Side-tracked again, after my purchase of kits at the Northern Model show.
This is the USS Sacremento AOE-1, it is an AOE Fast Combat Support Ship.
This is a Trumpeter kit.
WOHO great job 8)
Hi Zak,
Nice that.
Does this mean you are now a 'shipper' rather than a 'missiler'?
Or is it just a short diversion.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Quote from: Bigkev on June 19, 2018, 06:56:55 PM
Hi Zak,
Nice that.
Does this mean you are now a 'shipper' rather than a 'missiler'?
Or is it just a short diversion.
Cheers,
Bigkev
It means he has seen the light
It seems pretty dark from here!
There were quite a lot of ships in my purchase from the Northern Show.
I am at present working on HMS Warspite and I will have to rebuild some parts.
Some parts have been hacked about and or are missing.
Oh well the joys of cheap kit buying.
It is all good fun - is it?
Hi Zak,
At least you know you have a good price per kit. A kit that has not cost a lot, means you can try new things on, and not worry if it does not go to plan.
I am impressed however by your ability to turn your hand onto another genre'.
Cheers,
Bigkev
Quote from: Bigkev on June 20, 2018, 09:44:23 PM
Hi Zak,
At least you know you have a good price per kit. A kit that has not cost a lot, means you can try new things on, and not worry if it does not go to plan.
I am impressed however by your ability to turn your hand onto another genre'.
Cheers,
Bigkev
If you remember I did build a lot of Falklands War ships some time ago.
The HMS Warspite is a Trumpeter kit that represents the ship in 1942, it is more or less from the box with the addition of etched brass cranes and rails from Starling Models.
Hi Zak,
That looks very nice, and etched brass too..........
Respect Man!
Looks very good, and I think you could give Haddock and Msea a worrying time on your build skill's.
Ships for now then..........
Bigkev
The wooden deck planking looks very impressive.
Haddock.
Quote from: Haddock on June 22, 2018, 07:01:16 PM
The wooden deck planking looks very impressive.
Haddock.
It was painted and then given a wash of a darker colour.
Back from your hols then?
Here we have the Tamiya HMS Repulse, added etched brass cranes, railings and so on.
Neat that, very neat.
Haddock.
Hi Zak,
Nice that..........A ship man, underneath the Missile, WWI, Plane, Helicopter facade.
Now, will you be putting some struts on the Walrus..............?
Cheers,
Kevin
Is there no limit to this mans skills ????????
Just about to start another project, this will be initially be the Graf Spee and then who knows?
I have the Trumpeter kit of the ship in 1/700 scale, it says it represents the ship in 1937.
Finished for weekend then?
Quote from: Haddock on August 12, 2018, 09:59:08 AM
Finished for weekend then?
Cheek, I don't think so, it will take at least a week, working 6-8 hours a day, none of this part time employment for me.
I actually started this on Thursday and this is the progress so far.
Quote from: Haddock on August 12, 2018, 09:59:08 AM
Finished for weekend then?
I thought he did 5 models in 3 days average ????!!!!!??????
Quote from: MSea on August 12, 2018, 10:16:57 AM
Quote from: Haddock on August 12, 2018, 09:59:08 AM
Finished for weekend then?
I thought he did 5 models in 3 days average ????!!!!!??????
o
Probably 3 models in 5 days, or is it 3/5 of a model in a day.
If a man and a half digs a hole and a half in a day and a half, how much will you give me for a barrel load of one eyed policemen?
Some progress, been too busy really!
Quote from: zak on August 15, 2018, 03:22:43 PM
Some progress, been too busy really!
That's half a ship made - ?????????
Which half?
The top half
Busy applying rails and steps from etched brass, so some progress.
Hi Zak,
Very nice work.
Haddock and Msea will be encouraged at another member being drawn into the 'dark side' (well for the time being...)
Cheers,
Bigkev
Just a few little jobs to do and it will be finished.
Excellent -- you will be pushing Haddock next
Splendid!
Hi Zak,
I'm awash with envy....
Cheers,
Bigkev
I have a sinking feeling about this one..?
I always think it's a bit sad to see a ship in that condition, whatever the nationality.
Nice model though and it does portray a moment in history.
Haddock.
Quote from: Pen-Pusher on August 24, 2018, 09:38:55 AM
I have a sinking feeling about this one..?
I do remember you model Ian.
I may go on and build some of the ships that were associated with the Graf Spee.
Quote from: zak on August 24, 2018, 01:30:55 PM
Quote from: Pen-Pusher on August 24, 2018, 09:38:55 AM
I have a sinking feeling about this one..?
I do remember you model Ian.
I may go on and build some of the ships that were associated with the Graf Spee.
I think you could be getting hooked.
Haddock.
Please Haddock don't say those words " Zak I am your father" just because he has come over to the dark side.
I have now built the Graf Spee as in 1939, The Battle of the River Plate.
The second picture is just to show that there is actually two!
And very nice too. You kept that quiet!!
Haddock.
Not really it has taken a month or more to finish it.
Modelling seems to be hard work at the moment, but I am gradually getting a bit more done.
I think the hard work bit is the nature of the beast, all is sweetness and light till you start messing around with etched brass and rigging.
Haddock.
Etch brass and rigging are the "devils own children" - they test your patience and make you use words that should not be used.
I have the Hasegawa Hikawamaru as a hospital ship to start with, here goes.
The instructions and paint details are all in Japanese.
The ultimate aim is to try to get back to some scratch building in this scale! (Don't ho;d your breath)
You will do it -- and end up with both an excellent 1/700 and a scratch built model
Very simple straightforward assembly.
I am adding some etched brass railings.
The painting may be the challenge.
The detail looks good especially the etched brass.
Undercoated.
Why did I buy the stand when a block of wood and blue tack seems to work, well for painting anyway.
You could have lots of fun trying weathering techniques on this one. Rust and dust galore!!
Think you've done a great job with that etch brass on the bow. Neat work.
Quote from: Bigkev on July 14, 2025, 05:05:33 PMThink you've done a great job with that etch brass on the bow. Neat work.
Thanks Kevin, it was just some generic stuff, not specifically for this kit.
These ships look very elegant as pre war liners. Is that an option in this boxing.
Quote from: kiwichappers on July 14, 2025, 08:52:28 PMThese ships look very elegant as pre war liners. Is that an option in this boxing.
No, this is the hospital ship, but I have the liner one on order.
That'll make an interesting comparison as the Japanese liners were very well maintained and pristine which was not the case during the war.
As rain was forecast I spent the morning on this, No rain yet!!!
It is funny, I applied the decals to one side last night, they went on a treat, this morning the other side did not want to play ball and were a struggle to apply. It must be me!!
Decals applied and some rigging with stretched sprue.
Looking very good Dave.
The aim was to prepare myself for scratch building some merchant ships. the hobby seems well provided with warships but there are not many merchant ship models out there.
I decided on 1:700 scale as 1:1200 was a bit small for me.
I have a number of books on warship models and so consulted them.
My build will be a bit of a hybridisation of all their thoughts.
I decided to build the hull from Balsa, it is easy to work and is readily available.
I intend to skin this with plastic card.
The book, Waterline Ship Models by John Bowen offers a starting point, plans are in a scale of 1 inch = 100 ft(1:1200), so I used my trusty scanner to resize them to 1:700.
Profile of the hull shape are also provided.
I am going to attempt "Egton" as she is the first and seems fairly simple(famous last words).
Moving on,
Here are photos of the work so far.
A good start - finished by tonight maybe ::) ::) ::) ::)
You have spured me on - I will do the research of my dads trawler and backdate the "North Sea Trawler" model to a 1930 one with lots of scratch building - but I have to finish the model under construction now hohoho and do the 2 figures/busts so Howard does not shout at me.
An excellent start Dave.
More progress on the superstructure, the bridge, navigation bridge and the wheelhouse and some hatches. Nothing fixed yet, I will paint them first i think.
Looking good Zak.
I suppose the numbers of subjects to model is practically endless, perhaps a whole Merchant Navy Fleet?
Will you be skinning the hull sides?
Quote from: Bigkev on July 17, 2025, 07:31:20 PMLooking good Zak.
I suppose the numbers of subjects to model is practically endless, perhaps a whole Merchant Navy Fleet?
Will you be skinning the hull sides?
Already done, but some rubbing down and some filler needed in places.
Some painting done.
Real modelling again.
Looking the part now, nice progress.
The parts are coming together, I am struggling to keep everything square and ship shape!
Quote from: zak on July 18, 2025, 04:21:52 PMThe parts are coming together, I am struggling to keep everything square and ship shape!
Have you been on the Pugalpani again?
Quote from: Bigkev on July 18, 2025, 06:05:34 PMQuote from: zak on July 18, 2025, 04:21:52 PMThe parts are coming together, I am struggling to keep everything square and ship shape!
Have you been on the Pugalpani again?
Just the red wine!
The two ships together.
They look great - if its not square and ship shaped just hit it with a hammer hohoho ::) ::)
Quote from: MSea on July 19, 2025, 12:13:26 PMThey look great - if its not square and ship shaped just hit it with a hammer hohoho ::) ::)
Thanks for your nautical advice!
Looking very nice Dave.
Started the next one, here is the progress so far,
My measuring and squaring skills really need to be improved.
I may have to use a lot of filler.
Martin may have a clue as to the type.
It might even be his era, he might even have sailed on her!
Built in 1936 by Swan. Hunter and Wigham Richardson Ltd of Newcastle.
She survived the war and was sold in 1959 sailed to Japan with a load of scrap onboard and was broken up.
Sorry Martin, maybe a bit early for even you!
Looks like a Shell "H" boat - same type as the San Demetrio. Yes I have sailed on this type many times.
Or am I miles out with the ship type.
Quote from: MSea on July 19, 2025, 04:47:55 PMLooks like a Shell "H" boat - same type as the San Demetrio. Yes I have sailed on this type many times.
Or am I miles out with the ship type.
No, spot on or just about.
British Endurance
Used by the British Tanker Co.
Very much the same type of build - my dad was on the British Pride during the PQ8 convoy. I backdated the modern kit to do it (should be on the web site still) - yours is looking great I should have fully scratch built mine but was lazzzzyyyyyyy
Quote from: MSea on July 20, 2025, 09:34:35 AMVery much the same type of build - my dad was on the British Pride during the PQ8 convoy. I backdated the modern kit to do it (should be on the web site still) - yours is looking great I should have fully scratch built mine but was lazzzzyyyyyyy
I'll try to find it, but it depends what you called it.
Another good start Dave.
The making and painting of parts continues.
The parts are not stuck in place yet, patience and painting first!
Finished model looks great in the company of the hospital ship. Looks like the 'british Endurance will look equally good. Real modelling skills evident. Oh, and the chance to use some 'nautical language' when it doesn't go exactly to plan. ;)
More progress, the eyes are suffering doing the railings.
Small stuff this.
The colour reference was Very Dark Grey, maybe this is too dark. look almost black in black and white photos.
The bulwark around the bridge need to be teak coloured. It looks quite nice in white though!
More about the look than total accuracy!
The railings add to model greatly. Looks good Dave.
If you like it white, then leave it as that. It's your model and what pleases you is what matters. Nice, painstaking work so far.
After a couple of hours digging the allotment, the light relief was adding more rails and some rigging.
It is difficult to know how much to add, would you really see it at that distance.
Anyway, this is what i have added.
Looks great, as do the other two.
Thanks for the comments.
Almost ready for a convoy!
The whole covoy looks great. Well done Dave.
Where did the Aircraft Carrier come from?
Obviously drafted in as convoy protection.
Quote from: Bigkev on July 22, 2025, 06:30:24 PMWhere did the Aircraft Carrier come from?
Obviously drafted in as convoy protection.
The Smith shipyard rarely sleeps or has a day off.
Will the shipyard be making a "CAM" ship
Quote from: MSea on July 23, 2025, 11:08:50 AMWill the shipyard be making a "CAM" ship
Not sure yet. I had never thought of doing one, for those not in the know CAM = Catapult Armed Merchant ship.
Here is a general cargo ship, this is based on the SS Politician, famed for running aground with a cargo of whiskey, immortalised in the film Whiskey Galore.
Now if it had had a cargo of RUM :o :o :o :o :o
Quote from: zak on July 23, 2025, 11:31:59 AMQuote from: MSea on July 23, 2025, 11:08:50 AMWill the shipyard be making a "CAM" ship
Not sure yet. I had never thought of doing one, for those not in the know CAM = Catapult Armed Merchant ship.
Here is a general cargo ship, this is based on the SS Politician, famed for running aground with a cargo of whiskey, immortalised in the film Whiskey Galore.
Ooops, that from mast needs aquaring up somewhat!
Cross kit and make a CAM ship with whisky barrels under the Hurricane, ala beer barrels under a Spitfire (apologies, for using the S word). Speaking as a whisky lover it would be nice to see.
Undercoated in grey.
Looking great in undercoat, what livery will you put on it
Quote from: MSea on July 23, 2025, 02:37:38 PMLooking great in undercoat, what livery will you put on it
Black hull, white superstructure, hatches black. mast brown, lifeboats white with grey covers, ventilators some white some black.
Sounds good
Come on Dave, I'm struggling to keep up with reading about your progress let alone build anything at your rate. Mind you I guess by your standards I'm only a part timer.
Quote from: kiwichappers on July 25, 2025, 10:49:26 AMCome on Dave, I'm struggling to keep up with reading about your progress let alone build anything at your rate. Mind you I guess by your standards I'm only a part timer.
Maybe, but your models are usually of a high standard.
I must get out more!!!!
When scratch building I have a tendency to stick the bits in place once I have made then, then they are to paint in situ, not ideal.
I do like a plastic to plastic joints though, once cured, much better than superglue.
I am trying to make the parts, paint them and then add them, some hope really!
I have been making my own ventilators, winches and windlasses, I have found some 3D printed stuff from Starling Models and am going to try that. The last photo shows one of their 3d Printed ones.
All looking very good Dave. You'll have the whole merchany navy soon.
Nice work Dave,
That 3D printed windlass looks very neat.
Quote from: Bigkev on July 25, 2025, 01:59:16 PMNice work Dave,
That 3D printed windlass looks very neat.
Yes, they are very nice, even the smaller ones.
Here the railings are being added, some touching up requires, they were pre-painted, but cutting, bending and handling removes some.
Rigging and derricks added, nearly there.
The lifeboats are another 3d printed item.
Much better than the ones I make!
Looking nice Dave.
The fitting out of the boats and derricks really add a difference.
Good work.
Will you building and completing a whole ship from start to finish at the Playday?
Quote from: Bigkev on July 25, 2025, 07:19:27 PMLooking nice Dave.
The fitting out of the boats and derricks really add a difference.
Good work.
Will you building and completing a whole ship from start to finish at the Playday?
Maybe, but a 3D printed or plastic one.
The next is the MV Sutherland, a diesel engine of the Doxford type was fitted. Used for general purpose tramping (vessels that do not follow a set route).
Parts made but not yet painted or fixed in position.
I am struggling to make what i consider acceptable ventilators, so far I am unimpressed with my efforts. I am continuing to try different ways.
Bending pins, did not really work, Headed and turned sprue, some success, I have trawled the internet and have a couple more options to try before I simply use 3D printed ones.
It is the cowl vents that are the most difficult.
As you can see, I have purchased some from Starling Models, and they do look nice!
You're building at quite a rate Dave. Magnificent.
Quote from: zak on July 26, 2025, 12:42:31 PMI am struggling to make what i consider acceptable ventilators, so far I am unimpressed with my efforts. I am continuing to try different ways.
Bending pins, did not really work, Headed and turned sprue, some success, I have trawled the internet and have a couple more options to try before I simply use 3D printed ones.
It is the cowl vents that are the most difficult.
As you can see, I have purchased some from Starling Models, and they do look nice!
And quite a price too, I reckon.
But, if it satisfies your needs worth the money.
Quote from: Bigkev on July 26, 2025, 02:39:53 PMQuote from: zak on July 26, 2025, 12:42:31 PMI am struggling to make what i consider acceptable ventilators, so far I am unimpressed with my efforts. I am continuing to try different ways.
Bending pins, did not really work, Headed and turned sprue, some success, I have trawled the internet and have a couple more options to try before I simply use 3D printed ones.
It is the cowl vents that are the most difficult.
As you can see, I have purchased some from Starling Models, and they do look nice!
And quite a price too, I reckon.
But, if it satisfies your needs worth the money.
Well, about £6 for a set.
Here are my ventilators and bollards.
Blimey......Tiny!
Vents and cowls are a pain in the *** to make
I agree with Kevin - tiny. Don't lose them to the carpet monster.
More progress on the MV Sutherland, not to be confused with HMS Sutherland!
Adding the railings.
Coming along nicely.
Nearly there, Starling models ventilators and boats used.
Looking very nice. Great detail Dave.
A merchant fleet in the making. Nice modelling.
I opened this on the playday, and the comments were, WOW that is small, you will lose half those bits as they ping off!
Well you were correct, the funnel is on the carpet somewhere, luckily I had some tube of the correct diameter.
I have almost completed the smaller one.
They shot with one of my scratch built ones shows you the size!
Quote from: zak on August 04, 2025, 08:13:59 AMI opened this on the playday, and the comments were, WOW that is small, you will lose half those bits as they ping off!
Well you were correct, the funnel is on the carpet somewhere, luckily I had some tube of the correct diameter.
I have almost completed the smaller one.
They shot with one of my scratch built ones shows you the size!
Small!
These will soon be gracing the 'ship's shelf, and the carpet monster will no doubt be getting a 'snack' during the builds.
Don't forget Kev that this type of model making comes with a new white jacket - hohohoho
They look great Zak - wish I could work on something that size
Quote from: MSea on August 04, 2025, 09:17:23 AMDon't forget Kev that this type of model making comes with a new white jacket - hohohoho
They look great Zak - wish I could work on something that size
Bollards to you lot, I forgot to add the chocks/bollards.
I pre-painted them.
Did you check they are at 90 degrees hohohhoho
How much of the model has the carpet monster got now :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X
I have spent a couple of hours battling small etched brass bits.
Well, its wet and I am on my own, Sandra is in hospital having her replacement hip replaced!
I found the stairs a particular challenge to say the least, no more bits lost as yet, fingers crossed.
Crikey. I don't know how you model with such small parts. Good job Dave.
Quote from: chriswil42 on August 04, 2025, 02:30:15 PMCrikey. I don't know how you model with such small parts. Good job Dave.
I am not sure I do either!
Now off for a lie down in a dark room.
Sorry the photo quality is a bit off, will endeavour to do better, but it is small.
Slightly better pictures, only one more and painting to do.
They look great - remind me NEVER to try one in this scale and small type of ship :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Hi Dave,
Great looking ships. I must say you are a glutton for punishment!
The punishment continues, onto the last one of these wee beasties!
I'm liking this theme you're working on Dave.
Quote from: kiwichappers on August 05, 2025, 09:11:02 PMI'm liking this theme you're working on Dave.
Thanks Francis, I'm not sure that my eyes are though.
Know what you are saying, I'm experiencing a similar challenge on my current build. Sorting the subtle differences of various 'rivets' and bolts for each stage is visually and mentally very taxing.
Some painting done.
For size comparison!
We could do with a harbour and jetty's and cranes now..........
A wonderful collection, in such a small scale, you should be well chuffed with your efforts.
Quote from: Bigkev on August 07, 2025, 08:18:33 PMWe could do with a harbour and jetty's and cranes now..........
A wonderful collection, in such a small scale, you should be well chuffed with your efforts.
Or a Mulberry harbour, don't tempt me.....................
Trying out some methods of basing these small ships/boats.
This is on a sheet of clear plastic card, painted sea blue and the Mod Podge added and this ship set in this. Then white paint for the foam.
Remember how small these are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The ships is not quite level and some more stuff is needed at the bow.
Looking great Dave.
When do start Mulberry harbour?
Quote from: chriswil42 on August 08, 2025, 02:46:14 PMLooking great Dave.
When do start Mulberry harbour?
I would have to buy it first and I am not sure about it!
Al mounted on mini-bases.
All looking very nice Dave.
All shipe shape, and Bristol fashion.
Very nice indeed.
Now that Sandra is back home and I am not travelling to Scarborough every day, I am able to get back to some modelling.
I always find it odd that when you essentially build the same kit, it is never the same experience, whatever the reason, worse moulding, a later production run, me, and so on.
Anyway here is the Hikawamaru as a Japanese ocean liner.
It is the same kit as the hospital ship but it seems to be fighting me all the way, Nothing is going as it should. It is probably me!
I believe it is also available in other form - submarine depot ship and others.
Progress so far.
Looks good though.
Thanks Chris.
Here it is rigged and based.
Rigged with stretched sprue, tightened with the smoke from a joss stick.
The two ships together.
My next built will be HMS Hotspur, an H class destroyer completed in 1936, she is tiny compared with the merchant ships I have been building.
This is an IBG kit, complete with etched brass.
You certainly like your small ships Dave.
The two versions of the same ship make for a good comparison. They look great.
The 4 x 45 calibre, 4.7 in guns are each made up of 3 parts.
Lots of progress today as an enforced BBQ miss, I thought I would get ahead.
Lots of sub-assemblies and brass to bend.
I think there is almost more etched brass than plastic in this kit.
Looking great even in this very very very very small scale.
Also a full day without any insults or idiots taking your photo. Sorry to all who atended, but always need photos for the "Christmas Comp" yoho yoho yoho :-X :-X :-X :-X
64 pieces of plastic and 44 bits of etched brass later!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks great worth all the time,effort and bad language hohohoho
Undercoated.
You will notice that I am not using my expensive ship holder.
Excellent work Dave. The sub-assemblies are tiny.
I do like the Hikawamaru and the krokenhaus ship. To me they represent graceful classic lines unlike the maritime apartment blocks the float around today. Great work Dave.
Quote from: kiwichappers on August 18, 2025, 04:40:45 PMI do like the Hikawamaru and the krokenhaus ship. To me they represent graceful classic lines unlike the maritime apartment blocks the float around today. Great work Dave.
Yes, they seem to have more character and look stately.
Here is the HMS Hotspur, just need to add a base.
Nest is a Tamiya E class, I will have to source my own rails for these. You may notice the difference between etch brass and plastic davits when I get on with it.
YES as Haddock and I say about ships - if it looks right she will be a good ship
Looking very nice and precise Zak.
Nice work.
Based and matt varnish applied to the destroyer.
This is an E class destroyer HMS Esk H15, built from a Tamiya kit with generic etched rails.
The two together.
Next will be an O class, or should I say two, as that's what is in the box.
Tamiya kit, again 1:700. I will use generic rails again, and generic ladders and steps if required.
I had not realised how may different class/ types of destroyer were used in WW2, maybe 30 different classes and then there were sub division within the classes.
I have just rediscovered my Observer's Book of Ships from 1961, a real trip down memory lane, we had a teacher at school who used to show us and allow us to make model warships from card, my first intro to scratch building. A couple of pages to whet your appetite.
It even has my previous name in the front.
The fleet is increasing Dave. They all look great.
I have given the two O class a coat of darker primer and hope that the shadow and other areas will show up better.
Interesting collection of little ships Dave. Looks like you're well on the way to rivalling Colonel Tony's fleet.
It can't have been easy being 'On Watch' with all those different silhouettes?
Quote from: cph64 on August 21, 2025, 12:12:24 PMIt can't have been easy being 'On Watch' with all those different silhouettes?
Not for the Germans.
Quote from: zak on August 21, 2025, 01:47:33 PMQuote from: cph64 on August 21, 2025, 12:12:24 PMIt can't have been easy being 'On Watch' with all those different silhouettes?
Not for the Germans.
As long as I could see it was a 'Friendly' it would be good enough for me.
Two Tamiya O Class destroyers awaiting the Mod Podge Sea.
They are G04 - HMS Onslaught and G80 - HMS Opportune.
Sea added, now complete.
The next will be a Tribal Class destroyer from Trumpeter, HMS Huron.
You're going for the full British fleet then?
Looking good Dave.
Looking really great.
Will we be having a club Spitshead naval review at the next meeting.
Together they would look superb.
Nice, Fast work.
I believe that there was also a mutiny at Spithead!
I think the next meeting is a mutiny perhaps?
Now you have a full fleet - do I have to call you admiral - or just naughty nautical language yoho yoho yoho
The 'Bempton Navy' is coming along fantastically. No remarks about the 'Navy Lark' please MSea!!!
Tribal Class destroyer, HMS Huron from trumpeter, etched brass rails and stairs added.
Next another destroyer from Tamiya this time.
Do I have a full fleet?
Probably not, still need some corvettes, sloops and minesweepers for a convoy!!!!
Maybe a cruiser in case of attack by a surface raider rather than a submarine or two.
Superbly finished Dave.
That looks lovely Dave.
Nice touch with the railings and rigging, makes all the difference.
Sea looks good too.........
Quote from: Bigkev on August 24, 2025, 05:49:59 PMThat looks lovely Dave.
Nice touch with the railings and rigging, makes all the difference.
Sea looks good too.........
It is difficult to know how much to include in this scale, too much just makes the model look odd, so I try to put on the bare minimum.
I think in reality at this distance, it would be almost invisible.
This is from Tamiya, it is HMAS Vampire (His Majesties Australian Ship).
I am unsure as to rig it or not, the mast was already broken when I opened the box, I have repaired it, but am not sure what it will stand.
I have not blackened the port holes yet, I am wondering if it would be a bit too much on such a small model. Time will tell.
Now onto bigger, grander ships, this will be a cruiser.
But which one, it is an Aoshima kit, more to follow.
Crikey Dave, your going some.
At this rate you'll beat the Liberty Ship build rate of the second world war!
Looks very nice.
A Cruiser next eh?, will this take you a couple of days.........?
Quote from: Bigkev on August 25, 2025, 06:24:00 PMCrikey Dave, your going some.
At this rate you'll beat the Liberty Ship build rate of the second world war!
Looks very nice.
A Cruiser next eh?, will this take you a couple of days.........?
At least!
Have you thought about using a grey for the portholes so it's not too stark a colour?
Quote from: cph64 on August 26, 2025, 12:06:11 PMHave you thought about using a grey for the portholes so it's not too stark a colour?
Not yet, I am living them as they are, but will give it some thought. Thanks for the suggestion.
Quote from: zak on August 26, 2025, 12:21:44 PMQuote from: cph64 on August 26, 2025, 12:06:11 PMHave you thought about using a grey for the portholes so it's not too stark a colour?
Not yet, I am living them as they are, but will give it some thought. Thanks for the suggestion.
Have you thought about drilling each one out and glazing them?
Only joking............ ;D ;D
Chris's suggestion is more sensible.
Quite a build rate Dave. All looking good.
You were right Kevin, two/three days, give or take.
The finished HMS Exeter.
Comparison with a destroyer.
Just to keep you aircraft enthusiasts happy!
I forgot to say, a really nice kit from Aoshima, I added etched brass rails.
So, it is back to scratch building for the next one, well that is not quite true. I have a battleship to build as well, so while one dries I do the other.
Scratch build so far.
I reduced the plans to 1:700, not to be recommended, the detail just goes.
Here it is so far.
I have used some parts from Starling models as well.
What is this one?
Is it an armed Merchant Ship by any chance?
Quote from: Bigkev on August 27, 2025, 07:24:10 PMWhat is this one?
Is it an armed Merchant Ship by any chance?
No, it is a Flower Class Corvette, tiny in 1:700 scale.
I tried to find a model to build, but the only available ones were from China.
Starling Models are shut until September, they may have some old stock.
There are a number of models available, from the past; White Ensign, HP Models, Clipper Models, and some newer offerings from China, Triumph Models being one such.
How about getting some models from that new company "Bempton Shipyard" and you will not have to pay import duty yoho yoho yoho.
The whole fleet looks great and am waiting to see them all together on the table at the club meeting. :o :o :o :o
The scratch building continues, using anything appropriate from the spares box and elsewhere!
As I restricted as to what I can do due to Sandra being not allowed to put only partial weight on her foot after the hip operation, I spent the day scratch building here is the result so far.
So yes Martin, Bempton Shipyard have produced something.
This corvette is something similar the HMS Begonia, built in Beverley by Cook, Welton and Gemmell, one of the first batch.
Very neat.
Did this one have that pale blue and grey sort of camouflage?
Quote from: Bigkev on August 28, 2025, 04:06:46 PMVery neat.
Did this one have that pale blue and grey sort of camouflage?
It has not been painted yet, this is the model in its raw state.
Here it is undercoated,
Your scratch building is amazing Dave. Well done.
Moving along, on the base.
I will not claim any degree of accuracy for my model, I built it for my amusement.
The boat are too big and it does not sit quite right.
Ever onwards, the Tamiya O class destroyers are very cheap and looked to be a good base for making other examples. For about £10 you get two, even less with some club discount and also a voucher to spend!
I am going to attempt a Class A, or something similar.
The Tamiya Hull is a shade too long
O class 328' 9''
A Class 323'
So I intend to cut the hull and join it together again.
Once again this will be my best guess but should resemble the real thing.
Maybe the Tamiya kit is too long, but i did have to remove a chunk to get the hull to fit the plans.
A lot of the surface detail will also be removed.
Chopping away with gay abandon.......
Will be an interesting comparison.
Don't forget to do a tanker hoho Shell would be best ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: MSea on August 29, 2025, 09:07:39 PMDon't forget to do a tanker hoho Shell would be best ;D ;D ;D ;D
I would need to have some plans first, I have a tanker - British Endurance - see earlier posts.
The fleet grows.
Corvette almost finished.
More scratch building on the Class A destroyer, I probably won't make a B as they were very like the A's.
A Class undercoated.
The next will be an A class Flotilla Leader, these were slightly larger and carried 5 x 4.7 in guns.
Corvette, rigged and based.
Started the Flotilla leader, comparison with the normal A class destroyer.
A great batch of models Dave.
I reckon Dave's got more ships now than we have in the Royal Navy.......
Well done and nice work.
Quote from: Bigkev on August 31, 2025, 05:38:16 PMI reckon Dave's got more ships now than we have in the Royal Navy.......
Well done and nice work.
The Fleet of warships so far.
That is the HMS Prince of Wales in the background.
looking GREAT how many do you think you will have by the time you finish this topic :P :P :P :P
Really excellent Dave.
Quote from: MSea on September 01, 2025, 02:06:24 PMlooking GREAT how many do you think you will have by the time you finish this topic :P :P :P :P
LOTS!
And all small but perfectly formed.
Here are the 2 A Class ones, just need the sea painting.
HMS Nelson, this is the Tamiya kit, again very cheap, but it is a little dated (1974 is printed on the base), this is a re-pressing, and it is starting to lose some of the crispness that is expected from Tamiya.
The sea is still to do and the rigging. As always how much to rig. Some people go to town, but I think it overshadows these smaller scale models.
Excellent.
Almost there, sea finished, funnel painted, some shading and highlighting, the boats are still to do.
Then maybe C class and D class destroyers, but HMS Rodney is also lurking in the stash!
Nicely done Dave.
Be interesting to see the Rodney with the Nelson.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 07, 2025, 08:50:30 AMNicely done Dave.
Be interesting to see the Rodney with the Nelson.
There are afew difference even though they were the same class of ship.
The Rodney being built.
A C Class destroyer, another conversion.
1 1:700 Spitfire,
Compared to a 1:72 one.
Nice work Dave.
Interesting to see the size comparison of the Spitfires.
Rodney based and the sea being added. Next to Nelson.
C class, rails added, [painted and based.
Very nice Dave.
HMS Rodney now complete, just the nameplate to paint and add.
That looks very nice Dave.
Am I right in thinking that the Rodney was slightly longer than the Nelson? or is it an optical illusion with the picture of both of them together.
Your navy is growing fast.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 18, 2025, 09:52:27 AMThat looks very nice Dave.
Am I right in thinking that the Rodney was slightly longer than the Nelson? or is it an optical illusion with the picture of both of them together.
Your navy is growing fast.
I think they were the same size, optical illusion. They had different armament and other features though.
Picture, especially for you.
The C class has Mod Podge applied to the base, I am awaiting a delivery of some Albion Alloys for masts.
I bought some resin ships, really intended for wargamers.
They are described as 3mm.
Here is their Corvette compared to my scratch build.
Theirs has the longer forecastle, mine the shorter.
Quote from: zak on September 18, 2025, 11:26:54 AMQuote from: Bigkev on September 18, 2025, 09:52:27 AMThat looks very nice Dave.
Am I right in thinking that the Rodney was slightly longer than the Nelson? or is it an optical illusion with the picture of both of them together.
Your navy is growing fast.
I think they were the same size, optical illusion. They had different armament and other features though.
Picture, especially for you.
Thanks for the picture. Both the same generally albeit with different superstructure and armament fittings.
Looking on Internet it appears there was 5 inches difference in length, but in 1/700 who would ever know or be sure ..??
I bought three ships from Heroics & Ros.
A corvette £8.00
A CAM ship £10.00
Collier £7.00
and three Spitfires - used to wind Neil up.
They are really just big chunks of resin.
I have been adding railings and a few other details, still waiting for the masts though.
I am in the middle of painting and so on.
It was my intention to attempt to scratch build a CAM ship, then I came across thees.
They look great only thing most cam ships were tankers or bulk cargo so they could load and unload easier but heyho it only a model and the spitfire will wind up Neil. How many in the convoy now ????
Quote from: MSea on September 20, 2025, 08:39:25 AMThey look great only thing misfortunes ships were tankers or bulk cargo so they could posthumous easier but heyho it only a model and the sportier will wind up Neil. How many in the convoy now ????
Not sure, but they lack any real air cover!
Ask Neil and he will lend you a couple of hundred spitfires.
Looks great Dave.
What about an escort carrier to go in with the convoy? Like Martin says Neil could loan you some Seafire's.
An impressive collection.
Looking really great Dave. You navy is growing at a heck of a rate. Smashing.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 20, 2025, 01:45:29 PMLooks great Dave.
What about an escort carrier to go in with the convoy? Like Martin says Neil could loan you some Seafire's.
An impressive collection.
There are some resin ones online, but they are pricey.
Scratch building a destroyer at the moment.
This is an Escort destroyer, modelled in the form of short range escort, up and down the East Coast.
This is HMS Ludlow, G57, an American WW1 destroyer taken into British service, this is a Town Class and they were named after towns in the USA and the equivalent town in the UK. Started life as USS Stockton, a Caldwell Class destroyer. Known as a Flush deck destroyer.
The original guns and torpedo tubes were removed and replace with guns and depth charge throwers and a rack at the rear.
Mostly plastic card and bits from the spares box.
Quote from: MSea on September 20, 2025, 08:39:25 AMThey look great only thing most cam ships were tankers or bulk cargo so they could load and unload easier but heyho it only a model and the spitfire will wind up Neil. How many in the convoy now ????
It is a Hurricane!
Completed resin lumps.
More work on HMS Ludlow.
Undercoated.
First top coat.
All looking very good. Is this world domination on the sea.
Bob c
All very impressive Dave.
World domination continues apace, decals transfers applied.
Deck colour added.
You will notice the many and varied tweezers required for manipulation of parts in this scale.
The decks look a bit sparse, many of the photos show the ships overloaded with depth charges.
I had assumed that the plans in the book "British Escort Destroyers of the Second World War" were to 1:700 scale.
After measuring and doing some calculations this does not seem to be the case.
If 1:700 is 0.435mm is equal 1 ft then the plans are bigger than 1:700, slight gnashing of teeth.
I assumed this because the book on British Destroyers actually states that the plans are 1:700.
So my destroyer is too long.
I realised the error when I looked at the IBG Models Hunt Class 2 and compared their hull with the plans, the IBG hull appears too short, on measuring theirs, it scale up to be correct so the book scale most definitely is not 1:700.
It doesn't detract from the fact that it is a really nice model, whatever the scale issue is. Only a select few on here will ever know.
I need to do some dry brushing on the Town Class, meanwhile it is on with the IBG Hunt II Class destroyer, HMS Zetland.
As you can see some of the etched parts are very small, it is quite hard to manipulate this small stuff.
I found it almost impossible to bend these guns as shown on the instructions, so made my own version.
This used very thin plastic rod for the barrels and the chopped off shoulder supports from the etched brass parts.
Do you grow and eat lots of carrots on your allotment? It looks like you need more than 20/20 vision for these.
Excellent stuff.
The photos show:-
The rod from Plastruct.
The parts for the gun, etched fret cut into parts, shield and handle. the rod, the ruler shows mm.
The barrel attached to the shield.
The handle bent and attached to the gun.
I like the rod better than the etch, on the etch the barrel is flat, not round.
I use old DVD/CD for cutting the etched brass on.
Crioes! The parts are miniscule. I agree with Kevin; your eyesight must be 20,20 at least.
Quote from: chriswil42 on September 23, 2025, 03:43:09 PMCrioes! The parts are miniscule. I agree with Kevin; your eyesight must be 20,20 at least.
Only for close up work, a bit pinhole camera like according to the optician.
Quite a bit of etched brass to mess about with, as you can see quite small.
One of the gun barrels had broken and so I replaced then with Albion Alloys, very thin tube. See the last photo.
I have now sorted out the non-parallel barrels.
Coming along very nicely. Amazing work with the etch.
HMS Ludlow, Town Class Destroyer, Short range Escort, G57.
Rigged with stretched sprue. Mast from Albion Alloys tubes.
I make the domed tops for the funnels using a new piece of blue tack with the paper on and the end of a paint brush handle, Push the etched brass into the blue tack and it automatically assumes the correct shape.
Most impressive Dave. Are you going to display the whole fleet at the next club meeting?
Would be great to see all together.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 25, 2025, 10:28:08 AMWould be great to see all together.
I will give it some thought, but was going to drip feed it to the masses!
Picked this up on EBay, and yes, I know it is 1:720, but can I tell, I will let you know.
How old is that glue?
Frog.
Looks like the Revell kit dates from around 1967 originally.
Here it is for a size comparison with the Trumpeter (2009 kit).
It is a bit shorter than the Trumpeter, but as it is 720 and not 700 that would be expected. So not bad,
Hi Zak,
I remember this kit. I was always fascinated that Revell had actually put the destroyer in with the Ark Royal, rescuing her crew after being torpedoed. It'll be interesting to see how they fare in your hands.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 25, 2025, 07:57:52 PMHi Zak,
I remember this kit. I was always fascinated that Revell had actually put the destroyer in with the Ark Royal, rescuing her crew after being torpedoed. It'll be interesting to see how they fare in your hands.
They show their age, nowhere near as good as modern offerings.
Before the Ashanti/Ark Royal arrived I was working on another IBG Model offering, this is a G Class Destroyer, HMS Glowworm H92, here she is on the stocks being painted.
HMS Zetland, is now finished.
Quote from: zak on September 26, 2025, 08:53:14 AMBefore the Ashanti/Ark Royal arrived I was working on another IBG Model offering, this is a G Class Destroyer, HMS Glowworm H92, here she is on the stocks being painted.
Hi Zak,
Looks very smart.
Am I right in thinking that she was lost after ramming the 'Hipper'early in the war?
A huge fleet now Dave. Excellent models.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 26, 2025, 12:09:50 PMQuote from: zak on September 26, 2025, 08:53:14 AMBefore the Ashanti/Ark Royal arrived I was working on another IBG Model offering, this is a G Class Destroyer, HMS Glowworm H92, here she is on the stocks being painted.
Hi Zak,
Looks very smart.
Am I right in thinking that she was lost after ramming the 'Hipper'early in the war?
You are correct.
HMS Glowworm based and varnished, just needs rigging now.
Sorry, it gets dark earlier now, will do better next time!
Ever growing fleet - great.
The Trumpeter Tribal Class compared to the Revell one.
Probably 40 years between the kits.
The Revell is L51,HMS Ashanti and the Trumpeter is G24. HMS Huron.
Nice work. The Trumpeter one definitely has more detail and finesse, but considering the age of the Ashanti that looks quite good for its time.
Like the completed bases which set the ships realistically.
On the PLAYDAY I drilled out all the portholes on the 1:720 Revell Ark Royal, I have now added a base - makes it easier to handle as well.
Quote from: Bigkev on September 29, 2025, 07:41:27 PMNice work. The Trumpeter one definitely has more detail and finesse, but considering the age of the Ashanti that looks quite good for its time.
Like the completed bases which set the ships realistically.
Thanks for the comments.
A lot of "Drill baby drill" going on. :)
The fit of the flight deck to the hull was not great, some warping evident somewhere, so gentle persuasion was required!
Martin would have used a 4lb lump hammer!
Quote from: Bigkev on September 30, 2025, 03:25:51 PMMartin would have used a 4lb lump hammer!
That might have been better than the clamps!
Looking good Dave.
More progress on the Ark Royal, now the question is do I add some brass rails or is it really not wrth it.
I will think about this before i begin painting.
The Ark Royal has been undercoated.
Meanwhile.......
I had thought about scratch building a Class D destroyer and then came across this kit from NIKO models.
It is a waterline resin kit of HMS Daring H-16 in 1940.
The kit contains a double sided sheet of instructions as shown and the parts as shown below.
You're going great guns.
Quote from: chriswil42 on October 02, 2025, 02:30:10 PMYou're going great guns.
Here are some guns, each one made up of three parts, barrel, shield and base.
Some fairly small bits of etched brass to deal with, here are the torpedo tubes.
These require bends at 90
o to each other.
I'm gonna call you 'Macro-Man', doing all that tiny etch brass.
Impressive stuff.
Great work
Even more, etched stairs.
Well, all went well until it came to the rails, I had a real fight getting these to glue for some reason, anyway, I managed in the end.
The etched brass was really nice and behaved until it came to the rails, whether it was me, the rails, the resin, the weather, the glue or what I don't know.
Terrific Dave. That erched brass is fine stuff.
Quote from: chriswil42 on October 03, 2025, 02:09:52 PMTerrific Dave. That erched brass is fine stuff.
Agree with Chris, I couldn't hope to do it as good as you.
The Ark Royal from Revell painted, some rails added and home made transfers.
Here is the D Class Destroyer - HMS Daring H 16 awaiting some sea.
Nice, complete with fighter escort too!
Meanwhile, it is on with a Revell 1:700 kit of HMS Kelly/Kipling, a K Class Destroyer the tools date from 1980 I believe.
Photos later.
This re=boxing may be from 2013.
The parts are attached to quite thick sprues.
Ark Royal and escorts looking good.
HMS Daring finished.
Different lighting, different colour!
I picked up one on a whim ages ago from that nice mister on Beverley Market - HMS Rodney I think. You've inspired me to give it a go.
Quote from: zak on October 07, 2025, 07:54:22 AMHMS Daring finished.
Different lighting, different colour!
Just shows it can be any colour you like.
Quote from: chriswil42 on October 07, 2025, 02:37:22 PMQuote from: zak on October 07, 2025, 07:54:22 AMHMS Daring finished.
Different lighting, different colour!
Just shows it can be any colour you like.
Rivet counters do your worse >:( >:( >:(
Nice model Dave.
Colour is subjective, as is the photography/light at the time of taking.
If it looks alright, then it is.........
Here is the HMS Ark Royal with some Fairey Fulmars, at least that is what they look like, but no doubt the aircraft types among you will tell me.
Some railings added. and one aircraft about to fly away.
Looking very ship shape and Bristol fashion - Haddock would have approved
Impressive Dave, particularly the small aircraft.
The ship I am building at the moment contains 3 different models of the Swordfish.
One is just two bits of plastic and the others involve etched brass,
Remember it is 1:700 scale.
The first is shown in the first two pictures.
The second has the wings folded - only one is supplied.
The third is with them unfolded.
Assembling these has been a trial this afternoon, madness or just insanity, who knows.
Looking good, the rigging might be a bit of a challenge......Hahaha
The etch does add to the finese of the completed swordfish.
Ready for Sunday.......?
Quote from: Bigkev on October 09, 2025, 04:24:26 PMLooking good, the rigging might be a bit of a challenge......Hahaha
The etch does add to the finese of the completed swordfish.
Ready for Sunday.......?
No, never!
Quote from: zak on October 09, 2025, 04:08:27 PMAssembling these has been a trial this afternoon, madness or just insanity, who knows.
You excell at both - madness and insanity hohoho ::) ::) ::) ::) join the club :o :o :o
Thanks Martin.
Here is the Fkyhawk Fairey Seafox, straight from the box, 7 parts, great detail, very thin plastic.No brass all plastic.
The last sprue shows the Walrus unbuilt.
Now you're building the whole Fleet Air Arm.............yikes!
Crickey! They're brilliant.
I have just started HMS Penelope , a light Cruiser of the Arethusa Class, from FlyHawk Models, a Chinese company, there is no etched brass in the kit, but the plastic details are superb. There are many different sprues and parts in separate boxes, some come on the sprues as shown in the photos.
I will add etched brass rails and stairs, there are plastic ones supplied, stairs that is but the have no handrails.
More to keep you busy Dave.
Clever how the sprues all stack together, neat touch!
Etched railings and ladders added, undercoated.
Size comparison.
Heavy cruiser and Light cruiser,
Quite a size difference!
The fleet is going from strength to strength.
Quote from: chriswil42 on October 15, 2025, 12:09:58 PMThe fleet is going from strength to strength.
Dont forget the quality Chris
Feel the width!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (a quote from................)
Rigging, or a suggestion of some anyway.
I still need to tighten it, I the smoke from a Joss stick to tighten the very thin stretched sprue.
I don't add all the rigging, it becomes too overpowering. I am not convinced that you would see that much viewing the real think so it appeared 1:700 in scale.
Quote from: zak on October 15, 2025, 03:36:36 PMFeel the width!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (a quote from................)
Rigging, or a suggestion of some anyway.
I still need to tighten it, I the smoke from a Joss stick to tighten the very thin stretched sprue.
I don't add all the rigging, it becomes too overpowering. I am not convinced that you would see that much viewing the real think so it appeared 1:700 in scale.
Could that be clear stretch sprue by any chance , tee,hee
Quote from: Bigkev on October 15, 2025, 04:44:29 PMQuote from: zak on October 15, 2025, 03:36:36 PMFeel the width!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (a quote from................)
Rigging, or a suggestion of some anyway.
I still need to tighten it, I the smoke from a Joss stick to tighten the very thin stretched sprue.
I don't add all the rigging, it becomes too overpowering. I am not convinced that you would see that much viewing the real think so it appeared 1:700 in scale.
Could that be clear stretch sprue by any chance , tee,hee
No, this is black, I use the clear for supporting aircraft,
So there's going to be a whole air wing appearing soon with all that clear sprue you've aquired???
Quote from: Bigkev on October 15, 2025, 06:13:58 PMSo there's going to be a whole air wing appearing soon with all that clear sprue you've aquired???
No but each model may have an aircraft associated with it, I am intending to built the odd aircraft carrier.
These are looking so.... good. Somewhere I have the odd one or two aircraft from the Airfix HMS Victorious kit, you can have them if you want them and I can find them.
Quote from: cph64 on October 16, 2025, 05:06:06 PMThese are looking so.... good. Somewhere I have the odd one or two aircraft from the Airfix HMS Victorious kit, you can have them if you want them and I can find them.
They will be 1/600, so not quite right, thanks anyway.
Still looking good.
HMS Penelope finished.
The aircraft fell off just as I was about to take the second photo.
Here is the first (maybe!) real aircraft carrier, HMS Hermes, with some swordfish on board.
This is the Aoshima kit, I have added some rails and the aircraft have the odd brass bit added like struts and props.
The fleet is growing and now has some air cover, albeit ancient. Nice work at pace as usual.
You're certainly cracking on with these Dave. Looking good.
This is the USS Arizona BB-30 in 1941, I bought this at the Lincoln Show.
It is a Hobbyboss kit and rather crude.
Anyway here it is based and awaiting the sea and the Vought Kingfisher float planes.
The fleet grows and grows ;D ;D ;D
Looks good.
This is another IBG kit, HMS Garland, another G Class, H37, lent to the Polish, so also ORP Garland,
The B turret was removed and replaced by a Hedgehog Spigot Mortar for throwing depth charges in front of the ship.
On this kit it is shown in its closed up form.
There is quite a lot of etched brass to deal with.
Looks very good, comprehensive etch on this one methinks!
Quote from: Bigkev on October 23, 2025, 12:40:19 PMLooks very good, comprehensive etch on this one methinks!
I am tempted to not paint is and bring it to the next meeting, just to show the unwashed masses.
Quote from: zak on October 23, 2025, 12:48:04 PMQuote from: Bigkev on October 23, 2025, 12:40:19 PMLooks very good, comprehensive etch on this one methinks!
I am tempted to not paint is and bring it to the next meeting, just to show the unwashed masses.
That might be a great idea to show how much work goes into such a small ship. You have a lot of patience.
Quote from: Bigkev on October 23, 2025, 01:47:52 PMQuote from: zak on October 23, 2025, 12:48:04 PMQuote from: Bigkev on October 23, 2025, 12:40:19 PMLooks very good, comprehensive etch on this one methinks!
I am tempted to not paint is and bring it to the next meeting, just to show the unwashed masses.
That might be a great idea to show how much work goes into such a small ship. You have a lot of patience.
Just do it Zak - think a few need to know that a model is NOT just a couple of bits and then excellent paint job.
Very nice erched brass work. It would be interesting to see it before painting.
Yes we'll done. I don't think I'd have the patience to fit that much etch onto such a small model.
Here is the USS Enterprise from Tamiya, 1:700.just finished, with aircraft of various types on board, painted with Tamiya paint, some etched railings added.
OOPS! Just noticed that bent out of shape mast, something else to sort out.
Excellent indeed.
Quote from: zak on October 26, 2025, 09:51:06 AMHere is the USS Enterprise from Tamiya, 1:700.just finished, with aircraft of various types on board, painted with Tamiya paint, some etched railings added.
OOPS! Just noticed that bent out of shape mast, something else to sort out.
Don't you just love photos - they show every little problem - most of my club photos just show Neil yoho yoho yoho
Quote from: MSea on October 26, 2025, 05:12:08 PMQuote from: zak on October 26, 2025, 09:51:06 AMHere is the USS Enterprise from Tamiya, 1:700.just finished, with aircraft of various types on board, painted with Tamiya paint, some etched railings added.
OOPS! Just noticed that bent out of shape mast, something else to sort out.
Don't you just love photos - they show every little problem - most of my club photos just show Neil yoho yoho yoho
Quite accurate then........hohoho
Now onto the Trumpeter SS Jeremiah O-Brien Liberty Ship.
Built quickly and cheaply, the liberty ships delivered cargo to all theatres of war.
Over 2,700 Liberty ships were constructed.
Just opened the box.
Now on with the build, I will be building this as a waterline model.
You won't be building all 2,700 will you........
No, perhaps a smattering, 2,500 or so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Building the ship.
The water lined hull attached to the base - makes for ease of handling.
The mast and other deck fitting being added.
This is a nice clean looking model that, so far is going together well.
Quote from: zak on October 27, 2025, 05:22:33 PMNo, perhaps a smattering, 2,500 or so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Nice to see a little bit of restraint is going to be involved....... ;) ;)
So it's a ship. Looks the part. ;D Is it an armed trawler?
Tracy and I have seen this ship, she's docked at Pier 35 in San Francisco and is part of the Maritime Museum. Oh it's big in real life!!
Quote from: cph64 on October 28, 2025, 08:52:41 AMTracy and I have seen this ship, she's docked at Pier 35 in San Francisco and is part of the Maritime Museum. Oh it's big in real life!!
Me too, we were there a few years ago.
Thanks for the reminding me, I may have some photos.
Here is more progress, I added rails and steps/ladders, where they seemed appropriate.
Another set of great brass work Dave.
Haddock would be proud of you - its GREAT brass work :D :D :D
Quote from: Thomo on October 28, 2025, 08:27:45 AMSo it's a ship. Looks the part. ;D Is it an armed trawler?
No, a Liberty ship, built by the thousand in The USA and used to transport cargo wherever.
This one is as, Chris H says is still moored in San Francisco.
Undercoated.
Meanwhile, the Arctic Convoy PQ -?? assembles.
The escorts:
Light Cruiser, destroyers, corvettes and a Cam Ship
The Merchant Ships
The Convoy
Not in the required spacing, some selective compression was required! (Sorry, It would be too large)
As long as it's not PQ 17 you'll be ok. If it is then you should see my BV 138 anytime soon!!!!!
Convoy looks good Dave. You're certainly cracking on.
Very nice Dave.
Will you be wearing the Admirals cap at the next meeting?
Quote from: Bigkev on October 29, 2025, 07:03:45 PMVery nice Dave.
Will you be wearing the Admirals cap at the next meeting?
No it will be a Vice Admirals cap yoho yoho yoho
While the Liberty ship is drying I started this.
It took me an hour to check the parts list.
The instructions are exploded like views, no writing, no warnings about resin or anything about glues, so probably intended for an experienced modeller. So< I hear you mutter, Why is Dave building it! Thought that I had better say it first.
This is from AJM Models, a Polish company. I bought this on EBay for a lot less than the usual price.
The resin has large lumps attached that need to be sawn off.
The hull is a large lump of resin.
Lots of etched brass, some of it very small.
I pick up small pieces of etched brass using a cocktail stick cut at an angle, when slightly wet this picks up pieces easily. (I use saliva!)
The first to go on are the doors down the side of the hull.
The essential tools for dealing with the etched brass, sharp small scalpel blade, fine tweezers and a cut off needle mounted in an old tooth brush handle.
The resin, well lots of large chunks to remove and some sanding required.
Not the best way to spend an afternoon. Most of this will probably be hidden under the main deck.
Etched brass of the miniscule variety, the gun has 3 of the tiniest piece I have ever dealt with - absolute madness.
I can only see they do not sit square when I took the photo and enlarged it.
Microscope required!
This is fabulous Zak. I've never seen an early aircraft carrier in this scale. Hats off to you with that etch brass, the cocktail stick tip is great and probably better than one of those sticky sticks.
Nice work.
Quote from: Bigkev on October 30, 2025, 04:20:03 PMThis is fabulous Zak. I've never seen an early aircraft carrier in this scale. Hats off to you with that etch brass, the cocktail stick tip is great and probably better than one of those sticky sticks.
Nice work.
I have one of those pencil like sticks, but forgot, DOH!
More work on the forrard part of the ship, as Martin would say. The bow to me.
The amount of detail is really good.
The etched brass would have kept Haddock busy for a while.
The Liberty ship has now had a pin wash, dry brushed and decal transfers applied. It awaits a coat of matt varnish and then the sea, rigging as well.
This was a really nice kit from Trumpeter.
Amazing brass work - excellent. I don't know how you deal with it.
The Liberty ship is looking good.
Quote from: chriswil42 on October 31, 2025, 01:47:26 PMAmazing brass work - excellent. I don't know how you deal with it.
The Liberty ship is looking good.
My eyes are wondering too!!!!
Very nice indeed.
I have been struggling today, I even contacted AJM Models in Poland by email, he admitted that some parts are missing and is sending me some by air mail.
Here I am tearing my hair out (well I would if I had any) and using nautical language!
There are some parts labelled and some not, its a bit of a nightmare at the moment, vague instructions, repeated in different ways,
I am making progress, but why is it so difficult.
Look at all this etched brass and detail, once the deck is on it can hardly be seen, it will hopefully make a nice model in the end.
Rant over for now!
Looking good.
Quote from: zak on November 01, 2025, 01:31:07 PMI have been struggling today, I even contacted AJM Models in Poland by email, he admitted that some parts are missing and is sending me some by air mail.
Here I am tearing my hair out (well I would if I had any) and using nautical language!
There are some parts labelled and some not, its a bit of a nightmare at the moment, vague instructions, repeated in different ways,
I am making progress, but why is it so difficult.
Look at all this etched brass and detail, once the deck is on it can hardly be seen, it will hopefully make a nice model in the end.
Rant over for now!
Despite all the troubles, it still looks good and comprehensive. Keep at it.
Haddock gave me a couple of tips when working with etch brass, 1) put a thin coat of Klear where it's going then when dry put a dab on the part you want to fit and bring the two together. Once all dry then touch up with CA. 2) cut the tip off the eye end of a needle to form a prong to take the CA. Needless to say I haven't mastered either yet!!! I like the tip about placing the needle in an old brish handle and like you I use an angled cocktail stick for placing little parts. Great work so far.
Quote from: cph64 on November 01, 2025, 06:09:07 PMHaddock gave me a couple of tips when working with etch brass, 1) put a thin coat of Klear where it's going then when dry put a dab on the part you want to fit and bring the two together. Once all dry then touch up with CA. 2) cut the tip off the eye end of a needle to form a prong to take the CA. Needless to say I haven't mastered either yet!!! I like the tip about placing the needle in an old brish handle and like you I use an angled cocktail stick for placing little parts. Great work so far.
He gave me the same tips, but he was very slow and ponderous, I have sort of developed my own technique.
Quote from: zak on November 02, 2025, 08:23:41 AMQuote from: cph64 on November 01, 2025, 06:09:07 PMHaddock gave me a couple of tips when working with etch brass, 1) put a thin coat of Klear where it's going then when dry put a dab on the part you want to fit and bring the two together. Once all dry then touch up with CA. 2) cut the tip off the eye end of a needle to form a prong to take the CA. Needless to say I haven't mastered either yet!!! I like the tip about placing the needle in an old brish handle and like you I use an angled cocktail stick for placing little parts. Great work so far.
He gave me the same tips, but he was very slow and ponderous, I have sort of developed my own technique.
Well you do seem to model at high speed.
The Liberty ship is now rigged.
Meanwhile the torture continues.
Very delicate work Dave.
Lifeboats drive me mad even in 1/350 scale - so well done to the 1/700 scale madman ::) ::) ::)
Wait till you try rigging the biplanes!!!!
Quote from: cph64 on November 02, 2025, 04:34:23 PMWait till you try rigging the biplanes!!!!
There are a few in the kit, Sopwith Cuckoo, Sopwith1
1/
2 Strutter, Sopwith Pup and a Sopwith Camel.
They look like a real challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!