OOPS!I Almost forgot. Whaleback Steamer freighter . Part 5.
Hi.
Now have you got that mess sitting on your workbench? I gave it some thought and changed one part. Use insulating foam sheet ( Blue ) instead of the old soda bottle trickfor the decks.
This way you can build most of the upper structure and over-lay it with .010 sheet for a finished surface. Sand and smooth to the proper shape then overlay the deck-houses.
Photos can be found around, probably in some library telling the History of the Great Lakes. Now finish with rails and regular ship hardware and there you go. Sounds simple and messy. But, You get a unique but rough model. That's the idea. A true home-made try at something historic. But truly Hand made! If others can do it ,why can't you?