I found my biggest challenge was the rope leaders. I had tried a lot of methods from various sources and then settled on building the ladders in situ. Every horizontal rung connecting to the vertical line is a clove hitch. I choose the clove hitch because it compresses well and is easy to do with a needle. The problem with this method is to get the line even and the tension right. It took some practice but after a while I could do it very quickly. I also had to set up both sides of the mast to ensure everything was in line but it worked and I was happy with the result.

Hi George and thank you for your concern. All is good. Easter was full on but Michael (our shop fitter son) had too much work having recently relocated the workshop to a 3000 m sq premise. This means I did n't get to exchange ideas on the fittings so I used a cruder approach. It looks untidy but works. I will show pics tomorrow. Also the family found 720 Easter eggs in the back yard. Some bunny put them there, but hey the mob had fun. And all were over 30.

I have started with balsa infill for the other boat project, which is progressing slowly due to my work commitments and I only have about an hours window to make noise ie using sanders etc. Part of our overall plan is to build a studio which is scheduled for july so I can make noise for a little bit longer in the evenings.

BB

Hi bb1949

Glad to hear all Ok

I've managed to get my better half to remove all her stuff covering one of my work tables in the garage so now I have some space to work better. You'll see in next pics. The threat of sanding within the house otherwise did the trick.

I have nothing to post in build diary till we get number 7 Thursday.

Regards

George1

Also have added some pics to show how I added the fasteners to the false keel. Included is a pic of the two types of bolts I thought of using, electing for the four point pin as this provided better security. What you don't see is the pieces fitting over the closure have been rounded out to fit around the circular centre of the securing nut which provided better security when fitting to the false keel. I didn't worry to much about being pretty with the finish but made sure there was plenty of clearance for the planking yet to come.

Hi bb1949

Looks like you've got it in hand.

Regarding doing this re threaded bolts etc.,for a stand I'm not sure at the moment if I'm going this way eventually. Certainly I'm going to need supports once planking complete on hull so will maybe make temporary wooden support but my vision which may only stay a vision is to eventually make a base board with 4 inch side strips and use plaster of paris to sink hull into then carve or make bow waves and eddies etc., then paint like the ocean for the final display. As an artist I have done this before with oil paintings where trunks of trees and branches are raised along with rocks etc. It's just another method in art. Anyway I'm not 100 percent sure yet.

Love your other models

Perhaps I should have started on those first before SOTS to gain exerience but too late now

Regards

George1

Hi bb1949

Thought I'd just give you my latest find.

Regarding the brace cover join position in issue 7.

While as you know re my thread I put it higher so wouldn't effect the curvature of the rib frame, well it appears it's not going to help much when the next two rib frames come in future issues, as the bottom of next rib frame is at least 1 plus inches up from bottom of keel so still leaves a lot of the braces jutting out past the curvature.

Actually the stern is rather confusing at that point so will have to rely on instructions and other builds regarding same.

Regards

George1

Wow! ok just read your note I can still take the braceing off ( I hope) back soon!

looking sweet bb. well done.

Hi bb1949

Well Tommicks build shows level with bottom of false keel regarding issue 7 join so maybe later when planking starts there may be sanding instruction.

Whatever we'll get past it.

I've already stuck mine as you see in pics so too late now to reposition.

Regards

George1

I have to remember not to go back before posting pics. javascript:insertsmiley(' ','/images/emoticons/msp_blushing.gif')