Princess Elizabeth build...

[mjt60a]

well, now the temperature has returned to normal (ie, a bit on the cold side) the deck has returned fully to its correct shape. I think I will try sticking bits of metal underneath it, have a dismantled clock (I was looking for useful parts!) and thought pieces of the mainspring would do if they'll survive flattening out without cracking, since it's very thin it wouldn't affect anything else - they'd be inside the sponson houses and engine room areas so not visible at all. The rest of the deck should be OK when it's glued in place 

[mjt60a]

Well, how time flies, it's certainly been a while since I last posted! haven't been completely idle though and between (finally) having a tooth removed that had been giving me problems for several years (eventually went septic and swelled up more than I ever believed possible) and refurbishing the 'small paddletug' which had suffered minor damage and the newly rebuilt and painted area showed how faded the paint had become, I did some stuff for the liz.
I tried to make the anchor-handling davit (?) but it turned out looking like a street lamp so started again and the second one looked more believeable - so I'll use that. Also I made a deliberate mistake, if there is such a thing, and built the stove pipe shown on older photos. (photos showing the colour sceme I'm using don't have the stove pipe so I assume it was removed early 1960s) just because I wanted more details fitted on the rather featureless fore deck. Also assembled the winch/capstan thingy but still need to make the protective covers for the cranks and gears and complete painting - on that item and one of the pulley blocks on the davit.   

[mjt60a]

This weekends mini-project; how to make and fit the tops of the masts....
I'd been thinking about this on-and-off for months now, and came up with a possible solution....

[mjt60a]

if it worked, this would allow attachment of the flag rope (?) right at the top without some big ugly fitting being stuck up there and without having to make a microscopic version of what's on a real ship!
This is how it turned out.....

[mjt60a]

these pics I took of waverleys masthead (from on deck) showing various brackets, presumably with pulleys on them. with my eyesight and available tools I can no longer make details like that in 1/48th scale.

[Harold H. Duncan]

most elegant solution, Mick.
been pondering the same problem for my 1/48th Koheroa paddler
thanks
kiwi

[mjt60a]

I've completed the mainmast but not fitted it properly just yet until I figure out the connections at the base. Foremast is fitted and rigging attached - though I'm not that happy with the attachment of the stays, may try to make something more like the adjustable screws on a real ship instead of the 'large hooks' I have on it at present.
all the fittings are removed for now while I'm working on the mainmast....

[mjt60a]

.... have a dismantled clock (I was looking for useful parts!) and thought pieces of the mainspring would do if they'll survive flattening out without cracking, since it's very thin it wouldn't affect anything else - they'd be inside the sponson houses and engine room areas so not visible at all. The rest of the deck should be OK when it's glued in place 

Tried it, no good, too flexible, think I'll get some angled brass from the shop ....
in the meantime resumed working on the detailed interior which is really holding up progress as I can't attach the deck, railings etc. until it's done