The Ship Model Forum

Thank goodness I have a home free of pets and children.

When I think about how long I’ve been working on this model (though I’m preaching to the choir here—right, Marjin?), I’d end up with a nice coat of fur on the paintwork if I didn't have this box. 😏

That's right, I made a little collage on the box, just like we learned to do in elementary school. I'm glad you like it. 😊

That's a great way of storing your in-progress build!
(Of course as long as you don't have a cat or small children in the house... :big_grin: )

Very clever how you can just shove the box sideways over the model; much less risk of damage compared to having to drop it over the model from above! And I love how you decorated the box :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:

Guys, thank you very much. I’m honored by your praise and really appreciate it. 😊

That’s true, Marjin. There’s a reason I prefer working with Pontos products. Sometimes there are minor errors in their research, but the quality is simply among the best on the market.

That’s also why their parts are so easy to solder, Martin.

Before I can turn my attention to the masts, I have to attend to a mundane but necessary task.
The model still needs protection against dust, as it will be several weeks before I finish the *Mikasa*.
Up to now, it has been sitting under a simple, custom-cut cardboard cover. For a project spanning over two years, this is essential.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNESPXK9RBETcghvyGPy25tWQ1jnKGvi7dsNOWPNeHPCnC1w9qw7InddCa18QeRW_knYHMuOBrOy16ggm1mRqkJG2n1AOvbdr7Zdb9S_YpQ_g5M87Sc=w2400[/img]

Now that the masts are to be installed, more vertical clearance is required. So, I got a second piece of cardboard, cut both to size, and joined them together. Everything is held in place and reinforced with duct tape.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPGj-DHV8aDIllxtVovp60Thw4TxEcp9owvpf_mmB9uSGefhAnd5xeDXbUcc0mgF6CTC1pSHKW1_8G29nqdZaANaa-WesMfcqz_Fe23dURFpRNFXlk8=w2400[/img]

Of course, it is important to measure everything precisely beforehand—to avoid any contact between the masts and the cardboard later on. I’ve marked the positions on both the model and the tabletop using a permanent marker. This ensures the model is in the right spot when I slide the dust cover over it.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPePW1v9EWUndsvFZ97sZcaH2bjrgF9XEevC6aRUE6CMl-a0SinIzP0icwLsIcc3twnHXYfCZNde9QdSrpSGmwwnqQzGQWy-DcbEALwp0uaQ3W4Vp31=w2400[/img]

As you can see in the following picture, the ship’s layout isn't perfectly symmetrical. That explains the markings and the generous cutout in the cardboard. This way, there shouldn't be any issues once the masts are fully installed.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczN65j7QsCOmbawtp3wfljxuwCxhPFogbPzu74edcHXHJ57aAfYyVwonf5-gNSIRm1BcYT-EUL7Tfjk2zaxRqDYynWFua0M6oMQMdSq5WvlMUG_swsW6=w2400[/img]

And so, I believe the model is well-protected against the looming threat of dust bunnies while it awaits completion.
Image 109d

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMSJY2540qf_lpffyATiZH-0uE1D9UmKNlkF_fXd1xXfffaIU68q5Fkfn5yqlHelCCHoSZDXB0diuRi-Ky01XqsJAgHlTJCpSw5AlX95sY-_m06eh4q=w2400[/img]

What a great thread this is. And a very fine ship you are building there, sir! That stern walk is an amazing feat btw, very nice work!

That looks fantastic! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:

It looks like the PE was designed very well too; it seems to fit very well around the hull.

WOW!! That stern walk is fantastic! Love how you beautifully soldered it together. It really pops!

Let’s move on to attaching the final—and rather tricky—component to the hull.
As always, let’s start with the key players for the upcoming assembly steps.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNCc3pdlS39uNKlE4oM3yhBgEVVTtAu8ZFrifCBdyAx0HCbm6kbael5AZDJLaQMnzOUEUIW-SORUE2oHqtwPF7XlbqO1_dsMpYvZH82S0iMJfPRUory=w2400[/img]

After cleaning the very delicate components, I decided to solder the railing to the upper handrail. To do this, I secured the upper section to a block of wood using a little Micro Liquitape and carefully soldered the railing into the groove, piece by piece.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMLPKOWNkd9q7GjdYJClsYbqtO57amBLlnsLSQuxsJ7TkCDfMSvMH3KbTqFYj5ubhQKXWRTwNOnc_K2U3mWjT0hICo3yyx1Uc4oVH3dlh_9bFI-8J51=w2400[/img]

The second groove was then attached to the gratings, and the two round mounts were also secured with solder.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczM4R_PnQi35lArHLLRLTYtTOAEGkBkdooJfHHHzP3IUEj1t3NuFngGHjvlSjsz6YmRnZm4YXEb_pjNKAuNh-JvEskV99Tk8fOURAzsUTd0dLXXuRVSu=w2400[/img]

Assembled, and then everything was given a coat of primer.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOV5FXGERMsT67bVAuR0CGSiPNE4Dm-3zsR1fYD-HQ1rmnjWoX5-4OqHYpG1wX5t1Mk9NTJ2dPIuhszRBF5IwUWuT-zJlLIl2B_rBoJLVStPQ55Y3kD=w2400[/img]

Afterwards, I used my finest sandpaper to sand the paint off the nameplate down to the brass and attached the plaque to the railing. I double-checked the original photos of the Mikasa to make sure I was mounting it the right way up—that could have been quite embarrassing otherwise.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMcOOgo56gjG4WuRwLTTpufpKjeMGtIuy7EAOVFv6TgW-Bi6vACOgbJzYSNMp3KXNnm48ZY1QJRlD68Be6FwOhI4f4z_G4JWzGy__eBPDUC1xXf_mPd=w2400[/img]

Then everything weathered again.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOc4BPKmkeSae0YG-4o9uHXntbGRhOxVGl59Ykz1-3fO--43GCul1U6HZBpfxMmvL1SmdMVU2dOI1kFkpwYJ1-305QrsOss_ABM3m9x-2AZW_Tp1Ah2=w2400[/img]

Tacked the gallery to the hull with Blu-Tack to align it properly.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMJLIrHNrsXCQQ-bNMiDYQF8H3AppHnWCyzi-HvRvSUa2wiBrQTuR1AusiDSa0Hq9quDDIAPJQDslmjQ1K9cxuBEB525ewQrMEUcUCcVYKYbWSnDRuP=w2400[/img]

After that, I secured everything properly with acrylic adhesive and attached the struts and the stern anchor. The rudder has also been fitted into its mounts. However, I’ll leave the propulsion system for later.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPkskd2d7dQebC5WOg0NJagceklWjnBIdxsGj_ZCRn0AxJPQ1YIBePvczlXnSZ2Vva06kfru1TIhuw4xeXz9qhEA5lzvB3k5TktCw0ZsiVkjz3ijZzf=w2400[/img]

And with that, the gallery is hanging in its place.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNVkk9n9QHvJoCt5-YzCU2LqfTIig_IeIqm5rR0z4TOR3rWgWdcY5XuHXNMPcsJiGJpAlq6GxkXsBczUvSeP9HdgRjd4VUIQ57H1qnBV-rCMytt65_l=w2400[/img]

I am very glad that everything worked out well, given that I had made quite a few changes to the hull—such as all the profiles—so I was really worried that something might not fit. But as you can see, it is hanging straight and at the intended height on the stern, exactly where it belongs.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNb-QQ9kwg0hJ5AmWXOALEjbe-kVvEUBDaullUlbPPuDjpGVFFCLSA3pkk1rx-oEDLF2ELoeq_A4Ncgu2DeO-rV0_yylwvQuNOjmMG5XUno8PiJbnPP=w2400[/img]

I initially considered replicating the small release mechanism on the stern anchors as well, but ultimately decided against it. I’d like to get this model finished soon, and I’ve already scratch-built plenty of details. That should suffice; otherwise, I’ll start losing interest.
So, I can report that the final components on the outer hull can be considered complete.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMsO_boNbbLEQh5w6Q8M9s6Kp7na-CVIRmtJr4dphSAMZlhIhafJlwMy8ElJNqVqb0LALkK2qMU8GiEGqNP10JK--FXIDLBuk6yy80sWNUkntVi04cW=w2400[/img]

Moving on to the masts.

[quote="marijn van gils" post_id=1113683 time=1787821494 user_id=1733]
BTW, I got the idea from Philip Reed's book. I rarely come up with fresh ideas myself! ;) :big_grin:
[/quote]

That’s not so bad, Marijn.
The main thing is that you wow us with your fantastic little Victory. :cool_2:

That looks much more reassuring indeed! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:


BTW, I got the idea from Philip Reed's book. I rarely come up with fresh ideas myself! ;) :big_grin:

Thanks so much, Marijn.
That idea about the plate is truly excellent.
When I get to the masts, I could imagine extending the mounting stand upwards—after all, I’ve already modified it twice.
But the model shouldn't be able to tip over onto the funnels.
As you rightly noted, the base is quite heavy. Just look at that massive mounting stand...

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOpL9qanbc6ERDGq8ADKYtFwruLDyfoSMTlkgGGLtr8-01Q59i-5h3u9v_7-xBkp8v3eORib_5B85nAyxz4T7rh0KR8dAzDMjNlvbSXb464NqGKlXXL=w2400[/img]

Besides, with the current extension, it already reaches quite high up and hasn't caused any problems so far.
Take a look here.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPgiLbmMzWGA09NdHkGx4zJXIXRbWGT5wZ_rPi1KF4UQoVUC5fBzNALJP8Ep8s9wimvRa1jpGUF09lQ6-XooAmqKyjIj9tVKCXAdXK4h7V7OXBJs11l=w2400[/img]

So, the Mikas is very well packaged. I always undo just one side to work on it.
But when I get to the masts soon, I’ll consider extending the work surface.
Many thanks for this very helpful tip, Marijn.

[quote=Joelle post_id=1113112 time=1787485392 user_id=271333]
The model was laid on its side again to let gravity assist with the gluing process.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNzl8Gl_5fG-QmiJmYy1mOUXkPzEPdSHfYH37uP3h167UOZMG8Kf1YrwRnItYa1YabXSVit0NSYd7-7JyAw5l2eQUuxUiKvaUBDfU7rLBrSPSlE0BKz=w2400[/img]
[/quote]

I'm very happy that this turned out good, with no accidents!

For working like this, I made an extension to the working base that I can screw to the side of the base. That way, there is no risk the base and model can tip over on the masts (or funnels, in your case).
[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54986911417_6653f04ea7_o.jpg?s=eyJpIjo1NDk4NjkxMTQxNywiZSI6MTc2NTg5NDI5OCwicyI6ImRlYmExODM4ZWZhNmZlYWQxMTQzYWI2ODUwZTczMGE3NzFjMDc5OWYiLCJ2IjoxfQ[/img]

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54987803391_cdf08fc9ff_o.jpg?s=eyJpIjo1NDk4NzgwMzM5MSwiZSI6MTc2NTg5NDI4OCwicyI6IjNiZWE3MGU3ODQwYjcxZThjZTY0NzdkZGQxZjM4OGI5ZDVkMDM4NTAiLCJ2IjoxfQ[/img]

But maybe you metal base is heavy and thus stable enough not to have this risk?


Anyway, great detailing again! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:
I'm looking forward to the gallery; that will make quite a visual difference to the stern!

Thank you very much, Jim.

Here is a quick mini-build update.
I’ve attached the last two spars at the stern, and the following image clearly illustrates why I’m glad I managed to pull this off without any mishaps.
The delicate photo-etched ropes had to be twisted 90 degrees at the eyelet so they would hang from the spar at the correct angle.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMnkUvC8fVtA7IY9vyKezp8l6PXKrT3Tbgc40wq-UqVC1qjHzf6fRaCCU837MsXOJtQtBW2ye00WgLG0S6Hxy9Fh7DyWy6Q251XoRBQ8ussxww8vzQ9=w2400[/img]

And so, without further ado, I present the result to you.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO2E0Oi8xi-HHnPa8DPpfin_ScWa-HdochVP_O9VJ8-7MWjrto4Zf4BV0faRbcIEZeJoYh_3XIhkmlSZMUH7baKLgWH7bEuFEdpgPqR73Fu_-PyPcd1=w2400[/img]

Now that I’ve managed that, I can finally get around to attaching the last major component to the exterior of the hull.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOJPZHXr5DFFIs4cFvSGuB-pP4g8QowGdrVi-fRyVP-QRL13EOO_fiDA_n82c_lnO0Id3e8qXpTB-jHDXsWO7z7OLjbhTfh7mMWr-MaPCFT4I1SX7_B=w2400[/img]

The gallery.

Its looking very good indeed--!

Best wishes
MFG
Jim Baumann

Thanks to both of you. 😊

These details are a blessing and a curse rolled into one. They truly make the model look very authentic, but—now that I’m nearing the end of the build—I’m realizing just how much I have to push myself to power through the often monotonous stages of construction.

And so i am moving on to the fittings on the starboard side, simulating the final hinges on the gun port lids.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOFIP3n1Rqqrtx4Nk2s8tm0P_1Aq6m140OWkMH0BOqqHrUmWG8nH7mSxcchVFYgNV1CKKi6Mm9c_AyQwj_RMXJtPvDrtECIa2KbkKWV2qFsKH9RBrSw=w2400[/img]

Done—the last covers are painted and ready to be attached.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOKOljxpjkVyUOQPcZsMS0XLH91G33EWZ3B0hoiRoljBNGSM7cGl02qD4n6UL_Zb2x5KKqT9okutoMLUuyaCzi-Oum4XMsKuslvpQYLjt4GDQXFVsTU=w2400[/img]

The model was laid on its side again to let gravity assist with the gluing process.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNzl8Gl_5fG-QmiJmYy1mOUXkPzEPdSHfYH37uP3h167UOZMG8Kf1YrwRnItYa1YabXSVit0NSYd7-7JyAw5l2eQUuxUiKvaUBDfU7rLBrSPSlE0BKz=w2400[/img]

That makes positioning the small fittings so much easier. You can align them properly and let the adhesive cure, since they simply stay in place on the hull.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczON3g_HIGStS4WjZJyP1H1Ckzj8fqmIxs2CVJ3qXSKDLYCam3X3PRRL1PNq-YbgFNR6dyMnDVXt1fdOY5bub_M9GkO4l4B7Po2TSMIpEl87m8twXBVE=w2400[/img]

I actually only paint these tiny parts once they’ve already been attached to the hull. It’s simply easier that way.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOwdbAOyV22yNFcBnTMSIoc0iRoJEgHEpah_sbx54bLtgNAZWF2isE3ZFrJRXBAsaAexbho80PVXdEED3xY_A7frAakKKvNnG3fQOoxHuU-vsJapbqh=w2400[/img]

Everything is fully weathered, and with that, I’ve put this rather dry stage of the build behind me.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOqJ9_h4W_2MW9MBbZzLF55CfmKRjCRJl2QQsYeGKLFOqX8hSkaa4urN7BpIHwizCbxpuE_roBR4zfENz_bZ5oQ8T_BVUT7bI4I5EE7uXGjuY6dSVLJ=w2400[/img]

Finally, all the covers on the casemates are in position.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPL5htbLpIuqYe7RlRaqGRtZ1a3HAmJRhedqtn89PYutcs-81teKo7biopXILiWC1OxV9NDBtU2PjyghTdUkNxRwlaPpxAbk8SSZ9J0JsFBJIjCu4-W=w2400[/img]

Now, work continues at the very stern with the last two spars and the gallery.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOvRz7Uug_LIj5PF2la2fh-_KV0Vyf46qzQ2GM8lJYENzyvKlSSXKodPx09ePbYRdrfSPiWP5hBeUi-Q1G4GTcsoaYyJGBKoTVOQgGkf15YL-yW_7FY=w2400[/img]

This ship will be very nicely detailed. I'm just repeating myself, but this painting and weathering are insanely good.

The details just keep coming! Beautiful! :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1: :thumbs_up_1:

The next details are on the agenda.
Once again, countless individual parts were removed from the circuit boards and deburred.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMhHnmCjXI1utpkzaSLd5KWCkqtVC5R1trJbezP8jvc7HslTmXsJuhDDK9TLxbFuMyDMuhOQPWow35u2QPOSoL6rz44ApkAUfB-UkoonkTqn8d8apQZ=w2400[/img]

As at the bow, additional fittings are attached along the hull.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOFRKvp0CiMdhY944AqBfpiB1QYQwLBN-XXO5peAW7yL0nAT-f8FMVSuuhe2Tr9QwW6spb3dPmjLRppL_H_NxTciGxugVvkgNBfJvfTlMWMVc3ABzKw=w2400[/img]

The round casemates have now also received their covers.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMxgfFYgyvjGguD05q5vv8R0gTG8WG06TN7FkgcsIWWye_jUdWi8Rb6AHGXTq59HjMX1Iqx9czOvlkiqocTVmM8ebXiVn9g2nNAMH7WapHp7wyMSXuu=w2400[/img]

For the upper casemate, I decided to depict one half closed—just for a bit of variety.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNFG1P0snb8wt6hRoIFiD-UDs52C98jDxYCayyhhgA-kxfi2KTQfA6xWogyy3lek-whvgzhd7WHQg4O4ZBQSWc9L-7IGu94kAoJKY1iN4n2nPw54NrS=w2400[/img]

Here is another little work of art from Pontos: the lifebuoy release cage facing the stern.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczO3s27i651d1PA42ZCa3A8c3hFW8iKzo7ll6M9zum3htXqH8tCBDG0OUYIsSc8yl6IBvbb4-skF12NFN2VQXjNRPqqrNi-hDySW1qc8kA2mvBEYnXff=w2400[/img]

And quickly attached.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOVEpT5cVyGICT-hmzsFrwrkrOSMXrvb2Odb1IEHFH6Zr28aIVPKfkpfdJcSxH3_dM-wSXQVa1un81_Yu0ZmQV-_YS9gy_t01KW9sMMe--NFyWLYhGS=w2400[/img]

Last but not least, the lid for the stern gun. With this, the final gun port lid on the port side is installed.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOmj5RGehxbcPf6ib0JmqUDC46X7eA5ChBSoJEVCEk4W2zy0Och-ch1K6kTPAyR8_6_Z9LKmSdA42u7Wq9B62Z1dJYC4peqLaREQAQdoYqcVcxsCew_=w2400[/img]

You’ve probably guessed it already: the same thing again to starboard.

[quote=Joelle post_id=1111141 time=1785996057 user_id=271333]
Thank you very much for your positive feedback, Marijn.

It is always nice when others appreciate one's work—especially when they are top-notch modelers like you. :cool_2:
[/quote]

Agreed!

Moving on to the details that seem never-ending.

Everything has been cut out and prepared for that.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPiTY8QpkU5IL8F_oA-7NH7MuM8f1WXgVjanVfXTS63aqjZzMYg-2Ptbg5vwDAkZDXEQ7rq94c4auOIeFo1OIqK5EhVQkHyKpxhnMavW6FqmUe-UX5f=w2400[/img]

To start things off and get into the swing of things, I attached the missing covers to the bow gun.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMfiOIzyojMH8uWbby4IzujWQ3R4I9bDmnw58iUzlLg4ivqnw9JwFju-lUyWR9oipmjVRK394tghoXnFgsp-nbqoXAP7aq7_e4Flns9sX5vPmUTbm8d=w2400[/img]

All missing fittings and the single anchor chain on the port side have been installed.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNxSEuUL0uS4NpWQplK66zTimcrTuQBNMc9hwxt9AaAPJLtXr1SMvWxcWB1cYjcVvEpDQouyMji-uvKiE_7xvjUHmdk3yXmingYWXEzPoZyGxosMubY=w2400[/img]

No big deal.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMfxkoIWguJvDusBVaJvXh7UxJ9bN07LTAotuTgdEyL5A9FH1urN__s4nHMZjYYB_iTLg4lXekr93suxFP4MF-eaAKBE3tMzwFe30e_EvvsBicaouwn=w2400[/img]

I also installed two additional chain supports on the starboard side.
Although none of my assembly instructions call for this, I looked at photos of various ships of the line; on those, the chain for the spare anchor definitely rests on a support and doesn’t sag significantly.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczNj0w9PjMH4UBIHRN_pGbABCBHLaRjtA1E-BOLrI_hLUyGVPiaC2aBvdDkU1oXDW0TImqdAViOPZ78zxpicXqexuBTuwd3h2wNlt8BB2b3KkfiC5dRy=w2400[/img]

And so, the chains for both anchors have been laid out on this side, resulting in quite a tangle.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPomMZV4djOLxUE2gBUvTg_b4eLDgDuO875CBdo4S7IPZno4xWsGzIWoZbjZ-4SsHuC_zNeasqQSCct4EjPPMltllgq-j_EoEFaC9Y1Z1F2bIDmYhKO=w2400[/img]

I’m quite pleased with the result, though, and it brings me a little bit further along on the bow.

[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczOaP-NQeV5acXUei5Yay_BZPpi7menRgD0rsbfKRWGMa2sfGNyIzjB1Ww3408fPnDLZZEc7jtgH96_6jgJ1K08SVTnnsQi90IkfFABikph9Rj3pLuo1=w2400[/img]

Thank you very much for your positive feedback, Marijn.

It is always nice when others appreciate one's work—especially when they are top-notch modelers like you. :cool_2: