Stage 18 - Contains the transom and a bow side wall panel.

Add a porthole blanking squares to the inside surface of the bow side panel as per the opposite panel, then stain the inside surface of the panel to match that of the opposite panel.

Cut a piece of scrap planking to level the remaining section on top of frame #1 with the decking, and glue into place. Smooth any overhang and level the strip with the decking.

Glue and pin the side wall panel into place as per the opposite side panel.

Check that the front edges of both bow panels are level with the edge of frame #1, and smooth accordingly.

That's it for this stage, carefully store the transom piece.

Future parts sets/stages:

19 - Contains the stern side wall panel and two cannon & carriages.

20 - Contains the stern side wall, gun hatches and a cannon and carriage.

21 - Contains planks, grating strips and a hardwood strip.

22 - Contains Bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

Stage 20 - Contains the stern side wall panel, gun port blanking squares and a cannon set.

This stage is an opposite side repeat of stage 19.

Fair the hull at the points indicated, then trial fit the panel.

Glue 6 gun port blanking squares to the inside surface of the panel as shown and note the positioning.

Stain the inside of the panel to match that of the previous panels.

Glue and pin the panel into place, and when the glue has fully set, drive home, snip off the heads or remove the pins.

Assemble and finish the cannon as before.

Future parts sets/stages:

21 - Contains planks, grating strips and a hardwood strip.

22 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

23 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

24 - Contains pins, cannon set, ladder sides, hardwood strip and wood strips.

Stage 22 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

Carefully store the bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares until the next stage.

I will be following the instructions for planking of the hull.

The first plank row is fitted into the slots in the ribs, and the first plank runs from frame #6 to the bow.

Cut a section from one end of a plank as indicated, then soak the opposite end in hot water to soften it and make it more pliable (or use a plank bender to form the curve), then position the plank in the rib slot along the frames starting at frame #6 and bend it to fit around the bow, glue and pin the plank into place.

Cut the end of another plank in the same way, so that it will interlock as shown in step 'f' on page 8, and run the plank from frame #6 to frame #9, then make another notch at the frame 9 end, then glue and pin the plan into place.
Shape the end of another plank as earlier to fit into the grooves and fit with the plank at frame #9 to the stern frame #14. Glue and pin it into place noting that it will need a slight twist, then cut the plank flush with the stern.

Cut excess plank at the bow so that it leaves the central false keel visible and will leave a 5mm gap between this and the plank to be fitted at the opposite side of the bow.

Repeat the plank fitting on the left (port) side of the hull and ensure of the 5mm gap at the bow into which the stem will later be fitted, (supplied at stage 54 and fitted at stage 55).

That's it for this week, carefully store the bulwark panels, gun port blanking squares and any remaining planking material.

Future parts sets/stages:

23 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

24 - Contains pin-nails, cannon set, ladder sides, hardwood strip and wood strips.

25 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

26 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

Stage 24 - Contains pin-nails, cannon set, ladder sides, hardwood strip and wood strips.

Sand the extending stern frames to match the angle of the said panel but avoid the projecting part of the bottom ledge.

Take the gallery panel supplied a stage 18. Smooth and stain the top quarter to match the inside of the panels previously stained.

Glue the panel in place so that it sits upon the ledge projection and is central between the side panels.
You will find that the side slots do not quite align and will need you will need adjustment, which for now I have left until later on when what is placed into the slots is to hand.

Cut the 2x7mm hardwood strip into four lengths to line the inside edges of the large hatch aft of the foredeck. When gluing the strips into place, ensure that they sit 4mm above the deck.

Repeat the process at the foredeck hatch, again position the strips 4mm above the deck.

Cut the 1x4mm wood strip into 18 lengths, each 12mm long to make the step treads.

Take one of the ladder sides and fit and glue the treads into it and then fit the opposite step side as shown, then repeat the process to make a second ladder.

Assemble and finish the cannon as before.

That's it for this week, carefully store the cannon, ladders and any left over material.

Future parts sets/stages:

25 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

26 - Contains bulwark panels and gun port blanking squares.

27 - Contains planking strips.

28 - Contains parts to make the steps and three gun sets.