Hull/Deck assembly
Immediate concern: The hull does not line up with the deck. There is a warning that the hull is too long, but I did not find this.
The problem I found is that my hull is too narrow. The deck sides overlap unevenly each side. It is not possible to sand the deck without removing detail.
I put spreaders in as shown, as I did not want to heat it up (with whatever unforeseen distortions that may occur). They are as wide as was possible and they still do not quite solve the problem. You really have to look at the book of parts!
I had started making my own porthole surrounds with my kit…
…when I noticed that on page 14 of the instructions that they are supplied.
So, going back to the beginning:
- You must drill the portholes from the inside of the hull as indicated there.
- Place the brass porthole surrounds around the drilled holes on the outside of the hull.
Now turning to the Hull/Deck join
ZOOM - Move your mouse over image
There is a join just ahead of the second porthole from the bow.
To get the deck to sit accurately here required a lot of sanding both to the hull (to thin the walls) and to the deck moulding block (that I was assured did not have to be removed!). It still needed a lot of filling on both sides. I have almost completed the starboard side – the port side has filler in it still to illustrate the problem.
Although I have not finished tidying up the hull/deck join yet, I have added the transom which is shaped from a template on page 14.
I have added some of the deck parts. I think you can see more clearly how the torpedo handling racks are positioned in the first one.
I am moving onto to the wheelhouse and torpedoes next. These can all be constructed off deck.
Things should (hopefully!) move along a bit more speedily now…
Back to the Hull…