Hull painting and fitting preparation

Prepping the hull port-side ready for paint;

installing the waterline using lining tape ( the use of professional lining tape is vital to prevent paint creep under the tape).

The hull with painting complete, using three coats of Oxford Blue and White gloss, then placed to one side to harden off for several days.

With the hull in paint and put to one side we continue with fittings for the cab.

Here we see the boat hook holders and aerial support brackets, removed from the etched brass sheets, bent to shape and ready for painting.

The finished cab, complete with fittings, masked up and with a final coat of white primer ready for flatting with 1000 grit wet and dry prior to final paint.

While waiting for paint to dry; continuing with deck and cab fittings.

Making a start on the fender basket - a tricky job requiring a third hand. The photo shows construction using a Canley engineering multi grip vice and a little help from the precision square.

The picture shows the completed fender basket; an interesting job that was quite tricky.

 Soldering the components together really is the answer for this job. Care must be taken when bending the etched brass components prior to assembly.

Excess solder can be removed with fine emery cloth prior to painting.

Here we see the hull completely masked up and ready for deck painting; it is important that the whole of the hull is completely covered to protect it from overspray.

The picture shows all the fittings required for the assembly of the railings, after fettling, priming and top coat.

The easiest way to work on the transom is to stand the model on its bow. Here we see work commencing on the fittings.

The hull and deck painting completely finished. Here we see the deck with one coat of antique iron-textured paint and a final colour coat of Aircraft light grey.

The completed Transom.

This picture shows approximately  2/3 of the fittings required for completion of the model, fettled, primed and coloured.

This job alone has taken the last two weeks to complete.