Model Ship Update: Ratlines

I haven't worked on my model ship all summer, but once I got my course done I started picking away at it again. The main addition were the ratlines which are the lines that are tied across the shrouds (and also the stays with this ship) to allow the crew to climb aloft. You can also see, attached to the front of the tops (the platforms on top of the masts) the lines that go to what the kit identifies as "fiddle blocks". I gotta be honest, I'm entirely sure as to the function of these blocks - whether they were to help secure the tops, adjust the tension on the stays, or something else.

Next come the rest of the masts, which will pretty much double the height of the model. I've already got them made and needing only one more coat of varnish. Then come quite a few more shrouds and stays.

By the way, I've got all my model pictures on my Orkut page if you want to check them out.



Mike