Thanks guys. I am sure I am doing somethings wrong and in fact now know I did. As this is my first wooden kit I am not going to be too hard on myself and just view it as a learning lesson. I tried to do my best but I am sure my next project will be better. I have the masts built and did not think to taper the ends. Too late now. I should have known better. If nothing else when done it should provide a good laugh. There are two extra large holes ( the size for a mast ) in the deck with no mention of them and nothing to go in them. Looking at other photos I just don't know why they are there. I do think I will get better results with a better kit. I need more practice before I attempt to build the Russian 1700 wooden submarine kit I purchased. I may be in way over my head with that one.