The TRUNK PILOT Comes Through Again!
This months report on the trunk pilot, what a great gift, takes a different look. I hope I didn’t offend the pilot’s ability when I asked his help on a special project. Yes, as many of you know there are times when it’s necessary of me to help misguided youths. This usually happens when my wife, Barb, volunteers my help or just flat tells me I have to help her friend. Is this case it was the construction of a boat. Yes your eyes aren’t playing tricks I said boat. Her best friend’s son is building a replica of the three masted HMS Victory.
What a project, I suggested a plastic model but it had to be wood. Balsa wood, and guess who had a good supply, notice I said had. I could have build two planes with what we used or messed up. The morning went well with me cutting the bulkheads on the band saw. Then I cut the strips to be used for planking the hull. Oh, I neglected to tell you we started from a picture we downloaded from the internet, we I should say Jonathan the student did the internet search and seizure. Things progressed nicely but time is running out he needs to be finished by January the 6, 2005.
One major complication is that he is now on his way to the OSU vs. OSU bowl game. I suggested he stay home and complete the project and I would take his place cheering OSU on to victory in Texas. That didn’t fly and neither will the boat. After much though the next best thing happened. I again called on the TRUNK PILOT for his help. Now, as I am writing this he is in the shop staining the hull and masts. Tomorrow he will hang the hand made sails and make the sixty three cannons which will be placed on the deck.
Before I forget, I must call him on the intercom and remind him about the six hundred and thirty cannon balls, that’s ten for each gun. I hope that this task doesn’t corrupt the Trunky; I need him for the airplane stuff! I will have to apprise all of you of the outcome after the entire project isn’t due till the 6th. 2005. I will have a picture of the completed ship for the next news letter. It may take some convincing but I will try to get Trunky to appear in the picture. Stay tuned.
Mike Barbee aka the Trunk Pilot Handler