Hi all, in this build session we will be assembling and fitting the deck banisters. From an 0.8mm brass rod, cut 12 lengths of 14mm and 12 of 8mm. Took some scrap planking strips and marked off the positions of the banister uprights using the measurements stated in the instructions, 4 banisters in total. Glued the brass lengths to the planking strips in line with the marks made in the previous step, 2 sets using the 14mm lengths and 2 sets using the 8mm. The uprights were then primed and painted black.

Using 1x3mm wooden strip cut 4 lengths each of 100mm and rounded off the ends. Sanded smooth and stained with a dark wood stain. Glued these lengths to the tops of the uprights ensuring they ran parallel with the planking strip.

Cut 4 lengths of netting to fit between the top rail and the bottom planking strip, leaving a 1mm gap at the bottom. When dry, cut and glued lengths of 0.5mm black rigging thread to run across the tops and bottoms of the netting.

Once everything had fully set, gently removed the lower planking strips, trimmed the ends to remove excess rigging thread. Glued the banisters in position as outlined in the instructions.

This build stage will be in 2 parts, in the next part we conclude with assembling the last banister and rear bell tower. Until then happy modelling all....

Regards

Alan

Thanks Phil, appreciate the comments as always... .. Now for the second part of stage 53, the completion of the Deck Banisters.

Cut 6 lengths of 2x2mm wooden strip each 14mm long and shaped the top of each strip, then cut a further 2 lengths of 3x3mm strip each 22mm long. Cut the banister frame from its fret and sanded all the edges smooth then glued the parts together as per the instructions. Removed the PE grating from its fret, cleaned up the edges and test fitted, used the PE grating to adjust the length of the posts noting that the grating has a slight curve to its bottom edge.

Took the bell tower top, removed any burrs and primed ready for painting. Painted the bell tower top and the banister framing red and left to dry before gluing the top in place. Primed and painted the PE grating yellow and once dry also glued in place.

Cut 6 lengths of brass rod each 8mm long, squared off the ends, primed and painted black before gluing in place. Cut 2 lengths of 1x3mm wooden strip, rounded off the ends and stained with a dark wood stain before gluing to the fitted brass rods. Assembled the bell support as in the forward bell housing, primed and painted the bell and glued the bell clapper in place. This assembly was then glued to the bell tower.

Cut a further 4 lengths of brass rod each 8mm long, squared off the ends and glued in place, these act as 4 grab handles on the main frame. Finally, gave some areas a little touch up with red paint. Once the assembly was dry it was then glued in place. This brings to an end stage 53 so until next time, happy modelling all....

Regards

Alan

Thanks for looking in Gray, your kind comments very much appreciated.....

Regards

Alan

Thanks Andy, appreciated....

Regards

Alan

Thanks David, appreciated... Hope you get back onto your build soon, I know I for one would love to see her progressing..... .. Thanks again..

Regards

Alan

Looks Awesome Alan.
You always do a nice clean tidy job.

Chris

Very nice decorative work ,reminds me of Japanese garden buildings

We move onto fitting the dummy cannons onto both sides of the hull, noting that the first and last gun port on each side is left without a cannon and these ports will be dealt with later in the build.

Took 16 cast cannons, removed any burrs and imperfections before priming and painting black. Cut 16 lengths of 2mm bamboo rod, each 30mm long and glued one into each cannon, these were also painted black.

Using a 2mm drill bit, drilled a hole through the gun support in each gun port ensuring the hole was centred. Finally glued a cannon into each gun port on both sides. This finishes stage 54 so until next time, happy modelling all....

Regards

Alan

Thanks Mark, appreciated. She is a lovely build and one I'd recommend highly especially for those with experience of ship building....

Regards

Alan

Fantastic work Alan! Great attention to detail! One of the things I really love about this build is the colour scheme. It really suits!

Regards,
Phil W.