FIG. 1-15 INSTALLING SUB DECKS
TRIM SUB DECK IF NECESSARY
TO FIT. TIGHT FIT NOT REQUIRED.
WATERWAY WILL COVER
TACK AND GLUE TO BULKHEADS
SUB
DECK
FIG. 1-16 INSTALLING THE WATERWAY
CEILING
WATERWAY
DECK PLANK
SUB DECK
12
of the main deck planking at the quarter-
deck, and two to support the forward and
aft ends of the quarterdeck planking. All
three beams fit in precut notches in the cen-
ter keel. These beams are laser-cut basswood
but will need trimming on the ends to fit.
The two forward beams are butted against a
strip fitted between bulkheads (
Figure 1-14
).
Sub-decks:
The kit is supplied with laser-
cut 1/32" thick basswood sheet as a sub-
deck under the basswood deck planks and
walnut cabin top planking. This provides
a firm support for the hatch coamings
and deck planks. Also, many modelers
like to mark the planking runs in pencil
on the sub-deck as a guide before actually
installing the planks. The sub-decks
include cut-outs for the bulkhead timber-
head extensions and the locations of
hatches, pumps, bitts, and the mast mor-
tise. The laser-cut sub-deck may need to
be trimmed a bit to fit against the bulk-
head timberheads (
Figure 1-15
).
Note:
The decks have both camber and
sheer. This means the sub-deck sheet must
be bent in two directions to fit the top of
the bulkheads. Before gluing, pin the deck
bulkhead by bulkhead pinning at the center-
line, then along the side. This sort of relieves
the stress in the deck so it will fit. Just make
sure the sub-deck will lie flat on all bulk-
heads and the center keel before gluing.
The sub-decks can be glued to the bulk-
heads from below, but you will need to
use a brush or stick to reach the deck
between the narrowly spaced bulkheads.
A better way is to pre-drill small holes
through the sub-decks in way of the bulk-
heads. With the sub-decks pinned securely
to the bulkheads, squirt some super glue
through the holes. Capillary action will
distribute the glue along the bulkhead.
Waterway:
The laser-cut walnut waterway
runs from the quarter deck to the bow
inside the bulwark extensions. The laser-
cut is a rectangle in cross section. Shape
it as shown on Plan Sheet 2, Section A-A
and in
Figure 1-16
. Glue the waterway on
top of the sub-decking and against the
bulwark stanchion extensions.
11. Main and After Rails
These will be installed after the hull and
bulwark planking is completed. Refer to
Stage 2.
12. Before Moving On
Before proceeding with the hull and ceiling
planking, check all the framing. Make sure
it is all in place and all nice and flush. The
framing sets the foundation for the final
planking — you don’t want to get started
and find out that something is out of skew.
Double check those bulkhead bevels, so
you know when you plank you will have a
fair hull form. Many beginners tend to rush
through this stage only to find they are
really not ready for attacking the planking.
FIG. 1-14 DECK BEAMS AT QUARTER DECK
CENTER KEEL
BULKHEAD “O”
QUARTER
DECK
BEAM –
GLUE TO
BULKHEAD
“O”
BEAM END
SUPPORTS BETWEEN
BULKHEADS “M” AND “N”
QUARTER DECK
BEAM
MAIN DECK
BEAM
N
M
