steamschooner

Thanks for the likes, the comments, and just looking in....
 
Not a big update, but deck furniture (except for the mizzen mast step and the oven) are mostly done.  The main mast partner is coming out as I'm not happy looking at the picture.  Other than this partner, the oven and the mizzen step, everything else I salvaged from Version 1 for this build hit the scrapbox.   The main mast partner should be following.
 

More of the Deckhouse
 
After glueing up the lifts it was time to add the thin laser cut facing pieces. 


 
While test fitting them it quickly became apparent that the superstructure was taller than the facing pieces, as confirmed by the plans. The facing pieces are the correct height but the lifts are too tall, about 6mm total when all are stacked. After removing 1.5 - 2 mm from each level everything fit together.
 

 
One of the odd features of the liberty ships was what looked to be concrete slabs around the pilot house and gun tubs like you can see here:
 

 

 
While visiting the SS John Brown I learned that it is not concrete but a British invention called Plastic Armour which is really just road paving material like asphalt. You can read about it here if you are interested:
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_armour
 
As you can see in this pix it varied in its appearance even on the same ship; the nearest slab is smooth, the ones next to it rougher and the slabs protecting the gun tub in the background look like a sloppy job of adding foam insulation:
 

 
I decided to add it to my model. I cut thin wood to shape, drilled out the porthole lights larger than the portholes for the distinctive “stepped” look. I then sprayed them with primer and while it was still wet pressed them into some fine sawdust. A few more coats of spray primer reduced the fine granularity.
 

 

 
I then used the non-working end of a drill bit to press down to create the discs that worked like upholstery buttons to hold the armor in place:
 

 
Here’s the finished product (Additional airbrush coats of the final color will reduce the granularity even more):
 


 
Next up will be adding the gun tubs and some more detailing that is easier done before the deckhouse is mounted on the hull. 

Update...
 
am still building the profiled edge of the boats deck, am pleased with the way the stanchions fit for soldering, it provides a strong hold...
 
Nils
 

 
the profile is done in 3 sections, each about 250 mm long
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
the small brass brackets will get a drop of CA later on to fasten and hold the boat deck edge
 
 

 
here the lower portion ( 6,5 mm tube ) aft mast is set in, considering its correct rake angle, it rests in the ships "spine" square bar down, just above the keel.
Also  some of the porthole sleeves and their "glassing" in one of the deck housings can be seen...
 
 

 
status overall view
 
 

 
drilling the 0,8 mm stanchion holes into the edge profile. A simple little jig (slotted wooden chunk) holds the T-shaped profile for drilling
 
 

 
 

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

I was not happy with boat version 1 so I went for version 2 which came off the plug as can be seen below. I still need to add ribs and such. we will see if there is a version 3

Well I have made some progress with my ship's boat. I also realized that the two boats that the Cudahy carried were different. So i guess I need to made another plug for the other boat. First one came off with out damage. Adding detail and a little strength to the form. Have a few more things to do with the boat like making a set of oars to tie down in side of it and adding some oarlock blocks.

Bob,  You have shown us all what you can do so no doubt your boats will turn out great as well.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

Well I have made some progress with my ship's boat. I also realized that the two boats that the Cudahy carried were different. So i guess I need to made another plug for the other boat. First one came off with out damage. Adding detail and a little strength to the form. Have a few more things to do with the boat like making a set of oars to tie down in side of it and adding some oarlock blocks.

HI folks!
 
Thanks for all of your Likes and comments, all of which are greatly appreciated!
 
Majellan's latest update includes further work on her bathrooms up forward of the ship.  In case you can't make them out in the photos, the bathrooms have red walls with clear plastic shower screens.  The shower screen doors have been left slightly ajar, because, you know, the crew's gotta shower, right?      
 
I hope you enjoy the photos!
 
Cheers and all the best
 
Patrick  

Thanks Patrick, albert, Keith and Pat,
 
Keith, I look forward to seeing the sternwheeler!
 
 
 
This week I was finally able to get around to the top of the paddle box.  It's starting to look like a sidewheeler.
 
I was able to cut all the pieces for the arches in about 2 hours with the mill.  I don't know how long it would have taken by hand.  I milled some of the segments double.  These will be used on the planked side.  It saves a little time and adds a little strength.

 

 
Trying to keep everything square.  The notches in the cross pieces are for a thin plank that will be used to support the ends of the lateral planking.

 
Port side.

 

 

 
Starboard side.

 

 

Thanks Patrick, I think I can make these two work and am glad to get them done to this point.  They are fussy little buggers to build.

Thanks Patrick, I think I can make these two work and am glad to get them done to this point.  They are fussy little buggers to build.

Thanks Patrick, I think I can make these two work and am glad to get them done to this point.  They are fussy little buggers to build.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

Well I have made some progress with my ship's boat. I also realized that the two boats that the Cudahy carried were different. So i guess I need to made another plug for the other boat. First one came off with out damage. Adding detail and a little strength to the form. Have a few more things to do with the boat like making a set of oars to tie down in side of it and adding some oarlock blocks.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

OK, I have managed to get boat number 2 ( life boat ) version 1 finished. I think it's a keeper!  So now I have both boat shells done. Now comes the easy part, adding the detail to the work boat and making a cover for the life boat.

Nils, She is looking long and lean in those two photos !  Really coming together nicely. I don't envy you having to make so many boats for the boat deck . While I struggle to make two boats for my project

I like the bandaid on the lower hull Great job, Patrick

Hi folks
 
Just a quick update for you.  The internal fit-out of the lower deck continues.  Last night, I added the mattresses and pillow-cases in the cabins, as well as another couple of cupboards in the two forward cabins.
 
Also, as I don't think I'd shown you guys before: A few weeks ago I added table mats to the round outdoor table situated on the Bridge Deck.  You can just see it in one of the photos.
 
I hope you enjoy the photos!
 
All the best.
 
Cheers
 
Patrick

Patrick, she's looking very sweet! great job

I like the bandaid on the lower hull Great job, Patrick