Fitting the deck

Since I wasn't going to be using the deck supplied in the kit, I needed to fit a new version.

This isn't scary as on a Bantam as it is on other vessels since it's just a flat sheet. There needs to be a hole in the top to permit access to the gubbins inside but that's as bad as it gets.

I started by trimming the hull carefully to keep the top surface flat. The top edge is only 1mm thick which isn't really enough meat for a decent glue joint.

No matter - a strip of 1mm plasticard deep enough to sit along the top of a moulded ridge within the hull glued in place using lashings of Humbrol tube polystyrene cement. (Safety Note: Do this in a well ventilated area or you will find your modelling unusually pleasurable)

Further beefing up came from some cheapo sawn section plastic bought at a show. This was bent roughly to shape before putting in place. Again, loads of cement and this time, quite a lot of clips and the top edge was plenty wide enough for a sheet of 2mm plasticard to be stuck on top.