Forecastle rail. The plan is to make the forecastle out of two parts: a permanent railing and a semi-removable deck. We'll see if this proves plausible or not.

The forecastle rails were made by wood-gluing three 1/16 inch basswood sheets together (clamped along the bow to get the right curve). This layering technique makes a surprisingly stout structure. I took an extra bulwark piece from my Beagle build and smacked it hard on various surfaces to confirm this.

Next I inserted four pins into the bottom of each piece and epoxied them flush with the hull. Then I made an extension of the flat front of the bow and, after some fun Dremel work, glued it between the rails with an opening at the bottom for the bowsprit.

Finally, I glued on a 3/16 inch poplar dowel for the forecastle's handrail. Not a perfect job, but we'll call it good enough for fun.

Next to be done: forecastle deck with planking, knightheads, timber heads and swivel gun mounts.

2nd Naming. Wish I had done this on Veteran's Day, but we'll instead call it a "Thank you for your service" Thanksgiving naming in honor of our resident paratrooper and former captain of the HMS Surprise: Able seaman "Geronimo" Ray. Ray is rumored to have been a harpooner on a whaling ship out of Nantucket before signing on with the Theresa Marie.

Seriously, thank you Ray and all the veterans who have chosen to serve our country. Three cheers.

3rd Naming. Time for a little shout out to my nieces. Introducing Powder Monkey Anna (left) and Cabin Girl Sara (right) . Wonder if I should make a pair of tiny life preservers just in case.

Week 16