"The Big Fitz" Deckhouse 1 

July 2001 She's coming along pretty good now after a year and a half of very slow building. The hull has been ready to paint for sometime now, just working on getting the paint needed from Ogleybay Norton. I have the pilot house roughed in and ready for detailing.

I've been using Evergreen Scale Models Strip Styrene plastic to build the Pilot House. This stuff is strong very workable and comes in any shape and size you need. Any hobby shop that carries train supplies should stock it. There is also plastic made by Plastruct in just as many shapes and sizes.

As you can see, a very clean a strong structure can be made with not a lot of time involved. Notice the walls of the Deck House are attached to the deck permanently. The access panel to the bow thruster will be here with the upper deck detaching with hidden screws. This will provide a better seal for any green water coming over the bow.

Over all I was surprised once I got into the Deck House as to how quick things started to come together. I really enjoy this stage of building where your work starts to payoff. You can see the model really starting to come together now. Next I move on to the aft Deck House. See you next month.