USS Cairo Test Build

**fishBait** · #1 05-22-2012, 10:03 PM

The test build has started and pictures here will follow the build. Three errors in the prototype sheets have been caught (one
a major fix) and corrected.

1) View of a couple of the prototype parts sheets.
2) Shot of the hull top with formers installed.
3) Closeup shot of the hull top and formers showing the wheel well braces installed.
4) Same shot as #3 showing side wheel well brace installed on one of the side keels.

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**sporticus** · #2 05-23-2012, 03:42 AM

Looking goooooooood!

**georgerutherford1861** · #3 05-23-2012, 07:06 AM

Mmmmm.....Pook Turtle. Looking very good so far.

Doug

**GunnerGreg** · #4 05-23-2012, 08:00 AM

Very nice!

**jmr248** · #5 05-23-2012, 08:08 AM

Nice start on the build. Looking forward to having one of these to go with a few mortar barges that I have not built.

**fishBait** · #6 05-23-2012, 06:53 PM

Continuing the build. I will keep the graphics numbers in order for future reference.

5) Completed hull, the main deck just cut from the parts sheet, and the casement assembled with formers.
6) Same as #5, but from a different angle to show the wheel well on the hull.
7) Closeup of #6 showing the wheel well cover installed on the formers (see #3).

Tomorrow, hopefully, we will be installing the casement on the hull and setting the stage for adding upper details.

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**sporticus** · #7 05-23-2012, 07:53 PM

Cool. Hope build continues to go well and doesn't flush out too many problems!

**fishBait** · #8 05-24-2012, 05:21 PM

Now install the paddlewheel and casement on the hull. The first step is simply gluing the Casement Bottom (main deck) on top of the hull. Watch the alignment here. Alignment is more critical at the stern at this point. If it is too short at the bow, no problem. If it is too long, it can be
trimmed later. Just make sure the stern is in allignment.
Yes Virginia, there should be a photo of the hull with the main deck mounted on it. That is one that got away from us.
8) The USS Cairo should now look like this from the bottom, the white underside of the main deck clearly
visible.
9) Cut a strip equal to gap width between the hulls and longer than the gap. Assemble the paddlewheel on the strip 1/8 inch back from one end.
10) Slide the strip with the paddlewheel into the gap area and properly align it. Mark the main deck stern on the strip; remove and trim to length. Apply glue to the main deck undersides in the gap; reinsert the strip and paddlewheel; align carefully and press down to make a good glue joint.
11) The USS Cairo should now look like this from the pottom.
12) Test fit the casement on the hull. Fit should be good, but you may have to do a little trimming here. Critical alignment is at the forward end of the casement. When the fit is good, glue the casement to the hull.
13) Another view.
14) and one more.
The Cairo is starting to resemble a Pook Turtle. Next we start adding top side detai. But that is another story.

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**sporticus** · #9 05-24-2012, 07:14 PM

Looking good. I'm thinking it should be fairly straight forward to waterline her. I'll just have to cut the same amount of all the formers, reduce the hull sides and widen the base piece.....and not bother with the paddlewheel.

I love paper modelling!!

**fishBait** · #10 05-24-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporticus

Looking good. I'm thinking it should be fairly straight forward to waterline her. I'll just have to cut the same amount of all the formers, reduce the hull sides and widen the base piece.....and not bother with the paddlewheel.

I love paper modelling!!

sporticus,

I think it will be eaiser than that. I had planned to make it possible to go waterline or full hull from the parts sheets. I will PM you tommorrow and lets discuss it.

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