Olivier Bello
Arsenal Modelist







Introduction

Just like the head, the stern is examined in a rotating motion, starting at the officers' cabins and ending at the starboard quarter galleries and the beginning of the hull planking. This is the area traditionally reserved to the staff and the steering apparatus. After observing the set of the top ranking officers quarters, we find the council chamber opening onto the stern galleries. We can then observe the timbering of the port half of the transom and stern area as well as the many decorative elements to starboard. The numerous moldings and carvings of the quarter gallery are also detailed. We can appreciate the fragile nature of this construction which was a choice target area for the attacking enemy. Out on the slipway, this enormous mass has to be supported by numerous beams on the lower areas.