Before we turn to woodworking on the outer parts of the hull, make up a
simple cradle to hold it safely. Cut the cradle pieces to fit the hull
(use the section lines as guide), line them with soft cloth and fix
them on a base board with screws or nails. (Fig. 16.)
RAILS—(or Caprails) Apply these to the top edge of bulwarks as called
for. Note that the caprail lapped slightly over the outside of the
planking. Fig. 14 and inward over the timberheads, and ceiling if such
was used. CEILING was planking laid over the inner side of the frames
and timberheads. Warships generally were ceiled to arrest smaller
projectiles, giving the typically thicker bulwarks and wider rails.
Again, the sharp curves at the bow and stern may call for piecing of
the rails. When made over'wide, they can be shaved to shape without
trouble. Just be cautious in addressing the grain.
Sometimes a SPRAYRAIL was mounted atop the caprail
at the bow. Fig. 17.
CHANNELS (originally "chain wales") were timbers placed along the side
so as to lead the shrouds clear of the upper sides of the ship and to
distribute the pressures on the ships sides. The CHAINPLATES (chains)
in earlier days were of short loops of iron, but toward mid 19th c.
they tended to become iron bars or long loops (Fig. 18).
