The way to get into the rudder area had a hatch to sit on the deck. The cut out made was 3 1/2"x2". Had started to plank the bow 1/8" x 1/4" mahogany and 1/8 square basswood. Decided to build a cover for the stern using the same wood. Cut out a basswood from 1/8" x4" insert against the grain soaked in water used a thin piece of wood to curve the insert glued the plank stripes on to it set in place
Rick

Almost finished planking the deck. Sanding and finishing to come.
Rick

When finishing is the next step pays to make sure you don't take to much off an area at one time. When a mistake takes place as builder it can be fixed and was.
On one side of the opening for the super structure took to much off a plank. Cut the bad piece out replaced with a new plank.
All turned out well.
Rick

Looking at photos of the Lord Nelson tug the bow is open but the kit has a solid block to help build the boat. The plans made no indication of what to do at the spot. Made doors to glue into the bow to show storage. Added handles to all the doors and companion way. Built two chairs and coffee table to add to the inside. Worked on the stack and painted it.
Rick

Had 1/4 x 1/16 balsa making frame for the windows. In pictures of LNVT show a hatch and I will call them step plates. Had strips with black edging made pieces to go onto the front of the super structure.
Rick

The window frames finished painted all with water based enamel paint and primer. Not sure the final color yet
Rick

With the super structure getting closer to finish have started to fill spots with plastic puddy. This has been slow as the puddy shrinks needs two and three applications between sanding to fill. Seeing good results with each application.
Rick

The plans show a step for a third level giving a drawing of the step. Cut out the shape to lay on a piece of ply. Cut and shaped the form close to the final step. Not wanting to use ply as my finished pieces. Using the ply as a template made six pieces from basswood to make both sides. Offset each piece and glued to take the shape of the front. When the shapes were almost finished using thin styrene transferred the shape and glued onto the wood. Final shaping to form to the structure. Gluing and filling still to go.
Rick

With the step glued in place used the filler. Next is sanding and more filler until smooth.
Rick

Superstructure was painted the front frames were made for the windows and painted black before installation. Door was hung opens and closes. Not sure will keep the hinge the way I have wanted to see it in place.
Rick