napoleonicfrigates

 

The fore and aft platforms were easy and enjoyable to do. First make certain that you dry fit and shape the platforms to their locations as your ships dimensions are unlikely to match. Then plank, do not follow the instructions which would have you fitting the camber beams before planking as that makes the planking process harder. Follow the same procedure used for the deck planking. Once done trim to shape by turning upside down and running a knife gently along the line of the platform.

Next up fit the camber beams. Initially I was looking at them and thought they should be placed with the 'bulge' at the stern moving forward and the 'bulge' at the bow mving back. But, after consideration, decided the intention was to have both bulges as far away form the deck as possible so the camber beams mirror the slight angle of the deck. This also helps when fitting the platforms. When fitting the camber beams I found lots of pegs helped keep the planked platform at the correct shape.

When fitting the 1.5 * 1.5 mm walnut you place it at 1.8 mm down. This is not an issue as after sanding and taking into the account the slight bend provided by the camber beams you will find the decks do not rise above the bulkheads. Do not make the mistake of thinking these platforms sit on top of the bulkheads.

You will probably have to re-dry fit the platforms once planked to ensure they fit as closely as possible. When you are happy with the dry fit glue down. - Use the Aliphatic resin and not the 'quicker' glues and give it enough time to dry. The instructions give the helpful advice to tape the edges down. This stops the edges rising slightly above the bulkheads and allows the glues contact to be kept fairly easily.

Next up the capping rail and the hull improves