them. I am currently working on the backrests themselves which are being made from balsa pads covered with tissue then doped and painted. The backrests have now been upgraded and have different padding material from when I first started my research.
The question of the upgraded metalwork on the Severn and other boats in service, is also an interesting one, I personally prefer the painted scheme but know that others like the unpainted versions which cut down on maintenance for the crew...perhaps we could provoke some discussion on this topic somewhere on the site...it is relevant to the work you are now getting into.
enjoy....17-09[size=78%] [/size]