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Identify the main capping rail (108) and the forecastle capping rail (107) and remove them from the 2mm walnut sheet, also,
identify and remove the capping step (forecastle to main) (32) from the 5mm walnut sheet. Referring to Plan Sheet 2
temporarily, but securely, fix the main capping into place with the following considerations:
1.
The front end of the main capping is bevelled slightly to lead into the break of the forecastle. Any excess length is
to be removed from the after end.
2.
The main capping is wider than required to allow for any deviation during the building process, however, the
inner edge of the capping should be aligned to the inner face of the bulwarks, and excess should be removed from
the outboard face of the capping only. This will ensure the cut outs in the after part of the capping are centrally
aligned and that the pinrail appears flush to the bulwark.
3.
Check across the hull to ensure that the pinrails and the cut outs in the after part of each capping (port and
starboard) are aligned to those opposite.
Again using Plan Sheet 2 for reference, the forecastle capping can also now be temporarily but securely fitted with the
following considerations:
1.
With a length of 8mm dowel in position, to simulate the bowsprit, the capping should be positioned flush against
this at the stem. Check also that when viewed from above the capping rails align at the bowsprit as if to form a
continuous run.
2.
The largest cut out in the capping, for the knightheads should be positioned towards the stem.
3.
All of the cut outs should be positioned centrally along the top of the bulwark. Unlike the main capping, both
inboard and outboard edges of the forecastle capping will overhang the bulwark.
With the forecastle and main capping securely but still temporarily positioned, you should begin reducing the 'overhanging'
edges back to be flush with the inner bulwark and outer hull sides. At this stage it is recommended that the inner face be
sanded as flush as possible to the inner bulwark while the outer face should be roughly sanded flush as final sanding of the
outboard face can be done after the capping rails have been permanently secured in place.
When you are happy with the fit of the inboard edges, the capping rails should be removed from the hull and this inboard edge
should be painted dull black. When thoroughly dry, re-fit the capping rails permanently with glue back into the positions they
were removed from.
The capping step can now be fitted at the break of the forecastle. It should be positioned flush against the top of the bulwark,
with no gaps, and the main capping. The forward edge will need to be reduced to run into the forecastle capping, again with no
gaps and both the inboard and outboard faces sanded flush and the inboard face painted dull black.
With the capping rails firmly fixed in position, the outboard edges can now be sanded flush to the hull sides. The top and
outboard faces of the forecastle capping and step can now be painted dull black. The top and outboard faces of the main
capping will also be painted dull black but only after fitting of the brass rail (sheer rail).
Identify, remove from the 4mm walnut sheet and paint dull black the fish davit cleats (49). These can now be glued into
position on the main capping, directly aft of the forecastle capping step as shown on Plan Sheet 1, 'Hull detail'.
The sheer rails are formed from the two 500mm lengths of brass extrusion (282) profile 1 (Photo 022), one each side. They are
fitted as follows:
1.
Before working with the brass extrusion on the model it is advisable to wash the extrusion in warm soapy water
to remove any oils that may otherwise discolour the wood and hinder both painting and adhesion.
2.
You should start at the bow. To obtain roughly the correct shape at the bow you can once again use the gunport
pattern shaper as a template. You will find the brass much easier to work with when warmed, do not use an
intense heat as this will deform the detailed shape of the rail or even melt the rail completely.
3.
You will need to bevel the front edge to sit flush against the stem.
4.
The rail should run parallel to the forecastle capping around the bow, and should remain flush to the top edge of
the main capping from the break of the forecastle all the way to the transom as shown on Plan Sheet 1, 'Hull
detail'.
5.
When you are happy with the shape and fit of the rail, it can be glued into position, you should roughen the back
face of the rail with rough sandpaper to ensure a good contact. The rail should be painted dull black either before
positioning on the model or after positioning having masked off the hull.
6.
The area between the sheer rail and the forecastle capping rail should now be painted French blue.
7.
If not done previously, the top of the main capping rail can now be painted dull black.
18
The Capping Rails
The Sheer Rail
©
2004 JoTiKa Ltd.
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