Original 1903 adze marks were “discovered” on the underside of the chain locker flooring. Hopefully the timber is sound enough to be returned to the ship.
This section of the pinrail has had several graving pieces inserted to replace the damaged timber that was removed. The middle area and both ends have been repaired and with some final shaping and protection will be ready to be reinstalled on the ship.
Work has progressed with the port bow planks, forward of the bow thruster frames, being removed. This allows the frames to be inspected. Frames may need to be repaired or replaced. Some ceiling planks have been removed from the interior of the chain locker and crew cabin. The photos show the progress from 2/9/2017 to 16/9/2017.
THE ALMA DOEPEL RESTORATION SUPPORTERS CLUB IS CONDUCTING A CAMPAIGN TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE COST OF THE NAILS REQUIRED FOR FURTHER PLANKING. PLEASE GO TO THE SUPPORTERS CLUB SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER LINK BELOW , SEE THE DETAILS AND CONSIDER ASSISTING THIS GREAT RESTORATION.
http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=0de25678ec82f539d47d1db39&id=74a7744499
The planks from the starboard bow section have been removed and the frames are being assessed for any repairs that are needed. One new frame ( 5th from the bow ) has been shaped and fixed in place.
Port stern planks about 2 weeks ago …
About a week later the planks have been steamed and shaped, fixed to the frames and painted.
The number of fixed starboard planks is the same as the port side. These planks have given the hull the desired level of rigidity and strength while the lower planks are removed.
A section of the aft pinrail had several soft sections of timber that needed replacing. All the soft timber was removed and graving pieces ( the new looking timber ) shaped to fit. When the shaped timber fits to within the millimeter it can be glued and doweled into place. Timber sections repaired like this are then stained, varnished or painted before being returned to their position on the ship.
