[rjccjr]

Hi All:
Even though most of the parts are drawn, when it comes to test building there is still some revision necessary. For example, the lifeboats didn't look quite right and a little adjustment made them look a lot better. When working with assemblies where the parts are very small, it is useful to set all of the pieces down on a sheet of paper towel folded in quarters. The sheet provides color contrast and it is easier to see the tiny parts. The quarter fold makes a cushion so the parts can be handled more easily and it makes it simpler to keep track of the number of pieces cut, if there are several identical parts. At this point eight 20MM guns, two sets of torpedo tubes, four life rafts and eight support struts are under construction. One sample of each unit is constructed first and any changes to the drawings are made. That way, if something is awry, corrections can be made before going into mass production. An entire sheet of just rafts was made because the number aboard ship is not yet certain. The same is true of water tight doors as well. This will save a lot of time in case I mess up a raft. Simply cut and assemble another one. It's always a good idea to have a couple of spares just in case you mess up the build. It saves a lot of ink, card, and time.
Regards, rjccjr