Fit-out progress ... fifteenth instalment (pre Christmas 2013)

Wonderful progress on the internal and external finishing, as set out in the images below:

The front doors with the side cupboards, looking forwards into bed area under the tug deck ...

And the wonderful boatman's cabin, what can you say ....

And a couple of views from the bow, with the scalloped finish to the front bulkhead ...

Courtesy of Procast of Notts, the bullseye on the rear cabin roof ...

And two views of the marvellous kitchen which Rob has produced ...

And the stern view ...

Fit-out progress ... fourteenth instalment (December 2013)

It is mid-December 2013 and the fit-out and external painting is nearly complete, as set outn in the pictures below:

The above shows the boatman's cabin with the cushions - which we obtained from JH Trimmings of Ashridge Basin, who were superb - installed and neatly fitted.  The additional two pieces which form the bed are stored in the bed 'ole cupboard.    

Externally the shell looks superb, in the green and red livery which we have gone for with some FMC-style features.  Rob truly is a master painter and craftsman.
 

Below shows the porthole bungs which we also bought from JH Trimmings, which fit well and are a nice alternative to curtains.

The rear of the boat with the painting well-progressed, with the red panels being eventually to be bordered by yellow lines.

Painting and decoration ...

Some pictures of Rob applying the first external coats of paint to the shell, and of the other decoration ongoing (with Rich in charge of the diamonds on the roof!) ...

See Rich on the roof taking a long look at the smoothness of the finish!

The base area for the diamonds

Fit-out progress ... thirteenth instalment (December 2013)

Well, it's December 2013 and the we're getting extremely close on the fit-out and the boat looks stunning.  Here are some images of the progress ...

The first pictures are of the bed area under the tug deck ... just wonderful craftmanship to create such a wonderful space, with care and detail (and credit to Dean ... and Rob of course(!) ... for spending so long under there, and the way that the finishing,varnishing has enhanced the space).

And this is the appearance of the under bed area from the saloon, with the beautiful side cupboards and the BCM-style decorated front doors (by Dave Moore). 

And see below the view of the rear doors in the boatman's cabin ... stunning.

Now it might look like a simple thing, but just look at the detail and the wonderful finish on the coal box made by Rob ...

... and on the deck boards for the boatman's cabin ...

 ... and on the ticket drawer, now decorated by Dave (and awaiting a brass knob!)

Narrowboat decoration by Dave Moore

See below some images of the wonderful work of Dave Moore, in the outstanding backcabin (and other door surrounds/inserts etc.) built by Rob Bryan ...

The above is the part-decorated side door inserts at the stern, starboard side.

Above, the dropdown table in progress.

See above the side doors on the port side ... note the wonderful shaping at the top of the doors to the rounded access, and the door locks at the top of the left hand panel  

Just look at that masterpiece ... 

Fit-out progress ... twelfth instalment (late November 2013)

We're into the final few weeks of the fit-out in late November 2013, and things are progressing really well with all of the finishing-off tasks by Rob and the lads.

First of all, there has been fabulous progress in the saloon, with all of the woodwork now having been varnished with the grain coming out wonderfully.  See also the tiling in the kitchen which looks good.   

The bedroom under the tug deck is really coming along ... lots of work by Rob in getting the fit-out to align with the gentle rise on the tug deck, as hopefully you can see from the pictures below.  Dean has also spent a long time under there to finish and varnish the wood, and the outcome of all of that hard work is there to see. 

Further on down in the kitchen and bathroom, the kitchen tap has now been fitted, the large cupboard is looking great, and see the bathroom basin (with the finished top splash surface) and shower cubicle.

See below the way in which Rob has built the prisms into the saloon and kitchen ceiling, which makes the very best of the extra light which the prisms provide ... just fabulous.

And now to some of the external pieces, and see below how the mouldings have been built into the recessed panels, which look superb.

And some extra pieces below ... including the inside and rear doors ready for Dave Moore's decoration, and of the stern prepped for painting.  Also, just look at the fabulous chimneys from Andy Hoyle from FMC Dove; a lovely quality and traditional job.