The planing of the bow section of the port side has commenced. Date – 28/5/2020
Five days later the planing is almost finished. Date – 2/6/2020
Nine days later the entire port side has been primed with the first coat. Date – 11/6/2020
( Again thanks to Peter Harris for the use of the last two photos )
Several shots of the bow and stern showing the completed strakes and the graceful shape of the hull.
The bare or unpainted timber showsthe progress with the fairing of the hull. All the timber was painted for weather protection but as the shipwrights plane the planks to the desired shape the paint comes off as well. The hull is to be protected with a coating of a water based adhesive like Aquadhere.
Five weeks ago on the 14th of April 2020 the port side of the hull looked like the above photo.
The photo below ( taken 20th May 2020 ) shows the space is for the last plank to be fixed until the ship is ready to be floated. Great work in the last 5 week
On Friday 8th of May 2020, the king plank was fitted to the stern of the Alma Doepel.
King plank being constructed or shaped in the shed from hardwood timber.
The position the king plank will be fixed.
The king plank fitted and painted for protection from the elements.
The last delivery of spotted gum planking timber arrived at Shed 2 today – 27th April 2020. The planks are required for the completion of the port strakes over the next few months. Some terrific fundraising and donations have made this possible.
Thanks again to Peter for the photos.
Work will now concentrate for several weeks on the port strakes – about 25 planks to be made and fastened. There are five strakes to be finished.
Thanks again to Peter for the last 3 photos.
This is the last starboard plank to be fastened until the ship is ready to be floated. Work will now concentrate on the port strakes.
During Thursday 9th of April 2020 I received 3 photos showing the amazing progress of the planking of the Alma Doepel on the starboard side. The photos were sent to me courtesy of Peter Harris.
The top photo shows the space where the next 2 planks will be fixed.
The lower photo shows the forward most plank fixed.
The photo below shows all the attached planks painted and the space for the plank to be fixed after Easter. Photo again thanks to Peter.
There are 5 planks on each side to be fitted below the sheer strake where the white side props are bolted to the hull. The props are needed to support the hull while it is on the barge.
On the port side there are about 25 planks still be attached.
Three weeks ago the newly arrived planks were being shaped readt for fitting – with the remaining space being filled quickly. Many of these planks did not need the time to be steamed into shape. Note the space, on both port and starboard, needing to be plank still.
