Sorry about the size of the pictures..I alter the size and save them 640x480 but photo bucket keeps reproducing them at this size. If anyone knows what I'm doing wrong I would love to hear it.

A couple of images showing the launch hull under construction...




I had only two issues, first the hull formers would not fit because the launch jig was too tight. I solved this problem by using a needle file. Did anyone else have this problem? Second, a mistake by myself during handling meant that I broke one of the ribs clean in two. Lucky for me it was a clean break and you would never know. A least I hope not?

No idea why the pics are coming out large - I use Photobucket, and just copy the IMG link to my posts, resizes fine. Build coming along nicely though!

Hi Shipmates,

Well, its been some time since I entered anything into my build log. One reason is that I realised I was under equipped in virtually everything. The tools that I posted a picture of in my last post were part of this process, albeit just the start.

Next I had to provide myself with a good working area which at that point I didn't have. After I purchased some tools and varnish, sanding sealer and the like, I bought two desks which could be used for modelling. These also had cupboards and drawers and fitted my need perfectly. Next I needed glues and paints etc, for the Akagi which I had just subscribed to. Before this I had to keep bringing everything through into the main room when I wanted to model, and afterwards pack everything away again when I had finished which was a chore. Now of course things are very different, and I'm much happier.

Ok! On with the build!

Ok! Construction of the jig... I carefully measured and marked the centre line, and fitted five of the right angle brackets along it. I then put Victory on the board and fitted the other five brackets on the other side slowly getting the keel line straight along the plumb line I had marked out.

In between all this I found the time to produce my first 12 pounder, and I like the result. The only bit of bother I ran into was when I went to fit the cannon, only to find the hole had been incorrectly drilled. It was on the vertical not the horizontal. I thought now theres a problem its the wrong way up.

Luckily I had a spare and all was well




One thing I did notice though was its really tight when you file the last bit of the axles. I took it a bit too close and had to touch up with a bit of metal black.

Next we have my first anchor, this isn't finished yet, as I still have to give another two coats of matt low sheen varnish, its only had one so far. I originally thought about using high gloss yacht varnish, but one coat of this was enough to convince me that it was totally not viable. The idea I had was to have certain wooden parts really highly glossed as I imagined that this would look really good. The reality was something else however, and I soon stripped it off, in favour of matt low sheen varnish.

Anyway here it is to the point I have got to....

I have now started fitting the first deck. Boy, the nailing is a bit more tricky than I thought. I started off as per instructions, nailing the left hand side of the deck. I got to the end of nailing this first piece only to discover that it was squint and the other side wouldn't fit..... 'Disaster' .

How I got round this was fitting both sides in at the same time, to counter any movement that might result from me nailing. I put a single nail in the centre of each line to hold it steady while I put the rest of the nails in.

Needless to say I have learnt a lot from this little episode already, and I'm going to use the same technuiqe for the other part of the deck as well as marking out the nail holes in pencil before I start. Something I didn't do on this bit of decking

Hi Andy, I could get wood, but the trouble was everyone wanted to charge me an arm and a leg for a small bit of MDF!!! It just makes me laugh...model delayed because of lack of wood. You couldn't make it up!

Hi Glenn, great preperation -- nice Dry Dock, and fabulous build.

Keep up the good work, GOOD STUFF