The Model Boatyard - Alma Scow Schooner

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July 12, 2015

With the bulwarks and rails done, I decided to tackle the deckhouse. As on the real boat, it was built up from individual timbers. I wanted to be sure I got the correct size openings for the windows (I'm not sure they would be called portholes on this boat) and the companionway, so I cut blocks of wood of the appropriate size and planked around them.

Deckhouse

Deckhouse Planking

The deck beams and carlings came next but they were only placed temporarily. I needed to put beadboard on this inside of the cabin and make the ladder. One will not be able to see most of the interior once the deck is on, but I just wanted to do it anyway.

Deck Beams

Beadboard & Ladder

July 19, 2015

I've spent most of the past week working on the windows. Fiddly work. I used microscope cover glass behind the sliding part of the windows and that was nasty to work with although I got the four pieces I needed eventually. I'm not sure I'd ever use it again. The sliding pieces really do slide.

Deckhouse Windows

Cabin

August 28, 2015

I finished most of the cabin by mid-August. Still need to make the doors and boom rest. I've recently been working on the anchor windlass. It's mostly made from scratch. The large gear was made of plastic for an RC race car, but the center section (spokes and hub) had to be completely removed and made over from scratch to look more like the gear on Alma. The small gear is metal (also for a race car) and it was too wide, so I had to mill it down to the proper thickness. All the rest was scratch build from brass and wood. I still have to add the brake bars (haven't made them yet). I will likely wait until after I paint the hull to make them. The windlass isn't glued down yet - I don't want to knock it around while I'm painting.

Anchor Windlass

September 6, 2015

The hull is now painted. There is still a rub rail to go on under the red stripe below the scuppers, but that has to wait until the deadeyes and chainplates are installed, which will come later. Now, I can proceed to working on deck details.

Starboard Side View

September 7, 2015

Worked today on making the doors for the cabin and attaching the boom rest.The doors were made in multiple parts. Each half was mortised using the vertical mill to make a place for the panel, then the halves were glued together and eventually coated with orange shellac.

Door Construction

Doors and Boom Rest

October 28, 2015

I have been on a bit of a break due to having cataract surgery in the latter part of September. It has taken a while for me to get used to my "new" eyes. In the past, I was able to work close up without glasses but needed glasses for distance vision. Now, it's just the opposite and it is a bit of an adjustment. I also retired at the end of September and have been busy with long-delayed chores around the house. But I'm finally getting into the swing of things again, so I've contined work on the cabin. I have the bell and stovepipe done. Finished the rudder on November 10.

Bell and Stovepipe

Rudder

November 30, 2015

I seem to have burned out on Alma for now. I've decided to set it aside for a while and work on something different that will, I hope, get me interested in modeling again. I have just started a new model of a deadrise sailing skiff named Lark.

October 30, 2018

Three years and several models later, I have once again pulled Alma down from the shelf, hoping I can finally finish it this time. The main job is making the bowsprit, masts, and spars so I can rig the boat. But there are lots of other things to make like the wheel, cleats, various small fittings, adding a rub rail, and deck clutter. So it won't be a quick project. Over the past few days, I've been working on the bowsprit. Somewhere between August and November of 2015, I apparently did more work to finish up the windlass but I don't recall exactly when I did that. I won't rig the bowsprit yet since it could get damaged while I continue work on the hull.

Bowsprit Hardware

Windlass

November 12, 2018

Sadly, it has happened again. Try as I might, I just couldn't maintain my interest in Alma. So it's back on the shelf again. Sigh. I'm trying to finish up my boatshop diorama at the moment.

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