Quote Originally Posted by myavid76 View Post
Thanks for the clarification. I have seen this in some of my shipbuilding books where the models were scratch built. Each frame consisting of several pieces and no two frames exactly the same. That would be the next step for me in ship model building. A very big step. Dave.
The frames or ribs were composed of futtocks or sawn pieces of varying sizes which were scarfed together to form an entire frame like a sort of nautical jigsaw. The shipbuilders had to do this because they wouldn't use a complete tree to make a rib, as the grain was too fragile and unstable. Using futtocks (each one was given a number: first futtock, 2nd futtock etc.)made for a very strong rib/frame and allowed the builder to even use different types of wood for the frames, although oak was preferred. These builders were master carpenters and craftsmen. I have seen houses built by them and they are amazing!