thomaslambo

Boyd, Jparsley and Prutzer,
It's good to hear from all of you. I have tried using a steam irin before, but I like the plank bender better, so far. Thanks for your comments. I'm afraid I roasted a plank before seeing your messages. My boys said it smelled good. Since this is a single planking job, I am taking my time on each strake. Thanks for the complements.
Only one more plank since the last post.

Brian,
 
Beautiful progress on the cannons....I'm always looking for an excuse to add another fine tool to my work shop (very nice lathe you have there) 
 
And a thanks to Russ for another tip on using square stock for making spars    

Thanks much Tom, I really appreciate the compliment….you’re doing some fine work yourself on the Constitution   

All I can say is coming from one of best detailers I’ve seen your accolades are much appreciated    
 
Yes, planning or thinking through a design is part of the fun for me….and almost everything I start never ends up the way I originally planned it…it just grows and evolves into the final result.  

Thanks Keith, I really appreciate the compliment….and I probably should take more pictures of the construction of the detail items.  I get on a roll and the next thing I know it’s finished.
 
As far as the pieces you see; the table, shelfs, maps, balusters/railing, etc….I spent quite a bit of time fabricating.  All the wood items were hand made with X-acto blades and a myriad of files and sanding tools. 
 
The Captains Dining Cabin took 40-50 hours to complete….it was definitely a labor of love that slowly evolved from simple to more complex
 
The chairs are plastic miniatures (1:48 scale) that I spent some time painting and finishing to simulate a wood look.  

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the compliments….particularly coming from another detail fanatic    
 
One of the best aspects of this forum is learning and finding creative ideas that one can utilize on their project.  You and many others have given me motivation to raise the bar wherever I can     

Hi Al,
 
I really appreciate the compliments… this type of detail work is right up my alley coming from a Railroad background   
 
I’m following your lead….as I still have the planking and rigging bridges to cross.
 
I noticed the very excellent advise you gave LA Don on his up-coming planking challenge....well done my friend    

All I can say is coming from one of best detailers I’ve seen your accolades are much appreciated    
 
Yes, planning or thinking through a design is part of the fun for me….and almost everything I start never ends up the way I originally planned it…it just grows and evolves into the final result.  

Thanks much Tom, I really appreciate the compliment….you’re doing some fine work yourself on the Constitution   

Thanks Keith, I really appreciate the compliment….and I probably should take more pictures of the construction of the detail items.  I get on a roll and the next thing I know it’s finished.
 
As far as the pieces you see; the table, shelfs, maps, balusters/railing, etc….I spent quite a bit of time fabricating.  All the wood items were hand made with X-acto blades and a myriad of files and sanding tools. 
 
The Captains Dining Cabin took 40-50 hours to complete….it was definitely a labor of love that slowly evolved from simple to more complex
 
The chairs are plastic miniatures (1:48 scale) that I spent some time painting and finishing to simulate a wood look.  

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the compliments….particularly coming from another detail fanatic    
 
One of the best aspects of this forum is learning and finding creative ideas that one can utilize on their project.  You and many others have given me motivation to raise the bar wherever I can     

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Nils,
 
Much of my work was inspired by your incredible build.  
 
I really appreciate your praise as it means a lot to me as a new builder.
 
I spent hours thinking about the way I'd open the Dining Cabin....I had three templates I didn't like and was somewhat frustrated.  Then I was looking at a picture of a finished AL Bounty model and thought....do it like the opening to the hull itself (a view within a view).
 
Some times the obvious escapes you 

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Nils,
 
Much of my work was inspired by your incredible build.  
 
I really appreciate your praise as it means a lot to me as a new builder.
 
I spent hours thinking about the way I'd open the Dining Cabin....I had three templates I didn't like and was somewhat frustrated.  Then I was looking at a picture of a finished AL Bounty model and thought....do it like the opening to the hull itself (a view within a view).
 
Some times the obvious escapes you 

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Nils,
 
Much of my work was inspired by your incredible build.  
 
I really appreciate your praise as it means a lot to me as a new builder.
 
I spent hours thinking about the way I'd open the Dining Cabin....I had three templates I didn't like and was somewhat frustrated.  Then I was looking at a picture of a finished AL Bounty model and thought....do it like the opening to the hull itself (a view within a view).
 
Some times the obvious escapes you 

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Middle Deck Assembly
 
On the Middle Deck I planned to make extensive modifications and additions as this level has ample space/opportunity to do so.  As such, I’ll complete this work in two stages.
 
I’m estimating that I spent close to 150 hours on the model since my last post back in early May.  Some of the time was spent on other areas like; testing breadfruit materials, designing the main deck planking pattern, and thinking about techniques for planking the hull (I’m a big fan of Chuck’s methods and think I’ll probably give it a go….should get to it in a few months).  
 
So, here are the items I’ve completed in Stage One (parts of kit steps 13 – 20, along with custom modifications and additions):
 
Stern balusters and railings; I installed these prior to gluing up the kit bulkheads (easier to align and glue them in without the bulkheads in the way).  I assembled the three Baluster sections on a flat surface to be sure they were completely level and square.  Then I glued the assembly over the stair well.  Once that dried I attached the railings from the middle to the lower level.
Note; I’ll install the second (Bow) system in stage two after all the galley additions are completed (the assembly is already completed).
 
Kit Bulkheads; I moved the bulkhead assembly (kit steps 16 – 18) slightly a stern to accommodate the baluster and railing system design (basically moved it closer to center to allow traffic to pass on all sides of the stair well/railings).  This also required me to replace/lengthen the middle bulkhead panel (part 136).
 
In addition, I changed the window and door treatments for the kit bulkheads.  I used gratings for all the windows and paneled the bulkheads, cabin walls and doors with .06 x 5mm basswood strips.  I used a Number 2B Pencil on the edges of the strips to simulate very light tar lines.  I really like the look but it was very difficult to line up the tar lines on all the vertical walls and bulkheads where they come together in the corners (not all 5mm wide strips are created equal!!). 
 
Can anyone guess what I’m going to ask the Admiral to give me for Xmas 
 
Deck Gratings; this was a simple assembly for the two gratings (kit step 14).  Nothing exciting here. 
 
Cabin additions; this was the most significant addition to the middle deck (I spent close to 100 hours here).  Quite a bit of time was spent on brain storming design ideas and then cutting out and fitting cardboard templates. Some of my ideas for this stage were prompted from the Anatomy book...that mentions the Captains Dining Cabin (which doubled as a day room and clerks office) and the adjoining Pantry. 
 
The final additions included; a Captains Dining Cabin, a Pantry serving the Dining Cabin, and two additional forward cabins.  
 
For the Captains Dining Cabin; I added two back wall panels in between the frames. I built a dining table and wall shelf with maps and charts rolled up on the shelf.  I also framed and hung a map of Tahiti on the back wall. 
 
Note; I spent several hours trying to figure out the best way to open up the view into the Captains Dining Cabin….three failed template versions later the “Obvious” came to mind. 
 
For the pantry; I put together a shelf (also served as a bulkhead between the frames) and built a storage crate that sits under the lower shelf.  I also put some water/rum pitchers and serving bowls on the upper shelf's (they came in the furniture kit with the chairs I used around the dining table).
 
 
Here are some pictures of the finished work…..
 

Cabin additions (walls and bulkheads)
 

Kit Bulkheads (with modified wall treatments) 
 

Finished bulkheads and walls (dining table assembled)
 
 

View of all the finished assemblies
 

Green house side view of kit bulkhead
 

Stairway balusters and railings, note the increased space between the left railing and bulkhead wall (by moving the bulkhead to the stern side of the beam).  
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Another view of the stairway
 

Captains Dining Cabin
 

Close up of Dining Cabin, I painted the frames dark brown. Note the map of Tahiti on the wall.
 

Pantry to the Dining Cabin
 

Two Cabin additions
 

Another view of the additions, note the kit gratings
 

Hihg level overview, note the notches in the cross beam for the bilge pipes

Hi Jparsley,
The pics above pretty much show what I did.  I drilled 2 holes in the bulwarks and lined them with an extra brass eyelet that I had.  Just to the side of each hole I made a cleat and mounted it on the inside of the bulwark so I could tie off the rope.  On the other end, I inserted an eyehook into the seats of the long boat.  That has a block and tackle set up hooked up to it.  The davits have 3 holes drilled in them through which the rope runs through to simulate a double block in the davit.  The boat just dangles there.  Obviously in real life you can't leave the boat hanging or it would be swinging all over the place during sailing.  I am thinking about possibly adding another set of cleats and running some line around the hull of the long boat and through the same hole in the bulwark.  That will lock the boat up against the davits and be more secure.  I will need to see how that looks.  I need to remember that this is a model and will not be in any rough seas!  It does however, need to look good.
 
Below are some pics of the chain plates I put in this weekend.  They are going to be secured with 2 nails in the end but for now I only used one.  This way I can rotate them so they line up with the ratlines after they are installed.  Once that is done I will put the second nail in to lock them in position.  My boat is starting to get that "busy" look.


 
I also just realized that I need to put in the planks that will hold all the belaying pins on the inside of the bulwarks.  The instructions fail to mention these anywhere.  Upon reviewing the top view pic of the assembled hull that came with the kit I noticed them... I will never get to the masts!   I will use McArdle's book to make these as the pics in the instructions are somewhat blurry and I can't tell how many holes are in each piece.  I am sure I am going to need to buy more 8mm belaying pins... I need black cannon balls anyway.  The silver ones supplied don't cut it for me.

Finished the long boat and the rigging for it.  I ended up scratch building everything but the hull.  The oars I built seem a bit large but I am going to live with them.  With some filing and painting, the metal hull was okay.  Pics are a bit dark this time, not sure why.


 
Also put the anchors in place.


 
Now I am working on 46 chain plate and dead eye assemblies.  Seems I am always finding something to keep me from getting to the masts.  I had to jump around in the instructions with this kit or it would have been next to impossible to put together. Now I am going back through the book to make sure I did not forget anything before I start work on the "above deck" items.

Thanks everyone for the likes and compliments.
 
Hi Jparsley,
I put the little square plates with the eye bolts there for 2 reasons.  First I did not want to have the stem of the eye to poke through the bulwark and mar the outside.  the stem needed to have some length to be stable and secure.  Second, it was easier to assemble the block and tackle rigging off the deck and then just glue the plates in plate.
 
As for the cannonades, I kind of improvised a bit.  I had to file a notch in the front of the base and lay that on top of the waterway.  This allowed me to get the cannonade closer to the bulwark so it protrudes through the bulwark.  Just my visual preference.  I also did not put any tackle on them because of their size.  I don't know if that is correct and I am probably glad I am not the one that really has to move them forward after they are loaded.  
Here is a closeup pic but it really doesn't show much so I made a quick hand sketch to illustrate what I am talking about.  Engineering school is paying off.

I finally made some progress between all the outside chores.  Got all the top deck cannons installed and rigged as well as all the railings.
Here are the cannon pics.





 
Here are the railings:


 
And a profile:

 
Next I will need to put the gun port lids on.  I waited because I did not want to risk knocking them off while working on the deck.  Finally after that I can take a look at the masts!