More laser scanning, work on transom
Due to a change of plans, the shipwrights have postponed the installation of the first new plank until the week of February 13, 2012. This has permitted us to undertake a new round of laser scanning, particularly where the old framing material abuts the new futtocks, and of the transom. Our marine surveyor will also have a chance to undertake a review of the progress on the Morgan before the new planking covers up sections of the vessel for decades to come.
Work on the transom progresses. A new cross timber of white oak from the Charlestown Navy Yard is being shaped to replace the white pine timber installed during a restoration in the early 1980s. This piece in turn had replaced the original live oak. We had hoped to use live oak but we have not found a live oak tree large enough (22 feet long and 13″ x 13″). The cross timber is a horizontal member mortised into the stern post. From it rise vertically the so-called tail feathers, which are the transom’s framing and form the shape of the upper portion of the stern. Several of the tail feathers need replacement and are being shaped on the floor of the main shed.
Volunteers continue to work on paint scraping of various spars and Mrs. Tinkham’s cabin. Other volunteers are fabricating blocks for the rigging. The metal components for the blocks are being hand forged by a shipyard employee.