Now then folks, thought I'd better send in my weekly report before I'm accused of being lazy.
A quick check on my reference material shows quite a substantial bracket on the fore-mast, below the compass platform to attach the stays for the lower mast, so I've made a start on it. (Now it's fitted)
Next job is to plan the layout of the boat derricks. Most manufacturers would have you fit the derricks wafting about in the breeze, which is where they would be if the ship was at anchor and the ships boats in use. However, depicting them as so when the ship is under way would be bad seamanship, they should be stowed almost horizontal, resting on a crutch, so this needs to be arranged. It means dry-fitting the masts and derricks and some boats to find a suitable position for a crutch.
I thought I would tackle the main-mast first, there's a shot of the instructions so you can see how it fits together. Note the pivot point where the derrick joins the mast, bit fragile to say the least so I've re-engineered it somewhat.
Then I needed to make some pulleys and fix 'em to the mast. I've used a string of floats and plastic discs, it don't look to bad from a distance.
The topmast is fabricated from brass tube.
Haddock.
The pictures aren't in the same order as the text but I'm sure you'll sort it out. I'll try to do better next time!!