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Hi,

Part 3 dealt with setting up the ladder frame rails and molds... Now it's time to plumb the molds and figure out how to cut out the side panels such that they'll "wrap on" properly...

Well, this is pretty straightforward. Once you're sure that all the molds are centered over your baseline and secured (use whatever glue you need here), get 'em plumb to your flat work surface. I use these perfectly square little modeling planes to get everything "upright" and then freeze into place with hot melt glue, CA, epoxy, white hobby glue, etc.



(Note the ongoing Diablo model build also...)

But to really freeze the molds in place, a batten was fastened along the tops of all the molds. Those puppies ain't going nowhere.



Alrighty then... The molds are in place and everything looks true to the baseline, true to the plans, and true in symmetry and fairness to the eye. Now what?

Might as well take care of the transom... Get that situated per the plans.

Next... Since the model is basically built "stitch and glue", I just need to spring two battens... one to follow the curve of the top of the molds (the bottom of the Gull), and the lower one that will follow the curve of the hull that will be home to the gunwale. The location of the former is obvious, and the location of the latter is clearly defined on the plans. A couple of thin strips of cardboard "tack glued" in place took care of both. Still... How do we actually get the outline of the side panel itself? Simple really... Just apply a translucent paper to the side of the hull and trace to the underlying battens...



I used parchment paper. (In real life something like red rosin paper or building paper works well. Don't use brown wrapping paper. as it actually moves with the give and take of moisture in the air - learned that one the hard way.) Anyway, now you can cut out your pattern for your side panel and transfer it to the cardboard stock.

Finally, check to make sure that the pattern works equally well for both sides of the molds, and there you go.

Next up? Applying the side panels and bottom. There's light at the end of the tunnel and it ain't no stinking train!

Alan