Worked on the railing (or whatever it's called) for the forecastle. Couldn't figure out how to get the initial level of basswood strips to bend just right using the clamps I had, so had to hunker down and play 20 minute sessions of "shipyard hold 'em" aka holding-them-in-place-by-hand. Made the rails two planks thick and two high, then added a thicker strip for the top.

Planked the forecastle deck, using the same method as the main deck.

The forecastle's deck should begin about two-thirds up from the height of the bulwarks. Because of how I ended up having to carve and mount the fore bulwarks, I had to place the deck on top instead of recessed. So there is a 3/4 inch elevation to the forecastle rail that shouldn't be there -- although it ended up bringing the front of the forecastle to about the right level, since I didn't curve the deck fore and aft. The bowsprit also ends up coming out of the bow a little lower to the forecastle rail than it should. So a few "historical alternations" starting to crop up, but nothing that would distract the "as-seen-from-shore" viewing of anyone but an expert.

Also added the top railing along the bulwarks. Not sure if I'm going to make a whole bunch of little hammocks to lay on top or not. That would definitely be a "phase two" level of detail for me.

Week 21