Thank you Alessandro for your kind words. Yes I agree as I tend to go back on items I thought off as finished, I am thinking of doing them again as I think I can do a better job. I am writing it off as part of the journey to reach the goal I set out when I started. I knew then, without any experience, it will take me a long time as I am learning.

Hi, Jock.
I'm always following your great work with interest. It's coming along beautifully.
I've found firsthand that doing something repetitive (as often happens with complex ship models, and as you did with the cranes) can be frustrating, but there are some advantages. After a while, you get much faster and the pieces come out better.

Thanks Jumpugly... Coming from you experts that much more rewarding

Wow looks awesome Jock!!!!!! Excellent Work!!!!!
👍

I was curious how I was going to built the davits. At first I used 2x2mm angle profiles for the front up-rights. That appeared to bulky since I still have to fit the arm (which is to swing out to lower the lifeboats) between the 2 frames. I then tried to cut out the structure from .5mm material and glued 1mm strips of the same material in rectangle to stiffen the structure. Thus seems to be better although since I had to cut all the material by hand it wasn't as precise as I had hoped. I am for the time being satisfied as I gained also some experience how to deal with glueing such small pieces styrene for fabrication of parts which is now become front and center (literally).

Wow, compliments!

May I bring you my basement skeleton?
Best regards,
Michel -C.

Jock, don't worry.
This hobby should be a pleasure, not a chore.
Don't worry about the end result and enjoy every moment you dedicate to it; when it's over, it'll be over.
I understand you because I'm slower than you.
No offense to anyone, but I prefer very ambitious and complex projects like yours and Ross's. You could have made a kit and built it quickly, following the instructions, but instead you've attempted a much more complex project.
I enjoy watching everyone's models come to fruition; everyone contributes their own skill, but I also enjoy the intermediate stages and the problems that arise along the way; they're very instructive.
So far, you're doing great, and remember that perfection isn't of this world.

Thank you all for your comments and compliments. Alessandro, I find your project with your quest for authenticity, sparing no efforts and pain to reproduce according to the original most inspiring and in line with my own endeavours. This is not to diminish the excellent work portrayed by others here on this forum, but your attention to detail is outstanding. Unfortunately my experience is limited and other than a Billings 'Blue Nose', started in the '70's never finished due to career and family and moving across the continent, beyond rigging and sails, I have never attempted a project in this magnitude. As I run into issues and dissatisfaction with my shortcomings I do wonder if I may have cut off too much at this stage in my life. I am 4 years into the 10 years I was giving myself to start and while I am quasi happy with what I have accomplished and willing to live with the warts and inaccuracies, I had hoped for a bit better but unless I start over, it will not correct. Maybe nobody will ever see those but it bugs me what I know. Maybe I need counselling when I am done. I have reserved finishing the 'Blue Nose' when and if I get utterly frustrated.
Today I am picking up my RC set from a local hobby shop as I hope to initiate maiden voyage in early Spring before I tackle the monumental task of replicating fittings and few meters of tubing. I thought of buying a small metal lathe for making what I need but still hoping I can save myself by finding some sources for getting it done or maybe somebody local with 3-D printing capability.

Hi Jock, I'm happy to see how they are resuming and continuing the work on one of the most interesting naval models for me.

Wow, quality workmanship. My hands would ache from doing that type of precision cutting. I hope you enjoy the praise you have earned!

Great work Jock! Very Sharp!!! Have to love freighters!!!! And thank God for card stock and styrene sheet!!!
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sorry for the duplication in some of the pictures

why is half my original text left from the posting?

Great workmanship Jock! Coming together beautifully. Don’t know what I’d do without my styrene stash! I use CA on it or the Tamiya thin brush on, just keep the CA away from the window clear. It can haze it.
Keep those pix coming!
👍

I'm really happy to see this work again.
It's one of the most interesting for me.
Jock, I'm personally interested in all the construction phases and all the details.
Perhaps you learn much more from mistakes than from successes.
I'll soon tell you about a very big one I made, due to haste.

Hi Jock, a very welcome and long-awaited return.
You're doing a great job, don't worry if you're making slow progress.

Jock welcome back! Aye, really like the chain guide and the superstructure work is falling into place nicely. I scraped the whole superstructure except the floors on my freighter and got out the styrene and haven't regretted that move (below). Keep the pix coming when you can...really liking this resto a ton; trials and tribulations included!

👍😉

Good news Jock! Yet, anything invasive is a big job. Lay low and heal for a bit. It’s good to have that project to jump back into. It’ll aid in recovery; worked for me every time!
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GWS Jock🤞
Stiff upper lip old chap😐
😎

Hi Jock, I hope it's nothing serious.
Happy recovery and good luck.

Stay looped in and best wishes on a solid surgery and speedy recovery Jock!
👍

Hey there Jock! Fantastic hull, I only hope my American Scout can be as smooth!
On styrene I'd give the Krylon Fusion line a shot. Smells to high heaven, but drys hard with a high gloss...will require multiple light coats as opposed to the Rustoleum line of Painter's Touch paints which cover well in one shot.
I am a fan of the Tamiya paints, but not of the Testors spray paints, although they do have decent coverage. It's the least they can do considering the can size.

As per usual, always do test strips and let everything gas out completely. Any gloss clear top coats should be tested on whatever you use to avoid any horrible unforeseen mishaps. Remember, if you think it's dry, it's not.

Hi Jock, I'm very happy that you continued the work on this model.
I love that you updated us on your progress.
This account is very informative.