Henry was delighted to hear I had purchased the gas struts to assist with the opening mechanism of his 2026 parade float plane’s canopy. With the struts in hand, we could begin fabricating the framework. We first went to the local hardware store to pick out a sturdy hinge. This involved cutting, forming and welding some tubing. As each piece was test-fitted, Henry would climb into the cockpit and test the fit. After each weld, he would climb back in again and spritz the hot area to cool it down before he test-opened the canopy pieces. By the end of today’s work session, Henry was pleased with our progress and a functional frame. Next, we’ll begin forming the flanges to mount the canopy plexiglass. Once that is done, we can get to mounting the gas struts. Henry is waiting as patiently as he can…
Mud galore!
It was a banner day for sculpting on Vala’s Pirate Ship. We started with a modest goal to finish the back portion of the ship’s hull. The crew made great progress applying the magical concrete mud, and we decided to do the lower portion of the front hull as well. That went well as well, and the sculpting crew was doing a fabulous job keeping pace with me as I trowelled on the concrete. Despite the climbing temperatures, we added the rudder to the day’s sculpting goal. That too went well, and one more big batch was enough concrete to do the front wall inside the deck and two more boards on the hull between the front trim pieces. It was a fabulous finish to a very productive and busy week. If the weather cooperates next week, we will be able to finish the sculpting on the main hull. Inside the shop, we have more pieces of the ship ready to begin sculpting next week as well, especially if we get a little rain. Stay tuned for much more…
More panels
Another warm day was forecast for today’s sculpting. We went full blast first thing in the morning to beat the heat, keeping the area a little smaller than yesterday to keep things under control. While Tony mixed, Jay and I sculpted the riveted panels under the windows. In the afternoon, I concentrated on fitting and welding the steel plate to prepare more areas inside the deck area of the ship for tomorrow’s sculpting. Stay tuned…
