4. Hatches and Gratings
If the coamings are installed, make the
hatch covers or gratings. Precedence
exists for displaying the model with
hatches covered. Gratings on the hatch,
and companion doors are to provide
ventilation at Mystic Seaport. They are
not historical, so use only solid covers
and doors to represent the original ship.
Making gratings is no longer a lot of
work. The laser-cut material can be
assembled two ways (Figure 5-3). Edge-
to-edge gluing produces a thinner, more
realistic grating. It seats in the hatch bet-
ter and the ledges need not be so deep.
5. Tryworks and Workbench
The tryworks is interesting, but tricky to
make (Figure 5-4 ). Chimneys, pots, side
knees, and sliding fire doors are Britannia
fittings. Make the tryworks structure from
wood strips or sheets. Paint the brick
areas to look like bricks. It may be possi-
ble to find printed brick paper sheets in
hobby catalogs. Hang the sliding fire
doors by drilling a hole in each hinge tab,
then inserting a brass rod. Don’t forget to
add the ring to the side knees.
Make the workbench and chicken coop
from stripwood (Figure 5-5). The plans
show where to glue the Britannia
bench vise.
6. Grindstone
Although a cover hides the round stone,
add a brass wire to represent its crank
handle. (Scratch build the grindstone if
the stone is to be visible.) Because the
grindstone is portable, position it any-
where on the deck near the workbench.
The plan location need not be followed.
7. Ladders
Each side of the anchor deck has a ladder
(actually steps); another leads to the hur-
ricane house, and the other is on the rail.
Fabricate them from 1/64” thick wood.
Delicate ladders enhance a model, so do
not make them too thick. Use the fixture
shown in Figure 5-6 to align the parts
while gluing.
8. Galley Stack
The galley stack has a pad at its base.
Notice that the Britannia fitting is based
on Mystic’s plans. However, a recent
photo reveals a taller stack. If desired,
duplicate it from brass tubing.
20
Fig. 5-3 Assembly of Grating Strips
A. Egg crate fashion
B. Edge to edge (preferred)
Fig. 5-4 Building the Tryworks
Chimney casting
Painted
bricks
Sheath with copper
or paint copper color
Top
Back
panel
Hinged duck pen lid
Basic water tank frame
Brass or paper strip corner straps
Painted brick hearth area
Curve to fit
deck camber
Fill (floor of tryworks-
paint black or ash
color)
Front panel
(painted bricks)
Fire door
casting
Side panel
Add ring
Knee
casting
Rod
Eyebolt
Fig. 5-5 Workbench
Top-leave gap between boards
Bench vise goes here
Fake drawer
Slats-front and back
Bottom of chicken coop
Trim
Door
