The Cux 87 "Krabbenkutter" {part 1}

     once I was finished looking over the plans and parts of the ship, I removed the stems and ribs from the sheets that contained them.  I noticed that they were not numbered, so I went about the task to match them up.  I also matched up the deck beams and readied them as well.

      upon measuring the keel length, the two pieces were cut and the bow and stern stems were cemented into place.  the rib dividers were the next pieces to produce and the rib installation started from stern to bow.  I also numbered them after they were matched them up as to their order.

     the next parts to install were the deck beams and the outer stern ribs.  then the upper stern rabbits and the bow rabbits were installed next.

     as I proceeded, I had a feeling that something was amiss with it.......something just didn't look right.  then I saw it.......the ribs were in the wrong order.  through comparison and deduction, I figured that ribs four, five and six were in the wrong order.  I compared notes.........

     the parts were not totally dry yet, so it was easy to correct.  it was the curvatures at the keel that tipped me off.  the order of the deck beams were changed, since they were in their correct positions and needed to be repositioned to put them back where they belonged.  the bow Joice was the next part to be cut and installed.
     this piece had to be adjusted and shaved where it met the bow stem at the first rib, there was an upwards slope and also required a bevel at it's tip.  next was the deck platforms.  these two halves are made of  1/8th plywood construction, very rigid, unlike the deck of the Nordkap.  to get these two pieces to conform to the layout was a troubling problem, considering the way I aligned the ribs and deck joices on the Nordkap, to space the ribs in their proper places.  seeing the rigidity of the deck, I felt that it didn't need the deck joices, but decided that I would put them in after the deck was laid down.  to fasten the deck platforms down, I decided to use brads, trying out that new insertion tool I had gotten from Tom.  the tool worked very well ......kudos to you, Tom!  it works like a charm!  later, after the deck has dried, I can pull the nails back out, so that it doesn't get in the way of the deck planking.  I also slid the deck joices in after this was completed.

     there was a small problem with the upper stern rabbits, the deck would not allow for the extra thickness, so I grooved them to allow the deck to fit into them.  note that I had to remove the outer stern ribs too.  they would not allow enough clearance for the deck to fit in.  I reinstalled them later when I did the deck joices. 
     the final parts to be installed were the lower stern rabbits.  now comes the part that I dreaded with the Nordkap.......all the sanding, conforming and readying the Cux for deck planking.  I liked how fast this part of the assembly came together.....all due to the fact that the parts were laser cut,  I only had to score the other side { I need to do a better job of it though.....it's a learning thing} in order to remove them without creating splintered edges.....I did on a couple pieces.  filler will have to come to the rescue, but it was nice, none the less.  I also noticed that there are no waterways for this kit either.....and I inadvertently destroyed what cast offs from the deck halves that i could have made them from.  it looks like I will be planking the entire deck surface....no matter.......I consider it a challenge!

 
....................ahoy!

The Cux 87 "Krabbenkutter {introduction}

     I can't believe how one wooden kit can lead to another.  this has turned into a new religion for me.  when I received the Nordkap from my friend, he had started it, only building the framework.  he had lost the hardware kit, as well as his interest in finishing it.  when I felt that all hope of finding the fittings was gone, I decided to look for them on my own.  I was cautioned about sinking too much money into the ship, or it would dash my intentions for it.....to give it back to my friend once it was finished.  my search took me to a Billing Boat's site in Denmark.....and then to a site in Wisconsin.  the warehouse was operated by a fellow by the name of Tom Richardson.  he was very friendly and helpful.....in a few short e-mails, he let me know that he could get them for me.  I was very happy with the news.  during this time, he asked me if I could do a build log on the Nordkap for him, which I agreed....seemed the least I could do to repay his kindness.  he later asked me if I would be interested in doing a ship for him, to use at his shop and at trade shows, but I declined because of the fact that I didn't have enough experience with wooden ships.  a few build logs later, he asked me again about it.  I was still kinda shy, but he assured me that after seeing my logs, he was sure that I would have no problem producing a fine build.  questions were asked and answered....details were worked out and I agreed, after all concerns were put to rest.  I left it up to him as to what ship to send and it was the Cux 87 "Krabbenkutter" that won the vote.  this is a German crabbing boat, complete with booms and netting.  I received it, along with my order of extra nails {brads} to have on hand and the hardware kit for the Nordkap.
     the kit is very nice, 1:33 scale, all parts are laser cut from basswood/plywood sheets for easy removal.

     there are a couple more sheet to it, but I've already removed the parts from them.  it also included a rather large sheet of the rigging and outfit design of the ship.  I want to frame it!

     this should prove to be a fun build.  I waited to start on it until I had the proper measuring tools.  now that I have them, we will begin on the odyssey to explore the Cux 87 and the steps I have taken to build it.  I thank Tom for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of wood craft and I hope that I succeed in creating a piece worthy of the trust he has placed in me.........ahoy!