The Ship Model Forum

Maybe it a bit large for a 'widget' but here's a device I knocked together to hold the ship assembly whilst constructing. The key points are it keeps both hands free, it's heavy so it stays still when pushing things onto the ship, and it rotates granting very useful access from below and above whilst my hands rest on the bench and I can sit comfortably. Previously when I had a ship on a fixed base I either had to use one hand to tilt the base or put the base on a box on the bench or move my body around a lot for decent access.
It's made from standard stuff bought from a hardware store and didn't take long to put together. It's become invaluable to me ever since.
Ships are fixed using woodscrews either down through (as in the picture above you can just make out larger holes where turrets 3 & 4 go allowing the screw heads to pull down on the waterline base - that's the Aoshima waterline Takao with a scratchbuilt lower hull) or from the base up (usually when the kit is resin or I remember to add solid inserts into a plastic kit...).

Great idea! I usually mount the model to the base right out of the gate to work on, then wedge the base to tilt it. Your jig will greatly simplify things. Gonna make two of these today - one for 1/700, one for 1/350.

Thanks for posting.

EJ

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" 1/700Hasegawa 45
" 1/700Dragon 44
" 1/700Trumpeter 43
" 1/540Revell vintage 62
" 1/350Trumpeter 42
Fair Winds and Following Seas

Excellent idea RichardP! I just checked the basement and I have a few pieces to get me started. Thank you for posting this.

Good idea Richard - Thanks for posting.

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-- Scott

I just couldn't wait to try this out.
Built one 19 inches long for 1/700, and one 34 inches long for 1/350.

Aren't these just the coolest! Thanks for the great idea. It will make transporting them to and from the modeling club easier as well.








EJ

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" 1/700Hasegawa 45
" 1/700Dragon 44
" 1/700Trumpeter 43
" 1/540Revell vintage 62
" 1/350Trumpeter 42
Fair Winds and Following Seas

That is a quick build, not much more than an hour (for a 16 inch one) and made with odds n ends in the basement, some wood, a couple of wing nuts, sawed up two long bolts for the axles, and some washers.
Thank you Richard.

yep!

I am off to the store on Saturday am to buy some bits!

very neat!

JB

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....I buy them at three times the speed I build 'em.... will I live long enough to empty my stash...?
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

IPMS UK SIG (special interest group) www.finewaterline.com

Im going to build one, it will have to be 7 ft.

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Simple but effective.

You might want to pick up an electric motor to turn that thing though.

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Current Builds:
1-350 DKM Z-39
1-350 USS Philippine Sea

Very useful tool! Now I need to think if I want to make one for my 1/200 Yamato...

I bet Jim will love this tool. It will speed his rigging prowess. Wonder if he'll make an incense holder for it?

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Building 1/200 Nichi.'45
viewtopic.php?f=59&t=152105

I have been building models of ALL types for more years than I care to admit . This is the neatest thing since MR.Coffee machines ! Now ,older folks like me can do more work. Hmmm , More work , with ease , THANK YOU !! commodore4

This is great!!!! Gonna make one right away! This will make things so much better! Awesome idea! Thank you so much for posting this!

Jester63

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The Workbench:
1/350 USS Vincennes
1/350 USS Indianapolis
Future Builds:
1/350 USS Quincy
1/350 Tam USS Missouri