The deck fixtures are always one of my most enjoyable aspects on which to work. Putting in a little (or sometimes a lot) of extra time on these pieces really enhances the overall build as they often stand out to the viewer. Although the deck fixtures included with the Peg are pretty decent, they still represent an opportunity to add some realism.
The grates are pretty straight forward, and the grate pieces that come in the kit were easy to work with. I did pull out my own walnut pieces for the ‘coamings’ that frame the grates to get a little more shape to them. Otherwise putting the grates together is relatively standard. Personally, I like to group the number of grate linings that I need then cut them with a jeweler’s saw so I have them as even as possible. This is a delicate process because the little ‘nubs’ have a tendency to snap off pretty easily.
Some folks may not realize that masts of the ship were not bolted to anything specific on the ship. As you might imagine, while under sail (particularly in rough seas) there was a great amount of movement and strain on the masts. If the masts were firmly attached to the ship’s frame, this strain would tear the ship apart from within the hull. So, instead, the masts were held in place by partners and wedges. The partners framed the mast into the deck itself and the wedges formed a band around the mast.
My mast partners are pretty basic and made by gluing a few pieces of boxwood (a very dense, easily carved wood) together, shaping the edges, sanding out the hole, and then mounting them to the deck. The oddly shaped little fella is the step for the Capstan.
The Lehman Shipyard 