. Since I am reposting this entire build log, I will try and start from the beginning. I do not have photos of placing the bulkheads on the false keel. They were lost during a major computer crash.
This is constructing the hull frame and bulkheads. First off, this kit is not for beginners. I am not by far, an expert, but the first thing you would notice is that the instructions leave a lot to be desired and assume the builder knows a considerable amount about building model ships of this type, and knowledge of real ship construction. If you haven't completed at least a couple of kits in the advanced category, I believe you should pass on this one for now. It will make a dandy model when finished and the quality of the components appears to be top notch. It is one of, if not THE most detailed model kits out there.
The deck bulkheads or walls on this ship all consist of multiple curves. The pieces are precut plywood that must be bent. The wood is too brittle to just wrap around the curved frames. I tried one and it broke.
Soaking them carefully in a mixture of ammonia and water will make them soft enough to bend around the frames and glue in place. Be careful to not soak them too long, (maybe 30 minutes max. ), or the plywood lamination will come apart. I found this out the hard way also.
Without a doubt the plans and instructions are the weakest part of this kit, as you will see as we go along here. I also did a lot of kit bashing by adding features and details left out, which I believe made a much better model when finished.
This kit has been around since the early 1970's and there have been several revisions over the years. Each revision did make it better for the builder. The latest version is dated 2008. When buying this kit new today, it is possible to get an older version, or even a hybrid. A friend of mine bought his kit the same time as me, but he got a hybrid in that the plans were dated 1978 and the kit contained the parts for a 2008 version. This was a problem of course and since I had the latest plans, I had copies made and sent them to him. The instruction manual was also outdated, but you can go to the Mantua Help Website and download a new instruction manual for free. He completed his build along with me.
Vince P.