17-21 May, And the beat goes on

Most of the overlay outside the blocks has been cut away except for the center section of number 1 compartment.

The starboard hogging chain post has been fabricated and is ready to install.

There were about 16 frames in number 2 outboard compartments that had to be cut out and new ones inserted to make a fair landing for the bottom plate. The deformation was much greater than was appreciated when the old plate was still in place. The forward bulkheads in number 3 outboard compartments were buckled. The buckles were cropped out and new plate inserted. The number 3 port outboard forward bulkhead was warped and was straightened.

The side plate for number 2 compartment has been hung. The knuckles for number 2 compartment have been formed and are ready to install, once the bottom plate welding is finished.

Preparations are well underway for the big lift.