Very interesting work, Mike.
I'm curious to follow your progress and see how you finish it.
I hope you'll post lots of photos and excellent descriptions of each step, as you usually do, so your work will be useful and informative for everyone.

OOH!!!!!! I like this sort of challenge! Superior looking ship! May have to 3d print some of the gingerbread etc, but you got this Mike!
👍😉

Here I am again . . . 😔😔😔
Unfortunately, the rear end consists of a special wooden block with reinforcement.
I'll have to find a milling cutter to clean up the hole.
My work may look unprofessional, but the purpose is important.
First I had to drill, then finish it off with a chisel.
Please no comments about the photos! But they are proof that the work will be worth it,
even if it looks terrible at the moment.
I drilled a hole in the front frame wall and then crammed my camera in... and lo and behold, there's a cavity, and as I can see from the outside, it's every 80 mm.
But the drive shaft will be a nightmare... I'll have to get hold of a long drill bit for that. But more on that later.
First, I need to cut everything out neatly and possibly cut open the upper deck.
Now I'll leave it for a while and focus on renovating the existing ships.
This work on the freighter is for the depths of winter...
See you later, yours Michel-C.

PS:In addition to the drive shaft, the rudder control system also needs to be sorted out...
Mamamia!!! 🙈🙈🙈

Yes, you're in for a lot of work. But have fun, Mike.

As I did with my C-2 Cargo ship "Pacific Trader"...dremel, chisel, and row to your hands bleed and your back aches Mike!!!
👍😉

Hello everyone,
I actually wanted to report on the work yesterday, but the painter is busy in our basement. First the walls, then the entire floor.
During the last renovation, when geothermal probes and a solar system were installed on the roof and a new elevator was installed, certain rooms were needed as storage space for materials.
The short version of my report: I can't get into my little workshop... and it will stay that way until the end of the week!
What that means for a hobbyist like me is obvious! But now to the freighter...
The biggest problem is the deck metal construction and re-drilling the hole for the drive shaft. I think I'll use a movable shaft here. I'm still totally unsure how I'm going to split the deck, as there is a full frame installed every 8 cm (3.15 inches). 🙈🙈🙈
Does anyone have a better idea? Tips are very welcome!
I'll let you know when I can go back downstairs!

Yours, Michel-C.

PS: Attached two picture of me in a relaxed pose.