The Bows; The Bow Gratings - Jotika H.M.S VICTORY 1805 Manual

The Bows

In order to complete this part of the construction, it may be of benefit to read 'The Bows' instructions and dry fit all of the
component parts together before anything is finally glued into position.
Using Plan Sheet 5 for reference, fit the bow curved rails (126 & 127) to the stem, remembering that the figurehead scroll
work (652 & 653) has to fit against the stem, between these two rails. The hair bracket (120) and lower bow cheek rail (123)
can then be secured to the hull and bow curved rails as shown. The hawse hole balsters are then fitted against the lower bow
cheek rail, at a distance of 13.5mm from the stem, and the hawse holes of 6mm diameter drilled out. Some sanding of these
parts will be required to ensure a good, neat fit. These parts are painted as shown (Photo 27 & 28).
Next, fit, with pins and glue, the four head timbers (107, 108, 109 & 110) into their respective slots in the stem and paint black,
their bases will require sanding to sit tight against the upper bow curved rail. When the aftermost head timber (107) is fitted,
the remaining gap above should be filled with scrap 5mm walnut. It is essential that these parts remain absolutely square,
level and central.
The rails (painted yellow) are now fitted using 2x2mm flexible beech. Using Plan Sheet 5 for reference, the rails join the slots
in the outer edges of the head timbers, terminating against the hull and upper bow curved rail as shown. The slots will require
bevelling to ensure a 'true' fit. When the rails are in position, paint the outer edge of the timberheads yellow and they should
then be lined with 0.5x3mm (reduced to 0.5x2mm) walnut, painted blue as shown (Photo 27 & 28).
The bow main rail (394) can now be fitted. Using Plan Sheet 5 for reference, the upper edge of the 'head' of the bow main rail
will sit flush with the top of the bow main rail inner timberhead (125) as fitted earlier. The lower edge of the bow main rail
then follows the four head timbers and terminates flush against the upper bow curved rail, in order to achieve this, the head
timbers will require bevelling.
Note: the bow main rail inner timberhead (125) should not be bevelled. Instead, the bow main rail will run past the fore outer
corner of this timberhead and the bow main rail outer timberhead (395) should be bevelled to fit behind the bow main rail and
against the inner timberhead. When the bow main rail is shipped, the upper edge (directly above the profiled area, running into
the timberhead) should run parallel to the deck, and the 'head' of the bow main rail inner timberhead as shaped earlier should
also now be worked into the main rail and main rail outer timberhead. Also note that the bow main rail should be painted as
shown in (Photo 27), it is also shown correctly painted on the front cover of this manual.
Photo 027 Photo 028

The Bow Gratings

Two lengths of 2x3mm walnut (painted black) should now be secured against the front edge of the second and third head
timbers (108 & 109) as shown (Fig 016). The lower, aft edge of the beakhead platform (321) should also be lined with 2x2mm
flexible beech. This beakhead platform can now be painted black and glued in position, the aft edge will sit on top of the
decked area fore of the beakhead bulkhead, just touching the roundhouses. The fore edge should just come over the 2x3mm
walnut plank on the front edge of the second head timber.
The second beakhead platform (322) sits flush against the first, at an angle so that it sits on the 2x3mm beam across the front of
the third head timber. You should clear any obstructions (such as the 2x3mm beam) from the openings in each of the gratings
when the assembly is thoroughly dry.
The Stools (76 & 77) can now be located and secured in position on top of the gratings, as shown (Fig 017).
There is a handrail of 0.7mm brass wire, which runs from the bow main rail at the roundhouse to the bow main rail at the
stem, passing through a stanchion mid way. The stanchion is made to fit from 0.7mm wire, the small loop can be formed by
twisting the wire around the end of a pair of long nosed pliers. The stanchion is positioned onto the grating and against the
inboard edge of the bow main rail. To fit the rail, a 0.75mm hole will need to be drilled into the top face of the bow main rail at
the start and end points, a 90 degree bend is then made in each end of the rail and glued into these holes, remembering to pass
the rail through the stanchion first.
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30
2003 JoTiKa Ltd.