the exterior hull to its correct profile. Be
careful; the hull is becoming thin. Make
templates from the body lines to fine
tune the hull’s shape. Add the keel and
rudder and the basic hull is done.
Carving a small boat hull is difficult.
One way to check its thickness is shown
in Figure 5-16. This is a homemade dou-
ble-ended caliper. Commercial metal
ones are too big for model work.
Carving Option:
Temporarily omitting
the bottom lift might make hollowing
the hull easier. Carve the inside close to
what is required, then glue on the bot-
tom lift and complete the carving. Or,
carve the hull to the inside of the ceiling
planks, add those planks, then install
frames above the ceiling as shown on
the plans. This is a good approach,
because the hull is thin and fragile.
How much detailing to include is an
individual choice. Soles, frames,
thwart knees, moulding, and other
items shown on the plan add to the
model, but might be a little difficult to
make. Don’t be afraid to try. Just keep
the scale in mind.
Whaleboat Gear:
The kit provides a Bri-
tannia loggerhead plus small and large
line buckets. Fabricate the oars, har-
poons, and small buckets from wood
and brass wire. These are fun to make
and really add to the look of the
model. Everything is on the plans.
Colors:
Whaleboat colors are based on
those at Mystic Seaport.
22. Ship’s Name
The stern and forward hull sides carry
the ship’s name. The best way to add
this detail is to buy dry transfer letters
(available at art and office supply stores
or model railroad shops). After applying,
give the letters a coat of flat varnish.
23. Miscellaneous Boxes
Make the cooling tank, scrap hopper by
the tryworks, and vegetable bin aft
from stripwood (Figure 5-17). Because
the real cooling tank is copper, brass
sheet can be used if desired.
24. Stern Eagle, Stars,
and Billethead
24
Fig. 5-14 Whaleboat Davit Stowage
Davit
Varies for each davit
Stay brass
Eyebolt
Lash
Thimble
Lashing line
Bearer
Coil
Channels
Slide
wood
Copper rub
strake
Boat slide
Crane under boat
Eyebolt
Pad under boat keel
Lashing line
Eyebolt
Bearer
Stay
brass
Pintle
Eyebolt
gudgeon
Fig. 5-15 Building the Whaleboats
1
2
3
Laser cut lifts
1. Align tabs on all lifts as
you glue up lifts
Stern
Bow
2. Cut off tabs to correct hull
profile after lift glue is dry
Centerboard case
Oar locks
Thwarts and knees
Rails
Molding
Frames
Ceiling and
floor
3. Carve/sand interior/exterior
to hull lines
4. Add keel
after carving
Cuddy board
and bow box
5. Complete the details
(follow plans)
