The Ship Model Forum

I have tried everything my inexperienced brain can think of to scratchbuild this Port Side Sponson on CVN-68.(350 Trumpy). Now I'm asking for some guidance. No problem making the horizontal deck, but it's the tricky angles and ways that it sits against the curved hull that is eluding my abilities....

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A ship is always referred to as "she" because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.
Chester W. Nimitz

hmmm

all i can think of is cut a block of balsa to the approprate shape and size and sand it down to what you need..... good luck with that one! she's a doozy...

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It's not who you are, but what you do that defines you.

What I would do as kenny said, get a block of balsawood and cut itto shape,then cover it with thin plastic card or litho plate.

1. I would cut the plan shape first but elongate it slightly to allow for the curve of the hull.

2. Cut the angle to the left, this is only a straight cut.

3. Cut the angle to the right, the one that is underneith slightly.

4. Offer up the section to the hull and mark off the angel of the hull side, you should have a perfect shape if all cuts are correct, just take your time. ARH

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Simple but effective.

Use carved balsa...It works great for me !!!

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Thanks Guys! Sounds like Balsa is the way to go. I have absolutly no experience scratchbuilding stuff like this, so it may take a few tries. I"m such a rookie, I didnt' even know they sold balsa wood in block form!

Now, suggestions about the best way to cut the stuff? Hand tools? Power Tools? .....

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A ship is always referred to as "she" because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.
Chester W. Nimitz

I use both...it depends, on the size and shape, of course !!!
Just try for yourself..you´ll see its easy !!!

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A small coping saw or hacksaw, then a sanding block to finish off.

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Simple but effective.

After you cut the basic form, you might want to cover it with thin sheet plastic to give it the same surface as the rest of the model.

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Any ship larger than a Destroyer is a waste of metal.

i'd only use power tools for getting the basic size/shape...

However if you have a Dremel it would probably work for most of the job if you have the right heads.... i know i'm impatient enough i would use a dremel for most of it...

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It's not who you are, but what you do that defines you.

Sounds good guys. That's what I'm going to do. Thanks for all the input, I'll post some pics of the results.....(Maybe)

_________________
A ship is always referred to as "she" because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder.
Chester W. Nimitz