The first carving step I tackled was cutting out the engine room. That room goes from the floor of the hull up through all decks, and is not covered, as the apparatus for the rocking beam engine fills the space.
Carving it clear through the hull was the easiest way. I then cut a rectangle of 1/8 basswood to make a floor, and glued it in place. I am starting with the bow, and the port bow is nearly done. Have have begun some preliminary work on the starboard bow- it helps to work on both sides at same time, to guide the eye.
