This image shows the bulkhead looking through from the Motor Room.

The next step was to fit the lower plastic hull supplied with the part-works.

To get this piece to align with the frames on the upper plastic hull part I had to manufacture shims from 1mm plastic sheet.

Each end was then filed to suit the lower plastic hull part. I also added a contoured 1mm plastic sheet piece to the outside edge of the this part to bring in-line with the keel giving a very stylised and flowing look. These tiny details are important to me as they give the impression that they have always been there.

The attached images show the 1mm plastic glued in place before filing.

The upper and lower hull parts were fixed with not only PVA but pinned with 1mm aluminium tubing.

Pining anything gives it incredible strength and I have used this technique throughout this build. The bow, stern cap, internal sections and the Engine Room hull parts have all been pinned and I will no doubt use it for the rest of the build when required.

The attached images show the lower hull being drilled and then pinned.

The method is simple, quick and effective; drill out with a 1.2mm drill using a pin vice. Drilling out to 1mm to suit the aluminium pin doesn't allow the glue to flow so drill slightly over-size, then insert the pin to make sure there's no obstructions, remove, apply a smear of cyanoacrylate to the pin and with one swift motion insert back in. It fixes itself almost instantly so it's important to dry fit first. Cut off excess with snips and file to suit.

Another image showing the Engine Room lower hull in-situ.

The attached images show the completed Engine Room from a structural point view.

Another great update, all looking good and a job very well done.....

Regards

Alan

Fantastic update and some stunning work on show.

Can't wait to see your update

Looks great. I just had this kit delivered too.

For me to replicate this design feature I first had to mark out where exactly I would have to cut.

Once I was happy that the large slot looked correct when marked out compared to the previous picture, I prudently attached a cutting disk to the dremel and began to grind away the brass; Very tentatively I might add so as not to ruin the surrounding area.

Fortunately I kept all of the tiny MDF cut-outs when fixing it to the hull prior to adding the brass sheet. This proved invaluable as I could use these to block off unwanted vents to match the style used on U230. The number varies to that on the part-works and also meant I could correctly locate the position of the new Type 4 exhaust outlet.

The attached images show the oblong slot after grinding.

I was pretty happy with the way is was going so far. The next part was to fabricate the exhaust plates.

I used 0.5mm plastic sheet for this, carefully drawing out the shape in pencil before cutting out with a sharp scalpel.

The attached images show the plastic being marked out then the finished exhaust plates ready for fitting. Excuse the second picture; it's a tad blurred.