Once again my thanks for all your kind words. I've reached a cut off point now and need to make provision for fitting the boiler and engine before continuing any more wood work. That will entail stripping the boiler down and milling out the end plates so as to remove the centre flue then starting again making sure that this time the centre flue is pressure tested for leaks before fitting it to the boiler shell
Just to finish off this stage then here are a few images that brings the hull up to date......
Next stage was to fit the ribs. These were cut from Poplar often referred to as Tulipwood. These were sawn to size and had the edges on one face rounded using the sanding block then smoothed with a piece of 180 grit paper held in the hand.
A fewstrips at a time were then steamed for 20mins or so to make them flexible - the steamer, used for the planking as well, was just four pieces of pine screwed together with the open ends blocked with old 'outside duty' cloths. The steam source was a wallpaper stripper which provided copious amounts of steam.
Each rib was quickly pressed into position to form over the hog and held with clamps until dry - about 4-6hours
Then before steaming and fitting the next ribs these were rivetted sufficient enough to secure in place - they would be fully rivetted later. Initially six ribs were steamed but proved too many to fit at one time so after this they were done three at a time.
Then it was a matter of steadily working through all twenty two ribs and filling in the remaining rivets.....
.....before finally reaching that magic moment - the last two
With all the ribs in the inwhale could be fitted - glued and clamped in place, rivetted between clamps and gradually working along
With those significant parts in, the 'Breasthook' -
- and the 'Quarter Knees' were glued and clamped in place. (Currently I'm awaiting some very small screws - then the space between the inwhale and sheer plank will be filled before screwing into these parts)
And that's it for this initial phase. It's a short break before working on the boiler and once thats done the boat can enter its second phase - fitting out and laying the deck areas. Last 'couple' of pics then..
To coin a phrase then 'That's all Folks' it'll be a while before the next post but in the meantime thanks for taking such an interest in this build so far and for all those kind thoughts and comments - you might like to know I took it to the College again today to find out more about 'stringers and risers' and how to fit the engine supports - let's just say they liked it
I wish you all a very pleasant Christmas - hope you find space somewhere for some workshop time - and of course a Very Happy, Peaceful and Productive New Year
Regards - Ramon
