Here are some more pictures of my progress so far.
In order to do the bottom plating at the bow, some side plating had to be put on. These side pieces have the remains of the original 5” casemate guns that were removed almost as soon as the ship was launched. It must have been pretty wet up in the forecastle!
The little half-circle casemate covers were a little confusing. I made them inside-out the first time, so once more I had to re-do something.:cry:
I have now officially given up on perfection, satisfying myself with the results shown here. I have built many airplanes and they went together very well, but this hull is MUCH more challenging than I ever imagined.The starboard side plates lean forward a little, and I keep trying to straighten out the row a little more with each added plate. The plates also don't come as far up to the keel, either, suggesting that the starboard side is a little fatter. (Hey-- whose isn't?):-D
The port side is much better!
I’m anxious to get to the smaller details. I think I’ll be much better at it. This is only the second ship I’ve built, the first being DN’s free V-108. As I think I said before, it took me three or four tries to get the hull reasonably acceptable