I’ve started work on the sponson support brackets, using 1/8” brass square tube with 1.2 mm mounting plates and braces. Before completing the full set, I test‑fitted one bracket on the hull to confirm alignment and geometry. The fit looks good, so tomorrow I’ll finish the remaining bracket details and finalise the two‑bolt mounting positions for attaching them to the hull.

Doors, Portholes and funnel caps is today’s task

Started work on the paddle boxes now that the upper deck position is fully established.
Cut out the paddle box fronts and backs, and milled the slots in the front panels. The bars between the slots are understandably flexible at this stage, so these will be strengthened as part of the next step.

I’ve also begun forming the paddle‑box steps. Each step is being made individually so they can be trimmed and adjusted to ensure the final overall height aligns precisely with the upper‑deck step.

Decking installed ready for first sand and trimming the bulwark.
Upper Cabin shell made and funnels cut into place.
Lots more to do but it’s taking shape I think

Half way through planking this deck…

Made the upper cabin shell ready for funnels to be attached then planking the top and adding windows etc.

Access cutout for fire monitor equipment and lights.

Some good progress today both cabins have been moved on a stage and the checker plate walkway between has been made. The walkway has the same camber as the deck so it took time to get this fitting right. The walkway will be bonded to the cabins and along with the upper decking . This makes a complete removable unit to access the gearboxes and control equipment.
The funnels and outside wall of the upper cabin are just placed in position to check the layout dimensions.
Lots of trimming and the planking to lay next.

Both lower cabins in the first stage ready to have upper deck plywood added plus bulwark

The lower rear cabin has 7 mm radius corners, and forming those curves directly in 1 mm birch ply would have been pushing things a bit too far.
So instead, the corners are made from 14 mm birch dowel, sawn precisely to the required profile.

I built a set of small jigs to bond 4 mm square stock onto each dowel section — these will act as the future bonding faces for the cabin walls and ensure everything stays true during assembly.

An inner plywood band has now been added to lock the geometry, prevent distortion, and keep access clear inside the cabin module.

The cabin roof / upper deck will eventually be planked, and of course the two funnels sit on top of this structure, so getting these corners accurate now is essential for the later stages.

All cabin and funnel formers are completed but I have made one up one funnel to it raw stage ready for top to be added

The hand rail has been tacked into position ready to be resin bonded onto the bulwark and stanchion tops.
I have deliberately left the hand slightly long into the paddle box area. Will trim these back when paddle boxes are ready.
Handrails now resin bonded to bulwark and Stanchion tops. Photo added